Ear Force DSS 7.1 Channel Dolby Surround Sound Processor

 

Ear Force DSS 7.1 Channel Dolby Surround Sound Processor

 

Product Description

From the Manufacturer
Turtle Beach Ear Force DSS - 5.1 | 7.1 Channel Dolby Surround Sound Processor

Overview
The Ear Force DSS works with any set of stereo headphones and is the perfect complement to the Turtle Beach Ear Force series of stereo gaming headsets (X31,X11,XLC,Z1, Z2, andPX21).
The optical digital input easily connects to a game console or media player for Dolby 5.1/7.1 channel surround sound and the analog input can also be used to upgrade analog stereo audio sources to Dolby Pro Logic IIx for virtual surround sound. A bass boost control adds sub-woofer effects for enhanced realism to any audio source.
With the Ear Force DSS, video game and movie fans will be able to hear distinct audio events happening all around them, greatly enhancing the overall experience and rewarding gamers with a newfound competitive edge. DSS users playing games and watching movies on their game consoles will actually hear the 7.1 surround sound from certain 5.1 channel audio tracks via additional hidden channels called Dolby EX.


Dolby 5.1 | 7.1 Channel Surround Sound
The DSS uses immersive Dolby Digital Surround Sound technology to greatly enhance your multimedia experience. Video game and movie fans will be able to hear distinct audio events happening all around them, greatly enhancing the overall experience and rewarding gamers with a newfound competitive edge.

Dolby Pro Logic IIx
With stereo audio sources, the Ear Force DSS Dolby Pro Logic IIx takes over. Using an advanced matrixing technology, the DSS creates an incredibly realistic virtual surround sound environment with greatly improved directionality over standard stereo audio.


Bass Boost Effect
The Ear Force DSS has a variable Bass Boost feature, which enhances deep-bass effects and makes the audio even more dynamic. This is similar to adding a subwoofer to a home theater system where extra bass introduces additional depth to the overall sound. The Ear Force DSS Bass boost effect will allow you to hear deep audio cues that would otherwise be difficult to hear, resulting in a valuable advantage over your competition.

Multiple Input Options
Convenient digital and analog audio inputs make the Ear Force DSS versatile enough to connect to virtually any gaming or audio set up.

Powered by USB
The Ear Force DSS front panel pass-through connects to other USB devices for power or data transfer, reducing the number of USB ports needed in your gaming or audio set up. To use a wall outlet, an optional USB-to-AC power adapter is available from TurtleBeach.com so the device can be used with a Blu-Ray or DVD player.


S/PDIF-to-Analog Converter
In Bypass mode, the Ear Force DSS becomes an audio converter that accepts a digital optical input and outputs a decoded analog signal. This allows you to connect a digital source such as a game console or Blu-ray/DVD player to other devices such as a home theater receiver via standard stereo analog audio connections.
The Ear Force DSS 7.1 channel Dolby surround sound processor transforms any stereo headset into full, immersive surround sound for playing Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 or PC games and watching movies with Blu-ray or DVD players. It works with any set of stereo headphones and is the perfect complement to the Turtle Beach Ear Force series of stereo gaming headsets (X31, X11, XLC, Z1, Z2 and PX21). The optical digital input easily connects to a game console or media player for Dolby 7.1 channel surround sound and the analog input can also be used to upgrade analog stereo audio sources to Dolby Pro Logic IIx for virtual surround sound. A bass boost control adds sub-woofer effects for enhanced realism to any audio source.With the Ear Force DSS, video game and movie fans will be able to hear distinct audio events happening all around them, greatly enhancing the overall experience and rewarding gamers with a newfound competitive edge. DSS users playing games and watching movies on their game consoles will actually hear the 7.1 surround sound from certain 5.1 channel audio tracks via additional “hidden” channels called Dolby EX.

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B003O0KICS
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 5.9 x 1.2 inches ; 8.3 ounces
• Media: Accessory
• Release Date: June 22, 2010
  

Product Features

• Dolby 7.1 channel surround sound processor
• Works with any stereo headset or headphones
• Headphone amplifier with variable bass boost
• Digital optical and analog stereo inputs
• Works with XBOX 360, PlayStation 3, PC and Mac

Customer Reviews

If you are traveling, and you need something that can handle optical 7.1 channel audio, this is a fine item to bring along. It's a little smaller than a pack of smokes and can be run off of a usb to ac adapter. I live in a small apartment in Japan, so I don't have space for a huge sound system. Also, I suffer from insomnia, and sometimes I want to play a game or watch a movie late at night. This gadget allows me to hook up some good headphones and enjoy my movies and games without being a pain to my roommates or neighbors.
It's also worth noting that the surround sound, even on standard headphones, is remarkably well-done. I have been testing it with Metal Gear Solid 4 on my ps3, which I connected to the unit with an optical cable. I'm hearing things I never noticed before in the game, and I really can sense the location of enemies and other things by sound alone with this device.
I think audiophiles would prefer other DACs for listening to cds or lossless music, but if you want a surround sound system that can fit in your pocket or go with you on a trip, or want to be able to listen to surround sound without disturbing your neighbors or flatmates, this is what you've been waiting for.
My only other suggestion is to use good headphones with this unit. It'll work with whatever you hook into it, but better headphones will reveal the high-quality bass, mid, and treble sound that this unit produces.

Well, teamed up with my px21s this little box is a dream. It actually does work, and my game play has gone up by loads on Black Ops.

Thought I would update now that I have spent some time with the device. I am still loving everything about it. I took a while to find the perfect balance between the px21 settings and the dss setting, but I have found it and the sound is amazing.
All I have played is Black Ops and as we know the sound with the game still has some issues, but even so it works a treat. I can hear enemy footsteps/rc car engine from afar and also what direction it is coming from. I can not count the amount of times I saved myself from a certain death by knowing which way the enemy is coming from.
My kills have also shot up, where as before I was a very below average player, I end up now in the top three much more often than not. My K/D ratio has gone from .45 in MW2 to 1.25 in B Ops. And all of this changed since the day I started using the headphones and the DSS.
So yes I am 100% convinced this little gadget was worth the buy and I would recommend it 100%.
It works very well with turtle bay headphones.