Accessories:

The company has included numerous attachable options to please gamers and music enthusiasts alike. The package contains drivers disc with product manual (in .PDF format), an attachable microphone, plug converter, and a remote control for volume up and down options. Unlike other headphones, whether they are above standards or not, we haven’t had to install specialized drivers to make them operational. The problem with this method is that when you install the specialized drivers, they overtake your sound card drivers, making your speaker systems and other audio accessories completely unworkable. This means that either you will have to pick these headphones over your dedicated speaker system or you will have to uninstall and reinstall drivers back-and-forth to terminate this particular and rather annoying problem. There is got to be a better way for both standards to coexist on the same system.

As we mentioned earlier, these headphones must be connected via USB port to receive full, 5.1-surround sound audio. Here’s how the actual audio signals are converted: the standard audio jacks (on the headphones) gets connected to the volume controller (there are ports for the headphones to get connected towards the top of the controller), the controller then gets connected to the USB port, which is the power and signal source (for 5.1 surround sound functionality) for the controller. In simpler terms, headphones à volume controller à USB port.

Basically, you have no choice, but to go through this route. Other headphones in the market simply get connected to the sound card, which is an excellent source for inputting and outputting audio signals. We are assuming that the controller has built-in amplifier-like capabilities to purify the signal and produce richer and crisper sounds.

The controller only consists of two red buttons for designated options. It is lightweight and does not require batteries to operate.

This brings the converter in the overall picture. If you are expecting to use the headphones with a CD player or other portable audio players, it is not possible; at least not without the converter. You plug-in the headphones to the converter, which takes the standard connectivity options and makes then compatible with portable audio devices. We generously accept this accessory, as it will be useful for traveling purposes. However, please understand that you will not receive 5.1-surround sound audio from mobile audio sources.

Since these headphones are designed for gamers, LTB has kindly included a microphone for in-game communication and even for VoIP services. The microphone easily gets connected to the headphones and is malleable to differentiate amongst mouth-to-microphone distance. Yet again, it is exciting to see LTB take care of gamers.

You can also connect these headphones simply via plugging them into the sound card or on-board audio, but they will not deliver surround sound experience without their designated controller.

We are fairly impressed with what LTB had to offer in their package and we also understand their intentions to stay one step ahead of their competition, however, the complicated ways of connectivity could’ve been removed if they would’ve decided to stay with traditional, three-pin option that is usable with portable audio devices and regular sound cards for the surround sound effect without the unnecessary drivers.

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