Turtle beach elite 800 wireless Review

The Turtle Beach Elite 800 wireless gaming headset marks a significant departure from the company’s earlier offerings, which often faced criticism for their mediocre design and lack of functionality. With the Elite 800, Turtle Beach has introduced a high-quality, feature-rich headset that has quickly gained popularity among gamers. But is it worth your investment? This comprehensive review aims to help you decide.

Key Takeaways

• Futuristic Design: The Turtle Beach Elite 800 wireless headset features a sleek and modern design with matte black and blue accents, though its size may make it less suitable for everyday use.
• Versatile Connectivity: Supports Bluetooth 4.0 and dual-pairing, allowing connections to multiple devices simultaneously. Compatible with PC, PS3, and PS4.
• Sensitive Controls: Extensive control options, though very sensitive, can be accidentally activated by placing the headset on a surface.
• Advanced Features: Includes active noise cancelling and DTS Surround Sound 7.1, providing an immersive audio experience.
• Decent Microphone: Built-in microphone of good quality but non-adjustable, which might affect voice clarity.
• Battery Life: Average battery life, with a wired mode available if the battery dies.
• Sound Quality: Exceptional sound quality with robust bass and well-balanced highs and lows, particularly suited for gaming.
• Comfort and Stability: Comfortable for long gaming sessions but less stable for physical activities.

Turtle Beach Elite 800 wireless Specifications

Design and Build Quality

The Turtle Beach Elite 800 wireless boasts a futuristic design that immediately sets it apart from other headsets in its category. The matte black finish is accented with striking blue highlights on the ear cups and headband, giving it a sleek and modern look. The ear cups have a glossy finish that conceals the controls, adding to the headset’s high-end aesthetic.

However, the headset’s size may make it less suitable for everyday use. The large ear cups and substantial build are designed primarily for gaming, offering a comfortable fit for long sessions but potentially feeling bulky for on-the-go use.

Connectivity and Compatibility

One of the standout features of the Elite 800 is its versatility in connectivity. It utilizes Bluetooth 4.0, allowing you to connect it to your phones and other wireless devices seamlessly. Additionally, the dual-pairing feature lets you connect the headset to two devices simultaneously, enhancing its usability.

The combination transmitter and charging dock can be connected to your PC, PS3, or PS4, routing audio to the Elite 800 for a consistent gaming experience across these platforms. This multi-platform compatibility makes the Elite 800 a versatile choice for gamers who play on different systems.

Controls and Usability

The control scheme on the Elite 800 is extensive, covering everything from call management to noise-cancelling adjustments. However, the controls are very sensitive. Even placing the headset on a surface with the buttons facing down can inadvertently activate them, which can be frustrating.

Despite this sensitivity, the controls are intuitive and easy to use once you get accustomed to them. The ability to manage various settings directly from the headset enhances the overall user experience, allowing for quick adjustments without needing to access external devices.

Key Features

The Turtle Beach Elite 800 wireless headset comes packed with features that set it apart from its predecessors and competitors.

Active Noise Cancelling

Active noise cancelling (ANC) is one of the most notable features. While it’s not the best on the market, it performs well enough to block out background noise, making it suitable for use in noisy environments like subways or busy households.

DTS Surround Sound 7.1

The DTS Surround Sound 7.1 technology ensures high-quality audio, providing an immersive gaming experience. This feature is particularly beneficial for gamers who rely on sound cues to enhance their gameplay, offering precise and clear audio.

Bluetooth Connectivity

The Bluetooth connectivity not only provides a stable connection but also allows you to take phone calls without switching devices. This is particularly useful for gamers who want to stay connected without interrupting their gaming sessions.

Battery Life

One of the drawbacks of the Elite 800 is its battery life, which is not particularly impressive. For a high-end gaming headset, you might expect a longer battery duration. However, the headset compensates for this with a wired mode that allows you to continue using it even if the battery dies. Simply connect it using the 3.5mm cable included in the package.

Built-in Microphone

The built-in microphone is of decent quality but has its limitations. It cannot be repositioned, which might affect the clarity of your voice during conversations. However, for most gaming and call purposes, it performs adequately.

Sound Quality

The sound quality of the Turtle Beach Elite 800 wireless is exceptional, particularly when used with PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 consoles. The surround sound delivers as promised, creating an immersive audio environment that enhances the gaming experience.

The headset also offers a range of sound profiles accessible through the Ear Force Hub on your mobile device (Android only). These profiles allow you to customize the audio settings based on your activity, whether you’re gaming, watching a movie, or listening to music. The ability to switch between different sound modes adds to the headset’s versatility.

The bass is robust, and the highs and lows are well-balanced, ensuring that all audio elements are clear and distinguishable. This makes the Elite 800 suitable for a variety of audio experiences, from intense gaming sessions to casual music listening.

Stability and Comfort

While the Turtle Beach Elite 800 wireless headset offers excellent sound quality and features, it falls short in terms of stability during physical activities. The large ear cups and overall weight make it less ideal for sports or any activity that involves a lot of movement. However, for stationary gaming sessions, the headset provides a secure and comfortable fit.

Should You Buy It?

The Turtle Beach Elite 800 Wireless Gaming Headset is a strong contender for gamers looking for a feature-rich headset. Its advanced features like active noise cancellation and DTS surround sound make it a compelling choice, especially for PlayStation users. However, if battery life and control sensitivity are significant concerns for you, you might want to consider other options. It’s ideal for those who game in stationary settings and prioritize high-quality audio.

Verdict

The Turtle Beach Elite 800 Wireless Gaming Headset offers excellent sound quality and a range of advanced features that enhance the gaming experience. Despite some minor drawbacks, such as battery life and control sensitivity, its high build quality, versatile connectivity, and immersive sound make it a worthwhile investment for serious gamers.

FAQs

1. Is the Turtle Beach Elite 800 compatible with Xbox consoles?

No, the Turtle Beach Elite 800 is not compatible with Xbox consoles. It is designed for use with PC, PS3, and PS4.

2. How long does the battery last on a full charge?

The battery life is average and may not be sufficient for extended gaming sessions. However, you can use the wired mode with the 3.5mm cable if the battery dies.

3. Can I use the headset for making phone calls?

Yes, the Bluetooth connectivity allows you to take phone calls while using the headset.

4. Does the headset come with a warranty?

Yes, Turtle Beach typically offers a warranty on their products. Check the specific terms and conditions on their official website or with the retailer.

5. Is the active noise cancelling feature effective?

The active noise cancelling on the Elite 800 is decent and effective in reducing background noise, though it may not be the best available on the market.

6. Can I customize the sound settings?

Yes, you can customize the sound settings using the Ear Force Hub app on Android devices, allowing you to switch between different sound profiles based on your activity.

7. Is the headset comfortable for long gaming sessions?

Yes, the headset is designed for comfort during extended gaming sessions, though its size and weight may make it less comfortable for on-the-go use.