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RumbleFX
Force Feedback Headphones
Evergreen Technologies
By Frag-girlie
4/23/01
These days the computer gaming experience has been taken to another level with the explosion of Force Feedback
components whether it’s the wheel, joystick or mouse. With all of this you may have wondered where will the
technology go next? Evergreen Technologies has answered that for us by coming out with their RumbleFX Force
Feedback Headphones. These are the ultimate enhancement for any serious gamer! As Evergreen states, “The
revolutionary RumbleFX headphones actually shake and vibrate taking the virtual reality of positional audio all the
way. Now you’ll not only be able to hear where
everything’s coming from, you’ll also be able to feel it.”
Features
Vibration Bass control
Built in active bass amplifier
Separate volume control
Soft cushion ear cups
Adjustable padded headband
Specifications:
Driver Unit – 1.57” diam. Dome
Diameter – 2.24” diam. actuator
Impedance – 32 Ohm
Sensitivity – 102dB S.P.L at 1khz
Max Power Handling – 500mW
Frequency Response – 5-28,000Hz
Power Requirements – 3v
Cord-Approx.13’
Mini Stereo Plug
Battery Life Approximately 30 hours
Includes:
Rumble FX Headphones
Rumble FX Feedback Controller with volume and
vibration control
2 – AAA Batteries
Headphone Conversion Jack
The hardware consists of your typical high quality headphone
connected to an on-cord volume control. Each earpiece is well
padded for comfort and for blocking out surrounding noises.
The curved connector piece is cushioned and is adjustable to
fit snuggly to your head.
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The cord that comes down from the earpiece connects to a small control panel. This
control panel features a volume dial and a three-position slider switch. The volume dial is
used to adjust the dynamic level and the three-position slider switch changes between
vibration modes, "OFF", "I" and "II". With “OFF” selected, the headphones still play
sounds but there are no vibrations. With "I" selected, there is a low, moderate vibration
and with “II” selected there are much stronger vibrations. To power the control panel you
will need two AAA sized batteries, which Evergreen has supplied with your purchase. The RumbleFX is battery powered instead of USB powered because that would limit the
headphones to PC use only. Because the headphones are battery powered and feature a
stereo mini-jack, you can not only plug them straight into your speakers or soundcard,
but also into any other headphone capable device such as a Walkman, Gameboy, console
game, or standard stereo system. Evergreen also supplies a headphone conversion jack
for devices that require a 1/4" jack. All jacks on the Evergreen units are gold plated and
are of excellent quality.
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When the Force Feedback function is engaged, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) captures
the low frequency signals that normal headphones do not recognize. Then, with the aid of
transducers located in the earpieces, the RumbleFX Force Feedback Headphones convert
the low frequency signals into vibrations. The RumbleFX Headphones feature mini
subwoofers in each piece enhanced by deeper ear cups, which facilitates easy listening of
footsteps and gunshots.
Being the game lover I am, I decided to test these babies out with Quake 3, Counter
Strike, and NASCAR Racing. NASCAR Racing wasn’t enhanced much because the crash
impact isn’t long enough to truly signal the Force Feedback responders.
Believe me, I tried to create the most horrific wrecks possible and still the only way I
could hear real rumbling was by driving over the grass. Now the shooter games are
another story. While playing Quake 3, I could hear footsteps going by and when the
rocket fired by my competitor approached me, the RumbleFX Headphones perfectly
emulated the Force Feedback technology. Then when the rockets passed by the Force
Feedback affect slowly decreased, all the while normal sounds still played clear and fresh.
Counter Strike was by far the most enhanced by these headphones. Because you play
only in teams and the object of the game is to take out the other side, it is extremely
beneficial to be able to hear where the battles are taking place. As you walk through the
corridors, you can hear footsteps behind or to the side of you as well as gunfire from
specific locations. This enables you to either join in on the action or stay clear of that
area. There are sounds from machines and tanks that had previously sat there silent. But
with the RumbleFX Headphones, you can actually hear and feel the tank’s engine running
as you walk by it in the courtyard.
I also did some testing while listening to music CDs and MP3s. The headphones alone
produced clear sound and when I activated the Force Feedback function, I got a bass
rumbling like the most powerful car subwoofer out there. My ears hadn’t vibrated like
that while listening to music since the last concert I attended. It reproduced all sounds I
threw at it admirably with no noticeable distortion or sound quality degradation.
In conclusion I think these headphones are a great innovation. The manufacturer’s
suggested retail price is $59.99, but I have seen them online for around $39.99. Either
way, the RumbleFX Force Feedback Headphones by Evergreen Technologies are
reasonably priced and well worth the money. They will provide a whole new level of
involvement in your gaming experience.
www.rumblefx.com
website for more info
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