Details on the First DTS Headphone:X 7.1 Surround Sound Headset for PlayStation 4

Turtle Beach announced the Ear Force Stealth 500P, a new gaming headset for the PlayStation 4. According to a company press release from September 2014, it was the first headset for the console to feature DTS Headphone:X 7.1 surround sound technology. This innovation was intended to deliver a highly accurate and immersive audio experience for gaming, movies, and music, establishing a new benchmark for console audio hardware.

Advanced DTS Headphone:X Surround Sound

The central feature of the Stealth 500P is its implementation of DTS Headphone:X. Turtle Beach described the technology as the “most advanced, accurate and realistic surround sound available for headphones.” Unlike many virtual surround sound solutions that approximate directional audio, DTS Headphone:X is designed to recreate the acoustic environment of a professional mixing studio. It gives developers more precise control over audio placement, simulating a full 7.1 channel speaker setup by managing the perceived position and angle of each sound source.

This level of precision was intended to make in-game audio more lifelike and spatially aware. The announcement suggested that subtle environmental sounds, such as footsteps crunching in snow, faint radio chatter from another room, or the distinct report of emptying a weapon clip, would sound more realistic and directionally accurate. For gamers, this can enhance immersion significantly and provide a competitive edge in multiplayer titles where pinpointing the location of opponents through audio cues is critical. The headset was also specifically tuned for watching movies and listening to music, aiming to replicate a multi-speaker home theater experience within its earcups.

Wireless Connectivity and Audio Features

The Ear Force Stealth 500P operates as a completely wireless headset, removing the clutter of cables between the player and the console for greater freedom of movement. The internal rechargeable battery was rated for up to 15 hours of continuous use on a single charge, a capacity designed to last through even the longest gaming sessions.

To achieve its full feature set on the PlayStation 4, the headset uses a dual-connection system with its included wireless transmitter. An optical cable runs from the PS4’s S/PDIF port to the transmitter, delivering the primary game audio required for the DTS Headphone:X processing. The USB connection for the transmitter handles the wireless signal for voice chat and headset synchronization. This two-part setup ensures that high-fidelity, uncompressed game audio is processed for surround sound, while chat audio remains clear and independent.

Audio can be further tailored to user preference through four distinct EQ presets. These settings include Turtle Beach’s Signature Sound for a balanced, out-of-the-box profile. Other modes are Bass Boost for more impactful low-end frequencies in action-heavy titles, Bass/Treble Boost for a more vibrant and dynamic range across the spectrum, and Vocal Boost, which emphasizes frequencies associated with human speech to make in-game dialogue and team communication easier to hear.

Multi-Platform Support and Release Details

While designed with the PlayStation 4 as its lead platform, the Ear Force Stealth 500P was built for broader compatibility. The headset is also fully compatible with the PlayStation 3, utilizing the same wireless transmitter and optical connection for surround sound and chat. This made it a viable upgrade for those who still actively used both consoles.

For portable gaming and mobile use, Turtle Beach included a 3.5mm mobile cable in the package. This cable allows the headset to connect directly to a PlayStation Vita or other mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. In this wired mode, it functions as a high-quality stereo headset, adding significant value and versatility for users who game and consume media across different platforms.

According to Turtle Beach’s Chief Marketing Officer, Bob Picunko, the company was planning for a holiday release. The Ear Force Stealth 500P was expected to launch by Christmas of 2014, positioning it as a key accessory for the console’s second holiday season.