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Plantronics GameCom X40 Xbox 360 Headset Review

The GameCom X40 is quite comfortable to use when gaming provided that you adjust the headband correctly.  Sure it's not on the same level as the SteelSeries Siberia V2 PC headset but the X40 is about half the price so reasonably we have to expect some compromises.

Plantronics have used fabric-covered pads on the earpieces which are more comfortable to use for long periods of time than the leatherette pads we find on many headsets.  They do pick up dirt and fluff quite readily, though, so don't expect them to look brand new and pristine for very long.

The GameCom X40's earpads fit around your ears and press lightly against the sides of your head to achieve a secure fit.  We were surprised how securely they actually gripped; no amount of head bobbing could shift them out of position!

For our first gaming test we decided to use Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 as it reflects the type of game that many users will be playing with their headsets.  We felt the sound balance was perfectly suited to this type of game as we were able to hear ambient noises like footsteps clearly without being overshadowed too much by exlplosions and gunfire.

As we would expect with a stereo headset, soundpanning was limited at best in our FPS tests. We also tested the headset in Forza 3 in which engine sounds were reproduced accurately and clearly. We found the headset to be far too loud for our taste on maximum volume so we settled just above half way for the best results.  But those who like to induce pain in their ears will not be disappointed!  This headset doesn't feature any noise cancellation but when the volume is turned up to a reasonable level most background noises are blocked out.

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7 comments

  1. Very retro looking. dont like the appearance at all to be honest. seems a decent pair of phones however

  2. Good value for what they are giving. id like the set to work with a PC which is disappointing

  3. I think this headset is really ugly

  4. Its all about the price really, lets be honest. in that regard its a success

  5. angus mcbastard

    Not sure they work with the new xbox360s. Would make it a crappy headset

  6. “Unless you have the special audio adapter (pictured above) that is supplied with the official Xbox HDMI cable then you won’t be able to use this headset. Plantronics could have easily avoided this by including an RCA to 3.5mm connector which could be plugged directly into your TV which would only have added pence to the cost of the product. Unfortunately, this also means that you can’t use the GameCom X40 with your PC or MP3 player.”

    WRONG WRONG WRONG!!!! That’s exactly what Micro$oft wanted consumers to think so they would buy the over priced HDMI audio cable bundle.

    First, this can be plugged directly in to your TV & using the HDMI to supply video & audio to the TV works great.
    SECONDLY, a RCA L&R audio to 3.5mm Male end will allow the audio to work on the PC laptop or desktop —> or any device ipod etc.
    A 2.5mm Female to 3.5mm male adapter or cable will allow you to use the microphone.

    To use with the PS3, you need a cheap $1, $2, $3 – $12 you decide how much you want to spend USB sound card to connect the microphone cable to the microphone 3.5mm input side. If it’s 3.5mm then you need the 3.5mm to 2.5mm cable or adapter.

    EASY PEASY!

  7. forgot to add you just need USB power for the Ipod / mp3 etc.
    TV’s often supply this, Xbox 360, PS3, or Computer…