INTRODUCTION

   No matter how many times I’ve worn a headset either for regular use while at home or on the go or for test purposes i still can't say that i like the feeling (always compared to speaker systems) but i do recognize that it’s a necessary technology with more pros than cons. However that being said with so many 5.1 and 7.1 virtual surround sound headset models swarming the market it's not very easy to locate one that makes use more than just the two typical drivers found in stereo models (many people may not even know of their existence). Quite a few manufacturers have tried their luck with "real" surround sound headsets but just a handful have actually managed to win the crowds with their superior positioning audio and quality. TRITTON is amongst those brands (perhaps the oldest one still around that focuses solely in the manufacture of gaming headsets) and today we will be taking a very thorough look on their latest PRO+ True 5.1 Surround Headset.

   TRITTON was founded in 2000 and has since evolved and transformed into a brand that is recognized worldwide. Best known for our critically acclaimed high performance gaming Headsets and USB External Video Card Technology. In 2010, TRITTON was acquired by Mad Catz Interactive. The TRITTON brand has focused extensively on developing industry leading headsets for all gaming platforms including an exclusive range for the Xbox 360. TRITTON performance headsets are available globally. TRITTON is focused on developing, manufacturing, and bringing to market high-performance gaming headsets and audio peripherals. Striving to create innovative and reliable products with cutting edge technology, the TRITTON is the brand of choice for professional and casual gamers worldwide.

   Roughly three years ago i received the updated version of the AX Pro real 5.1 surround headset by TRITTON which featured 4 drivers in each earcup to produce the closest thing to accurate positioning audio. It was a truly amazing headset and since it corrected several of the "errors" TRITTON had made with the original AX Pro (better amp design and less cables) it rightfully earned a place on my desk (still use it from time to time). Well the new PRO+ is the successor to the award winning AX Pro headset and since it's basically a tuned/improved version of an already great headset i couldn't wait to get my hands on it. o once again we find 4 neodymium drivers in each earcup (front/center/rear/sub), an external digital/analog amplifier with support for Dolby Digital Pro Logic II, removable microphone and an in-line volume/EQ controller. This time over however TRITTON has redesigned the headset for increased comfort and they've also used a bendable microphone that can actually stay where you want it compared to its predecessor. In a market filled with "virtual" surround headsets however is the latest PRO+ good enough to make a difference?

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

We received a white/orange box with a product image at the front, the TRITTON logo, device compatibility list and a small picture showcasing the "strategic" placement of the drivers inside each earcup.

The device compatibility list is also placed at the top of the box.

If you want an detailed explanation of the units features along with a list of the bundle contents you need just to take a look at the rear.

After you remove the top cover you will come up to the main box that has the TRITTON logo on it.

Both the headset and the bundle are safely placed inside two formed pieces of plastic.

The bundle is extremely rich and includes the PRO+ headset, digital/analog Dolby Digital Pro Logic II decoder, removable microphone, XBOX live communication cable, optical cable, 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable, USB cable, digital audio adapter, PC adapter, AC power adapter with two tips (EU/USA), warranty paper, large proper connectivity paper, quickstart guide and the user’s guide.

THE PRO+

Compared to the AX Pro the PRO+ is just a tad smaller and features a nice glossy coating (the AX Pro did too but in a much lesser degree).

The PRO+ is a medium sized headset but to have a better idea of what we mean as always we used the REVO Wireless headset to compare it with.

TRITTON has placed their logo on the exterior of both earcups.

The microphone port is placed on the lower end of the left earcup.

With the AX Pro TRITTON had made a mistake so they used a removable microphone that although it could bend it didn't stay where you wanted it to. This time over however TRITTON did it right.

Both earcups tilt to fit every type of ear/head and after removing the earpads it's evident that TRITTON has also improved the way these hug your ears.

Left and right markings are placed just over the earpads.

The earcups can also rotate making it easier to store and/or carry the headset.

Both the earpads and the headpad use the same leatherette like coating which is quite comfortable (more than the original AX Pro).

The headband extends a total of 70mm (35mm on each side) via 8 visible increments.

TRITTON has placed their full logo on the exterior of the headband.

From the in-line controller you can adjust the volume for each surround channel, mute the microphone and set the balance between game audio and chat.

Unlike most headsets the PRO+ uses large plugs which connect directly to the amplifier (which in turn connects via USB/Optical/Analog to other devices.

The digital/analog amplifier is the same exact one we saw with the updated version of the AX Pro.

From the front of the amplifier you can control the volume levels, switch between Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic II and adjust audio time delay to sync with whatever it is you are watching. It also has a second headset port so you can plug a second headset to share what you're listening to with someone else.

At the rear we see the DC port, analog 5.1 connectors, optical in and the USB port.

Lights turn on all over the place once you connect the PRO+ to your system much like its predecessor.

CONCLUSION

   Having already tested the previous AX Pro 5.1 surround sound model i just knew that the PRO+ would not disappoint me and i was right at least for the biggest part. So once again the audio quality is amazing with clear and accurate mids/highs which are accompanied with a very good amount of bass so people who think that having a total of 8 discreet drivers in both earcups is just for show or for better positioning audio are just wrong. Positioning audio is also great when used while watching movies with Dolby/DTS sound and while playing game titles that feature Dolby Digital/Surround compatibility. Unfortunately the majority of games out there do not and that's why some people can't notice any difference between a virtual surround and a "real" surround sound headset. On the other hand for the few games that do support Dolby surround audio and for movies the PRO+ is hands down one of the best headsets out there. It is a bit harder to use than your everyday virtual surround headset because of the extra amplifier which in turn increases the number of cables but I’ve been using the updated AX Pro for 3 years now and I’ve never had a problem with it so i doubt anyone will with the PRO+. Not everything however is perfect ever so unlike the updated AX Pro the new PRO+ doesn't come with an extra pair of earpads nor does it come with a vertical base for the amplifier and i really don't know why that is. Cost would be my primary answer but i doubt that TRITTON saw prudent to remove these two extras in order to cut down the cost (i mean how much could these two extras cost to a manufacturer?).

   Although at launch the PRO+ True 5.1 Surround Headset was somewhat expensive (just like its predecessor at launch) now you can find it for just USD129 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 105Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk). Now i don't know if you've been following our reviews but around the same price range one can only find virtual surround headsets that may have less cables and offer pretty much the same positioning audio in most games but in movies and in the somewhat few games that truly support Dolby Digital/Surround there's simply no contest. In the end the PRO+ may not be worlds apart compared to its predecessor the very good AX Pro (so if you have that model i see no point moving to the PRO+) but it's more comfortable, looks better and has a bendable microphone so once again TRITTON has introduced a very good "real" surround headset worthy of our Platinum Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Design
- 5.1 True Surround Sound (8 Discreet Drivers/Dolby Digital Pro Logic II)
- Audio Clarity (Clear & Accurate Mids/Highs - Deep Bass)
- Digital/Analog Amplifier
- Volume Levels
- Individual Volume Control (Front/Center/Rear)
- Detachable Noise Cancelling Microphone
- Comfortable
- XBOX 360/PS3/PS4/PC Compatible
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- Number Of Cables (For Some)