Ear Force DSS 7.1 Channel Dolby Surround Sound Processor for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3
Product Information
Overview
The Ear Force DSS works with any set of stereo headphones and is the perfect complement to the Turtle Beach Ear Force series of stereo gaming headsets
The optical digital input easily connects to a game console or media player for Dolby 5.1/7.1 channel surround sound and the analog input can also be used to upgrade analog stereo audio sources to Dolby Pro Logic IIx for virtual surround sound. A bass boost control adds sub-woofer effects for enhanced realism to any audio source.
With the Ear Force DSS, video game and movie fans will be able to hear distinct audio events happening all around them, greatly enhancing the overall experience and rewarding gamers with a newfound competitive edge. DSS users playing games and watching movies on their game consoles will actually hear the 7.1 surround sound from certain 5.1 channel audio tracks via additional hidden channels called Dolby EX.
Dolby 5.1 | 7.1 Channel Surround Sound
The DSS uses immersive Dolby Digital Surround Sound technology to greatly enhance your multimedia experience. Video game and movie fans will be able to hear distinct audio events happening all around them, greatly enhancing the overall experience and rewarding gamers with a newfound competitive edge.
Dolby Pro Logic IIx
With stereo audio sources, the Ear Force DSS Dolby Pro Logic IIx takes over. Using an advanced matrixing technology, the DSS creates an incredibly realistic virtual surround sound environment with greatly improved directionality over standard stereo audio.
Bass Boost Effect
The Ear Force DSS has a variable Bass Boost feature, which enhances deep-bass effects and makes the audio even more dynamic. This is similar to adding a subwoofer to a home theater system where extra bass introduces additional depth to the overall sound. The Ear Force DSS Bass boost effect will allow you to hear deep audio cues that would otherwise be difficult to hear, resulting in a valuable advantage over your competition.
Multiple Input Options
Convenient digital and analog audio inputs make the Ear Force DSS versatile enough to connect to virtually any gaming or audio set up.
Powered by USB
The Ear Force DSS front panel pass-through connects to other USB devices for power or data transfer, reducing the number of USB ports needed in your gaming or audio set up. To use a wall outlet, an optional USB-to-AC power adapter is available from TurtleBeach.com so the device can be used with a Blu-Ray or DVD player.
S/PDIF-to-Analog Converter
In Bypass mode, the Ear Force DSS becomes an audio converter that accepts a digital optical input and outputs a decoded analog signal. This allows you to connect a digital source such as a game console or Blu-ray/DVD player to other devices such as a home theater receiver via standard stereo analog audio connections.
Product Details
- Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
- ASIN: B003O0KICS
- Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 5.9 x 1.2 inches ; 8.3 ounces
- Media: Accessory
- Release Date: June 22, 2010
Product Features
- Dolby 7.1 channel surround sound processor
- Works with any stereo headset or headphones
- Headphone amplifier with variable bass boost
- Digital optical and analog stereo inputs
- Works with XBOX 360, PlayStation 3, PC and Mac
REVIEW My first Headset was the X-41′s which were decent. My gripes were: 1) Killed batteries, so rechargeables were a must (another $40 or so on top of your $200 investment) 2) Wireless interference with a lot of signals around the house (especially if your using a wireless adapter on your XBox) 3) High Price.
When the X11′s came out I traded down and never looked back. The sound quality was a slight downgrade but for what little improvement you got with the 41′s it didn’t justify the $140 price difference.
Flash forward to the release of the DSS and the DX11′s… WOW! I love the DSS and the simulated surround is amazing! Everything I wanted (no batteries, no radio interence) for $80 less (total for the DX11 kit) than the wireless X41′s. If you don’t need wireless (the wires don’t bother me, all of the best headsets are wired) then I would highly recommend the DSS or the DX11′s.
$90 is a little steep on the stand alone sound processor, but worth it if you can afford it. I’m sure there is a lot of technology that goes into taking two channels and making them 7.1 (even though the XBox is only a 5.1 device) so I’m sure the price is justifiable.
I read a review on here that said that swapping out to a higher quality toslink cable improved the performance. I can’t say that I noticed any difference after swapping the cables.
I’d recommend the DSS or DX11′s to everyone who’s looking for a quality headset, an audible improvement in your sound and an advantage in gaming.
