This review will be a comparison of three entry level gaming headsets for the Xbox 360.
Turtle beach X12, Turtle beach XLA, and the Triton Trigger.
My goal was to find the highest quality gaming headset for under $50 that provided chat and game sound.
I purchased all three of these from Amazon at the same time to test them out.
Here is the price at time of purchase.
Turtle beach XLA: $29.62
Turtle beach X12: $42.71
Triton Trigger: $49.99
All three of these headsets have these same basic features.
Simple and reliable and no batteries to change
Amplified audio (USB powered –plugs into Xbox)
Separate chat and game volume controls (Plays game sound and teammate chat through both speakers)
Stereo sound (all have good sound quality)
Similar hook up to Xbox (RCA cables with optional chat wire to Xbox controller)
Still with me, OK. Let’s get on to the review.
Main differences
Usage
Both the X12 and the Triton trigger are over the ear headphones and provide good noise isolation. The XLA is an on the ear style which may be more comfortable for people wearing glasses. The triton has smaller ear cups and has a tighter fit, it will be uncomfortable for people with large heads and/or ears. The triton also provided better noise isolation than both but with the lack of Mic monitoring I found myself talking tool loud.
-Advantage: Turtle beach
Both Turtle Beach headsets have Microphone monitoring – Nonadjustable but also very nice feature and in my opinion a must.
Mic monitor allows you to hear yourself as you speak into the mic. With most closed-back headphones, you can’t hear yourself talking and end up inadvertently shouting when you talk. The mic monitor handily eliminates that side-effect.
-Advantage: Turtle beach
Controls
In order for a set of gaming headphones to work with the Xbox 360, they must be self amplified. This is because the only way to get game audio from the Xbox is to tap its analog audio output or optical digital output. Rather than design an outboard box to decode and convert a digital signal, an in-line amplifier was designed in to these headsets. This also means that these aren’t capable of surround sound without an additional add-on processor.
Like this one
Both the X12 and the Triton trigger have the chat and game volume controls on an inline wired module including a chat mute switch.
The X12 has a red or green LED on the controller that shows chat mute status.
The X12 also has a base boost feature which is nice for movies.
The XLA has the controls on the headset so it’s all by feel. The wires on this are the least annoying I've ever seen on a turtle beach. Thanks to the controls being located on the ear cup, the wires only split to plug into the controller. It is a durable black wire that feels sturdy. They stay out of the way, and easy to wrap up.
The Triton in line adapter is a standalone unit and allows for any headphones to be plugged into it. This is really nice if you don’t want to chat and can use any headphones of your choice. I tried it with my Bose over ear and my IPhone ear buds. The Bose sound great and the IPhone ear buds work but you must flip the mute switch because the iPhone mic and controls are proprietary and will not work, causing a high pitch squeal in game.
Since the Trigger headset is detachable from the in-line module you can use it with all other devises just like regular headphones and with smart phones for phone calls. I tested it with my IPhone and it works great for phone calls and sounds surprisingly good for music.
The overall cabling on the Triton is far superior in build quality to both the turtle beach headsets, it has a thick quality cable and great in line adapter. The triton also come with the adapter for gaming with HDMI. You can purchase this separately for under $10 if you need it.
Like this one
Those using the Xbox’s HDMI connection will need to get the Xbox break-out cable that provides an analog audio connection when using HDMI. It’s either that, or you must tap a stereo monitor output off of either a TV or A/V receiver. It may sound confusing, but it really isn’t. It took just one minute to get the headset up and running.
-Advantage: Triton Trigger
Microphone
The Mic an all three sets are great.
All have the metal flexible arm and good sensitivity.
All stay put
The Triton trigger does fold up out of the way much nicer than the others.
Unfortunately the Triggers lack voice monitoring, a feature that their higher tiered headset (Detonator) contains, really holds it back. This was probably done intentionally to promote the sale of the higher tiered Detonator headset.
None are removable
-Advantage: Turtle beach
Ear cups
As stated earlier:
Both the X12 and the Triton trigger are over the ear headphones and provide good noise isolation. The XLA is an on the ear style which may be more comfortable for people wearing glasses. The triton has smaller ear cups and has a tighter fit, it will be uncomfortable for people with large heads and/or ears. The triton also provided better noise isolation than both but with the lack of Mic monitoring I found myself talking tool loud.
The X12 is the clear winner here, with large ear cups and 50mm drivers vs. 40mm on the other two. I found them more comfortable and less hot to wear for extended periods of time.
-Advantage: X12
Conclusion
X12 is the overall winner
XLA is the best for those on a budget at only $30, it’s a steal.
Triton trigger is great for those with a smaller head (young adults) but upgrading to the Detonator would be the way to go for this brand.
The turtle beach X12 is the #1 selling wired gaming headset, and for good reason. For the price you can’t beat the features and comfort and function.
Although my original intentions were to just have a stereo headset to keep my gaming down as to not bother anyone, I've found myself wearing them most of the time just because of how good they sound and the full game emersion. I would say that anyone looking into a low cost headset, or need a replacement for that crappy Microsoft chat mic, I would definitely recommend the Turtle Beach X12. It's not perfect, but for the price and its quality, you'd be hard pressed to find a better deal.
If you made it this far, thanks for reading!
If you would like to leave a comment with any questions you have, feel free. This took me a sometime to reach a decision, so I've learned quite a bit.
There is a newer version of this item:
Turtle BeachEar Force XL1 Officially Licensed Amplified Stereo Gaming Headset for Xbox 360 (Discontinued by Manufacturer)
$149.99
(826)
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$149.99
(826)
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
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From the manufacturer
Ear Force X12 Amplified Gaming Headset
The Turtle Beach X12 is the definitive headset for gamers seeking amazing game sound, crystal-clear communication and enhanced comfort – all at an unmatched value. The X12 features massive 50mm speakers, delivering superior audio quality with crisp highs and deep, rumbling lows. The in-line amplifier puts you in control, with quick access to independent game and chat volume controls and variable bass. If you’re serious about gaming, then get serious about the sound. Step up to the X12 and experience game audio like never before.
Amplified Audio
Enhances game sounds for a more immersive experience.
Variable Bass Boost
Adds depth and realism to the game audio.
Microphone Monitor
Let’s you hear what you’re saying while talking.
USB Powered
No batteries required.
Turtle Beach Audio Advantage
Built for Xbox 360 and also works with PC gaming. The Ear Force X12 also includes:
- Premium 50mm speakers for high-fidelity audio.
- Breathable, fabric mesh ear cushions for enhanced comfort.
- High-sensitivity microphone with flexible boom.
- Fully adjustable and lightweight for long gaming sessions.
Customer reviews
It's my fourth time purchasing this headset. It's unfortunate that the manufacturer has discontinued it. I would give five stars for the product itself but I just bought it used for the first time and though I didn't expect it to be perfect, the packing slip said it is in "Great Condition - Cleaned and disinfected" which when I opened the package I could understand that it didn't come with the box and was well packed in a zip-lock bag with lots of crumpled paper and styrofoam but the headset itself reeked of body odor and cigarettes. Also I could 100% tell it was not cleaned properly as there were odd smears around it. I managed to clean it up a bit and get nasty hairs and gunk out of the ear pad loops but unfortunately there's a crack on the left side of the headset which makes me believe it will only last me two or three months at most. Because of this experience I'm never buying this brand used again and will just have to find a different kind of headset to love I guess.
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 14, 2011
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Tim.T
the first and only headset I've ever used
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