XBOX LIVE® Chat plus
Wireless Digital RF Game Audio with
Dolby® Headphone 7.1 Surround Sound
User’s Guide
System Requirements
Package Contents
XBOX 360® game console with one of
the following cables to support digital
output:
• XBOX 360 Component HD AV cable
• VGA HD AV cable
• S-Video AV cable
• Advanced SCART AV cable
XBOX LIVE requires a subscription.
• X41 wireless headset
• Removable boom microphone
• X41 wireless transmitter
• DC power cable
• Digital Optical cable
• (2) AAA batteries
• XBOX® talkback cable
• This User’s Guide
For more products, accessories and our product
support knowledge base, please visit
TurtleBeach.com
X41 Transmitter
Digital Input and Output: Connect the digital
input (top) to the XBOX 360 digital output using
the included digital optical cable. The digital
input (top) is passed through to the digital
output (bottom) so you can connect the X41
transmitter and your home theater system to
hear the XBOX on the headset and speakers at
the same time. When the XBOX digital signal is
active, the analog inputs (2) are disabled.
IN
DIGITAL
DIGITAL
INPUT
OUT
PL II
L
D
LINE IN
Line In (stereo analog inputs): Use these
inputs to connect analog audio sources, such
as a TV, MP3 Player, etc. If the Bypass (9) is
turned off, the analog stereo signal will be
processed by the Dolby Pro Logic IIx decoder,
producing an expanded stereo effect.
R
BYPASS
LINE IN
VOLUME
DC 5V
-
Line In Volume: Sets the sensitivity of the
analog inputs to accept a wide range of input
levels. This control has no effect on the digital
input signal level. Typically, this should be set
to maximum and the headset volume used to
adjust the listening level. If the sound distorts,
turn down the Line In volume (3) to prevent
overloading the analog inputs.
POWER
REAR VIEW
FRONT VIEW
Power Socket: Insert the included X41 power cable into this socket. Insert the other
side of the cable into a free USB port on the XBOX console or nearby PC or laptop.
Power Switch: Push to turn on the transmitter power.
Power/Link Indicator LED: When the transmitter is powered on and communicating
with the headset, this LED will be on solid. If this LED is slowly pulsing, it means
the transmitter can’t communicate with the headset. This could happen when the
headset is turned off or out of range.
Digital Input Indicator LED: This LED turns on when a digital input signal is
detected. When this LED is on, the analog inputs are turned off.
Dolby Processing Indicator LEDs: The
analog input is being processed by the Dolby Pro Logic IIx decoder. The
LED will light whenever the digital or
D LED
will light whenever the digital input signal is being processed by the Dolby Digital
surround sound decoder. Both LEDs will turn off when the Bypass is ON.
Bypass Button and Indicator LED: Pressing this button turns off the Dolby
processing, allowing you to hear the unmodified input signal in stereo. The LED
will turn on when Bypass is active and Dolby Processing is disabled.
Wired Headphone Volume Control and Output Jack: Insert a pair of optional wired
headphones into this jack to hear the same signal as the wireless headset. This
may be used as a second set of headphones so two people can hear the game. The
volume control does not affect the wireless headset.
Page 3
Using the Transmitter
Transmitter Range
The transmitter and headset communicate via radio frequency (RF), so a direct line of
sight is not required. The operating range is approximately 30 feet. When you’re out
of range, you may hear popping or clicking sounds if the headset loses the RF signal.
For best performance, place the transmitter in an open area that is unobstructed by
objects that might absorb RF signals from the internal antenna. Avoid placing it on a
metal surface, such as the top of a home theater A/V receiver.
RF Transmission range
is approximately 30 feet
RF signal from
the transmitter
is picked up by
an antenna
inside the headset
XBOX LIVE chat signals
are transmitted via the
cable connected to
the XBOX controller
X41 Transmitter sends XBOX
game audio via a digital radio frequency (RF)
to the X41 headset
When the transmitter and headset are communicating, the top LED on the front of
the transmitter will be on. If this LED is slowly pulsing, it means the transmitter can’t
communicate with the headset. This could happen if the headset is turned off, out of
range or needs to be “paired”.
Using Wired Headphones
The transmitter can only communicate with one wireless headset, so two wireless
headsets cannot be used with the same transmitter. The headphone jack on the front
of the transmitter can be used to connect a set of wired headphones for listening to
the game sound being transmitted to the wireless headset. The volume control above
the jack sets the volume of the wired headset and does not affect the volume of the
wireless headset.
X41 Wireless Headset
Game audio can be heard on the
wireless X41 headset and a pair of
wired headphones inserted into the
Optional Wired Headphones
front panel headphone jack.
Page 4
X41 Headset and Talkback Cable
Power Switch: Turn on the headset
by pressing the power switch (1) for
a couple of seconds, then release.
The power LED (5) should start
flashing. Turn off by pressing the
button (1) until the LED (5) stays on,
then release.
LEFT EAR CUP
XBOX Controller Jack: Insert the
straight connector on the talkback
cable (see below) here.
ON
BA
E
S
F
S
FE
B
C
O
T
O
S
ST
OFF
POWER
Effects Button: Press this button
to activate the bass boost effect.
A high pitched beep indicates that
bass boost is on. Press again and a
low pitched beep indicates that it’s
turned off.
Game Volume: Turn to adjust the
game sound level. The XBOX LIVE
chat volume may be independently
set by the volume control on the
talkback cable.
Power LED: Flashes about once per
second when power is on. To con-
serve batteries, the headset will turn
off after several minutes if there’s
no sound or if the transmitter is
turned off. In this case, the LED on
the left ear cup will flash faster to
indicate that it will soon shut off.
MICROPHONE
Markers on the jack
indicate the proper
position when the foam
cover is on the mic
Microphone socket: Insert the re-
movable mic boom here. The socket
is notched to prevent the boom from
rotating after insertion.
Remove the foam cover
and insert the mic boom
so the holes in the mic
casing are facing your mouth.
Then replace the foam cover.
To properly position the mic,
remove the foam cover, insert the
boom into the socket (6) so the
holes on the mic casing (7) are
facing your mouth. Then replace the
foam cover. The boom jack also has
a marker to indicate the proper mic
position.
Page 5
X41 Headset and Talkback Cable (cont’d)
RIGHT EAR CUP
Insert both AAA
batteries with
the positive side
facing down
Installing Batteries: The headset
is powered by 2 AAA batteries
located in the right ear cup. Push
in and pull down on the lid to re-
move. Insert both batteries with
the positive sides facing down.
To remove the battery
cover, push in here
and slide down
XBOX TALKBACK CABLE
Insert the straight plug into the headset XBOX jack (2) and the
right angle plug into the XBOX controller
Mic Mute Switch: Use the mic
mute switch to turn off the mic
when you don’t want to be heard.
Chat Volume Control: Use this
volume control to adjust the in-
coming chat level in the headset.
Page 6
Troubleshooting Tips
No sound
• Check that the transmitter and headset volume controls are both turned up.
• Check that the transmitter power and optical cables are properly connected.
• Check that the headset is powered on. The LED on the left ear cup should be flashing.
• Check if the top LED on the front of the transmitter is on solid. If the LED is slowly
pulsing, it indicates that the transmitter isn’t communicating with the headset. If the
headset is on solid and the transmitter LED is slowly pulsing, then the headset and
transmitter need to be “paired” as described in the section “Pairing the X41 Headset
and Transmitter”.
Audio Drops, Popping or Clicking Sounds
Audio dropouts, popping or clicking sounds on the headset are caused by poor recep-
tion. This can occur when:
• The headset and transmitter are out of range. For best performance, stand within 20
feet from the transmitter.
• There’s a wall or other large object between the headset and transmitter.
• The transmitter is in a bad location that is interfering with the antenna.
• A wireless base station or wireless LAN are causing a lot of RF activity that’s blocking
the RF signal from the transmitter.
Low Battery Symptoms
When battery power is low, the headset power might shut down soon after you turn it
on, or it might turn off during very loud sounds in the game. If this happens, replace the
batteries with fresh alkaline batteries or with fully charged NiCad batteries.
Sound Too Low when using the Analog Inputs
If you’re listening to the analog inputs on the transmitter and the sound is too low, even
with the headset volume turned up all the way, turn up the volume on the transmitter
or on the audio source. Note that the transmitter volume control has no affect on the
digital input.
Audio Distortion when using the Analog Inputs
If the sound is distorted when using the transmitter analog input, it may be that the
audio source is overloading the transmitter. Try turning down the volume on the trans-
mitter to reduce the input sensitivity, then turn up the headset volume to a comfortable
level. Note that the transmitter volume control has no effect on the digital input.
Analog Input isn’t working
The transmitter analog inputs will automatically shut off whenever the digital input is
active. To hear the analog input signal, either disconnect the optical cable from the
digital input on the transmitter, or shut off the device connected to the optical cable
(e.g. XBOX) to disable the digital audio signal.
Properly Positioning the Headset
Don’t wear the headset with the headband behind your head. The headband must be
positioned on top of your head to optimize the surround sound effect.
Page 7
Setting up the XBOX 360 and Ear Force X41
STEP 1: Connect the XBOX to the X41 Transmitter
1. Connect the XBOX 360 AV cable to
your XBOX as described in the
X41 AV Cable
XBOX User’s Guide.
IN
DIGITAL
2. Connect the X41 TOSLINK digital
optical cable (included) from the digital
output on the XBOX AV cable (1) to the
digital input on the transmitter (2).
OUT
TOSLINK cable
included with the X41
X41 transmitter
rear view
Note: Remove the protective caps
from each end of the optical cable
before inserting it into the sockets.
XBOX 360
X41 power cable
DC 5V
-
Step 2: Connect the power
Insert the X41 USB
connector into a
POWER
USB port on the XBOX
1. Connect the X41 DC power cable to the
X41 power socket (3). Plug the other side
into a free USB port on the XBOX.
2. Press the power switch (4). Check if
the X41 front panel LEDs turn on.
Insert the batteries with
the positive side down.
Step 3: Insert the headset batteries
1. Remove the battery cover in the
right ear cup by pushing in and down.
2. Insert the two included AAA batteries
with the positive side facing down.
3. Replace the battery cover.
To remove the battery cover,
push in and push down.
Step 4: Insert the mic boom
1. Insert the mic boom into the jack (5) so
that the holes in the mic casing are
facing your mouth.
2. Place the foam cover over the mic if desired.
EFFECTS
Remove and replace the
foam cover so you can see
the mic position.
Insert the boom so that
the holes in the mic casing
and the marker on the jack
are facing your mouth.
POWER
Page 8
Setting up the XBOX 360 and Ear Force X41 (cont’d)
Step 5: Turn on the headset power
1. Press and hold the power switch (6) for a couple of seconds, then release. The
Turtle Beach logo on the left ear cup should start flashing. If it doesn’t, make sure
the batteries are inserted properly. If they are, then try a different set of batteries.
2. Turn up the volume control (7) and listen for sound from your XBOX. The top
LED on the front of the transmitter should be on solid when the headset and
transmitter are communicating. If there’s no sound, check the “Troubleshooting Tips”.
STEP 6: Configure the XBOX audio settings
1. In the System Settings section of the XBOX Dashboard, select Console Settings,
then select Audio.
2. In the Audio Settings area, select Digital Output then Dolby Digital 5.1 to activate
the Dolby Digital output.
3. Start your game.
To turn off the power, press and hold the power switch until the LED turns on.
Once it’s on, release the button and the power will turn off.
Automatic Power Shut-off
To conserve batteries, the headset will turn off after several minutes if there’s no
sound or if the transmitter is turned off. In this case, the LED on the left ear cup
will flash faster to indicate that it will soon shut off.
Using an HDMI connection for video
If your TV only uses an HDMI AV connection, you must still use an XBOX 360 AV
cable to connect your X41 audio to the XBOX. This cable set is included with the
XBOX Elite model. If you do not have an XBOX Elite, the optional Elite AV cable is
compatible with any other XBOX model. It is available to purchase from the official
Page 9
Pairing the X41 Headset and Transmitter
The headset and transmitter in this package are “paired”, which means they’re
synchronized to ensure they work together. When the headset and transmitter are
communicating, the top LED on the front panel of the transmitter will be on solid. If
this LED is instead slowly pulsing, it means the transmitter can’t communicate with
the headset. This could happen if the headset is turned off or out of range. If the LED
is slowly pulsing when the headset is on and within range, then they might need to be
“paired” as described below:
Step 1:
Make sure the headset is
off by pressing the “Power”
button until the LED turns on,
and then release it. Make sure
the headset LED is off.
EFFECTS
POWER
Step 3:
Press and hold the transmitter
“Bypass” button for 5 seconds
until the topmost LED on the
transmitter turns off, then release
the button. The transmitter LED
Step 2:
Then press and hold the
headset power button until
the LED turns on solid and
release the button when the
LED turns off. The headset
LED will start to flash rapidly.
will then flash rapidly.
After a few seconds, the topmost transmitter LED should be on solid and the headset
LED should be flashing about once per second, indicating that the units are paired.
Interference from Two Headsets
Only one headset can be paired with the transmitter. If you pair two headsets with the
same transmitter, they’ll interfere with each other as they compete for the transmitter
RF signal. This will cause one headset to shut off. So don’t try to pair two headsets
with the same transmitter!
Page 10
Using XBOX LIVE Chat
XBOX LIVE is a subscription feature offered with the XBOX 360 that lets you com-
municate with other players via the Internet. The X41 can be used to communicate
with other players during XBOX LIVE multi-player gaming sessions. To use this feature,
configure the XBOX LIVE feature and connect the headset to the XBOX 360 controller
as described below.
Connecting the talkback cable
Insert the right angle plug
into the headphone jack on
the XBOX game controller
Insert the straight
plug into the
headset jack
Use the volume
control to adjust the
chat level you hear
from other players
Use the Mic Mute switch to pre-
vent your voice from being heard
by other players
Mic Mute Switch: The mute switch on the talkback cable can be used to silence the
headset mic when you don’t want to be heard during XBOX LIVE sessions.
Chat Volume: The volume control on the talkback cable can be used to adjust the
chat volume of online players heard in your headset. The Chat Boost feature auto-
matically increases the chat level as the game volume increases, as explained in the
“Chat Boost” section.
Adjusting the Microphone Position: For optimum clarity, adjust the microphone so
that it is situated a few inches away from your mouth and the microphone’s active
area is facing your mouth. If you’re not sure about the mic position, remove the foam
mic cover, turn the holes in the mic housing towards your mouth and then replace the
foam cover. Or, check the triangle marker on the boom jack, which is aligned with the
mic holes and also should be facing your mouth.
Microphone Monitoring Feature: When the talkback cable is inserted into the head-
set’s XBOX jack, the mic monitor feature mixes a portion of the microphone signal
into the headset signal so you can hear your voice along with game audio and incom-
ing chat from teammates or other gamers.
Page 11
Configuring the XBOX LIVE settings
The X41 headset lets you communicate with other players during XBOX LIVE multi-
player online gaming sessions. To use this feature, connect the headset to the XBOX
controller as described in the previous section, then configure the XBOX LIVE Voice
settings as described below.
1. Press the center XBOX button on your controller
to bring up the Dashboard.
2. Navigate right to the Settings tab and scroll
down to “Preferences” from the menu. Press
the “A” button.
3. On the Preferences screen, select the “Voice”
option and Press “A”.
4. Select the “Play Through Headset” option and
set the Volume to 10.
Balancing Game and Chat Levels
The headset volume sets the game sound level. The volume control on the talkback
cable adjusts the level of incoming chat from other players on XBOX LIVE. Adjusting
these two volume controls lets you balance the game sound and chat voices during
an XBOX LIVE session.
Using the Chat Boost™ feature
Chat Boost is a dynamic talkback expander built into the X41 headset that
automatically increases XBOX LIVE chat during loud moments in your game, so you
can always hear your teammates or other players, regardless of the game volume.
Typically, if you turn up a headset’s game volume, the incoming chat level from other
players could become difficult to hear over the game sound. However, with Chat
Boost, as the game audio increases, the chat volume also increases. This allows the
incoming chat to keep up with the game volume level, so you can always hear what
other players are saying. When the game volume quiets down again, Chat Boost
automatically returns the chat level to your original volume setting.
To properly set the Chat Boost function:
1. Turn down the volume control on the headset so there’s no game audio.
2. Adjust the volume control on the talkback cable so you can hear the chat voices at
a comfortable level.
3. Turn up the headset game volume and the chat volume will increase whenever the
game gets louder, just as if the talkback volume control is being automatically
turned up along with the game level. Note that if the volume on the talkback cable
is set too loud, Chat Boost might increase the volume so much that the voices will
distort. If that happens, turn down the talkback volume on the talkback cable.
Page 12
Volume Settings
The X41 has three volume control settings that interact in the following manner:
Transmitter Volume Control for analog inputs (located on the back of the transmitter)
This controls only the volume of the stereo analog inputs and has no effect on the
transmitter digital input volume. That means, if the XBOX is connected to the trans-
mitter’s digital input, the game volume will not be affected by this volume control.
This volume control is only used when the analog inputs are being used (for example
if you’ve connected your TV set to the transmitter) and in most cases it would be set
to maximum. If you’re using the transmitter’s analog inputs and hear distortion in the
headset, the signal might be overloading the transmitter input. If that happens, turn
down the transmitter volume control to reduce the analog input level until the distor-
tion is corrected.
Headset Game Volume Control (located on the headset)
This sets the volume of the game sound transmitted to the headset. It has no effect
on the XBOX LIVE chat volume, which is set independently as described below. If
you’re listening to an analog signal connected to the X41 transmitter (for example,
if you’ve connected your TV to the transmitter), set the transmitter analog volume
control as loud as possible for distortion-free sound and adjust the headset volume to
a comfortable level.
XBOX LIVE Chat Volume Control (located on the XBOX talkback cable)
This controls the chat level heard in the headset during an XBOX LIVE gaming ses-
sion. Set the chat level with this control and adjust the game sound level with the
volume control on the headset. The volume control on the headset has no effect on
the chat volume level, so even if you turn the game volume control all the way down,
you’ll still hear the chat signal if the chat volume control is turned up.
Page 13
Connecting your Home Theater Speakers and TV
Setting up the transmitter as illustrated below lets you listen to your XBOX or TV with
the X41 headset. You can also hear the XBOX on your home theater speakers without
disconnecting the optical cable from the transmitter.
The transmitter’s analog inputs connected to the TV will automatically shut off when-
ever the XBOX is active, as indicated by the digital input LED on the transmitter front
panel. When the XBOX is turned off, the transmitter analog inputs will automatically
turn on so you can listen to
TV shows with the X41 headset without having to disconnect cables.
Connecting the X41 transmitter digital output to your home theater system will pass
the XBOX game audio from the transmitter’s digital input to the home theater AV
receiver digital input, so you can hear the game on the headset and your surround
sound speakers at the same time. To hear the game only on the X41 headset, turn
down or mute your speakers.
Home Theater System with
5.1 surround sound speakers
and digital audio input
Connect the XBOX digital output
to the X41 Transmitter digital input
Digital optical cable
included with the X41
Connecting the X41 transmitter
digital output to the AV
receiver’s digital input lets you
hear the XBOX game on the
surround sound speakers
IN
Optional digital optical cable
DIGITAL
OUT
L
LINE IN
R
Connecting the TV audio output
to the X41 transmitter analog
inputs lets you hear the TV with
the X41 headphones when
you’re not using the XBOX
VOLUME
Optional
stereo RCA
cable
TV with stereo
analog outputs
DC 5V
-
POWER
X41 Transmitter
Rear View
Page 14
Transmitter Input Modes and Dolby Processing
R
Sound field with Dolby Headphone 7.1
Stereo sound field
Surround Sound processing
The X41 uses Dolby Pro Logic® IIx, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Headphone surround pro-
cessing technologies, the industry-standard formats for encoding multi-channel game
audio. Dolby Headphone processing recreates 7.1 channel surround sound using the
X41 stereo headset so you can hear the sound all around you, as if you were listening
to a 7.1 speaker system.
The transmitter supports three types of digital source material and analog stereo.
When the Bypass button is ON, Dolby processing is defeated, so you can hear the un-
processed input signal in stereo, as it sounds from the source. Here’s how the signal
processing modes operate:
• When the digital input signal is active, the front panel digital LED turns on and the
analog inputs are turned off. You do not have to disconnect cables to switch be
tween analog and digital sound sources.
• If the Bypass LED is on, Dolby processing is defeated and the signal will be heard
as stereo.
• If the digital input is a Dolby Digital 5.1 or 7.1 channel signal, the front panel
LED turns on and Dolby Headphone processes the channels to create surround
sound in the headset.
D
• If the digital source is a Dolby Pro Logic IIx signal, both Dolby LEDs will turn on and
Dolby Headphone creates Pro Logic IIx surround sound in the headset.
• If the digital input is stereo, the
LED turns on and the signal is processed
by Dolby Headphone to create an expanded stereo sound in the headset.
• If the digital input is not active (or is disconnected) the analog stereo signal will be
active.
• If there is an analog stereo input and the Bypass LED is on, there will be no Dolby
processing and the signal will be heard as stereo.
• If there is an analog stereo input and the Bypass LED is off, the front panel
D
LED turns on and the analog stereo signal is processed by Dolby Pro Logic IIx and
Dolby Headphone to create an expanded stereo sound in the headset.
Page 15
FCC Caution:
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two condi-
tions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
This product is CE marked according to the provisions of the R&TTE Directive (99/5/EC)
Frequency Range: 2.404-2.476GHz
Grantee Code/Reg Number: XGB/GC229855
FCC Code: XGB-TB2170A, XGB-TB2171A
Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc.
Copyright © 2010 Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc. (VTB, Inc.) All Rights Reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced
without permission. Turtle Beach, the Turtle Beach logo, Voyetra, Ear Force, the Digital RF logo, and Chat Boost are
either trademarks or registered trademarks of VTB, Inc. XBOX, XBOX 360 and XBOX LIVE are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation. Dolby, Pro Logic, and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
All other Trademarks are properties of their respective owners and are hereby acknowledged. Product Features, visual
design, prices, package contents and specifications are subject to change without notice. Manufactured under license
from Dolby Laboratories. P/N TBS-2170-01 V1
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