Road Test: Able Planet PS500MM Headphones
Posted by Anton Gordon at 9:12 AM Jul 08, 2009
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I checked out the PS500MM with games, music and Skype, and on all three, the headset delivers crisp, powerful sound at low volumes. Able Planet included technology they call "LINX AUDIO," which delivers clear sound at low volumes so you don't blow out your ears. Trust me, it works. The first few times I put on this headset, I constantly found myself turning the volume down because the standard blasting decibels just weren't necessary. The leather ear cuffs are quite comfortable for long-session wear, and I appreciate that the headphones can be used with either USB or mic/headphone jacks (although an included adaptor is required for USB - another computer componet to keep track of). The headset is light, comfortable, and the microphone flexes out of the way when not in use. In short, I was really pleased with the PS500MM headphones, and I'd recommend them for heavy PC gamers at the resonable price of $99 bucks. And if you're not a PC gamer, Able Planet's TL300 headset will launch this December and is compatible with the Xbox 360.
If you're interested in more info, I've included the PS500MM press release after the break.
AblePlanet Unveils New Gaming Headphones That Help Prevent Hearing Loss
Advanced New Headset for PC Gamers Extends Multi-Media Gaming to the Hearing Impaired
WHEAT RIDGE, CO ---- Addressing renewed concerns about hearing loss among young people who listen to personal headphones for just five hours a week at a high volume, Able Planet today unveiled a new high-fidelity multi-media headset for PC gamers that is safer during playback and provides the optimal gaming experience. Able Planet's new PS500MM delivers quality audio, convenient one-touch features for controlling volume and microphone functionality, and attractive styling at an affordable price.
Able Planet's patented LINX AUIDOTM technology embedded in the PS500MM can help to preserve hearing by allowing users to lower the volume to safer listening while still receiving a full and rich audio sound. Originally developed for those with mild to severe hearing loss, all Able Planet products are based on the company's breakthrough micro-technology.
"We designed this innovative new headset specifically with PC gamers in mind," said Able Planet's chairman and CEO Kevin Semcken. "Gamers tend to spend significant periods of time playing online games and such extended play of rich multimedia sounds puts a cumulative strain on the ears this can cause hearing loss and fatigue. Our technology minimizes this risk so that users no longer have to turn up the volume just to be able to drown out background noise."
Able Planet's PS500MM headset is a multi-media powerhouse headset that is ideal for heavy PC users, and gaming in particular. With noise cancellation technology built directly into the microphone for improved sound clarity, the lightweight device measures 5.62"x5.43"x1.96" and weighs just 2.64 oz. The headset has oversized, extended-wear leather ear cups provide for hours of comfortable game play . The PS500MM ships with a USB wireless adapter and comes with two 3.5mm jacks, a standard interface that extends the compatibility of the PS500MM. Their TL300 headset, also launching in December has all of the same features but a 2.5mm jack, ideal for the Xbox gaming counsel.
Just last month, a team of nine experts on the European Union's Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) released a study that found that five to ten percent of personal music player listeners risk permanent hearing loss, if they listen to a personal music player for more than one hour per day each week at high volume settings for at least 5 years. The EU has implemented a safety standard that restricting the noise level of headsets for personal devices to 100 dB.
Able Planet has won over twenty awards for the company's patented LINX AUDIO™ technology, and incorporates the award-winning innovation in all products. LINX AUDIO alters the audio signal to enhance sound quality and increases the intensity of high frequency harmonics to improve the intelligibility of speech and deliver richer sound at safer, lower volumes to accommodate people with all levels of hearing.
Availability
Available in mid-December, Able Planet's PS500MM gaming headset retails for US $99.00. The headset ships with extended wear leather ear cups for a comfortable fit, features an adjustable headband and a soft carrying pouch for travel is also included with purchase.
For more information about Able Planet products and to order, please visit www.ableplanet.com. Able Planet devices are also available at top online retailers including Amazon.com.
About Able Planet
Able Planet designs and manufactures innovative audio and communication devices for individuals with All Levels of Hearing™. The company's product portfolio includes headphones, headsets, hearing aids and assistive listening devices, all featuring Able Planet's patented LINX AUDIO™ technology that not only provides access to audio and communications devices for people with hearing loss but also preserves hearing by allowing users to turn it down without compromising rich sound. Able Planet has won over 20 technology and innovation awards in the past three years, including 17 from the prestigious International Consumer Electronics Show awards. Able Planet's products are marketed through Able Planet's website, resellers, audiology networks, non-profit foundations and strategic partners. The company is privately held and is headquartered in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. For more information, visit www.ableplanet.com
