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| TekNmotion Yapster Blaster Amplified Universal Headset for Xbox 360/PC |
Score: 78%
Developer: TekNmotion
Device Type: Audio
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Function:There are really only two kinds of people in the world: Those who like earbuds and those who like big cans. We could make another joke about big cans, but this is strictly a PG-13 review. TekNmotion Yapster Blaster Amplified Universal Headset for Xbox 360/PC fits neatly into the "big cans" category, headphones that cover your ear plus an attached microphone for chat while playing with friends on PC or Xbox 360. All the necessary hardware is included in the box, which is to say that the TekNmotion Yapster Blaster isn't a wireless device. Some day we'll enjoy wireless everywhere, but it still appears to be a limited and premium feature these days. Bundled with the headphones is a USB-powered amplifier, necessary only for Xbox 360. Also specific to the console scenario is a stereo audio coupler that translates a 3.5mm jack to dual RCA format. Similarly, there's a step-down adaptor for the chat jack on your Xbox 360 controller, which frustratingly uses a 2.5mm connector rather than the PC/iPod standard 3.5mm. If it sounds like a lot of hardware, it is, but we appreciate the effort TekNmotion went to for compatibility across both console and PC platforms. The notion is that gamers on both systems now won't have to choose between separate headsets. Less is more, in the gadget world at least. |
| Performance:One approach to multiplayer gaming traditionally has been to have all the game sounds pumping through your stereo system or television, while chatting over a minimal headset plugged directly into your controller. This is probably more true for consoles than PC, since PC gamers are less likely to invest in audio at the same level most of us associate as standard living-room fare. There are exceptions to this rule, but the problem in all cases comes when one needs to play quietly. At this point, all gamers want high quality audio coming in, with a microphone of equally high quality picking up their voice chat. The Yapster Blaster does well enough as a pair of headphones, even without measuring its microphone. Comfort is key, and these sit on your head with some padding under the top band and at the ears. They have a relatively slim profile, but don't fold up or swivel at the ears to make for easier packing. Moving on to the microphone, it sits at the end of an articulated metal arm, making it easy to move or adjust at any time. There's a foam wind/spit guard that can be removed, but we wouldn't recommend it. This design keeps interference to a minimum, and the mic does a nice job as-is. You won't be recording any podcasts with this thing, but for in-game chat it is perfect. Considering the fact that this thing is wired, the decision to include looooong cords for both the primary headset cable, and the secondary amplifier extension is a good one. PC gamers have it really easy, considering they only have to plug in the two jacks to get to work. On the laptop we tested the Yapster Blaster with, the two inputs are conveniently located together at the front of unit, but the headset provides about a foot of cable for both input (mic) and output (sound), in case the configuration on your PC is different. |
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Features:
- Detachable High-Gain Amplifier, Powered by XJacKer
- Dynamic Full-Range 40mm Neodymium Drivers
- Padded Over-the-Ear Cups and Headband for Fit and Comfort
- High-Sensitivity Microphone Ensures Accurate Sound Pickup for Chatting and Multiplayer Gaming Sessions
- Standard 3.5mm Jacks, Plus Adapters for RCA and 2.5mm Xbox 360 Controller Port
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Drawbacks & Problems::There's not much to complain about here, especially in a product that will only knock you back about $30. Lots of little details were attended to, but the price point dictates a few trade-offs in materials. High-quality plastic is still plastic, and you can't expect these to hold up to the same kind of hard-knocks that more industrial-strength headphones might survive. If you play on the go frequently, the biggest issue will be packing up the Yapster Blaster. Not only is there a lot of cabling that goes into setting up for a session on Xbox 360, but Yapster Blaster isn't that easy to pack. Don't expect to flat-pack this one, since the earpieces don't swivel. We also worry about the lifespan of the microphone, since it doesn't lock down or tuck in anywhere along the headband. Luckily, the mic seems like the most durable part. If you don't mind toting around a bunch of stuff, the price is right for the Yapster Blaster. If you're mostly into gaming at home, and especially if you're primarily a PC gamer, you're going to be happy with your investment and not concerned about the proliferation of cables. Not only is the form of this headset pleasing, it delivers quite well in the function department. You won't catch us out jogging with one of these plugged into our iPod (or jogging at all... heh), but folks in the "big cans" department will definitely be pleased with this offering from TekNmotion. |
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-Fridtjof, GameVortex Communications AKA Matt Paddock |
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