14 DAY TRIAL // 5.1 channel audio might not be easy to implement on headphones, but it's definitely not impossible either, as companies like to prove again and again. In this case, Roccat studios has launched the new Kave XTD 5.1 Digital headset.
Kave XTD 5.1 Digital is essentially a rebuilding of the original Kave, but with 25% less weight and still better performance.
Then again, the better performance bit was expected, since it wouldn't make sense to try and use the strength of an existing brand for something worse than the first product.
Anyway, the Kave XTD 5.1 Digital has three driver units in each ear cup, all of them aligned at an angle of 12 degrees.
It also has a fully equipped desktop remote with a built-in premium 5.1 sound card, plus Bluetooth that allows you to link your smartphone to it.
It's also a good thing to note that if you happen to be using chat software when you pick up a phone call, the chat is muted, so you don't have to worry about privacy.
The same goes for gaming. You can play things and have the rich sounds of a jungle or gunshots ringing in your head, but they will go quiet if you take a phone call.
So yes, Kave XTD 5.1 Digital does let you be connected to both your PC and smartphone at the same time.
You can even hook up an existing speaker system to the remote and easily manage or toggle between headset and speaker output. In other words, you don't have to crawl under the table and unplug some wires to make room for others.
Roccat should already be shipping the Kave XTD 5.1 Digital gaming headset for a price of €169.99 / $169.99. If you like huge ear cups that enclose your ears snugly within, you might want to take a look.