Since September, the Wireless Headset “Stealth 520” from Turtle Beach has been on the market, designed specifically for gaming on the PS4. We took a closer look at it.
A headset that delivers crystal-clear and interference-free sound, gives you advantages in-game, and is wireless.
With these features, the “Stealth 520” advertises itself. This “Turtle Beach” headset aims to appeal to professional gamers with the motto “Hear everything. Defeat everyone”. But does the PS4 headset live up to its promise? We tested it.
What can the Stealth 520 do?
The Stealth 520 is a wireless gaming headset for the PS4 and PS3. Thanks to a new channel hopping technology, interference-free game and chat audio is said to be possible wirelessly. It features 50mm neodymium speakers and DTS Headphone:X 7.1 surround sound. This allows the Stealth 520 to create 3D soundscapes with depth and precision.
Additionally, the headset offers “Superhuman Hearing”, “Dynamic Chat Boost”, and other features. What’s behind these terms?
- Superhuman Hearing: This is an exclusive feature from Turtle Beach, which becomes particularly interesting in shooters. It gives you advantages in combat by allowing you to hear quiet sounds in the distance, such as the footsteps of an approaching enemy or the reloading of a weapon. Thanks to 7.1 surround sound, you can pinpoint the danger precisely.
- Dynamic Chat Boost: This feature regulates the chat volume when it gets loud in the game. Thus, the team chat remains clearly audible.
Additionally:
- Mic Monitor: The Stealth 520 has a removable boom microphone. The “Mic Monitor” allows you to hear your own voice through the headset. An adaptive microphone gain monitors the pickup area of the microphone to ensure clear communication.
- “DTS Surround Sound” modes and “Turtle Beach” audio presets.
- Separate volume controls for chat and game.
- Battery with 15 hours of operating time.
- The headset is compatible with mobile devices.
How does the installation work?
The package includes six parts:
- The headset
- The removable boom microphone
- A USB wireless transmitter
- A USB charging cable
- A “Digital Optical” cable
- A cable for mobile devices with standard 3.5mm jack. This is not needed for use on the console.
The installation is simple. Unfortunately, the instructions are only in English and French, which shouldn’t be a big problem. The configuration steps are provided in image form. However, the necessary settings on the PS4 are listed in multiple languages, including German.
Here’s how it works: Insert the microphone into the headset, connect the wireless transmitter to the “Digital Out (Optical)” port on the console, and plug the transmitter into one of the USB ports. Now just check the audio settings on the PS4. Done. You can connect the headset to the PS4 using the included USB cable to charge it.
Important Note: The Stealth 520 is supported by the standard PS4 and the PS4 Pro, but compatibility with the PS4 Slim is compromised, as this stripped-down console does not have a “Digital Out (Optical)” port. What you need to be aware of is detailed on the “Turtle Beach” page.
Is the Stealth 520 worth it?
On Amazon, this wireless headset receives predominantly positive reviews. Customers have given the Stealth 520 four out of five stars. The impressive sound is beyond all doubt: it is described as “explosive” and “very good”. The bass is rich, and the three-dimensional soundscape of 360° is fantastic.
However, a frequently mentioned criticism is the wearing comfort. Some users write that the headset becomes uncomfortable during long gaming sessions, it is tight, and their ears become sweaty. Conversely, about the same number of users praise the comfort, stating it fits perfectly and is simply an optimal gaming headset.
Ttime thinks:
I’ve had the opportunity to try the headset for several days, and in short: Yes, I can recommend it. At just under 125 euros, it is a bit pricey, but you get a solid headset with excellent sound, which many PS4 gamers will likely appreciate when it’s under the Christmas tree.
Regarding comfort: On my head, the Stealth 520 sits pleasantly. Yes, it is tight, but the wearer can individually adjust it, so they should find a comfortable fit quickly. Nevertheless, I want to recommend: Try it for yourself! Everyone has a different head, and if the headset causes pain while gaming, you can easily return it.
Summary:
+ The headset is wireless. No annoying cables that get in the way while gaming.
+ Outstanding 3D sound: I’ve played Destiny and The Division with it. The headset provides a completely new sound experience in these MMO shooters. You hear things that you hadn’t noticed without a headset.
+ Microphone and team chat: My buddies said that the voice quality is clearer and more distinct than with the standard PS4 mic. Conversely, I can understand my teammates well with it. An advantage is that you can individually adjust the game sound and chat sound volume. There are two small dials on the right ear cup. By the way: The microphone can be muted at the push of a button.
+ Superhuman Hearing: This feature can be turned on and off at the push of a button. I think that without this function, the game sound sounds significantly “better”. With active Superhuman Hearing, the bass is subdued, but you hear the surroundings better. In my opinion, you can also hear the team chat a bit clearer with it.
+- Comfort: As mentioned, opinions differ here. I wouldn’t call the comfort “outstanding”, but it is completely sufficient. It’s best to put it on your head and judge for yourself.
+- Price: For 124.99 euros, you get a wireless headset with fantastic sound, but the wearing comfort could be a bit higher.
Here you can find an offer on Amazon:
