Introduction

Very recently we have reviewed a Tritton AX 720 and we loved it so much that we had to review the mini version of AX, AX 180. AX 180 is a gaming earphone set which has alot of potentials. Just like AX 720, AX 180 can be connected to the Playstation3, XBox360 and Wii consoles. In addition you can connect AX 180 to your pc or Mac for the pc gaming experience. What makes this unit a valuable one is the ability to control the volume of the game and also volume of the voice. Lets take a look at AX 180 and see if it stands a chance in the world.

About the Product

Following information is taken from Tritton website.

Description

TRITTON Technologies, known for designing and building the best gaming headsets on earth, delivers an affordable precision audio headset – the AX 180. Designed specifically for the XBOX and PS3, the balanced speakers provide rich, full stereo audio while the removable microphone ensures superior voice communication. The convenient inline audio controller features independent voice and game volume controls so you can clearly hear your teammates during those crucial gaming moments. Analog connectivity allows the AX 180 to be used with the popular Wii® system and the breakaway cable design has options for MP3 and iPhone® connectivity. Get your head into the game with the new AX 180.

Features

• Stereo Analog Connection
  
• Inline Audio Controller with Independent Chat Volume Control
  
• Voice Compatible with Xbox® Live
  
• USB Microphone for Playstation® Network /PC/Mac®
  
• Removable Microphone

Specifications

Requirements

Audio Connection:

• Xbox360, PS3, Mac or PC for Headset with Communication
  
• 3.5mm stereo out, or RCA stereo out for stereo playback

Now that we got basic information out of the way, lets take a closer look at AX 180.

Closer look

Front Shot		Front Insert

The packaging of AX 180 is very much similar to AX 720, the same opened design that attracts eyes. What i like about this packaging is the open front where the whole unit is pretty much exposed to the public. Personally, i love to see what i am buying. Heck who doesn't? Its a human nature. Tritton also included some of the AX 180 features and specifications on the front so no tricks here.

Back Shot		AX 180

On the back of the packaging we found a more detailed view of the AX 180 and its features and specifications. Simple and efficient. This definitely does the job explaining to the customer what they are going to purchase. Opening the packaging wasn't too hard. Few pulls and tucks and everything kind of unveiled itself. One of the important factors in AX 180 is that it has a whooping 12 foot cable. No more worrying to rip your cable out because you have a short room to play with:D

Multiple Compatibility		Neatly Packed

As i ve mentioned earlier, AX 180 has many features. It is capable to be connected to pretty much any source out there. Whether you are using a pc or mac, or ps3 or xbox you will not have any issues connecting this unit. All of the accessories are neatly packed and come with everything you need to connect this unit.

Out of the box		Stylish Logo

The AX 180 design is rather simple and reflects on to the previous version AX 720. The size of the earphone is pretty much the same and it has a stylish Tritton logo on both sides of the unit. The casing is made of some sort of plastic material which makes the whole unit pretty light.

Head Cushion		Extension

Head cushion feels like leather and feels rather nice when feeling it with hands or heat. After a while you don't even feel it anymore. The AX 180 could fit pretty much any size of heads as it comes with extension on both sides of the unit.

Drivers		Microphone

Tritton AX 180 comes with two 40 mm drivers which peak out at whopping 106 db. I cant imagine anyone listening to music or a game at 106 db but i guess its nice to know that there is a limit. The frequency response of AX 180 is 25-22KHz so this unit can handle some deep bass sounds. Important when playing fps games which have bomb explosions. Makes it sound more realistic. Microphone of AX 180 has some great features as it can be removed completely from the unit.

High Quality		Mic Connector

The microphone is a high quality piece which can be bent any direction for maximum comfort. It is very easy to remove from the unit so it does not interfere with your gaming or music.

Controller		Xbox Controls

The controller piece of the AX 180 is made out of plastic as well. It has has the same stylish logo as the logo on the earphones. What's cool about AX 180 is that you can connect it to pretty much anything and still being able to control the volume of the voice and game separately. Very cool feature if you ask me.

PS3 Controls		Helpful info

Switching from ps3 to xbox360 is easy, just a simple switch and you are ready to go. On the back of the controller unit is some helpful info about the ability of this controller. The pink connector is always voice, i wonder why? :D

Ready to rock

That's pretty much it for the installation and configuring this unit. It is rather very easy to do. You are up and running under 2 minutes and it is a no brainier on how to use it.

Conclusion

The AX 180 is a wonderful product for any gamer or entertainment nut out there. Having said that let me state that, while Alex is the main reviewer, I couldn't help but get my hands on this. After seeing the AX 720 product in action I had to try it out for myself. The joy of having a simple easy to use headset for any station is Godsend, even more when you have city construction on going outside your door.

Like that of the AX 720 the 180 is simple to use and even easier to setup up, plug in and play. And boy is this great to play on my PS3! I am a FPS (First Person Shooter) nut and I play whenever I can. So you can say that the PS3 was the testing ground and I am sure other stations work just as well.

The entertainment aspect of this product is the voluminous audio, up there with the more expensive units of this genera. The headphones are very conformable and conform without the itch or pinching yet a slight amount of pressure for the first time wearer. I enjoyed having the volume control within easy reach which is housed in a light unit attached via a wire. This unit is where you set your station ID a simple flick, well slide, of a button (PC1 for the PlayStation or PC2 for the Xbox) located on the right side. While the volume control is set on the left side next to the Xbox controller plug in – which I assume the Xbox controller has adapter to for this input. While the PS3 is a simple USB connection port for connectivity.

The AX 180 also is a great tool for communicating whether for voice chat or in game through its detachable microphone. I found that unlike other units out there for the PS3 the AX 180 was reported by other players of having a no “fuzz sound” or low profile of my speech.

The AX 180 is a perfect addition for any person who needs to get away without getting away. The set up and installation took only three minutes and I was off. The earphones themselves are light weight and fit perfect, adjustable if need be. Don't let the bulk look fool you they are quite opposite. The removable microphone was a nice touch for watching movies if your not up for gaming on line. However the microphone is one of the best I've came across with great feedback from many PSN players.

Some pros we found:

Simple to use.

Light weight.

Great sound.

Multiple compatibility.

Independent sound control.

Some Cons we found: