The manufacturer of gaming peripherals Turtle Beach is one of the well-known brands, especially in the world, in our small Czech pond it only comes into the spotlight, but it has a very rich history and experience in developing quality peripherals for players dates back to 2005. Today we’ll take a look at the top-of-the-line Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX headset and the slightly more popular REACT-R and RECON Controllers, tuned specifically for Xbox gamers.
This article is based on a test of an external editor and contains its real experience. This is not our editorial content, but paid advertising.
STEALTH 700 GEN 2 MAX.
The flagship of the manufacturer’s headset line is the most advanced Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max model. Naturally, it offers wireless listening and belongs to the top of the range.
Turtle Beach headsets can be purchased at local stores Alza.cz, CZC.cz, Smarty.cz.
The purchase price suggests that we are dealing with a premium product and the overall processing matches this. The headband is made of very durable plastic, reinforced with a dense metal filler and has a pleasant artificial leather padding. Even nicer are the ear cushions on the shells, filled with cooling gel and made of memory foam, which fits perfectly to the head, seals the sound well and does not press painfully during prolonged use. There is also a modification that creates two slots for inserting legs and conveniently wearing glasses if the player needs them. A little more weight is to be expected due to fair handling, but in this regard, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max is no different from what we are used to with similar headsets.
Of course, audio equipment is important. 50mm Nanoclear neodymium transducers with a frequency range of 20Hz to 22kHz provide audio transmission. Of course, these are tuned primarily for playing, so they have very tight depths and really booming basses. In addition to shooting games and racing games, it can also be used when watching movies, remembering a few scenes from Top Gun: Maverick immediately wanted to go to IMAX again. In terms of listening to music, it will suit fans of more rigid electronics, but there are better devices on the market for more complex compositions. However, despite the emphasis on depth and boom, the sound delivery is very clear and clean. Equalizers will solve any inconsistencies without any problems. When used with a mobile phone, a dedicated Turtle Beach app is also available with a range of presets.
An interesting feature is the Superhuman Hearing mode, which highlights certain levels of sound effects. As a rule, these are muffled and deaf steps or reloading magazines. The goal is for the player on the battlefield to better navigate the position of the enemy. In addition, the mode can be switched at the touch of a dedicated button. Paradoxically, it also has its uses when listening to music or movies, if you want fighter jet engines to run even harder and hits sound even more painful.
I mentioned using it with a mobile phone. Although the headset is primarily designed and developed for Xbox consoles, it can of course be connected to any other device. Basically, they can be connected with a special key with a mode switch for Xbox or other devices. The earbuds then pair and take full advantage of all their technology. When switched to a different USB mode, it also easily connects to a computer or PlayStation. In addition, of course, they also support Bluetooth connection with version 5.1. You can easily connect them to your mobile phone, non-USB laptop or Nintendo Switch.
The battery life is pleasant. With about forty hours of full charge, you don’t have to worry about the headphones failing too often, and only about a quarter of an hour of charging is enough to last the whole working day. Of course, the power is provided by the USB-C cable included in the package.
The kit also includes a built-in flip-up microphone. Of course, it only activates when you bring it up to your face. It doesn’t have studio quality, but it’s more than enough for a classic game with friends and provides clear and intelligible command reception. In addition, while in Xbox Connected mode, you can smoothly adjust the volume using one of the dials on the control earpiece so that you can be heard better. When connected to other devices, the same steering wheel sets dynamic listening.
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max are very successful headphones not only for Xbox One and Xbox Series. They impress with their high quality workmanship, comfortable wearing, great and tight sound, penetrating depth, superhuman hearing mode and long battery life.
A cheaper alternative is the Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max. They offer higher battery capacity as well as high quality converters, but the trade-off is a simpler and less premium design.
REACT-R CONTROLLER
The days when almost every peripheral manufacturer conquered the world with their gamepads are long gone, and the market is dominated by the two console giants Xbox and PlayStation. But this does not mean that those interested in alternative drivers are completely deprived of the offer. Turtle Beach combats this with React-R, its own gamepad designed for use with Xbox and PC consoles.
Turtle Beach gamepads can be purchased at local stores Alza.cz, CZC.cz, Smarty.cz and TSBohemia.cz.
Structurally, the controller is very similar to the classic gamepad directly from Microsoft. It has almost the same dimensions and button layout. The biggest change is probably the need for a cable connection, which is a little annoying. At present, we are already spoiled for wireless communication of all devices. But this also has its advantages. Of course, you don’t need to worry about the battery level while playing. You’ll find a 2.5m USB-C cable long enough in the package so you don’t even have to worry about sitting glued to the screen, and above all, the controller is surprisingly light compared to battery-powered controllers.
The material is also slightly different. The manufacturer has printed a rougher texture on the handles for better grip. Thus, the controller is comfortable to hold in your hand, even if your hands sweat a lot during stressful moments. In addition to all the standard buttons, it also offers a few extra features. On the back you will find two programmable buttons designed to be pressed with the middle or ring finger depending on the grip. In the upper middle section, you will find three new buttons. One is used to turn off the microphone of the headset (any one connected via the Jack interface). The second includes the superhuman hearing mode mentioned in the headphone review above. Again, in the case of any 3.5mm headset. When you press the middle button, the directional crosshair becomes the voice chat setting. This way, you can easily rebalance microphone, chat, and game volume without having to switch to the console menu.
Classic Xbox controller features are included, of course, including dual vibration motors for more fun and responsive gaming.
RECONSTRUCTION CONTROLLER
More advanced connoisseurs can still use the improved scout controller. Offers the same elements as React-R, but in addition gives you richer editing and sound enhancement options in a connected headset with built-in equalizers, temporary reduction of the sensitivity of analog sticks for more accurate aiming from sniper rifles, or independent trigger vibration.
The Recon controller also doesn’t offer the advantage of wireless, on the other hand it’s also significantly lighter than classic flashlight controllers and, compared to React, it also comes with a braided and slightly longer USB-C cable so you won’t get lost even in a large living room. It’s also a bit bigger and stronger, and the rougher surfaces you hold the controller on are a bit nicer to the touch. Of course, the middle panel with a whole range of amenities attracts the most attention.
The Recon is perfect for chatty communicators and demonstrates once again that Turtle Beach is a sound-focused manufacturer. The elegant and practical control panel allows you to immediately change the volume of voice chat and the audio output itself, mute the microphone and switch game modes at the same time. So, if you need to concentrate as much as possible in a moment of crisis, you only need to move your thumb a few millimeters to the side to silence excessively loud interlocutors, and you do not have to let go of the controller at all. . Thanks to the backlit LEDs, you always know which setting is currently in effect. Otherwise, the layout of the buttons is identical to the younger brother React-R.
For fans of xbox flying, the manufacturer has also introduced the VelocityOne Flight Universal Control System complete flight suite, perfect for playing Microsoft Flight Simulator. A more detailed review was prepared by colleagues from PCTuning magazine and they rate it as follows: “Solid rams can be used in modern flight simulators. They are distinguished by excellent ergonomics, an abundance of buttons and several smart solutions.”
Source : Zing
