Tritton has always targeted its range of headsets at gamers and the AX 720 is no different. What sets it apart from the competition is its versatility; it’s the first to offer three-way compatibility with the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.
It certainly looks every inch the gaming headset, with glossy white plastic and prominent orange logos dominating the chunky ear cups that completely surround your ears. Build quality is outstanding, although the lack of flex in the headband results in a snug fit that may feel tight on larger heads. Using premium materials has also added to the weight of the headset, which is immediately noticeable over cheaper sets. In spite of this, most people should find it comfortable to wear even during long gaming sessions, thanks to the padded headband and ear cups. The boom-style microphone can’t be folded out of view, but it can at least be removed when it isn’t in use.
To make the headset compatible with games consoles as well as the PC, it’s bundled with an external amplifier that connects using the supplied digital optical cable. As well as power and volume buttons, there’s also a Dolby Digital toggle on the front of the unit that switches between virtual surround sound modes. Unlike Tritton’s top-end headsets, the AX 720 doesn’t have multiple speaker drivers in each ear, so this is the only form of surround sound available. The headset connects to the amplifier using a proprietary connection, but a 3.5mm adaptor is included if you want to use it with a PC.
As it’s designed primarily for use with games consoles, the extra-long cable was certainly appreciated. An in-line remote control also comes in very handy when the amplifier is out of reach; as well as volume controls and an audio source toggle switch, it also has an audio jack for attaching an Xbox 360 controller. This is the only way to get the microphone to work with the console; PlayStation 3 gamers have to connect the amplifier to the console using the supplied USB cable, which is a much more elegant method.