POLK AUDIO 4SHOT - XBOXONE - Comparison verses other HEADSET

shepx2

I'm sorry if you're offended by "some of the longstanding members of the community". But that's what we are: a community. And when new people come in and act like you have (entitled, argumentative, and being unreasonable) then of course we're going to be a little harsh.

And yes, some of us are gamers. And some of us have the same headphones you do, (I have the Melees) and expressed disappointment over them. But what we aren't doing is making it into a whinefest.

Polk and MS have both given you statements on this issue. Many people here have tried to reassure you as well, since we do have experience with them. What more do you want? Anything involving computers or electronics never has an immediate fix.

So, as I said before, you have a decision to make: trust them that this will be fixed, or don't, and return your product. But continually whining on these forums does nothing positive for you. Zero. I guarantee both companies are hard at work on a fix, and I'm sure they wish it hadn't ever happened.

Austacker

"But what we aren't doing is making it into a whinefest."

Which is probably why it's still an issue.

But the fact to you imply "complaint" = "whine" made in a condescending tone contradicts your offer of "help", so please don't say sorry for something you're clearly not sorry about.

You can be complacent and trusting of Polk all you like, but don't patronise those without experience with this company who are frustrated and complain about a matter in which they are financially invested, especially when they're completely justified in doing so.

You neither speak for the company or are privy to the information, so on what authority you feel you are justified in telling disgruntled customers what to believe and how to behave is not only presumptuous and arrogant, it's downright rude.

I complain here because it's their official sounding board. I've also complained via Twitter as well.

Apart from the official statement so far, there's no further word. But what I don't need is someone like yourself undermining my legitimate complaints with condescending labels simply because it offends your own personal sensibilities.

I want an answer here as well, but you are NOT helping this situation with your attitude.

SgtPayback

shepx2 wrote: »

I'm sorry if you're offended by "some of the longstanding members of the community". But that's what we are: a community. And when new people come in and act like you have (entitled, argumentative, and being unreasonable) then of course we're going to be a little harsh.

And yes, some of us are gamers. And some of us have the same headphones you do, (I have the Melees) and expressed disappointment over them. But what we aren't doing is making it into a whinefest.

Polk and MS have both given you statements on this issue. Many people here have tried to reassure you as well, since we do have experience with them. What more do you want? Anything involving computers or electronics never has an immediate fix.

So, as I said before, you have a decision to make: trust them that this will be fixed, or don't, and return your product. But continually whining on these forums does nothing positive for you. Zero. I guarantee both companies are hard at work on a fix, and I'm sure they wish it hadn't ever happened.

Not sure where or how you are getting any of that. The mic doesn't work and neither Polk nor MS have given any explanation as to why. With most of us (myself included) buying a new headset that can only be returned for a refund within 7 days, that doesn't leave us much time on waiting for a fix. So asking for a patch or at least some more information within this timeframe is definitely not unreasonable.

Regardless, I swapped mine for a pair of Turtle Beach XO Seven's and they work fantastic. In fact, they are a little bit louder and more comfortable that the 4 Shot. I also like the braided cable that runs between the headphones and the controller more than the flimsy plastic cord on the Polk.

As for those that ride this out, I hope they patch it. But even then you aren't guaranteed a fix. I highly recommend those of you still holding on to your 4 Shot take a good look at when you return policy ends. It is probably in your best interest to return them and get your money back if they don't patch soon. Good luck.

Sirch

Hey, is this issue fixed?

I updated my controller the other day knowing the puck was coming for my Melee.

I plugged it in, and it asked me to update again so I did.

I jumped into a game of Titanfall, someone was talking so I asked how I sounded and he said I was clear and not muffled.

So?

Blankman

Austacker wrote: »

I'm questioning this as the audio pickup in upload studio and in a party chat or game are using the same cables, same adaptor.

I tried it with the Xbox one version of Skype (you can do a self test there) and can report absolutely that the mic was too soft.

I'm not sure what you mean with "using the same cables, same adapter" in recording a voice over in Upload Studio. When you have a headset plugged in, it uses that mic instead of the Kinect's. I tried it again tonight & my voice recording is clear and audible. However, since the time has expired on editing my original post prior to this one; I have to update my findings. I originally reported that Skype (test call), smartphone calls, and Upload Studio (the Xbox One app) functioned properly. That is not the case with Skype as I tested it further. I agree that the Skype (test call) did prove to be very low in volume even though I was speaking in a normal voice. The smartphone & Upload Studio still resulted in clear & audible voice.

As far as some of the forum members knocking you on your "sense of entitlement," I believe that consumers are entitled to an explanation & resolution. I completely understand the notion of "the squeeky wheel getting the oil." Polk has gone on record that they are working with MS to bring a resolution to the Melee/4Shot's mic issues. Perhaps they haven't pinpointed what the bugs are or the magnitude of them. Therefore, there's nothing substantial to report. Many of us wouldn't know what the status is unless you had first hand knowledge of their proceedings. I think that it's safe to say that everyone that's been affected so far wants the patch to fix the Polk and other manufacturers' headsets to be released as soon as humanly possible. Look, we're all in the same boat here. We have in our possession a product that we very much want to keep and support its makers. We all want what we paid for with our hard earned coin to work at optimal performance. As Polk customers, we are entitled to that because we chose to patronize this company by purchasing their product(s). The fact that many headset manufacturers are also having mic issues further solidifies that something is wrong with either the MS headset adapter (which was contracted to Turtle Beach) and/or the controller firmware.

codebluedvo

Agreed, I cannot use these when gaming w/ friends as they cannot hear me or i have to yell, which is dumb cuz i got these to be quiter. I cannot return then as they are opened can only exchange for another pair. So I am screwed out of 160 bucks for headphones I can use with my phone. I never use headphones with my phone. I want to stream and talk to people and cannot do this. I should have bought the Microsoft ones but thought Polk would sound awesome. They do but if I cannot talk to my friends while playing why wear them. This is killing my whole Titanfall experience, as I can either play with sound but with no friends, or play with friends and no sound. This sucks. Last Polk product I buy and I typically love their products.

codebluedvo

It is poor customer experience, I work for technology solutions provider if we told one of our customers it will take weeks to fix something we would lose that customer. How about send me a rebate since I didnt get what I paid for. I paid for a working functional headset. Not a half working one or allow me to send these back to you for a full refund as many stores will not allow these to be returned if opened only exchanged for the same crappy headset.

Superdude

I got my puck yesterday. I tried listening to skype on echo123. It sounded pretty soft. I played people on titanfall and they said it sounded okay. I dunno. Will test more tomorrow.

sframsden3

My adapter/cable are on a truck for delivery today, as well as a friend of mine's. I will report back once we receive ours...

I mean, I'm expecting it to be muffled/soft as this seems to be a known issue. And I would thus expect it to be solved in a few weeks as Polk has stated.

sframsden3

Ok, here to give an update... Me and one of my gaming buds just got our adapters in today and used the Polk's (we both have the Melee's) for the first time and I must say we were not disappointed. Maybe because we went into it expecting an absolutely horrendous experience. Was there a slight bit of "muffling" sure, but didn't seem to the extreme that others are posting. Needless to say we both plan on keeping them in hopes that the next update makes the experience even better.

I think a lot of it comes down to getting the right mix of game versus party chat audio, etc. Maybe people sound too quiet because the people on the other end don't have the party chat mix correct?

shepx2

sframsden3 wrote: »

Ok, here to give an update... Me and one of my gaming buds just got our adapters in today and used the Polk's (we both have the Melee's) for the first time and I must say we were not disappointed. Maybe because we went into it expecting an absolutely horrendous experience. Was there a slight bit of "muffling" sure, but didn't seem to the extreme that others are posting. Needless to say we both plan on keeping them in hopes that the next update makes the experience even better.

I think a lot of it comes down to getting the right mix of game versus party chat audio, etc. Maybe people sound too quiet because the people on the other end don't have the party chat mix correct?

This definitely seems to be part of the problem. MS really screwed up how to mix the audio between the two. How they screwed up something so simple is beyond me.

Guywired

I'm not saying this is a Polk problem...

I am saying that I REALLY appreciate how quickly Polk responded about MS making an update for it and would appreciate a new progress report.

Maybe Polk isn't responsible for deploying a patch via XBL, but they obviously have the open dialog with MS about what's going on. Some transparency for us paying customers would be hopeful and reassuring.

shepx2

Guywired wrote: »

I'm not saying this is a Polk problem...

I am saying that I REALLY appreciate how quickly Polk responded about MS making an update for it and would appreciate a new progress report.

Maybe Polk isn't responsible for deploying a patch via XBL, but they obviously have the open dialog with MS about what's going on. Some transparency for us paying customers would be hopeful and reassuring.

Don't assume they have good communication with MS. I used to live in Seattle and worked outside of Redmond, and have friends who worked at MS. Communication, even with their big partners, isn't always a strong suit of theirs.

Daunting

I tend to talk louder than normal & have a deep bass voice. I wonder if it would still be muffled for me.

Austacker

Well I've switched to using my TB earforce Z11 with this adaptor and can say there is NO ISSUE AT ALL on mic volume

So either this is a firmware issue on the adaptor specific to the Polk with the mic gain set far too low or a simple case of the fact the Polk mic is sitting on the side of the head instead of in front of the face to pic up voice

Honestly I expect it's the latter

Audio quality is great on the Polks but that's like saying a Ferrari without friggen wheels is a great sports car

This headset for a gamer who needs a quality chat component is complete junk. So my polk4crap now sits on a shelf gathering dust and I use a cheap I $50 turtlebeach which can actually do chat properly whilst doing my best to warn anyone who will listen that the Polk simply doesn't do the job

sframsden3

If you're that dissatisfied why not return it? Then you can wait and hear reviews after the next update hits... If you're still in the market and you like what you're reading in the reviews, then you can buy it again, otherwise move on. Like others have said, you sound like a broken record. Everyone here knows that Austacker is vey unhappy with his Polk headset. I don't believe anyone thinks otherwise.

shepx2

Austacker wrote: »

Audio quality is great on the Polks but that's like saying a Ferrari without friggen wheels is a great sports car

The same could be said for lousy headphones with a mic that works ok.

Austacker wrote: »

This headset for a gamer who needs a quality chat component is complete junk. So my polk4crap now sits on a shelf gathering dust and I use a cheap I $50 turtlebeach which can actually do chat properly whilst doing my best to warn anyone who will listen that the Polk simply doesn't do the job

And this is why I said you were whining. You act like the victim, badmouthing Polk here and in Reddit because they wouldn't get a solution fast enough for you. Yet ignoring the fact that not only has Polk tried to tell you what the problem is, but ignoring people all over the internet that have been complaining about various issues with multiple brand headsets. And ignoring other people who have tested their headphones and said they were fine.

Do us all a favor: Go return your Polks, enjoy your $50 POS headphones, and go about your way. Find something you will be happy with, because you obviously have made your mind up that you will not be happy here, no matter what is said or done.

dvine

Wonder what Polk thinks about this review from IGN.

http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/13/polk-audio-4shot-headset-for-xbox-one-review

shepx2

dvine wrote: »

Wonder what Polk thinks about this review from IGN.

http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/13/polk-audio-4shot-headset-for-xbox-one-review

Who knows, but I have my opinion: the reviewer has no right doing professional headphone reviews for a game magazine. There is always varying opinions on what someone likes best sound wise to themselves. But regardless of what his opinions on the sound characteristics are, THE most important part of a gaming headset is how the soundstage is presented. (which is wide and very good in these, and a feat for the price point) This guy didn't even mention A single thing on the soundstage, which tells me he is clueless. And if you read thru the comments on his "review", many other folks feel the same way.

Let him stick to his lousy (most likely) turtle beaches, and I'll sneak up on him every time.

Bamf

dvine wrote: »

Wonder what Polk thinks about this review from IGN.

http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/13/polk-audio-4shot-headset-for-xbox-one-review

haters gonna hate.

For me, the 4shots/melee headset is the most i have ever spent on a pair of headphones. I think they work great. I can use them for work and at home with anything that has a 3.5mm output. To add to that, i dont look like a complete tool wearing gaming themed headphones in public.

Minus the mic issue (not Polks fault btw), the sound is great regardless of what they are being used for. Are there nicer headphones out there? ABSOLUTELY. However, for the price and multi-useability of these, the higher end music or game specific headphones cant beat these IMO.

Austacker

dvine wrote: »

Wonder what Polk thinks about this review from IGN.

http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/13/polk-audio-4shot-headset-for-xbox-one-review

Ironic, that after word of mouth 'whining' is being fobbed of by the fanboys here, now even completely independent reviews detailing the exact same issue are wrong too

You people are in denial

Shizelbs

I swear I've read elsewhere that the mic issue is not exclusive to the Polk headsets.

Daunting

Most of the issues i have seen from other headsets were static & echoing. Polk is the only one i have seen with low mic volume.

shepx2

Daunting wrote: »

Most of the issues i have seen from other headsets were static & echoing. Polk is the only one i have seen with low mic volume.

Correct. I haven't seen any other headphone models have complaints about a muffled mic. But there have been a multitude of other issues: Static and echoing as you stated, sound dropping out completely at random times, and some people not being able to get a proper chat/game mix, when they clearly understand how it should work. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, considering how buggy some of the features of the Xbox have been, but still. It seems pretty crazy.

As far as the mic issue, I'm starting to wonder if there are two problems: a batch of bad mics, and an issue with the chat adapter. I've seen too many people state that they've tried theirs with a PS4 or a phone and it sounded fine to rule out this being a design issue. But I can say that I tried mine with my phone and it did not sound good either. So for now, it's just wait and see.

I will say that I am totally impressed with the audio quality of these, for the price. The soundstage is much wider and details much clearer than the Steelseries Siberia V2 set I had before. Solid, tight bass that I prefer to the generally bloated sound of anything by Turtle Beach.

I have had my eye on a set of Fidelio X1's for a while now, and I found a great deal on a pair, so I will need a mic with it. I ordered a V-Moda boom mic, and may try it out with the Polks as well.

Austacker

Yes I agree something isn't quite right on the "it's Xbox" claim for me

Just can't shake that feeling that it's the position of the mic at the side of the head is the root cause, but I'm happy to be proven wrong
I've tried to use it for skype calls (test call with skype on the X1 version) and have verified the volume is too low

So I dunno. I'm fairly dubious of the claim, but I've held onto the headset anyway

Can't help but feeling I'm going to regret that decision but I still hold out hope snyway

There's no way in hell I'm recommending this headset right now to anyone and were into the 2nd week since release without an update
I'm losing faith here and starting to think I've been ripped off - but hope that's not the case

For now I'll continue to use a headset that was less than 1/4 the price of the 4shot and at least still be able to chat with friends, but this waiting around is BS

Daunting

I am still using a cheap $50 wired headset with the adapter until this gets resolved. I love the design of the 4 shots & boom mics bug me. I want to get them if they get patched, XO sevens if not. I really don't like the design of the xo sevens as much though.

Austacker

Yeah I think it's s Microsoft issue as stated though

I tested this headset with my iphone just now and covered up the phone and what I think is a near field mic with a towel so the only mic option is the headset itself

Both skype and phone calls were crystal clear which had me breathing a big sigh of relief

Looks like it IS a ms Xbox controller firmware issue which is both frustrating and reassuring

I'm going to keep the Polks until this is fixed

But scaroooooo MS for releasing yet another buggy product without proper testing!!!

txcoastal1

Glad your testing went well Austacker I was beginning to doubt myself. Just remember there is always a rush to be first, been going on since before time. I know the friggin' waiting game sux

Good luck

esk1

Austacker wrote: »

Yeah I think it's s Microsoft issue as stated though

I tested this headset with my iphone just now and covered up the phone and what I think is a near field mic with a towel so the only mic option is the headset itself

Both skype and phone calls were crystal clear which had me breathing a big sigh of relief

Looks like it IS a ms Xbox controller firmware issue which is both frustrating and reassuring

I'm going to keep the Polks until this is fixed

But scaroooooo MS for releasing yet another buggy product without proper testing!!!

Mine are going back to Polk, I did some testing today with my phone using Sound Recorder on android that has a gauge for sound. Using this headset plugged directly into my phone my voice never registered above about 25%. While the sound played back mostly clear it was obviously quiet and muffled compared to normal levels of volume and will definitely be overshadowed by game volume for most other people. My old headset, ear buds, and the mic on my phone itself all would be close to maxing out the gauge when I talked in a normal volume, even when i placed the mics near where the polks is relative on my head. Furthermore what really worries me is even if I hold the mic directly in front of my face and talk right into the thing I still don't get that much better sound without raising my voice. If my phone microphone gets better sound being held at the same relative place as the 4shot something is wrong.

RobMitch

When i play fifa 14 the sounds drops out on the headset is this a fifa problem also when I'm looking in the xbox menu it will make a static noise but when i watch youtube the headset is amazing and i have recently been playing titanfall in them they sound great but its has a little delay when I'm in the titanfall menu anyone know why?