Matt Seymour Interview (SVP Product Management, Turtle Beach)
We catch-up with Matt Seymour, SVP Product Management from Turtle Beach to talk audio!
Welcome to Impulse Gamer and thanks for visiting!
Turtle Beach has a reputation for cutting-edge audio. What are some standout features in your latest headset models that elevate the gaming experience?
We have seen a lot of innovation in the headset space recently and we are happy to be leading the charge with our most feature-rich models yet. Two that immediately come to mind are the Stealth 700 Gen 3 that feature an unrivalled level of innovative features such as our CrossPlay dual transmitter, that allows you to swap easily between two devices with just the push of a button and boasts a battery life of up to 80 hours. Another groundbreaking headset is the Atlas Air for PC that has the world’s first floating earcup and open back design. The Atlas Air features 40mm drivers with High-fidelity 24-bit audio for an unbelievably immersive experience.
Turtle Beach Stealth 700
How do your headsets balance comfort, durability and high-performance audio, especially for long gaming sessions or esports use?
We’ve been in the game for a long time so have conducted a lot of R&D into this subject. This commitment to comfort and quality has generated a lot of innovation such as our Pro-Specs system that helps relieve pressure on the side of the head for gamers that wear glasses. We’ve also included memory foam ear cushions in several of our headsets to ensure ultimate comfort for long gaming sessions. Another great example of recent innovation is the Atlas Air; the open back design offers breathable earcups for supreme comfort. In terms of performance, we are constantly developing our drivers and designs to ensure durability and performance. Our 60mm Dual Drivers for instance are the biggest in their class and deliver immersive soundscapes and unparalleled precision.
Spatial audio and haptic feedback are becoming more mainstream. How is Turtle Beach pushing the envelope in immersive sound?
The sound design for games now rivals blockbuster movies so we understand how important the audio is to overall game immersion and experience. We’ve added several new elements to recent headsets to achieve unrivalled spatial audio. The Atlas Air for instance has 24-bit resolution high fidelity wireless audio that provides more accurate reproduction of the original signal for optimal sound quality. It also provides a wider soundstage that enhances spatial audio and provide great immersion. We also have our patented 60mm Dual Eclipse drivers in the Stealth 700 Gen 3 that deliver immersive soundscapes and unparalleled precision and deep bass. But richer sound doesn’t only come with our high-end headsets. Even with our entry level products gamers can access the likes of Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos to ensure a rich audio experience.
With increasingly realistic soundscapes in games, how do you fine-tune headset drivers and audio profiles to match those evolving expectations?
Game developers and sound designers spend have made great strides at making game audio sound incredibly realistic, and that makes it all the more important for us to tune our headsets for the most accurate sound reproduction. Each headset undergoes a painstaking process to tune based on the driver characteristics as well as the materials and construction of the headset’s acoustic chambers. For several models we give users the option of fine-tuning to individual tastes through an Equalizer accessed on users’ phones through our companion app.
What role do you see AI playing in the next generation of gaming headsets from audio enhancements to user adaptability?
We’re actually very excited about where the tech is heading. We’re already using some AI elements in our current headsets. The Stealth 700 Gen 3 for example has AI based noise reduction on the microphone to ensure the quietest background yet. We will continue to explore ways to use AI in headsets to improve game audio and microphone reproduction,
Could we see features like real-time voice modulation, intelligent background noise cancellation or AI-driven EQ settings in upcoming models?
As mentioned above we’re already using AI to drive innovations and enhance overall experience so will continue to include AI based features where it makes sense.
What challenges do you foresee in integrating AI into headsets without compromising battery life, weight or affordability?
AI is an exciting field, and we expect a lot of advancements in technology in a short period of time, which will make things like size, memory, processing and battery constraints more manageable.
Looking ahead five or even ten years, how do you imagine the headset market transforming and what role will Turtle Beach play in shaping that future?
With the pace hardware and software is moving it’s certainly difficult to predict where things will be in 10 years’ time, but we’ve always been innovators in the space – developing and introducing industry firsts so that will not change. We are focused on improving every element of the audio experience from comfort and performance to providing features such as Superhuman Hearing that gives gamers a genuine competitive advantage, Pro Specs which improves comfort levels and CrossPlay tech so you can game on multiple systems with a single headset. We have a lot of exciting things in the works so watch this space!
Gaming controllers have remained relatively static since the PSOne, what differences does Turtle Beach bring gamers such as the Stealth Ultra?
Controllers have steadily evolved since the PSOne era—with innovations such as rumble feedback, motion controls, low-latency wireless connectivity, and integrated trackpads—Turtle Beach continues to redefine what gamers can expect from their controllers. Our Stealth Ultra, for example, was the first licensed Xbox controller featuring an integrated display that connects directly to your mobile device, bringing real-time social media notifications right to your controller. We’ve also implemented precision-focused innovations such as our Pro-Aim Focus mode, allowing gamers to fine-tune thumbstick sensitivity for enhanced long-range accuracy. The Stealth Ultra incorporates precision inputs typically found in high-performance gaming mice, tactile microswitches for reliable, fast response, and drift-free Hall Effect thumbsticks, which eliminate the frustrating issue of stick drift entirely.
Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Controller
Where do you see your controllers evolving over the next few years?
We’ve seen a lot of evolution recently which might be best evidenced by our Stealth Pivot controller that features rotating button modules to quickly switch between core button layouts designed for FPS, action and racing titles, or revolved layouts for fighting and retro games. You can also find a swappable module in our BFG controllers which are built for competitive play
In the near future, Turtle Beach controller product lines such as Stealth Ultra and the modular Victrix BFG will continue evolving with deeper customization, use of advanced drift-free technologies, and enhanced ergonomics tailored for both pro-sumer gamers and esports professionals. App connectivity will play a key role, enabling gamers to instantly personalize settings, fine-tune audio with features like Superhuman Hearing, and maximize battery life with advanced power management. And of course, we are also evaluating how to use AI-driven technologies in our controllers to provide players with an optimized competitive edge.
Lastly, what’s your favourite headset of 2025 so far and why?
Tough question! The two headsets most often used in my rotation right now are the Stealth Pro and the Atlas Air. The Stealth Pro’s ANC does an amazing job at shutting out the outside world and delivers an immersive experience. With swappable batteries, I always have one charging so there is no downtime. The Atlas Air sees a lot of use thanks to the super lightweight design and breathable open-back design. They’re so comfortable I sometimes forget I’m wearing them!
Turtle Beach Atlas Air
About the Author
Andrew Bistak When he's not trying to save the world, Andrew enjoys travel (although loathes turbulence), going to the movies, reading and being a dad to his two dogs (and now twins) with his wife.
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