POLK AUDIO 4SHOT - XBOXONE - Comparison verses other HEADSET

txcoastal1

^^^^Scream a little louder my friend. Haven't you ever stepped in dog crap...you wipe it off a keep on going

Polk will deal with it

Austacker

Don't be condescending here txcoastal. I've thrown down $220 Australian dollars on their product here and have the right to express a little frustration with the purchase of a faulty product.

At least I actually stepped up and made a financial commitment to their untested product and moreso, actually came here to express a complaint.

Many others will just return their Polk4Shot and say screw Polk and tell every friend who will listen to avoid them too.

Go take a look over at Amazon or Reddit too see the power of social media at play bud :

http://www.reddit.com/r/xboxone/comments/1zt7td/megathread_headset_adapter_and_headphones/

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-4Shot-Headphone-Black-Xbox/product-reviews/B00E1L78N6/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_img?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

We're talking about millions of bucks over lost sales here and to take a blase' attitude over this would be seriously under estimating the impact this 'little issue' will have on their bottom line.

But please, wander over there and tell those people exactly what you're saying here. Would love to see the feedback you'd get...

blaze69l

Totally agree with you. I get 2 weeks to return them, if by the 13th day there's no update I will be returning them an looking at other options. To me its unacceptable to purchase an item and it not work the way its suppose to.

La Pistola

You have to understand that they have to wait for Microsoft on this. They have to push whatever fix it is through a system update.

Austacker wrote: »

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!!!

txcoastal1

I understand your frustration, Polk has a good rapport with customer support.

Austacker

You are missing the point nbrowser, I bought the headset on the premise of their track record concerning quality granted, but I didn't do so with the assumption that a functioning microphone isn't a big deal.

For a gaming headset, the mic is as important as the headphones themselves. This is why so many Xbox one owners have held back buying a headset for the new console, waiting for Microsoft to update their console software with better social feature functionality and releasing an adaptor for people to use one headset solution for game audio AND chat.

This isn't a side consideration, it's a core component of the device and I think dropping a couple hundred bucks on something that doesn't work is cause for a little complaint, don't you?

Like I said, at least I've taken the time to even come here to express complaint over the matter.

You Polk fans by all means can be apologetic all you like. Polk has your dollars already and it's a good deal.

Polk are trying to reach into another market here and people are cancelling pre-orders and returning products in big numbers.

You are doing absolutely no favours to Polk audio being condescending against disgruntled customers who are new to their products and feel the need to come here and vent a little frustration.

Your experience with them might be great, but for new guys to their products and only have the Polk4Shot to go on, the experience is far less than stellar and far too many people are being very blase about the impact this having on this launch.

I've no doubt Polk have some serious bucks invested in this new line and they can point fingers at other parties all they like, but at the end of the day it's POLK who are going to lose a huge number of sales.

So who's problem is it?

Xbox who support a dozen and more different headsets?
Customers who can just buy another headset easily?
Or Polk who will invest a big amount into research and development into the product who will see a huge slump in sales because pissed off gamers go elsewhere instead?

Time is ticking here and the window is smaller than people think.

txcoastal1

Step out of the gaming world and maybe life won't be so dramatic

Polk isn't ignoring the issue, but changes and resolutions don't happen overnight, remember the Iphone melt down, it was fixed and people marched on

Blankman

Austacker wrote: »

You are missing the point nbrowser, I bought the headset on the premise of their track record concerning quality granted, but I didn't do so with the assumption that a functioning microphone isn't a big deal.

For a gaming headset, the mic is as important as the headphones themselves. This is why so many Xbox one owners have held back buying a headset for the new console, waiting for Microsoft to update their console software with better social feature functionality and releasing an adaptor for people to use one headset solution for game audio AND chat.

This isn't a side consideration, it's a core component of the device and I think dropping a couple hundred bucks on something that doesn't work is cause for a little complaint, don't you?

Like I said, at least I've taken the time to even come here to express complaint over the matter.

You Polk fans by all means can be apologetic all you like. Polk has your dollars already and it's a good deal.

Polk are trying to reach into another market here and people are cancelling pre-orders and returning products in big numbers.

You are doing absolutely no favours to Polk audio being condescending against disgruntled customers who are new to their products and feel the need to come here and vent a little frustration.

Your experience with them might be great, but for new guys to their products and only have the Polk4Shot to go on, the experience is far less than stellar and far too many people are being very blase about the impact this having on this launch.

I've no doubt Polk have some serious bucks invested in this new line and they can point fingers at other parties all they like, but at the end of the day it's POLK who are going to lose a huge number of sales.

So who's problem is it?

Xbox who support a dozen and more different headsets?
Customers who can just buy another headset easily?
Or Polk who will invest a big amount into research and development into the product who will see a huge slump in sales because pissed off gamers go elsewhere instead?

Time is ticking here and the window is smaller than people think.

You've made many valid points, Austacker. I don't think you're overacting at all. The mic issues were brought up many times with the Melee headset which is exactly the same build as the 4Shot. Yet, nothing was really addressed or resolved about it. There has been so much time that has passed from the launch of the Melee till the 4Shot that QA could have made necessary changes/fixes. Now that the 4Shot headsets have been released, the mic issue resurfaces. Polk is scrambling to come up with a solution. Why wasn't fixing this existing issue a priority before now?

Many customers have already tested the mic using Skype and/or a smart phone, but the results are still discouraging. Since the headsets are passive, I'm not even sure a firmware update will truly resolve the issues at hand since there are no electronics in the headsets at all. The window is closing. Many have already put in for returns to retailers. As for me, I've got until March 19th to pull the trigger on a return. Even though I got a great deal on my Melee headset, there's no way that I'm taking that significant of a cost on the chin. I seriously doubt that a fix will be available by then.

txcoastal1

Here's a quote from a reviewer and gamer who contacted support...

"The sound quality on these is ridiculous. Just amazing depth and range. They are incredibly comfortable, and can easily be worn for hours. The only negative, which is a pretty big negative, is the mic is incredibly quiet and muffled sounding.

I just got off the phone with Polk support, and they have acknowledged that this is an existing problem, and that it lies in the firmware. They had a conference to meet about it, and the associate assured me that it would be fixed within a couple weeks."

I know it won't be in time for Titan but like it has been said, there is a 3rd party involved and takes collaboration

Austacker

"They had a conference to meet about it, and the associate assured me that it would be fixed within a couple weeks.""

Hence my point, they don't have a 'few weeks' to fix this issue.

Early next week these headphones go back to retailers enmasse and gamers buy a Turtlebeach competing product or get the adaptor and buy another headset completely.

By time they 'fix' this issue, gamers will have already made alternate plans, moved on and won't look back & Polk's rep for gaming headsets turns to complete **** (if it hasn't already).

People who buy at retail cannot have a return policy honored 'weeks' after launch. At most it's generally 7 damn days!

Like I said, their window here at launch is much smaller than they appreciate and the only decision I have to make here is whether I join the mass exodus and go back to Turtlebeach or whether I give these guys the benefit of the doubt.

Consider the track record on the melee, I'm not so sure it's wise to actually be patient and give them the benefit of the doubt, especially since they completely screwed up testing of THIS product before they even released it.

kiwiblueice

So I found this forum while researching which headset I was going to purchase for my xbone. I have not had a headset for any earlier console that I own. My wife however suggested it might be a good idea if i didnt want to suffer grumpy wife syndrome from gaming with the home theatre while she was trying to sleep in the next room. I agreed and hence yesterday I picked up the Polk 4 shot. After work last night I spent a couple of hours playing ghosts. I am not happy. I am not sure if its the headset or the update to the controller that had to be done but there are issues.

The headset itself is cofortable and feels fine. I had no issues or concerns with the build quality. Gaming sound was great while it worked. The issues I had were intermittent crackles, pops and then controller lockup. The first time I thought battery so went and put a fresh set of alkalines in the controller. Continued to play and sufferred the same again. Sound distortion, crackles, pops and then controller lockup. The only way to fix was to remove battery cover on controller and reseat batteries. Xbone menu reported battery level was full so I dont think that is the issue. This repeated several times. I did the controller update before use so everything was updated.

I am waiting to see if anyone else reports a similar problem before deciding on return. I hope it is just the cotroller update and something wlll patch it out. I have as yet not tried with iphone for music/calls. I have also not tried a bluray through the xbone either.

Interested in any one else with feedback.

SwiftyCG

I tried a few headsets and the crackle and pops are from the adapter needs to be updated or something. If you use the headphones for anything else then gaming no problems. I'm not sure if the Mic problem is the adapter or the headset but I know for sure the cracking and popping is from the adapter/Controller

Sirch

The crackles and pops are usually as a result of interference with the wireless signal the controller is receiving. I thought this was supposed to be a non-issue with the Xbox One (I battled it constantly with my X41's that were on the 2.4Ghz wifi band).

Are you sitting far away? Is there a router nearby? They may be causing the distortion. I'm not sure how the X1 sends the signal to the controller.

SwiftyCG

So I bought the 4shot and the XO seven to test.... I can tell you 4 shot is a way better design and sounds so much better. On the other hand the xo seven sounds decent but not worth the money and the mic sounds great. take that for what its worth. I can tell you if polk fixes the mic I would return xo sevens.

Superdude

I have the Melee waiting for the adapter. I will post to what I get with them.

Why didnt Microsoft make a bluetooth headset? Wouldnt all these problems be resolved?

SwiftyCG

Superdude wrote: »

I have the Melee waiting for the adapter. I will post to what I get with them.

Why didnt Microsoft make a bluetooth headset? Wouldnt all these problems be resolved?

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Superdude

Hey does anyone know if you can use the kinnect as a microphone with the adapter? I have been using the melee that way now without the adapter and works fine for me since it is nearby. Sucky workaround if it works.

GAMEPHRENIC GOD

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.

Ok, I have my final 24hr. Review. I absolutely love these headset. Hear are my reasons. I have tested this headset for shooters, RPG, music and mobile communications. In regards to shooters, the best settings are Bitstream and DTS Surround Sound. Playing COD, I was able to hear comfortable distinction,,footsteps and body movement, without killing my eardrums. For those that are having issues with the Mic, make sure you are first using the right. Cord, the one with the angled/"L" connection is for mobile. The dual straight cord is for the Xboxone connection. Once you have this correct,you will be set. Next, Cod does not have the best sound mix,but Polk made it better. But, a bad sound mix, is a bad sound mix. I played Their and the sound is much improved. So, with Polka update it will even be more superior. I have seen the reviews from personal friends regarding the "turtles", Don't waste your money, Polk design and material is far superior. In regards to listening to Thief, OMG, it feels so good without killing my ears, it's almost like harmonic. I listened to Beats Music on my Phone until almost 5am, I enjoyed this also. Making a phone call, was effortless. In regards to the chat issue, if your playing COD, making you have the right game to audio mix, or use a game volume. My clan mate got the Polks also and he love it. I went 13 and 2 on my first HSR match, so yeah, Polk is good. If we can improve the software for a game to chat combo, and amplify the headset settings,it would be boss. It's COD issue, because they do not have a headphone setting in their game. But, I know the brains of Polk and Microsoft can figure this out.

Thank you Polk,your creation was worth the wait and hard to open. You know what you need to do, so get it done and the market will be yours for grabs

shepx2

Superdude wrote: »

Why didnt Microsoft make a bluetooth headset? Wouldnt all these problems be resolved?

Bluetooth doesn't sound as good as the wifi direct tech that they are using for the controller. It's not even a close comparison.

There will eventually be full wireless solutions, but it will be a while.

Blankman

GAMEPHRENIC GOD wrote: »

Ok, I have my final 24hr. Review. I absolutely love these headset. Hear are my reasons. I have tested this headset for shooters, RPG, music and mobile communications. In regards to shooters, the best settings are Bitstream and DTS Surround Sound. Playing COD, I was able to hear comfortable distinction,,footsteps and body movement, without killing my eardrums. For those that are having issues with the Mic, make sure you are first using the right. Cord, the one with the angled/"L" connection is for mobile. The dual straight cord is for the Xboxone connection. Once you have this correct,you will be set. Next, Cod does not have the best sound mix,but Polk made it better. But, a bad sound mix, is a bad sound mix. I played Their and the sound is much improved. So, with Polka update it will even be more superior. I have seen the reviews from personal friends regarding the "turtles", Don't waste your money, Polk design and material is far superior. In regards to listening to Thief, OMG, it feels so good without killing my ears, it's almost like harmonic. I listened to Beats Music on my Phone until almost 5am, I enjoyed this also. Making a phone call, was effortless. In regards to the chat issue, if your playing COD, making you have the right game to audio mix, or use a game volume. My clan mate got the Polks also and he love it. I went 13 and 2 on my first HSR match, so yeah, Polk is good. If we can improve the software for a game to chat combo, and amplify the headset settings,it would be boss. It's COD issue, because they do not have a headphone setting in their game. But, I know the brains of Polk and Microsoft can figure this out.

Thank you Polk,your creation was worth the wait and hard to open. You know what you need to do, so get it done and the market will be yours for grabs

In your review, you made no real reference to the mic issues that have resurfaced with the 4Shot. I'm not sure why you quoted me if that's the case. My concerns aren't about the audio fidelity of the sound because I've heard and experienced nothing but glowing remarks about that aspect. As you know, a gaming headset is only as good as BOTH the sound and mic chat performance. I'm not sure that I can be so optimistic as you about fixing what's been an issue since the Melee headset owners brought it up months ago.

SwiftyCG

I have also noticed about the Microsoft adapter it makes headsets not sound as good as they could be. Maybe they will fix it with firmware but like Melee can plug in to Optical out and it makes the headphones like 50% better. I really think the headphone adapter is in beta.

TangentialShark

The very small opening on the retractable mic where sounds are picked-up had a black strip hanging loose. I puled that black strip off. Was I supposed to or was that to protect from ambient noise?

Austacker

As mentioned before, I have absolutely no issues with the headset and performance in and of itself so far as the base audio goes. I've been a Turtlebeach guy from day one for gaming headsets and decided to go the Polk on my Xbox one because of their great reputation for quality and I am not disappointed there, so let me make that clear.

But the mic is a deal breaker. If I just wanted an audio only option, I'd have just bought a headset option that allows me to use the optical out on my xbox and taken my enjoyment to another level again.

I bought the Polk4Shot because it was a gaming headset for not only game audio, but communications as well.

So that Mic issue is as important to me in buying the 4Shot as buying a friggen Ferrari with a working engine. If it's stuffed, then the whole thing is as good as useless.

My ONLY ONLY ONLY complaint with the 4Shot is the Mic. That's it.

But it's a core reason for buying the damn thing, so it's not something I can just 'deal with' or overlook. It HAS to be working perfectly or else the entire damn headset is not worth buying or keeping.

Go look at the feedback on the social media out there at the moment, people are sending back their Polk in droves and many more besides who were waiting on reviews have seen this issue and given Polk a massive pass.

This couldn't have happened at a worse time for Polk and this product and they need to fix this yesterday - NOT 'weeks' from now because by then, this whole situation won't matter. Polk will have 10% of the market share they were expecting on the Xbox one and their name becomes mud with the gamers (if it hasn't already).

I'm sticking to my guns with Polk a few more days, but if they haven't got this sorted before my return policy window closes, I'm sorry Polk but I've got to go take this thing back and get something with a WORKING Mic solution and will recommend the same to everyone I know.

SwiftyCG

Austacker wrote: »

As mentioned before, I have absolutely no issues with the headset and performance in and of itself so far as the base audio goes. I've been a Turtlebeach guy from day one for gaming headsets and decided to go the Polk on my Xbox one because of their great reputation for quality and I am not disappointed there, so let me make that clear.

But the mic is a deal breaker. If I just wanted an audio only option, I'd have just bought a headset option that allows me to use the optical out on my xbox and taken my enjoyment to another level again.

I bought the Polk4Shot because it was a gaming headset for not only game audio, but communications as well.

So that Mic issue is as important to me in buying the 4Shot as buying a friggen Ferrari with a working engine. If it's stuffed, then the whole thing is as good as useless.

My ONLY ONLY ONLY complaint with the 4Shot is the Mic. That's it.

But it's a core reason for buying the damn thing, so it's not something I can just 'deal with' or overlook. It HAS to be working perfectly or else the entire damn headset is not worth buying or keeping.

Go look at the feedback on the social media out there at the moment, people are sending back their Polk in droves and many more besides who were waiting on reviews have seen this issue and given Polk a massive pass.

This couldn't have happened at a worse time for Polk and this product and they need to fix this yesterday - NOT 'weeks' from now because by then, this whole situation won't matter. Polk will have 10% of the market share they were expecting on the Xbox one and their name becomes mud with the gamers (if it hasn't already).

I'm sticking to my guns with Polk a few more days, but if they haven't got this sorted before my return policy window closes, I'm sorry Polk but I've got to go take this thing back and get something with a WORKING Mic solution and will recommend the same to everyone I know.

I agree with you. So thats why I went out and bought the xo seven as well sound isnt as good but the mic is good. So if the mic isn't fixed by my 4 shot return window ill be returning them instead of my xo sevens. Gotta love credit cards good for putting things on to test out and returning if not what you like.

kuntasensei

GAMEPHRENIC GOD wrote: »

In regards to shooters, the best settings are Bitstream and DTS Surround Sound.

FYI: Setting your Xbox One to bitstream and DTS has zero effect on the headphones. They receive the same stereo audio no matter what you set that to. But if you're running your audio to an AVR via HDMI, you absolutely should stick with PCM over bitstreaming. Lossless PCM is always preferable to lossy DD or DTS.

Zeros

Blankman wrote: »

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.

Actually, he realized he was using the wrong cable with the headset and switched to the proper cable. You can read about it right here:

http://www.reddit.com/r/xboxone/comments/1zpcm8/i_just_got_a_polk_4shot_headset/

BrooklynspartanBrooklynSpartan 1 point 2 days ago
Your using the wrong cable for chat. That one is for cell phone mics. It Overrides the headset mic for the crappy one on the cable. Use the other cable and your voice quality will sound ALOT better to your friends.
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[–]WaulicusTheWaulicus 2 points 2 days ago
I figured that out after I had taken the pictures. The experiences that I've spoken about in other responses have all been using the correct cables.

Zeros

Additionally, I have used a 4 pole to 4 pole cable with my melee's to connect to my cell phone. I called Shepx2 and he said it sounded clear.

Charles456k

A friend of mine bought a pair of Polk Audio 4 Shot Headsets and every time he puts them on it sounds like he is whispering. When he wears a normal headset, he is loud, but when he plugs in the 4 Shots, we can barley hear him. Is anyone else having this problem or can anyone help?(yes he updated the controller with the headsets all plugged in.)

Austacker

Yes Charles, that's what half this thread is about right now - complaints on this issue.

Rest assured it's known by Polk and they are working on a solution as we speak as they have said this is a software issue (firmware), not a hardware one.

Official statement is here : http://www.polkaudio.com/latest/4shotstatement

They are working on this as quick as possible, but I think every day that goes by this becomes more of a lost cause. I have a few more days on my return window for my Polks and honestly, I don't want to take them back as they're amazingly good on the audio.

regnaston

Austacker wrote: »

Yes Charles, that's what half this thread is about right now - complaints on this issue.

Rest assured it's known by Polk and they are working on a solution as we speak as they have said this is a software issue (firmware), not a hardware one.

Official statement is here : http://www.polkaudio.com/latest/4shotstatement

They are working on this as quick as possible, but I think every day that goes by this becomes more of a lost cause. I have a few more days on my return window for my Polks and honestly, I don't want to take them back as they're amazingly good on the audio.

Funny thing is I complained about the Melee's (which are the same headset) as the 4Shot and got virtually no response other than return them. When I complained about the second pair still having issues with people saying I sounded far away there was no response.

They may say the issue is with drivers and not hardware, but having the mic at your jaw is not conducive to chat capabilities. I would think the way they are going to rectify this is to turn up the gain on the mics, however that means more background noise will also be picked up.

It is a shame as the sound from them was awesome and they looked sleek.

In the end I bought some XO Fours and the sound is just as good and while they dont look as sleek people can hear me.