Introduction

Some one came up to me the other day and asked if i would recommend a good pair of earphones for his Playstation 3. He told me that his wife goes to bed early and he cant blast the Playstation too loud. I really didn't had much to say about that so I recommended him a pair of blue tooth earphones. Lets put it this way he was happy for a week and then never used them again. Today we are going to take a look at the newest, latest and greatest from Tritton, AX 720. The AX 720 is Dolby digital system which provides great 3D audio environment for Playstation 3 and Xbox360 users. Lets take a closer look at the AX 720 and what it has to offer to gamers.

About the Product

Following information is taken from Tritton website.

Description

Introducing the TRITTON AX 720 high performance gaming audio system.

Specifically designed for the XBox® and PS3® systems, the AX 720 delivers precision audio and superior voice communication. Utilizing Dolby® Digital and Dolby® Headphone technology, the AX720 sets a new benchmark for 2-Channel surround sound headsets. The included Dolby® Digital decoder will take games to new levels creating an impressive 3D audio environment. Precision balanced 40mm drivers provide heart thumping bass and crystal-clear highs. Chat online with your teammates on the XBox®, PS3®, or PC using the detachable microphone. The convenient inline audio controller features independent voice and game volume controls so that you can clearly hear your teammates during those crucial gaming moments. A breakaway cable design will allow you to connect optional cables to your MP3 player or even an iPhone®. Designed for the professional user but priced for every user, improve your game with the AX720.

Features

• Digital Optical Connection
• Dolby® Digital / Pro Logic® II / Dolby® Headphone
• Inline Audio Controller with Independent Chat Volume Control
• Voice Compatible with XBox® Live
• USB Microphone for Playstation® Network /PC/Mac®
• Removable And Replaceable Ear Pads and Headrail Pad
• Removable Microphone

Specifications

Requirements

Digital Audio Connection

Now that we got basic information out of the way, lets take a closer look at AX 720.

Closer look

Front Shot		Front Shot

Tritton AX 720 arrived in a big box with a see-trough front interface. From just by looking at this unit from the front you can clearly see what you are going to be purchasing. On the front of the packaging the most noticeable items are Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 banners. AX 720 supports both PS3 and Xbox360 and also a PC. The key to have this unit connected to these sources is the optical connection.

AX 720		Back Shot

AX 720 and Tritton logos are all over this unit. Since these guys are relatively new in the market, i feel like it is important to let their users know what company is producing this product. On the back of the box we found some features and specifications of the unit as well as some of the very helpful and informative information about the AX 720.

Features and Specifications		Neatly Packed

You can find a detailed features and specifications inside of the manual in the shipping package. Just by reading that you should have a clear idea if this unit is for you or not. The whole unit is actually neatly packing in the plastic casing which protects the AX 720 from any accidental damage. Great packaging if i may add.

Out of the box		Accessories

The whole package includes, Decoder box for the Dolby digital, Inline Audio Controller for controlling volume and microphone functions, a set of earphones, a box of accessories and of course the manual. I strongly advise to read the manual before proceeding. You want to be absolutely sure that you know what you are doing. The accessory box includes a Digital cable, 1/8th of an inch female to two male, (audio and microphone), USB 2.0 cable, Detachable microphone and a power supply for the AX 720 decoder box.

Microphone		Decoder Box

I took the close up shot of the AX 720 microphone because i would like to show you the details of this microphone. This is a high quality microphone which is designed to pick up very high sounds, ie whispering and the quality of this unit is absolutely perfect. The tip of the mic is made out of the light plastic and the arm is made of rubber for easy bending. The Decoder box is rather small and has some markings of the Tritton. As said earlier, Tritton is trying to self promote their brand:)

Left Side		Right Side

On the left side of the unit are following buttons, Power switch, Volume up and down and Dolby digital switch. You can switch on and off Dolby feature. Sometimes it comes handy, but i am not sure why you would want it off anyway. In the middle there are some informational LED's which show the status of the unit. On the far right of the decoder box There are what looks to be PS2 connector for your old school mice. Don't be fooled! This is NOT for mice! LOL These connectors are for a 2 pair of earphones.

Rear Shot		Headset

On the back of the decoder box there are few connectors as well. We have power DC in, Optical in and USB connector. Pretty self explanatory. Lets take a look at the Headset. The AX 720 headset looks pretty big and bulky. But yet it looks like its going to fit any head.

Stylish		Rubber Logo

On the both sides of the headset there are TT, a trade mark sign of Tritton. The outside casein is made from tough plastic and a looks pretty durable and unapproachable. I am sure that's not the case but it definitely give that "expensive" look to it. On the top of the headset is a rubber logo of Tritton. Are you tired of Tritton logos yet? LOL

Head Cushion		Ear Cushion

Inside of the headset is the head cushion which helps to reduce that uncomfortable feeling. The cushion on the ear peace is made from the same type of the material and equally tough. So what is inside of the ear piece? A 40 mm driver Driver 106dB, Frequency Response: 25-22KHz, THD: -97dB THD.

Microphone Jack		Microphone

On the left earphone there is a small entrance for a microphone. You don't need to have the microphone on to operate AX 720. If you do not talk in games, you can either shut it off or take it off.

Left / Right		Resizable

On the each side of the earphone there are designation of which side is which. L for left and R for right. So you cant mess up:) The head unit is an adjustable one and would most likely fit any size of the head.

Volume controller		Mic off and on

The inline audio controller is about 3 inches in length. From it you can control various aspects of the sound and microphone. As you can see from the pictures above there is another TT sign in the front :D

Voice Volume		Game Volume

On the left right of the unit you can control the voice volume of the unit and on the left you could control the game sound. Very handy at times and fits right in the hand. I would like to add that the AX 720 comes with 12 foot cable. So you don't have to worry about the cable being too short or to sit closer to the unit.

Ready to rock

We were playing around with the PS3 and Resident Evil game. This game allows team play with voice support. I have played for about 2 hours and my ears didn't hurt. I did got a little light headed looking at the screen for 2 hours straight but that's expected hahhah. The person on the other end heard me clear and i heard him great too.

Conclusion

Tritton AX 720 stands out in the crowed like a shiny nickel. This particular unit has lots to offer to users. If you are a gamer and looking to purchase a wired earphone, please consider the AX 720. The set up and installation took only 5 minutes or so and we were on our way testing it. The Dolby Digital really does makes difference here as we experienced some of the best sounds out of the game possible. The earphones themselves were pretty light which we thought would be an opposite just by looking at them. The removable microphone feature really works great for those who do not play online with other player. The price for the AX 720 is around 130$ from Best Buy in fact, the AX 720 is exclusively available at Best Buy and BestBuy.com. So if you are looking to purchase AX 720, don't look for it at Amazon.com etc. Keeping that in mind, i think its a bit highly oriented toward gamer market. It gives me a great pleasure to award Tritton a solid 9/10!

Some pros we found:

Lightweight.

Supports multiple platforms.

Dolby Digital.

Great range and frequency responses on the drivers.

Some Cons we found: