Noise is probably one of the biggest problems for late night gamers. Due to angry neighbors or sleeping roommates or significant others, most gamers have had to resort to hitting the mute button when it comes to gaming after dark. However, Turtle Beach looks to have a solution with their latest set of wireless headphones, the Ear Force X4. The Ear Force X4 offers a significant improvement over their previous offering, the Ear Force X3, by providing digital output and Dolby Digital 5.1 sound processing. The result is a very solid replication of 5.1 sound, especially for a pair of wireless headphones.

Additionally, the headphones also include a microphone that does a great job of dealing with Xbox LIVE chat features. Unfortunately, there are quite a few problems with the Ear Force X4 that keep them from being truly recommendable, like bass distortion, a narrow IR line of sight, and some constant background noise issues. However, if you’re a budget-minded gamer and don’t mind a few caveats, the Ear Force X4 might just be what you’re looking for.

Setting up the Ear Force X4 is a breeze. The unit comes with a 7-foot digital audio cable that plugs the back of the unit into the Xbox 360 (or any other digital sound source that you care to use). There is a digital output pass-thru that allows you to keep your system connected to your home audio system as well, should you can use your home theater system without disconnecting everything. Powerwise, the base unit requires an open electrical outlet and the headphones themselves use two-AAA batteries (included).

To scale down the cost of the unit and battery consumption, Turtle Beach opted for an IR receiver as opposed to other wireless formats, like RF or Bluetooth. While there are benefits to this (lower cost and power consumption, plus interference issues with RF and video sync issues with Bluetooth), there are some problems as well. The Ear Force X4 requires a very narrow line of sight to work properly. Granted, you’ll likely be sitting in front of the TV in order to play your console anyway, but the signal can cut out should something come between the headphones and the base unit, which can get a little annoying.

The headphones do a fine job of dealing with Xbox LIVE’s chat functions, via the included microphone. You simply have to plug the included adapter into your Xbox 360 controller and your all set. The headphones include a function that will increase your teammates’ chat volume when the action gets heavy and then lower it back down when the action slows, a nice touch that lets you hear what your buddies are saying. The mic is removable, as well, should you not want to use it.

The Ear Force X4 does a great job of replicating 5.1 surround sound in headphones. While not at all a perfect replication of what a home theater system can do, it’s very easy to discern whether or not an enemy is behind you or what direction explosions are coming from.

Unfortunately, the sound quality isn’t quite up to snuff with the unit’s processing power. In games like Call of Duty 4 or Gears of War (which feature some pretty hairy moments), the sound would often get pretty distorted and fuzzy, even with the optional bass boost turned off. The unit didn’t seem to have the juice necessary to kick out truly booming sound effects, and disappointed in this regard. Additionally, there is a hiss problem with the headphones, as a low hiss sound was constant whenever the set was turned on, regardless of the volume setting.

Even though they are Turtle Beach’s higher-end wireless headphone model, they still cost a good deal less than other wireless headphones on the market with an MSRP of $199.99 (most wireless headphones fit in the $300-$400 range).

While there are some noticeable problems with sound quality and line of sight, the Ear Force X4 wireless headphones are a cheap alternative to many more pricey wireless headphones. The deal is especially sweetened for Xbox 360 gamers, courtesy of included Xbox LIVE headset functionality. Still, if you’re an audiophile looking for some wireless headphones, you might want to look elsewhere.

Pros:
Nice Dolby Digital 5.1 replication, solid Xbox LIVE headset functionality, comfortable earphones, modestly priced compared to other wireless headphones.

Cons:
Constant hissing noise, very limited range, weak overall sound quality.

Overall: 7.0
Turtle Beach’s latest wireless headphones are a cost-effective alternative for budget-minded Xbox 360 gamers, but the overall sound quality is lacking.