How to Connect the Turtle Beach Ear Force Elite 800X Headset to a PC
Turtle Beach detailed several methods for connecting the Ear Force Elite 800X gaming headset to a PC, including options for game audio and microphone use.
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The Turtle Beach Ear Force Elite 800X was a premium wireless gaming headset designed primarily for the Xbox One. Ahead of its release, prospective buyers inquired about its compatibility with other platforms. In May 2015, Turtle Beach clarified via social media that the headset could indeed be connected to a PC, outlining several different methods depending on the user’s hardware and desired functionality.
Connection Methods for PC Users
Turtle Beach detailed three primary ways to connect the Elite 800X to a PC. The simplest method for high-quality game audio involves using an optical output, also known as S/PDIF. If a PC has this port, a user could connect it to the headset’s transmitter to receive game audio. The company noted a significant limitation with this approach: the microphone would not be functional. This setup was therefore best suited for solo gaming experiences where voice chat was not required.
For full functionality, including microphone support, users needed to utilize the headset’s wireless capabilities. The Elite 800X came with a wireless USB transmitter that handled the main audio stream. Connecting this transmitter to a PC’s USB port would provide the primary wireless link for game and chat audio.
Using Bluetooth for Full Microphone Support
The Elite 800X also featured built-in Bluetooth connectivity, which opened up more flexible configurations. Turtle Beach explained that a user could pair the headset directly with a PC that has Bluetooth support. This connection method would enable the microphone for voice chat. This suggests a potential dual-connection setup: a user could receive game audio from the main transmitter while simultaneously connecting to the PC via Bluetooth to handle voice chat applications like Discord or TeamSpeak.
Alternatively, a direct Bluetooth connection could handle all audio, but this might not provide the same low-latency performance or surround sound processing as the dedicated wireless transmitter. The choice of method depends on whether the user prioritizes audio fidelity, microphone access, or simplicity.
Headset Features and Release
The Elite 800X was marketed with high-end features like DTS Headphone:X 7.1 Surround Sound, active noise cancellation, and Dynamic Chat Boost. These features, while optimized for the Xbox One, could also be used on PC. The surround sound, for instance, is processed within the headset’s hardware, allowing it to create an immersive audio environment from a standard stereo signal provided by the computer.
This multi-platform compatibility made the Elite 800X a more versatile, albeit premium, option for gamers who played on both console and PC. The Turtle Beach Ear Force Elite 800X Gaming Headset was released in North America on May 22, 2015.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Turtle Beach Elite 800X be used on a PC?
Yes, Turtle Beach confirmed the Elite 800X can connect to a PC. Several methods are available, including using the optical output for audio only, or the wireless transmitter and Bluetooth for full audio and microphone functionality. The ideal setup depends on the ports available on the PC and the user's needs for game sound versus voice chat.
How do I get microphone audio from the Elite 800X on PC?
To use the Elite 800X microphone on a PC, you cannot use the optical connection. Instead, you must use a connection that supports two-way audio. This can be achieved by pairing the headset directly to your PC via Bluetooth or by using the included wireless transmitter connected to a USB port, which should enable both game audio and chat.
Does the Elite 800X surround sound work on PC?
The Elite 800X features DTS Headphone:X 7.1 Surround Sound. While this was marketed for the Xbox One, the audio processing is handled by the headset and its transmitter. When connected to a PC, the headset can process stereo audio signals into a virtual surround sound experience, providing an immersive soundscape for games and movies.
When was the Turtle Beach Elite 800X released?
Turtle Beach released the Ear Force Elite 800X gaming headset in North America on May 22, 2015. It was positioned as a premium, fully wireless headset for the Xbox One console but also featured confirmed compatibility for PC users who wanted to use it on a second platform.