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1. VIBRAS Five.One Gaming Headset Review
   

   Player Chronicle -- Posted on Feb 07 2010

   It’s likely you’ve heard about Track Scan and their support of The Iowa Pro Gaming Challenge, which is in Des Moines on March 13th-14th, 2010.
   
   Track Scan, the makers of the VIBRAS Five.One collection, is based out of North Carolina originally developed their audio equipment within the NASCAR community, but now they’re bringing their professional audio experience to our gaming experience.
   
   With many great audio products from this company, it has been a treat to experience the Xbox 360 and PC versions of the VIBRAS Five.One gaming headphones. With these professional-level headphones being included as prizes AND being used at every gaming station for TIPGC, Todd from Track Scan was gracious enough to let me demo these bad boys. Here is my product review...
   
   VIBRAS Five.One (PC)
   When the collection of VIBRAS Five.One headphones arrived last week, I jumped right into the surround sound experience while at work. The PC version of these headphones connect through a USB and going from tiny ear buds to this gave me quite an enhance experience! I’m not a PC gamer really, so I’m unable to share a gaming-oriented review for the PC version of the VIBRAS Five.One. Beyond gaming though, my techno sure sounded great and I bet the microphone will enhance my voice quality for the GoGcast recordings too, so I’m a fan.
   
   VIBRAS Five.One (Xbox 360)
   After experiencing a surround sound-inspired day at work, I was eager to get home and test out the Xbox 360 version of the VIBRAS Five.One headphones. The initial setup wasn’t too difficult, but with more options than your average gaming headphones, it took me a little time to tinker my settings for the maximum sound experience.
   
   Once I had things setup, I immediately started to enjoy my gaming experience even more than before. The sound from the VIBRAS Five.One is defined in my mind, with the word precision. There are so many elements of sound that I never knew even existed in my video games! Haha
   
   The headphones fit very well. The removable microphone is also nice and although it would be nice not to have the need for AAA batteries, it seems to be very durable. One thing I’ve noticed is that although all the online friends sound more true to their real voice, the volumes of these friends vary quite a bit and it can sometimes be hard to communicate with people who may have a weak microphone.
   
   I also know a few high-end microphones utilize a mixer to distribute game sounds versus player chat. The decoder that comes with the Xbox 360 version of the VIBRAS Five.One headphones is guided more towards the sound experience, versus the calibration between chat and game sounds. I like how you can adjust the volume, center sounds, and bass individually with the VIBRAS decoder. The separated volume controller for the microphone (requires 2 AAA batteries) does allow you to adjust the in-game chat volume, but it might be nice to have these settings involved within the decoder. I also wonder if connecting these sound settings into the decoder would reduce the cords, which aren’t a bad thing, but can get tangled once in awhile.
   
   Lastly, because of such a submersing sound experience, I’d like to see a way to place these headphones on your shoulders like the Astro A40 headsets that MLG promotes. The VIBRAS Five.One’s are versatile I can tell, but if you’re using them at a live video game event, I know it’s nice to have your headset portable as much as possible.
   
   Conclusion
   Overall, I’ve really enjoyed using both of the VIBRAS Five.One professional gaming headphones. I’m very excited to see all the participants at The Iowa Pro Gaming Challenge get a chance to use the Xbox 360 version of these headsets and will be eager to hear the overall response. Another special thanks to Track Scan and Todd himself, for allowing us to share these professional headsets with the GoG video game community.
   
   Now I’m not the authority for professional-level headphones, but I’m a big fan of Track Scan’s VIBRAS Five.One collection. With a cool design, precision sound quality, and a company determined to provide the highest quality in sound equipment, I stand behind these headphones and would encourage you to check them out.
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   For more details or to pick up your own VIBRAS headset, check out the company’s website at www.track-scan.com/2/vibras.html. You can also connect directly with Todd from Track Scan here on the GoG, by jumping over and saying hi to him on his own profile at www.GatheringofGamers.com/profile.php?profile=7143.
   
   Let your commenting commence…

   
   

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BEN has 1 comment on this chronicle.

1. electrickeye
   Posted On Feb 07 2010

   Nice review, Ben. Are these supra-aurals? The cups look a little small to be circumaurals. Right now I'm using Audio-Technica AD700's, which have amazing quality and soundstage, but I'd love to try these out as well...