Tritton AX51 Gaming Headset (TRIAI-712)
Observation |
 Over the last month or so, I have been using the Tritton AX51 Gaming Headset as much as possible. As stated, these are replacing the AXPC’s that I have used for the previous year (which will be relocated to the 2nd rig). I didn’t really expect to see a ton of difference between the two headsets when it came to 5.1 surround sound. Audio playback (music and movies): One of the first things I did, was kicked up a sample 6 channel sound file to ensure that all channels are working properly. The Tritton AX51’s reproduce a very pleasing crisp and clear high and mid range sound, while like the AXPC’s, the AX51’s keep you wanting more when it comes to the low range reproduction. The AXPC’s offer slightly better low range reproduction, but I think that’s mainly related to the software options. Letting Vista handle the drivers has left me with minimal options on the settings side. There is no bass and treble adjustments to play with like you will find in the USB drivers software of the AXPC’s. This is more than likely a motherboard / integrated sound concern though. Overall, the AX51’s do offer a slightly more accurate reproduction and sound good while doing it. The hardest part is going to be getting the volumes all set where you like them and keeping them there. With the controller being down the cable just a bit, I find that I am constantly bumping the knobs and adjusting the levels, or muting them. Gaming: Gaming with the AX51’s is very satisfactory. Like with the audio playback, the AX51’s provide a clean and crisp reproduction of the high and mid ranges. The low range does seem to be a little better in gaming than in regular audio playback, but it’s still not got the thump one would like to hear when the explosions are going off. With the better accuracy of the 5.1 surround sound, it does make it easier to find your enemies so that you can annihilate them. The AX51’s are not going to be as user friendly when it comes to transporting them back and forth to LAN events. You’re biggest drawback might be simply forgetting to bring the power supply for them. Then you might also find that the computer you are attempting to connect them to, doesn’t support the 5.1 sound that you are so accustomed to. Mic – Gaming/VOIP: Having reviewed the AXPC’s and reading others comments abroad. I have seen where some have stated that the mic has actually broken. I have had the AXPC’s for over a year now and have used them daily throughout that time frame. I have had absolutely no problems with the microphone, which is identical to the one supplied with the AX51’s. It constantly gets handled when I place the headset on. I’ve connected and disconnected it numerous times with no issues whatsoever. As far as quality goes, I feel the mic performance is on par with the sound performance. Teamspeak and Skype both have good clarity. Like always, we have to dig a little deeper. It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t pull these things apart to see how they are made. Hell, we are modders are we not?
  The ear pads are relatively simple to remove, but are a royal pain in the butt to put back on. Once removed you will see that they are held on with the same material that is covering the outer ring of the pad, just be careful when reinstalling them. The material is fairly light weight and will tear easily.
  With the foam pads removed you will see another thin layer of material glued to the headset. If you gently lift the edges around it you will find 3 mounting screws. Simply remove those with a small Phillips screwdriver. These screws are small, so don’t lose them.
  Now remember, if you attempt to take a delicate headset apart like this, you’re voiding your warranty and have only one person to blame if you mess something up. The wires used inside headsets like this are very small and very easily broken or pulled loose. Grasping the two sections of the housing, you can gently separate the two halves. The wires are fairly short and don’t give you much room to play with. Looking at the upper left photo we can see 3 of the 4 speakers. I have labeled them to specify their channel (C = Center, S = Surround, F = Front). Handle this with care, a slight pull in the wrong spot might not break a wire completely, it could simply give you a bad connection to where you might start hearing crackling or popping in that speaker. Looking at the upper right photo, we will find the bass speaker affixed to the other housing by 4 screws. |
