POLK AUDIO 4SHOT - XBOXONE - Comparison verses other HEADSET

12357…10

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 7,658
    edited March 2014
    Hello,
    I know Polk is aware of the situation and is working to solve the problem, when I know anything more I'll post it.
    Ken
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mattalert
    mattalert Posts: 1
    edited March 2014
    Been dying to see reviews and check these out, but after the comments I'm reading on Amazon and Reddit....forget it.

    Why would we pay $160 for a headset and have to fight to be heard. The cheap mic that was included with the X1 works awesome when chatting. How did Polk miss this when testing and getting these ready to ship?

    Regardless, I'll just hold onto my money and buy something better in the coming months.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Guywired
    Guywired Posts: 6
    edited March 2014
    I have these delivering from Amazon today, but I need a good mic. It's actually more important to me than the sound...

    Is the mic problem fixable, or should I just not open the package and return it?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sframsden3
    sframsden3 Posts: 52
    edited March 2014
    Kenneth Swauger wrote: »
    Hello,
    I know Polk is aware of the situation and is working to solve the problem, when I know anything more I'll post it.
    Ken

    Which problem, the loudness of the speakers or the microphone not picking up the users voice very well, or both? Seems like the mic is getting the most of the bad reviews at the moment...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • IIIDEFAULTIII
    IIIDEFAULTIII Posts: 2
    edited March 2014
    Just got the 4 shots sound is really good might even be the best pair of headphones i have ever used for music and gaming if i had a spare $160 i would even consider keeping these for music alone and buy the xo sevens for my xbox that's how much i enjoy the sound these things put out. That being said....

    The microphone on is really muffled and I do have to speak up for sure also getting some static not as much In game but still happens other people are saying the same with various headsets though. Its very disappointing i love the product so much just wish the mic was better.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Guywired
    Guywired Posts: 6
    edited March 2014
    Saw an Amazon Review where someone said Polk Customer service said that a firmware update was going to fix the mic stuff...

    But then saw a post on the 4-Shot Q&A where Ken says that there is no chip so a firmware update is impossible.

    Which is it?

    Edit to add - A Couple of people on Amazon now have said that they've been told by Polk Customer service that a firmware patch is incoming... Does anyone at Polk want to go on record with that?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jules
    Jules Posts: 1
    edited March 2014
    IIIDEFAULTIII wrote: »
    Just got the 4 shots sound is really good might even be the best pair of headphones i have ever used for music and gaming if i had a spare $160 i would even consider keeping these for music alone and buy the xo sevens for my xbox that's how much i enjoy the sound these things put out. That being said....

    The microphone on is really muffled and I do have to speak up for sure also getting some static not as much In game but still happens other people are saying the same with various headsets though. Its very disappointing i love the product so much just wish the mic was better.

    It's bizarre, I've seen this identical post on reddit, amazon reviews. Seems like you have some awfully loyal customers polk... I for one, am not one. I went out on a whim, based upon positive feedback of past products. Needless to say, no harm no foul on my soul when I return the 4 shots, if these "gaming headphones" are not what they were marked up to be. :)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • IIIDEFAULTIII
    IIIDEFAULTIII Posts: 2
    edited March 2014
    Jules wrote: »
    It's bizarre, I've seen this identical post on reddit, amazon reviews. Seems like you have some awfully loyal customers polk... I for one, am not one. I went out on a whim, based upon positive feedback of past products. Needless to say, no harm no foul on my soul when I return the 4 shots, if these "gaming headphones" are not what they were marked up to be. :)
    yea that was my post haha but yea looks like a return is in order here unfortunately.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rickdarris2004
    rickdarris2004 Posts: 4
    edited March 2014
    I too will more than likely be returning mine. The mic is a big function of a gaming headset. I am interested to hear if a Polk rep will come forward on how a firmware patch will work, and how long it will take.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sframsden3
    sframsden3 Posts: 52
    edited March 2014
    Here is a statement from Polk:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/latest/4shotstatement
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Guywired
    Guywired Posts: 6
    edited March 2014
    sframsden3 wrote: »
    Here is a statement from Polk:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/latest/4shotstatement

    Thanks dude, faith in humanity restored.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rickdarris2004
    rickdarris2004 Posts: 4
    edited March 2014
    sframsden3 wrote: »
    Here is a statement from Polk:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/latest/4shotstatement

    Well that is reassuring. Can anyone back up that it works ok with a phone? Haven't personally tried this...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Blankman
    Blankman Posts: 51
    edited March 2014
    For those that have purchased the Melee/4 Shots, have you updated the controller's firmware on the recently released March XB1 update? That firmware was required for the new headset adapter. The adapter still works without the update, but there was significant improvements in the audio codec.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SwiftyCG
    SwiftyCG Posts: 29
    edited March 2014
    rickdarris2004 wrote: »
    Well that is reassuring. Can anyone back up that it works ok with a phone? Haven't personally tried this...
    Mic is very low sounding on my phone as well. Kinda scared
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rickdarris2004
    rickdarris2004 Posts: 4
    edited March 2014
    I updated the firmware before use, still had trouble with the mic.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • shepx2
    shepx2 Posts: 646
    edited March 2014
    rickdarris2004 wrote: »
    I updated the firmware before use, still had trouble with the mic.

    They're saying there was a problem with the firmware you just updated, and MS will need to revise again.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Blankman
    Blankman Posts: 51
    edited March 2014
    rickdarris2004 wrote: »
    I updated the firmware before use, still had trouble with the mic.
    That is disheartening to hear. Since Polk will be releasing a firmware update specifically to address the mic issues, it will most likely be an update via the controller since the headset doesn't contain any electronics because they're passive. I purchased the Melee version which are exactly the same as the 4 Shots with the exception of some accessories that make it backwards compatible with the 360. The thirty-day return period is looming close which puts me in a dilemma on what to do. I got such a great deal on the headsets that I'm considering rolling the dice on hanging onto them. However, if the firmware doesn't resolve the mic issue, I'm stuck with them.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SwiftyCG
    SwiftyCG Posts: 29
    edited March 2014
    Blankman wrote: »
    That is disheartening to hear. Since Polk will be releasing a firmware update specifically to address the mic issues, it will most likely be an update via the controller since the headset doesn't contain any electronics because they're passive. I purchased the Melee version which are exactly the same as the 4 Shots with the exception of some accessories that make it backwards compatible with the 360. The thirty-day return period is looming close which puts me in a dilemma on what to do. I got such a great deal on the headsets that I'm considering rolling the dice on hanging onto them. However, if the firmware doesn't resolve the mic issue, I'm stuck with them.
    I'm in the same boat I have 2 weeks to return mine and who knows if we get the update by then. They sound soooo good but the mic is a deal breaker. I'm going to hold on to them as long as I can.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Daunting
    Daunting Posts: 21
    edited March 2014
    I was under the impression that when connected to a phone the inline mic was used and not the headset mic. If so the sound on the phone would have nothing to do with the other mic.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • asoroudi
    asoroudi Posts: 1
    edited March 2014
    Some questions for anyone that has been using Polk 4shot with Ghosts on Xbox One:
    - Can you clearly hear footsteps? If yes, is it virtual surround sound (up/down, pinpoint) or do you just hear stereo right + left or nothing at all?
    If yes, compared to a 5.1 speaker system via HDMI (DTS) (if you have one), are the footsteps as clear or lower?

    I have been reading mixed messages through amazon reviews & other forums. Some are saying Microsoft's implementation of the microsoft headset adapater, along with the March update, allows immersive virtual surround sound through the 4shot, making it comparable to using "surround sound" headsets that have a decoder that connects to the Xbox One S/PDIF port; I already know that that even those "surround sound" headsets are only doing virtual surround sound.

    Thx in advance. Looking forward to purchasing (I don't use chat, but sorry to hear about all of the mic issues - as a Polk customer for many years, they are very good at fixing issues quickly).
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rickdarris2004
    rickdarris2004 Posts: 4
    edited March 2014
    The game sound from these headphones is phenomenal! That is most definitely not the issue, just the mic.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Brutis
    Brutis Posts: 1
    edited March 2014
    Daunting wrote: »
    I was under the impression that when connected to a phone the inline mic was used and not the headset mic. If so the sound on the phone would have nothing to do with the other mic.

    I thought the same thing. How does the phone cable mic prove that the near field mic isn't faulty or poorly designed? I haven't head of other new headsets that have the same mic issue that the Polk 4 shots are currently having. Sounds like spin and placing blame on MS to me.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Blankman
    Blankman Posts: 51
    edited March 2014
    Daunting wrote: »
    I was under the impression that when connected to a phone the inline mic was used and not the headset mic. If so the sound on the phone would have nothing to do with the other mic.
    You are absolutely correct. When the in-line mic for cell phone usage is plugged in, it automatically disengages the headset's built-in mic. Only when the in-line audio cable is disconnected will it switch over to the headset's built-in mic. I'm not sure why Polk's President mentioned that in his address of the mic issues. Our collective issues aren't with the in-line mic from the cable, but rather the built-in mic. Melee headset users have already brought the mic issue up on several inquiries. Since the Melee & 4 Shots are essentially the same headset, I'm not confident that it's taken this long to find a solution to these existing problems. Since the 4 Shots had such an extended lead in time before the product was launched, you'd think that QA would have started troubleshooting these issues when they first surfaced with the Melee reports.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SwiftyCG
    SwiftyCG Posts: 29
    edited March 2014
    asoroudi wrote: »
    Some questions for anyone that has been using Polk 4shot with Ghosts on Xbox One:
    - Can you clearly hear footsteps? If yes, is it virtual surround sound (up/down, pinpoint) or do you just hear stereo right + left or nothing at all?
    If yes, compared to a 5.1 speaker system via HDMI (DTS) (if you have one), are the footsteps as clear or lower?

    I have been reading mixed messages through amazon reviews & other forums. Some are saying Microsoft's implementation of the microsoft headset adapater, along with the March update, allows immersive virtual surround sound through the 4shot, making it comparable to using "surround sound" headsets that have a decoder that connects to the Xbox One S/PDIF port; I already know that that even those "surround sound" headsets are only doing virtual surround sound.

    Thx in advance. Looking forward to purchasing (I don't use chat, but sorry to hear about all of the mic issues - as a Polk customer for many years, they are very good at fixing issues quickly).
    As of now Microsoft adapter only puts out stereo sound so you just hear footsteps on the left and right. When people are on top of me I'm not sure if they are on my floor or above me.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Zeros
    Zeros Posts: 940
    edited March 2014
    Blankman wrote: »
    You are absolutely correct. When the in-line mic for cell phone usage is plugged in, it automatically disengages the headset's built-in mic. Only when the in-line audio cable is disconnected will it switch over to the headset's built-in mic. I'm not sure why Polk's President mentioned that in his address of the mic issues. Our collective issues aren't with the in-line mic from the cable, but rather the built-in mic. Melee headset users have already brought the mic issue up on several inquiries. Since the Melee & 4 Shots are essentially the same headset, I'm not confident that it's taken this long to find a solution to these existing problems. Since the 4 Shots had such an extended lead in time before the product was launched, you'd think that QA would have started troubleshooting these issues when they first surfaced with the Melee reports.
    He mentioned it because you can use the cable that comes with the 4shots (4pole 3.5mm to 4 pole 3.5mm, no inline mic) to connect your 4shots to your smartphone to test it out.

    Look at these pics posted by a redditor to see the cable that comes with the 4shots.

    http://imgur.com/a/cFBOo
    My Basement / Home Theater Room
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Blankman
    Blankman Posts: 51
    edited March 2014
    Zeros wrote: »
    He mentioned it because you can use the cable that comes with the 4shots (4pole 3.5mm to 4 pole 3.5mm, no inline mic) to connect your 4shots to your smartphone to test it out.

    Look at these pics posted by a redditor to see the cable that comes with the 4shots.

    http://imgur.com/a/cFBOo

    Those pics prove absolutely nothing. I have the same in-line cable for my Melee headset. If you can indeed use the built-in mic with the audio cable (version w/o the button) on your cell phone, then there's some proof that the mic is not the problem. None of those pics showed that.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nightsports
    nightsports Posts: 1
    edited March 2014
    Very disappointed to have bought this product and it not work. The mic is terrible. Looks like I will be returning these tomorrow.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 7,658
    edited March 2014
    Hello,
    Just received this:

    "Thank you for all of your feedback on the 4Shot headset - we're reading every comment. Some 4Shot users might notice an issue with microphone sound pick up in chat modes. Be assured there is no issue with the headphone hardware. Testing 4Shot with your smartphone will show the mic works great.

    We pride ourselves on our audio heritage and will work with our partners at @XBox collaboratively to improve chat and all current 4Shot users will be able to download an update in the coming weeks. Thank you for your patience and please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments.

    We will keep all of you updated on our progress. Please don't hesitate to keep the feedback coming.

    -The Polk Audio Team"

    Ken
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • haas45
    haas45 Posts: 1
    edited March 2014
    SwiftyCG wrote: »
    Mic is very low sounding on my phone as well. Kinda scared

    Just tried the same thing and it is really low also. Definitely a design flaw. Very unfortunate because i really enjoy the sound and design of these headphones. Im not sure if the firmware update is going to fix that much because it sounds a bit muffled and doesnt work as well as my phone recording sound 10ft across the room.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Austacker
    Austacker Posts: 54
    edited March 2014
    No offence here Ken, but you don't have 'weeks' to fix this.

    The March update to fix the part system is here. Titanfall (Microsoft's biggest IP release for X1) is here next week.

    The adaptor is coming out NOW and people are updating their headsets NOW.

    The feedback on the Polk is going to slam shut that launch window for you guys completely in the space of a few days.

    Look at the feedback on social media not just from people disappointed with their purchase (and looking to return rather than wait), but also the potential customers they are relaying that experience to who will easily be turned to alternative options.

    Polk had a tiny window here to make a first impression and flat out screwed it up.

    You DON'T HAVE WEEKS to fix this guys, you have a few DAYS at best. By then, everyone's 'return' windows on their purchases with retail outlets will expire (they'll have no choice but to return them) and potential customers will have moved on to alternatives.

    I seriously cannot believe this wasn't properly tested before launch... this is an absolutely DISASTER for Polk audio!!!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
This discussion has been closed.