Connectivity options
We've already mentioned that the Sharkoon X-Tatic Digital v3 is compatible with a multitude of platforms, but we need to expand on that, as it isn't quite as easy as it seems.
Sharkoon clearly lists the headset as compatible with Microsoft's Xbox 360, but we've found that that isn't always the case. In order to use the headset with Microsoft's console, Sharkoon's instructions advise users to "connect the optical cable to the optical audio output of your Xbox 360 and the SCU's optical audio input". Herein lies a major problem - no Xbox 360 console is physically equipped with optical output.
Back in the day, Microsoft used to ship the Xbox 360 with high-def cables that facilitated optical connectivity. Unfortunately, those cables are no longer shipped with new Xbox 360 systems, making an out-the-box X-Tatic Digital v3 incompatible. In order to get up and running, you'll need a specific Xbox 360 AV cable - for which Microsoft currently charges around £20.
The additional outlay is a minor nuisance, but we feel the real problem is that Sharkoon doesn't make the situation at all clear. The company's advertising, packaging and manual all work on the assumption that all Xbox 360 consoles feature optical output - that simply isn't the case.
Unable to test the headset with our in-house Xbox 360, we've consequently had to resort to hooking it up to a PlayStation 3. Doing so has highlighted another potential problem - no matter which console you choose to pair your headset with, you'll be left with a spaghetti junction of cabling.
Most consumers might expect that a headset is just plugged into the source, and away you go. Not so with the Sharkoon X-Tatic Digital v3. Here, in Sharkoon's own words, is how you connect the headset to a PlayStation 2 or PlayStation 3 console:
- Connect the optical cable (remove protective caps!) to the optical audio output of your PS2/PS3 and the SCU's optical audio input.
- Connect the X-Tatic to the SCU by plugging the headset cable's 9-pin connector the SCU's 9-pin plug.
- Connect the USB microphone cable for PS3 to the SCU's USB connector and the respective USB connector of the game pad.
- Connect the power supply delivered with the X-Tatic to a wall outlet, the adapter's angled power plug to the SCU's ISO power jack and the straight power plug to the respective headset cable's power connector.
It's a maze of cabling that's about as elegant as Birmingham City Centre late on a Friday night. Xbox 360 users with a compatible console or the required cabling can also look forward to a microphone cable from the in-line volume control to the Xbox 360 joypad.
One of the appeals of console gaming is its clutter-free approach, with the majority of accessories now completely wireless. If you like your gaming environment to be clean and crisp, this may not be the headset for you. It's also worth noting that you'll need to adjust your console's on-screen audio output options - and you'll need to switch back manually each time you wish to use your standard speakers. A slight inconvenience, but one that could be an irritant to the casual gamer.
