How Does an Xbox 360 Headset Work?

The Microphone

The microphone that comes as a part of the Xbox 360 headset has a number of features that are optimal for use in conjunction with playing video games. It is a boom microphone, which means that it is one that can be at a comfortable distance away from your face and still pick up everything the user is saying. It also uses special "noise-canceling" technology to pick up only frequencies used by the human voice and ignore everything else, which greatly helps when playing a game that relies on the user giving voice commands. This also helps the user communicate crisply and clearly to other players when engaged in online multi-player matches.

Connecting the Headset

Connecting the headset to the console can be done in only a few steps. The headset can be powered on by pressing the power button, located near the ear piece. Next, press the "Connect" button located on the Xbox 360 console. This tells the Xbox that it needs to scan the area for any wireless signals being emitted by any peripheral hardware. Then, within 20 seconds, press the "Connect" button located on the headset. This sends a signal to the console, alerting it to the presence of the headset.

Volume Control

The Xbox 360 headset has a variety of ways to control its volume. A volume control is on the device itself, and can easily be adjusted with the user's finger. Sliding the control to the left turns the volume down, to the right turns it up. Once the headset is connected to an Xbox 360 controller, a simple press of a button can also mute the headset. This can be necessary during online multi-player games, where you want to be able to hear everything other players are saying but talk to people physically near you.

Resources

• Xbox.com