With the aftermarket selection of gaming headsets, there is many to choose from and you basically have to know exactly what you want, otherwise the task can sometimes become daunting very quickly. There is wireless and wired, high-end and then the entry-level, and a vast selection in these categories to go through. So let’s say you wanted to go high-end, what model should you get?

While at the Philadelphia Video Game Expo (VGXPO) I ran into the guys from Tritton USA and the AXPRO pro gaming headset. Upon first glance the headset appears to be a standard gaming headset, but I quickly learned that that was not entirely the case.

One of the first realizations that I made was that the headset supported True 5.1 Surround sound via a vast array of speakers in the headset itself. With a removable microphone, the headset can easily be a replacement for many of today’s surround sound systems. Being able to play games using only the headset would be an advantage of playing at night, but forgetting that aspect, having the audio output presented in the headphones removes the instances where we would hear the audio through the voice communications as well, just a bit delayed.

The whole unit is controlled via the wired remote. Changing the volume level, the surround sound mode, or even muting the system all together can be done very easily. The color LEDs behind the buttons on the remote are a good volume identifier that takes much of the guesswork out of exactly how loud you have the unit set to. 

Another of the cool features is that most of the parts of the headset are changeable. From the outside of the headset to the inside top and ear cuffs, its all upgradeable and customizable.  The Tritton guys brought the leather upgrade to the show, but there may be other options as well. For Clans, or even friends who want a more “custom” look, the outside panels can be removed, customized and replaced, for that unique look many gamers are looking for.

In the end I didn’t get much time to try the unit out via multiplayer matches, but from the demo that I did get, I’d recommend it without a second thought (although I do look forward to trying it out more thoroughly). The options that are available in the AX PRO and the quality of the sound that it delivers defiantly blows anything else out of the water.

Some of the features include:

• True 5.1 Digital Audio Headset
• Powered in-line volume control for PC users with Analog 5.1, the ultimate PC gaming headphone
• Dolby Digital and Dolby Prologic Certified
• Digital audio connection for DVD, PC, PS2, PS3, XBOX, XBOX360, and all other devices with Optical digital audio output
• 8 speakers, 4 in each ear cup
• Illuminated In-line volume adjustment for Front, Center, Rear and Subwoofer controls
• Includes external 5.1 audio controller
• Detachable microphone, for PC gamers and XBOX live compatible Playstation Live compatable
• Light weight headset with deep circumauraul (around the ears) design allows for comfort even during periods of extended gaming.

More info on the units can be found at http://www.trittontechnologies.com