Stefan Mileschin

If you're familiar with Major League Gaming tournaments, you're likely aware that Astro Gaming's Mixamp Pro has been the staple device for providing multi-platform surround sound and team chat to the headset-wearing pros. Things are set to change this fall, however, as Turtle Beach has announced a partnership with MLG that'll usher in the release of its first ever tournament-focused gaming headsets and a long-overdue competitor to the Mixamp.

To start, the TM1 tournament will be the exclusive sound hookup for MLG events when it hits the streets, effectively ending the reign of the Mixamp at events when its released. Like the Mixamp, the unit will provide virtual surround sound and chat functionality to any headset with a 3.5mm jack, albeit with a number of improvements. One TM1 can provide six players with individual sound whether they are on the same team or playing 3 vs. 3, and multiple devices can be daisey chained to provide a whopping 12 channels of separate audio. Notably, the TM1 also allows the broadcast audio to be fed into your mix so that you can keep up with the crowd around you.

On the headset front, TB is blending its programmable audio know-how and recent foray into lifestyle headsets into what's dubbed as the Seven Series. Details are slim, but the first two models set to up the ante on the likes of Astro's A40 and the Sennheiser PC360 will be the Ear Force XP7 and Z7. Each headset features a portable design, detachable microphone and an optional inline remote / mic, so you won't be you stuck to only using 'em in your living room -- unlike pretty much of all the company's past headgear. You'll naturally be able to download your preferred audio settings using TB's Preset Community Portal, which will also include "presets customized for specific [MLG] tournament games."

There's sadly nothing in the way of pictures at the moment, but we'll be getting some hands-on time with prototypes of all the goods at E3 next week. Hit up the press release past the break for further details in the meantime.

http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/t...ement-focused/