PS3 gamers looking for a decent headset that frees them from the tyranny of the cable and/or looking to experience 7.1 sound without investing in an expensive home theater system should give a listen to the Pulse Wireless Headset. Designed to work best with the PS3, they communicate via a dongle that plugs into the USB port of the game console. When using the supplied audio cable with other devices they are standard stereo phones. To put it simply, the only way you get 7.1 sound is when they are paired with the PS3.
The headsets are attractive and relatively comfortable, though as with most clamshell headsets, after a while I felt like my ears were getting hot and sweaty. The sound quality was above average for most gamer-oriented headphones, which is to say that it was also a bit sub-par from the best wired stereo headphones, and a bit heavier, too. Like most gaming sets they have a built in microphone.
If used with the PS3 you get more than just 7.1 sound, you also get on-screen headset updates. There are controls that help you tune the sound you want, including the amount of sub-woofer like emphasis you get from the "BassImpact" feature. Frankly, I'd rather play headset free, but there are times when I can't go into "battle" without bothering my spouse. Whether I'm in the middle of Modern Warfare or watching a blueray disk in the middle of the night, these headsets are a step up from any other wireless units I've tested. The fact that they can also work (via the supplied cable) with my portable devices makes them that much better.
Sony's Pulse Wireless Headset Elite Edition
7.1 Audio, with a catch.
By: James Oppenheim | Created: 2012-09-30 20:12:07 | (Updated: 0000-00-00 00:00:00)
Unless you use this dongle with your PS3 you won't get 7.1 sound. It won't work with your computer or receiver except in stereo mode. At 149.99, that's a lot unless you really play with your PS3 alone, a lot!
The headphones are nicely styled. All the controls and even the microphone are integrated into the clamshell earpieces.
