What do you mean by “the PX21 is specifically designed for the PlayStation 3?” What makes it so special?
First of all, the PS3™ doesn’t have a headphone output, so you can’t plug in a set of passive headphones to hear the game sound. Because of this, the PX21 incorporates a stereo amplifier to boost the PS3 stereo game output so it can drive the headset speakers to adequate volume levels for a thrilling game experience.
Secondly, the PlayStation Network (PSN™) used for communicating on line with other players, requires either a Bluetooth® ear piece or a USB headset. The PX21 integrates a USB headset so that the PSN chat is mixed in with the stereo game sound. This combination of chat and game sound in one amplified headset is what makes the PX21 uniquely designed for the best PS3 experience.
Why is the PX21 better than using a BlueTooth ear piece or USB headset for chatting on PSN?
If you’re using a BlueTooth ear piece or USB headset to chat on PSN, then you’ll need speakers to hear the game sound. The drawbacks to this are:
- The game sound from the speakers will disturb others around you who aren’t playing the game.
- One of your ears is covered by the ear piece, so you can only listen to the game with the other ear.
- The game sound can be picked up by your mic, which can be annoying to other players on PSN, especially when it causes feedback.
- You have to stop what you’re doing to control the game and chat volumes because they’re not easily accessible.
- The PX21 solves these problems by integrating the PSN chat with the game sound in a stereo headset with a convenient amplifier that clips on to your belt for easy access to all of the controls.
Why is the PX21 more expensive than your Ear Force X11? Aren’t they both amplified wired headsets?
The PX21 includes additional features, such as Chat Boost™, a stereo expander and a variable bass boost control. The X11 and PX21 are both amplified wired headsets, but the PX21 is actually two headsets in one. It’s like the X11 because it is an amplified stereo gaming headset, with the addition of a USB audio connection for PSN chat signals. So in essence, the PX21 is like combining our X11 (MSRP $59.95) with our Audio Advantage® Amigo II USB sound card (MSRP $24.95) into one unit. If purchased separately, the cost of an X11 and Amigo II would be about $85 as compared to the $79.95 cost of the PX21.
Why can’t I use an Ear Force X-series headset instead of the PX21 with my PS3?
You certainly can use our X1, X31 and X41 XBOX® headsets to hear the PS3 game audio. However, you can’t use them to communicate on the PSN chat network unless you buy the Amigo II and chat cable pack.
Can I use the PX21 with an XBOX 360®?
You can use the PX21 to hear stereo game audio on the XBOX 360. XBOX LIVE chat connects to the headset through the XBOX controller tha same way it does on our other XBOX headsets. Chat on the PS3 connects to the USB port. So, the PX21 is completely compatible with all gaming platforms.
Can I use the PX21 with PC games?
Yes, the PX21 works great with PC games because it combines a USB headset for chat audio with an amplified stereo headset for game audio. This “USB audio plus stereo amplifier” combination lets you independently set the chat and game signals with the PX21 amplifier controls, rather than having to use your mouse to adjust software controls in the middle of a game session.
Why do I need an amplified headset for my PC? Why not use a passive headset?
Passive headsets work with PC games, but the amplifier in the PX21 provides several advantages, including: a variable bass boost control, stereo expander, Chat Boost™, a separate USB channel for chat signals and adequate power to drive the headphone speakers without having to worry whether or not your sound card can handle the load.
How does the PX21 work with PC chat programs like Ventrilo?™
The USB portion of the PX21 headset is detected as a separate audio device in Windows, so it appears as “Turtle Beach USB Headset” in the audio devices list. By assigning the Ventrilo output to this USB audio device, you can conveniently adjust Ventrilo chat voices with the chat volume control on the PX21 amplifier as opposed to having to do so through the software. Also, the PX21 Chat Boost feature boosts the Ventrilo chat signal, helping to keep the voices of other players above the loud peaks in the game sound.
I use an HDMI connection between my PS3 and my HDTV. Can I connect the PX21 to the HDMI port?
The HDMI connection is used for HD video on your TV. The stereo RCA outputs (red/white) on the standard PS3 A/V cable are used for connecting the PS3 game sound to the PX21. The HDMI and PS3 A/V cable can be connected simultaneously, allowing you to watch the game in HD while enjoying high quality stereo game sound on the PX21. The PS3 sends audio to both HDMI and its A/V output simultaneously when you activate the "Audio Multiple Output" in the Sound Settings menu.
I use an HDMI connection between my XBOX and my HDTV. How do I connect PX21?
There are a few different ways of connecting the PX21 when using an HDMI cable for an HDTV. The easiest option is to get the XBOX HD adapter cable since it has a smaller connector than any other XBOX A/V cable and does not block the HDMI port. This HD adapter cable used to be included with the XBOX Elite before the price was reduced. If you have this, then you can connect both it and the HDMI cable simultaneously - the HDMI cable will be used for HD video on your TV and the stereo RCA outputs (red/white) on the HD adapter cable send game audio to the PX21.
If your HDTV has RCA audio outputs, then the PX21 can also be connected to these. The volume controls on some TV's will effect both the TV speakers and the RCA audio outputs as well. If your TV has this feature, then when you mute the TV speakers, the PX21 will also be muted.
Why is the PX21 wired rather than wireless?
The cost of a wireless game signal would make the PX21 much more expensive to manufacture and would put it out of reach for many of our customers. With its extra-long 16-foot cable, the PX21 provides plenty of room to move around as you play, while assuring a high quality and reliable audio experience at a very reasonable cost.
Can I use the PX21 for just chatting on PSN without listening to the game?
Yes. Just turn down the game volume and turn up the chat volume on the PX21 amplifier.
Does the PX21 have stereo sound or Dolby® 5.1 surround sound?
The PX21 outputs stereo sound. The cost of implementing Dolby certified surround sound would have made the PX21 much more expensive to manufacture and it would have been priced out of the budget range of many of our customers.
Can I use the PX21 with my TV alone or will it only work with a PS3?
If your TV has RCA output jacks, then you can use the PX21 for audio while watching TV. If your TV has a headphone output jack, then you can connect the PX21 there as well. Also note that the PX21 will still require USB power.
Can I use the PX21 headphones with the Ear Force X31 or X41 transmitter?
No, the PX21 is a wired headset. It does not have wireless reception. You can use the PX21 as a wired headset connected to the headphone output jack on the X41 transmitter. This will give you 7.1 surround sound.
Does the PX21 require batteries?
No, the PX21 is powered by USB.
Does the PX21 have an automatic shutoff function?
No. The automatic shutoff function is a feature we implemented on our wireless Ear Force X31 and Ear Force X41 headsets to extend battery life. Since the PX21 is USB powered, there is no need for an automatic shutoff feature. When you power off your PS3, the PX21 will also power off.
Is there any interference with plasma TV’s?
No. Interference from plasma TV’s is usually only associated with improper placement of a wireless infrared transmitter. Since the PX21 is a wired gaming headset, it will not be affected by infrared emissions from a plasma TV monitor.