Introduction:

Solo Elite are a group of Hardcore Gamers, who are now in their 10th Year. Needless to say we know a thing or two, especially what works for gamers and what doesn't! So Lets take a look at this headset and put it to the ultimate test.

Specifications:

• Driver Unit: 50mm
• Impedance: 32O +/-3 O
• Sensitivity: 110 dB+/-3dB
• Frequency: 20Hz - 20,000Hz

System Requirements:

Windows 2000/XP/Vista or Linux USB Port

After much speculation, eDimensional and BenHeck are proud to announce the newest addition to the eDimensional product line, the AudioFX Pro 5+1 gaming headset. Taking everything that is great about the acclaimed AudioFX including the unique force feedback feature and giving BenHeck free reign to add a style and design specifically for gamers, the AudioFX Pro 5+1 is the ultimate gaming headset.

New features include:

• USB 2.0 Plug & Play connection with integrated 5.1 surround sound decoder
• Critically acclaimed force feedback technology with integrated subwoofer for dramatically enhanced situational awareness and increased bass effects
• In-line volume control, vibration control and new instant mic mute button
• New ambidextrous microphone swivel with reinforced bearings
• New oval ear cup design for immersive audio, external noise blockage and improved "around the ear" comfort
• Improved LED level meter design for custom gaming looks
• Fully adjustable headband plus new pivoting ear cups
• Included software for full audio position customization, equalization and special effects
• Improved microphone sensitivity and filtering for incredibly clear voice transmission - Teamspeak Certified!

Built-in surround sound lets you detect the direction of approaching enemies and the special force feedback features lets you feel them coming, all before you can even see them! The durable, reinforced design stands up to intense gaming and travel to LAN events while the plush cushioning and custom earphone shape ensures comfort even during the longest sessions. The crystal-clear microphone guarantees your squad mates will hear you loud and perfectly clear.

USB 3D 108 Sound Configuration software

The Main Settings Page, allows you to select your audio system, this could be just your headset or a 5.1/7.1 surround sound speaker system, and The Mixer Microphone page allows you to set your master volumes.
The effects page comes with 31 pre-configured environmental settings.
You also get a ten-band equalizer that comes with 21 pre-set modes, and you also have the option of manually configuring the equalizer settings.
The karaoke control panel allows you to adjust your microphone settings and the amount of echo feedback that you wish to hear.

Installation:

The product comes with a Mini-Disk. We placed the disk into the drive, installed the drivers and software and then plugged the headset in the USB Port, and it was installed in seconds with only a reboot required, for changes to take effect.

We tested the headset on Windows XP Pro SP2 and Windows Vista 32bit SP1 and 64bit SP1 versions of Vista with no errors or problems. The installation process however is slightly different in Vista, but it worked flawlessly once the drivers from the disk were applied.

We tested the headset with Ventrilo and Teamspeak voice comms, and it worked flawlessly in both. We also carried out voice checks, and 10 out of 10 times, our microphones came through crystal clear.

The AudioFX Pro 5+1 even supports audio (not mic) on the Playstation3.

Volume Control:

Approximately 24 inches down the headset cable, is an inline control switch, a volume control, a mute switch for the microphone and an on/low/high switch for the force feedback effects. No need to go into Windows Volume to adjust the sound or even mute your mic, all that can be done by reaching down on the headset cable.

The outside ear cups have 2 sets of four small LED's to signal the intensity of the force feedback and sound, by flashing the lights. And it looks amazing in a low lit room!

Test:

Although we could not wait to rip the box open and test the Headset in game with Battlefield 2 and Call of Duty 4, I noticed I had an MP3 music file on my desktop from Rod Stewart and Tina Turner. To say we were amazed, would be an understatement. The sounds was crystal clear and I actually felt as if we were in the same room as the singers, it really was that good.

Next it was time to try the headset in Battlefield 2. First thing I noticed in game was everything! I believe I was listening to the game sounds as it was meant to sound, I could feel the earth shake as the artillery strike came down. The weapons fire sounded real, even my in game breathing could be heard as I ran up the hills, every detail sounded real and sharp.

We have played 100 hours testing this headset in game, and on our live servers and I can definitely say, it has made a difference to my BF2 stats, as I can now hear the enemy way before they get to me and take them all out, a few have even accused me of cheating as I knew their location and proximity.

Other Games I tested the headset on was Call of Duty 4, and Lock-On Flaming Cliffs, and it worked flawlessly, Lock On is an advanced flight-sim and if anyone has heard the in game sounds with Lock On just wait and see the surprise you will get with the eDimensional Headset FX.Pro 5.1 headset, you will think your in a real cockpit!

Individual thoughts:

The first thing we noticed was the USB cable, and we were instantly relieved to know we no longer needed to reach the back of the PC case to put the individual leads into each slot, we were also worried about the sound quality because of this but as it turned out, the quality is the best we have ever heard. I have to say that since I received this headset to review, members of our team at Solo Elite have since purchased the headset and all of them are extremely happy with this product, orders are being placed as I type this. Some members have used theirs for over 6 months, and no problems have developed.

I have been trying to find a downside to the headset for this review and the truth is I cannot find a single fault, apart from being accused of cheating online.

Conclusion:

To conclude this review I would have to say if you are looking for a quality headset, be it for music, games or even just for conference meetings and want the superb quality of sound, this is it. The quality you get with this headset, nothing comes close. At $79.95 or £39.65GBP this is an excellent investment.

This product was tested on:

• AMD Athlon Dual Core 3.4 GHz
• Gigabyte Motherboard
• 4 GIG PC2-5300 CL5 Kingston RAM
• NVIDIA 8800GT Graphics Card
• Auzentech X-Plosion DTS Connect 7.1 Sound Card
• Samsung 23inch Widescreen Monitor

• Intel Duo E8400 3GHz
• Asus Striker 2 Formula
• 4 GIG PC2-8500 Crucial Ballistix Tracer
• 2x NVIDIA 8800GTS SLI Graphics Cards
• Asus SumpreFX-II 7.1 Sound Card
• V7 22"inch Widescreen Monitor

Support: eDimensional

Direct product link: eDimensional

Best regards and many thanks to eDimensional.

Special thanks to Mr Michael Epstein for giving us the opportunity to review the Audio FX Pro 5.1 Headset.