Expert: Octane - 12/20/2009

Question
QUESTION: I've been trying to figure out how to connect my computer headset (Medusa 5.1) to my xbox 360 console. I used to use the headset for computer games but switched to console games. I have a few problems. The headset has four different plugs in it: mic, sub/cen, rear, and front all 1/8 inch plugs. The first problem is that the mic port on the controller of the 360 is 1/16 inch but I'm assuming I can get an adapter or something for that. Another problem is that the 360 doesn't have surround sound on its own. Can it have surround sound? And how would I connect the headset to receive the surround sound? Is this possible at all? I've heard that you can get surround sound from the 360 with a fiber-optic cable but I'm not sure how that would work either.
Can you help?

ANSWER: Gday Sean,

Unfortunately you probably going to be up for some sort of 5.1 Surround Sound System Amp to hook up to your Xbox to decode the 5.1 Surround Sound Signal to then plug your Medusa Head phones into.  Because I believe the Meduse does not have a decoder built into it and the X-box does not output 5.1 by itself, has to go thru an amp.  So about $100-$200 later with maybe a few adaptor for plugs you might be able to use the headphones on the Xbox.

They are truly great and expensive PC headphones, excellent quality for the PC.  Which unfortunately unless you have something to plug them into like a Surround Sound System (PC have nice sound cards) or you might be able to hook them to your current TV if it has the correct plugs, which I doubt.

Now you might be able to get away with just 2 adaptor plugs one for the mike and one to plug either the center or rear or front connected up to your TV sound out (Providing your TV has such a plug.)  You might also need a audio extension cord because the the plugging into your controller and TV is not going to happen unless you are right on top of the TV.  While only using one of the channels/speakers in the headphone for sound might not give you the best quality of sound that you are use to on your PC, I believe it might work.  (But not as well as a decoder with all the right outputs for your headphones.)

Sorry I did not have better news.

Octane

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I may already have something like that. I have a Harman/Kardon AVR 500. From my understanding, it is some kind of home theater system and I already have surround sound through it for movies. I've also heard that xbox 360 can get surround sound with a fiber-optic cable of some sort which I could plug in to said AVR. Is there any way I can get that to work?

Answer
Gday again Sean

Ah you already have an Home sound system providing it is compatible with the 360 you should be able to do it.

Had a look at the Harman Kardon AVR 500 manual to see what ports it has.  Has Optical ports on the back which you need if you going to connect your Xbox 360 up for Audio Bliss.

So all you basically going to need is a Xbox AV optical cable this will feed the Audio signal into you Harman Kardon AVR 500 system.

From there if you wanted you could then hook your Medusa into the Harman Kardon AVR 500.  You may have to connect into the 6 channel or pre out.  You also might need a few adaptor plugs as well as some Audio extender leads to switch plug sizes.  While it truly not going to be as easy as plugging the Medusa head set to your PC (Which it was designed for) since you have a AVR system it should be able to be done.

Octane