Solo On-ear

To connect the headset to my Xbox 360, I attached the left and right analog audio cables from my Xbox’s component break-out cable to the female connections on the provided splitter cable. Since I run an optical digital cable to my A/V receiver, that’s all I had to do, but had I been running those analog audio cables to my TV or receiver, I would have simply plugged the male ends of the splitter cable into either component. I should note here that those using the Xbox’s HDMI connection will need to get the Xbox break-out cable that provides an analog audio connection when using HDMI. It’s either that, or you must tap a stereo monitor output off of either a TV or A/V receiver. It may sound confusing, but it really isn’t. It took just one minute to get the headset up and running. Turtle Beach has a video showing how to connect the headset at its website in case you get stuck.
I was tremendously impressed with the Turtle Beach Ear Force x12. Apparently, this model is based off of the already popular X11 with just a few modifications added in, one of which is a mic monitor feature. Mic monitor allows you to hear yourself as you speak into the mic. With most closed-back headphones, you can’t hear yourself talking and end up inadvertently shouting when you talk. The mic monitor handily eliminates that side-effect.
The other notable upgrade over the X11 is the use of larger 50mm drivers. They’re 10mm larger than the previous model and larger than many full-sized headphones. We’re not sure if the larger size was responsible for the X12’s bass prowess or not, but to be sure, they are capable of plenty of bass.
I wore these headphones for two hours at a time only removing them for a matter of seconds on occasion. At no time did I feel any significant fatigue around the ears or on the crown of our head. Though I can feel some joints hiding under the headband, I never felt that on my head. The X12 get an A for comfort.
Voice intelligibility was excellent. I had no problem dialing in the incoming voice volume from friends in my chat room and my voice came across to others perfectly clear. At no point did I ever “peak” the mic, save the one time I crammed the mic into my face and screamed into it (which was funny to witness, I assure you). The provided windscreen on the mic tip is effective at eliminating “pop” without muddying up sound. That’s another A for voice intelligibility.