Gaming is fun, and it can get fairly loud depending on what you’re playing, and sometimes it’s nice to be able to use a headset to keep the noise all to yourself. In my situation, I’ve got three small children, they really don’t want me downstairs jamming on Guitar Hero or killing zombies in Left4Dead at all hours of the night, so if I want to play either PC or console games at night I need to use a headset. I’ve been using the SteelSeries 5h V2 Gameing Headset for quite a while now as I like them and they fulfill my wants and needs for gaming, but of course there are others out there and that’s what I’m taking a look at today.

eDimensional has sent me over their new AudioFX2 Gaming & Audio Headset to take a look at, it’s got a couple features like force feedback, detachable microphone. The force feedback part is essentially bass drivers that do require extra power via the included USB connection or the included external battery pack. I can say they are very comfortable to wear for long periods of time so that’s a big positive there, but read on to learn more…

First up we’ve got the unboxing video for you along with still pictures, check them out and continue on:

Specifications:

eDimensional AudioFX2 Gaming & Audio Headset

Superb Gaming and Audio Performance

The all-new AudioFX2 builds upon our previous generations of critically acclaimed AudioFX headsets. You will be thrilled with numerous new features and design elements without sacrificing any of the quality and performance you have come to expect from the AudioFX headsets. Featuring our renowned force feedback feature that is like a home theater in a headset, you’ll gain realistic bass audio sensations and increased situational awareness for improved gaming performance. The in-line volume and vibration controller allows you to easily control your audio. The highly durable construction that has endured intense stress testing will stand up to the demands of hard-core gamers and audiophiles.

New Ultra-Comfortable Design
The AudioFX2 has been designed from the ground up for extreme comfort. The sleek, low profile design is lightweight, yet very stylish. Premium soft fabric encloses the ear cups in cushioned comfort. Extra padding packed into the fully-adjustable headband ensures unlimited hours of gameplay or audio listening pleasure.

Detachable Microphone
The AudioFX2 includes a noise-canceling, Teamspeak Certified, detachable microphone. Simply plug it in to the discreet plug on the side of the headset to gain crystal clear online chat capability for any PC game or application (including VOIP).

Plug it in Or Take it On the Go
Eager to experience the AudioFX2 sound with your MP3 player (including iPod), portable game device (PSP, Nintendo DS, etc.) or even on your home theater? Now you can, because the AudioFX2 can be plugged in to any of these devices. Plus, we even include a bonus battery pack adapter which means you can power the force feedback feature and experience home theater bass sensations and increased situational awareness on the go.

Specifications
Driver Unit: 50mm
Impedance: 32Ω +/-3 Ω
Sensitivity: 110 dB+/-3dB
Frequency: 20Hz – 20,000Hz

Mic Specifications
Sensitivity: 58 dB+/-3dB
Omni Directional
Frequency: 20Hz – 16,000Hz

Works on any PC or portable audio/gaming device with a standard analog 9mm audio jack

Price: $49.95

There’s nothing to the installation of this headset, it just used the standard 3.5mm jacks, so just stick it in basically.

To use the force feedback feature you can use USB power, or the included battery pack, you’ll have to install batteries in it though, just two ‘AAA’ batteries and you’re all set.

The battery pack is good if you wish to take the headset with you to use with your portable music player, or if you’re using it with a gaming console. Personally I used it with my Xbox360, my external speakers have a 3.5mm jack on them for a headset so it worked out nicely, and was a good test for the headset.

The microphone is detachable which is very nice so it’s not always hanging around it you don’t need it to be. It uses a standard 3.5mm jack, and clips on the left earpiece securely. The boom is very stiff so it stays wherever you put it.

 

As I mentioned they are very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, I played Guitar Hero for a couple hours with them on, and after a while I didn’t really notice them there.

The whole force feedback thing is a bit gimmicky, it’s essentially just bass, and when you turn it up the bass gets stronger. Yes it’s nice for gaming like with explosions and such but when it’s turned up all the time it gets a bit annoying, so I ended up turning it down. The problem with it is similar to TV commercials, how they are louder than the TV show you’re watching, unless you have a TV that automatically adjusts the volume you’re stuck with doing it manually. It would be nice if the AudioFX2 had some sort of auto adjustment built in to compensate for higher bass levels. What I mean is that I can have the level where I think I like it, then BOOM, my whole head is shaking, but then lowering it so that doesn’t happen dampens the other bass you want to feel or hear.

Overall the sound from the AudioFX2 Headset is decent enough for gaming and music type games, but they’re not audiophile quality, so don’t expect good quality sound from these for your music listening. Though for the price of about $50 I wouldn’t really expect that kind of quality, as I said they’re great for gaming. So don’t expect crisp highs from these, but you do get lots of bass from them, and overall they’re not too bad.

They do help to cut out the background noise also, so there is some noise isolation with them, then of course though you can just turn up the volume and all the outside noise is gone.

For gaming these are a decent set of headphones at a very good price really, with or without the force feedback they’ll work just fine for games.

Conclusion:
The eDimensional AudioFX2 Gaming & Audio Headset is a very decent headset for gaming, especially if you consider the price point they’re selling at. They offer decent sound, good bass and they’re very comfortable for long periods of use.

The cords are also nice and long allowing you to get far away from the sound source like say a TV and gaming console, and the detachable mic is a nice feature as well.

Pros:
Comfortable for long periods
Detachable mic
In-line controls
Decent sounding for gaming and basic music
Dual powered
Low price

Cons:
Force feedback or bass can be overwhelming at times
Not something for the audiophile

Grades:
Overall
Design
Performance