Installation & Software

In order to get the best out of this headset, you'll want to install the drivers that ship with it. Installation of the drivers and software was fairly straightforward in the end, but not without its initial problems. When I first attempted to install the drivers and software, my computer hard-locked. I powered down, restarted, then proceeded to go for attempt number two. Another hard lock, this time accompanied by a terribly piercing whine emanating from my computer speakers. I powered down the computer, but this time I couldn't get beyond the Windows XP splash screen on reboot. After troubleshooting the OS for a while, I determined that the only way to get back on track was a complete reinstall of Windows XP. Unfortunate, and somewhat troubling...

Whether or not the Pulsar SX software was to blame for the above problem is uncertain, but I'm inclined to say that it was a goofy coincidence given that I was able to install the software first time with no problems following the OS reinstall. I would recommend that you back up all your important data before you proceed, though. Trust me on this one – you don't want to lose the review you've been working on so diligently to the gremlins who spirited mine away.

Once I was able to install the software and plug in the headset, it took Windows all of about 30 seconds to recognize the new peripheral and alert me that it was installed and ready to use. On we go, then.

On a purely aesthetic level, the software won't be winning any awards, being as it's best described as functional. However, a look at the options available should be enough to underline the truism that a book should never be judged by its cover..

**click to enlarge**

As you can see from the screen grabs, it's a fairly impressive set of options. Obviously you'll want to tinker around in order to discover your personal preferences, but even the default settings are leaps and bounds more impressive than anything I've had the pleasure of listening with before.

Performance

As you'll see from the specification list provided, the Pulsar SX headset is more than just a simple headset. Featuring virtual 7.1 surround sound, a removable microphone, vibration, pulsating lights, and an in-line control center, this is one headset that aims to give the consumer more options than they may strictly need.

Donning the headset for the first time, I was impressed at how comfortable and relatively lightweight it felt. I was able to wear it with no problems for a seven hour blast through Half-Life 2 and I felt no neck strain or ear irritation at all. This points to some pretty impressive build quality and ergonomic thinking on the part of TekNmotion.

The sound quality of the Pulsar SX is exemplary – low range frequency was meaty, mid-range was crisp, and high range frequencies were sharp and immediate without being overly abrasive. Immersion really kicks in, though, when you activate the built-in vibration feature. No matter your tolerance levels for vibrating headsets, I'm fairly confident that the Pulsar SX will be able to accommodate. Personally I found the upper levels of vibration to be too much, but it's to TekNmotion credit that the option is included to increase or lessen the effect depending on your own preference.

The detachable microphone is also worth mentioning, although I would have preferred it to be an inch or two longer (or maybe even telescopic). My voice was received loud and clear when gaming with friends.

While the Pulsar SX is marketed as a gaming headset first and foremost, it's more than capable when used for other purposes. I tested it out on Hulu with streaming movies and television shows. It's amazing how more immersed I felt watching the show on my computer monitor and listening uninterrupted with the Pulsar SX. It didn't make the shows any better in terms of quality, but it was a more enjoyable experience in the whole.

I also tested out the headset with my Zune and it was an infinitely more appealing option than the included ear buds that ship with the Zune. That's probably no great surprise to those of you who have a Zune and rely on the included ear buds for your listening pleasure.

TekNmotion also has included two demo applications that are designed to show off the functionality of the headset – Helicopter and Rockwar. Both are functional, if a little basic, but they do succeed in showing off the headset, which is the reason for their inclusion in the first place.

One thing I've not mentioned yet is the pulsing lights that round out the feature list, and the reason for this is that they don't really add anything to the experience. Unless you have friends over or are at a LAN party, the inclusion of the pulsing lights is likely not to make any difference to your immersion. Don't get me wrong, the light show the headset is capable of is impressive, but you're hardly likely to appreciate it on any meaningful level.
 

Next: Conclusions