Sharkoon X-Tatic SX & X-Tatic SP Review

Sharkoon has released two new headsets, primarily designed for Xbox 360 and PS3 gamers. We take a look at how they perform.

Products on Review: Sharkoon X-Tatic SX, Sharkoon X-Tatic SP
Sponsor: Beyond Technologies
Price:
£39.99 X-Tatic SX
£49.99 X-Tatic SP

The gaming headset market is already very saturated and extremely competitive. In the last year we’ve seen the likes of ARCTIC, Corsair, Mionix and Asus joining established brands such as Steelseries, Logitech, Creative and Sennheiser in the battle for the best low, middle and high range gaming headsets. Recently, Sharkoon have been expanding their range of headsets to bring us the X-Tatic SP and X-Tatic SX. Today we’ll be looking at how they fit into this already crowded market, and whether you should consider them if you’re looking for a gaming headset.

About Sharkoon

We’re accustomed to seeing Sharkoon selling fans, docking stations and other accessories here in the UK, but their product range is more diverse than you may have realised. Take a look at Sharkoon’s website for more information on that. Headsets are an expanding range from this German manufacturer. What do Sharkoon have to say about the X-Tatic headsets on review today? Read below.

X-Tatic SX

Sophisticated in design and technology – with the X-Tatic SX you gain a state-of-the-art stereo headset especially created for your Xbox® 360 giving you the crucial sound advantage for epic gaming sessions.
Simply connect the X-Tatic SX to your Xbox® 360 through the analog interface and instantly experience a whole new world of sound delivered by the built-in amplifier.
Easily configure your personal sound using the in-line volume controller while chatting with your friends via Xbox® Live.

X-Tatic SP

Sophisticated in design and technology – with the X-Tatic SP you gain a state-of-the-art stereo headset giving you the crucial sound advantage for epic gaming sessions on your PlayStation® 3 or Xbox®360.
Simply connect the X-Tatic SP to your game console through the analog interface and instantly experience a whole new world of sound delivered by the built-in amplifier.
Easily configure your personal sound using the in-line volume controller while chatting with your friends via “USB to PS3™” or “Xbox® Live”.

As you can already tell, it’s likely that these two headsets are going to be very similar. Indeed, this is the case, and so I have chosen to write about them both at once rather than creating two almost identical reviews.

Okay, so you’ve read the generic product spiel, you’re still wondering what on earth these headsets are like, so let’s get to the vital statistics:

X-Tatic SX

Features:
• Gaming stereo headset for Xbox® 360
• Two high quality 40 mm speakers
• Simple connection through analog interface (RCA)
• Flexible, detachable microphone
• Microphone connected to Xbox® 360 controller (2.5 mm plug)
• In-line amplifier for powerful games sound output
• Master volume control and microphone mute
• Supports Xbox® Live
• Separate volume control for voice communication (Xbox® Live)
• USB-powered, no additional power adaptor needed
• Built-in amplifier for optimal sound
• Also suitable as PC headset via 3.5 mm stereo plug
Specifications (headphones):
• Diameter: 40 mm
• Impedance: 40 Ω
• Sensitivity: 118 dB +/- 3 dB bei 1 KHz
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Power output: 40 mW
• Cable length: 370 cm +/-10 cm
• Connectors: 3 x 3.5 mm connectors (white/at volume controller: microphone for Xbox® 360, green: stereo playback, pink: microphone for PC only), 1x USB (power)
Specifications (microphone):
• Diameter: 6 x 5 mm (L x B)
• Directivity: omni-directional
• Sensitivity: -58 dB +/- 3 dB
• Impedance: 2.2 kΩ
• Frequency response: 100 Hz – 2 kHz
• Operating voltage: 4.5 V

X-Tatic SP

Features:
• Gaming stereo headset for PlayStation® 3 and Xbox® 360
• Cable length: 370 cm +/-10 cm
• Two high quality 40 mm speakers
• Simple connection via analog interface (RCA)
• Flexible, detachable microphone
• Microphone connected via USB (USB to PS3™)
• Microphone connected to Xbox® 360 controller (2.5 mm plug)
• In-line amplifier for powerful games sound output
• Master volume control and microphone mute
• Supports Xbox® Live
• Separate volume control for voice communication
• USB-powered, no additional power adaptor needed
• Supports the PlayStation® 3 chat function (via USB)
• Also suitable as PC headset
Specifications (headphones):
• Diameter: 40 mm
• Impedance: 40 Ω
• Sensitivity: 118 dB +/- 3 dB bei 1 KHz
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Power output: 40 mW
• Cable length: 370 cm +/-10 cm
• Connectors: 1x 3.5 mm stereo plug (green: stereo playback), 1x USB (microphone connection + power)
Specifications (microphone):
• Diameter: 6 x 5 mm (L x B)
• Directivity: omni-directional
• Sensitivity: -58 dB +/- 3 dB
• Impedance: 2.2 kΩ
• Frequency response: 100 Hz – 2 kHz
• Operating voltage: 4.5 V

Unboxing and contents

Now let’s see the headsets themselves.

The two headset boxes, side by side. The similarities are clear from the outset

The X-tatic headsets both come in similar packaging, attractively decorated and with all key features outlined on the outside and within the front flap, which opens to reveal the headset inside.

The front of the SX box open, revealing the headset itself

Now the SP, note the different finish of these two headsets complement their design

What do you get for your money though? Included in the bundle is:

Package contents:
• Stereo headset “X-Tatic SX/SP“
• Detachable microphone
• Adapter cable (3.5 mm stereo plug > 2x Cinch)
• Chat cable (1x 3.5 mm stereo jack > 1x 2.5 mm stereo jack)
• Manual flyer

The bundle contents for the SX. Plenty of connectivity – note the matching Xbox 360 accessories

The bundle contents of the SP, the same as the SX. Controller not included!

You’ll notice a few subtle differences between the sets (apart from the obvious colour), which I’ll go on to explain later. For all intents and purposes the bundles are identical. A great inclusion is the 3.7m long cable, which should be more than ample for almost any usage. We’ll also see what those curious looking adapters are for and how to connect it all up.

Build, feel and design

Let’s see how well made the sets are.

A familiar solid, chunky design

On first holding and using of either of the two headsets you realise that they’re constructed well, whilst not being overly heavy or too light. Sharkoon have found a great balance here. The plastics are of high quality and the imitation leather around the headband is soft and looks professional. There can be no arguments that the headsets could certainly put up with a decent amount of punishment without much of a problem. This is an obvious advantage if you’re a console user and if it’s likely to be left on the floor or cast aside fairly readily. Even the cables feel quite substantial and by no means weak in any areas.

The white finish and lime green highlights complement the Xbox 360 perfectly

These sets are designed primarily with gaming in mind and their appearance suggests as such. A large, chunky design and colour coordination to their respective consoles (with the SP also being 360 compatible, of course). Looking at the photos doesn’t do them justice, they are even better in real life, though I have to say I prefer the SP for its black design over the SX. The logo, details and highlights all look slightly better on the darker colour. This is purely personal preference, check out the photos for yourself and decide which you like best!

The volume control unit sports control for voice (when using chat cable) and normal volume, as well as a switch to turn the microphone on and off

Both sets include an in-line amplifier and volume control, as well as controls for microphone functions (mute and volume). The control pod includes analogue volume control – a massive plus from my point of view as you can fine tune the volume quickly and easily to your preference. I’ve yet to use as adequate a digital control. They also come with a clip attached to the upper part of the cable for routing and affixing to clothes, though I can’t see many users making particularly good use of this as the cables are quite heavy, as suggested above and also due to the control pod. So not an essential addition but it’s nice to have flexibility. The microphone fits firmly into a socket on the base of the left earpiece, though this is only easily possible with the headset off, so if you’re likely to want to move it in and out regularly with the headset on, you might want to look for an alternative with a sliding type microphone permanently attached. This, again, is not a problem, but an observation. The microphone itself is easily twisted and bent into any position you could want, though some may find it a little shorter than most implementations in similar products. This has little impact on performance, but sometimes it can be easy to forget it’s there. Whether that’s an advantage or disadvantage is up to you!

Convenient design

For storage, you can fold the earpieces flat, but there is no bundled bag or case like with the Creative Fatal1ty HS-800 or other similar offerings we’ve seen.

Comfort

Comfort is a very important consideration that is often forgotten in the excitement of purchasing a new headset. How do the X-Tatic SP and SX fare?

The ear cushions are comfortable, even for long periods. The holes to 40mm drivers are just visible

Both headsets use an identical design again here – large earpieces with cloth and padding around the outer edge. A very common design in fact. The padding isn’t as soft as some of the most comfortable headphones and headsets I’ve used (the Goldring NS1000 for example are very comfy), nor is it as hard as the popular Creative HS-800. It’s a fairly good compromise, and although I’d personally prefer something softer, it would then also have to be thicker. The padding is not that thick, but it’s firm enough for this not to be an issue. The only other feeling I get from the fit is that the padding feels narrow. Comfort would be improved with a wider padding, but this would also add to bulk or reduce the range of ear sizes that could fit without discomfort. Again, minor points, not enough to warrant an apparent disadvantage as the earpieces are certainly comfortable for several hours at least, probably indefinitely. The top band is very comfortable on the head too, nicely padded and a brilliant size for this type of headset. As already touched upon, the weight is probably perfect for most users.

A very good outcome here. I would say they are definitely comfier than the Creative HS-800 for prolonged use.

Installation

As we have become accustomed in recent years, installation is simple, even with USB involved. See the installation options below:

From the X-Tatic SX manual, demonstrating clearly how to connect to each source

Similarly, the installation options for the SP – note the all important and distinguishing PS3 functionality

If connecting to PC, you’ll see a new audio device appears in the sound panel, but oddly this is not what you need to set to default, as with most USB headsets. This is because the headset uses USB for amplification only on PC, and you just have to plug the green 3.5mm jack into your sound card or motherboard as normal. Therefore the sound remains at your normal settings, for that jack. This does mean that there is a big advantage in the fact that on PC you can use your own sound card. If you have a dedicated card you’ll know how much better they can be over onboard or integrated (into headphone) solutions. Using an X-Fi for example, you can select game mode, headphones and then the usual X-Fi features like CMSS-3D for your aural pleasure. The SX works purely in this fashion, but the SP requires you to select its own microphone as the default device in windows.

The Windows Sound control panel module

The microphone will need to be selected as default to work on PC (see above) for the SP, but for the SX this should remain the same as any other microphone you may use.

Testing Methods

The key word that occurs repeatedly through audio reviews is ‘subjective’, and I’ll make no apologies for including it here. The only feasible way to test an audio device such as this is to simply listen to it. This is naturally subjective, so please take any of my opinions with this in mind, but also remember that I’ve been fortunate to have experience listening to a number of headsets, allowing me to make a more comparative conclusion.

Test system:

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965BE @ 3.8GHz
Motherboard: ASUS Crosshair III Formula
RAM: 2x2GB G.Skill Ripjaw DDR3 1600MHz
Sound: Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer
GFX: AMD Radeon HD 5870
HDD: Mushkin Callisto Deluxe 40GB SSD, 2x1TB Samsung F1 RAID0
PSU: Corsair HX620

I will be testing the headset in a variety of scenarios, with a focus on gaming. The games I’ll be using are:

Day of Defeat: Source
Burnout Paradise

I’ll also be testing the performance of the headset in movies and music, two things for which most users would like it to perform well in too. For movies, I’ll be watching Independence Day and for music I will be listening to a variety of music from my own collection, from The Beatles to Rage Against The Machine.
Microphone performance will also be considered using the windows recording tools and Skype.

Now that’s out of the way, how does it perform?

Sound Quality

Here are my general thoughts on the audio quality achieved by both headsets. They use almost identical components, and so the quality was the same from one set to another.

First impressions are important. I often find my first impressions to be incredibly enlightening, and I have found this once again when testing the SX and SP. Being used to a higher quality of headset normally, naturally my initial reaction would pick out the shortcomings in the X-Tatic range pretty quickly. This was the case, and the overwhelming feeling was that the sound was distant. Remember I’m using the same settings as my own personal headphones for a plain comparison. The effect was like the conversation being moved from right by your ear to an adjacent room. This is something that is often a by-product of poor definition of sound. By this I mean the sound isn’t resolved very well over certain ranges, almost muffled (not quite that bad, but it’s the best way to describe it). It wasn’t all bad though. The bass was surprisingly punchy, if a little rounded at times, which is a nice touch for a gaming set. This is most likely a result of the amplification and 40mm drivers. However, I was initially also disappointed with the midranges and highs too, with the midranges being distant and difficult to separate and the highs, well, not being that high or as crisp as I would have liked.
Another thing that is immediately noticeable if you’re using the USB connection (as the manual instructs) and thus the amplifier – there is a very audible hiss/fuzz. This is only present when the USB connection is in, suggesting that some sort of interference from the amplifier or PC is occurring. For that reason, I tried the set on a number of machines with the exact same result, leading me to believe it’s a design problem with the headset. This isn’t the first time I’ve experienced this with USB headsets and I think it’s a problem that can be difficult, but not impossible, to eliminate. Once there is sound coming through the headset, it’s a lot less noticeable, but it is still there.
I’ve been quite tough on the SX and SP here as I’m coming from something of higher quality, but when the SP comes in at a similar price to my headphones (Goldring NS1000), it’s hard to ignore. Compared to the Creative HS-800 headset, the performance is quite similar, if a little more distant, but certainly less hollow and warmer, with stronger bass.

Games

Games are where we should expect this headset to shine. I’ve tried playing a few hours of online FPS as well as a driving game, and I’m not at all disappointed. The headsets worked best with the FPS – gunshots are loud and percussive, footsteps are audible as long as the environment you’re in is quiet. These headsets don’t do a very good job of blocking out extraneous noises. Positional audio is mostly as good as the sound card it is used with, and my X-Fi xtremegamer does a great job of this as usual, though the headset doesn’t add much over any other in this respect. Regrettably I’m unable to test on these platforms, though I’m sure the outcome would be almost identical. Voices cut through most sounds, a characteristic of this headset that is beneficial for online FPS games, but perhaps problematic in other areas. However, the clear aim of these headsets is to compete in the area of gaming and so this can be praised.

Movies

Action movies benefit from the fairly powerful low end response of these headsets. It’s not as accurate as you might like, but in movies where a low-end hum is present for atmosphere, it is recreated with a pleasing gravitas. Explosions and similar also benefit in this respect, and the dialogue is clear, if a bit distant at times. In short, these are a good choice of headset for games and movies, but for movies alone I would not hesitate to go elsewhere as it isn’t where the speciality of these headsets lies.

Music

Musical performance is just adequate, as separation of sounds is very limited, especially in the mid-range. What do I mean by this? When listening to music, I attempt to listen to just one instrument at a time and isolate its sound from everything else. A mark of good headphones is when this process is more facile, but with the SP and SX I certainly struggled. On the plus side, vocals were much better, though because of this they have a tendency to cut through everything else. Bass is certainly powerful and punchy, but also lacks a certain refinement. This works against the set when listening to tracks that are bassy from guitars as there is a loss of tone, but with more dancy tracks it works quite well with synthesised bass. A good example was listening to Valentine by the Delays. The track starts with some synthesised bass and sounds great on the set, the vocals come in very clearly and naturally, but then when you start to get bass guitar and electric guitar in the mix it quickly gets confused and merged together, lacking the definition I have already spoken about. Overall, musical performance is going to depend on your tastes, but with mine I have to say it’s very limited.

Microphone

Here you can see the flexible microphone attached to the X-Tatic SP

The microphone was tested primarily over Skype, and the results were impressive. The clarity is on a par with the best I’ve ever used on a headset. Background noises are minimal, and the sound is very natural. I can’t say much more about it than that. The way in which the microphone works on the headsets differs – the SP uses USB and installs a new sound device you must select first, whereas the SX uses your existing sound card to connect as a standard microphone. There was no discernible difference between these two methods, suggesting they are both perfectly adequate and the limitation is the microphone itself. Limitation is perhaps not an appropriate word to use as the performance is brilliant overall.

Conclusion

These two headsets are identical in performance, comfort and quality, and only differ in the features they offer and price. At just shy of £40, the X-Tatic SX represents good value for money. You get a well-constructed, good looking, solid performing headset with compatibility for Xbox 360 and PC. The performance of the headset is on a par, if a little better overall than the Creative Fatal1ty HS-800 and the execution is a whole lot better. It’s just a shame that the average range of performance and problems like hissing hold it back from being a sure-fire recommendation. However, at this price, you can’t go far wrong and you certainly won’t be disappointed with the X-Tatic SX.

If you need PS3 compatibility, you’ll have to look to the X-Tatic SP. With this, you also get Xbox 360 and PC compatibility too. However, at almost £50 this headset enters an even more competitive field with some very tough competition from Steelseries, Mad Catz and Sennheiser to name a few. The exact choice will depend on what compatibility you require, and the X-Tatic SP is a good choice as a PS3 compatible set, but as an Xbox 360 or PC headset at this price, it’s difficult to recommend. The obvious shortcomings such as the hissing issue and average sonic performance over all the tests mean that it’s not as good value for money as the X-Tatic SX.

Pros
+ Great quality construction
+ Attractive design
+ Good range of connectivity options
+ Comfortable
+ In line analogue volume and microphone control
+ Microphone performance is fantastic

Cons
– USB interference
– Overall average sonic performance
– (SP only) Price

For these reasons I think the Sharkoon X-Tatic SX warrants a bronze award for being a very decent headset for a reasonable price: