Ballistics Report

Pros

Excellent Surround: The AX Pro features some of the best surround sound we’ve heard from a gaming headset yet, thanks in part to its true 5.1 configuration. Featuring 4 speakers per ear cup, the AX Pro allows for some truly accurate positional audio without the need to wake up the neighbors. Explosions boom and the direction of enemies is easily distinguishable thanks to the excellent channel separation and audio spatialization.

Versatility: With its support for all three major gaming platforms out of the box, the AX Pro is an incredibly versatile gaming headset. Couple in the true 5.1 surround and support for Dolby Digital audio, and you have a very complete audio system. The Dolby decoder box’s ability to support 6-channel direct output also easily allows you to connect a traditional 5.1 system directly through the box. This gives you the option of using the headset just for those late night gaming sessions.

Comfortable: The AX Pro provides minimal adjustments in the way of a height extender, but for the most part, we found it to be a comfortable fit even after long gaming sessions. The headphone cups soothingly encased my ears, while the ability to swap out between cloth and leather fabric is a nice touch of customization for the end user.

Cons

Decoder Box Noise: I was disappointed that the decoder box seemed to introduce noise somewhere in the Dolby decoding process, as it would take me out of those quiet gaming moments when it was most pronounced. I tried everything I could think of to determine the source of the noise, but ultimately, removing the decoder box was the only thing that prevented it entirely. While it’s only pronounced enough to be audible during extreme moments of silence, it’s still somewhat annoying to hear.

2 AC Adapters: I fully understand the need for one AC adapter to power the decoder box, but the second one is perplexing considering it seems its sole purpose is to power the LED’s on the inline volume box. From what I can tell, the volume is not any louder on the AX Pro than any headset I’ve used previously, and it doesn’t appear the headset is powered via the AC adapter. It would’ve been nice if not using the second AC adapter would’ve just meant the box did not light up, instead the headset will not function without it.