Headset?

[dburne]

Hey gang,

 

Considering getting my first true headset. Would be nice to have, so as not to annoy the wife too much when she is in close proximity, plus would give me a chance to try the Track Clip Pro for my Track IR rather than the hat clip, and lastly should I decide to get into MP someday I would then have the mic.

 

I would also state I have a Creative SoundBlaster Z sound card. Plus I have a nice Klipsch 2.1 Pro Media speaker system with sub, which sounds really good. Now the control pod to the Klipsch system has a headphone jack, but no mic jack. Of course my SoundBlaster card has both headphone and mic jack.

 

So in looking at some sites, I see there are both wired and wireless headsets. I have no real problem I guess with the wired, but wireless certainly looks convenient as well. Would I get the best sound all around with the wired sets? Plus I realize with the wireless they have to be charged as well I guess. Plus with the wired I guess I would need to make sure the cables are long enough to reach behind my computer.

 

Any tips would be appreciated. Have been looking at Logitech, Creative, and Razer Kraken Pro.

I do like good clear sound with good bass.

 

Any tips for this first time headset buyer would certainly be appreciated!

[skouras]

im on the market too for a headset since im using 5.1 speakers i found and im ready to buy RAZER KRAKEN 7.1 chroma usb connection

from the reviews it seems awesome and also have a digital microphone which is very good also...take a look

 

[dburne]

Thanks, that certainly looks interesting.

 

I am a bit confused I guess, but I am new to this headset game lol.

 

Ok so I have a Creative SoundBlaster Z soundcard. I know the software has a headset button I can click, to switch from my speakers to headset - plus can tune the headset from there. I assume I would need to plug the headset into the back of the soundcard in the appropriate plug.

 

But these headsets that plug into usb port, they are not really being powered through the soundcard like that? I presume they use their own processing and software? I wonder which, in my case, might be better?

I have even though of upgrading my soundcard to the SoundBlaster ZX, which has it's own control module that sits on the desk with ports to plug the headset and mic in , and also has a volume knob.

Edited October 28, 2015 by dburne

[MegOhm_SD]

Check out the Logitech G930 wireless. TIR fits nice and if you go wireless on your Proclip, your golden. Batt is good for a solid 10 hours. Used this one going on 4 years. Recently bought another one from newegg for $85. Nice 7.1 SS emulation. It is USB

[joey45]

Got the 2nd gen coming soon. the G933.

[dburne]

Will check the Logitech out, thanks guys.

 

Question: Is wireless the way to go now? Is the sound just as good as wired?

[cichlidfan]

But these headsets that plug into usb port, they are not really being powered through the soundcard like that? I presume they use their own processing and software? I wonder which, in my case, might be better?

 

Correct. USB headphones are not using your sound card, but using their own processing.

 

Which is better is a very individual thing. I have tried both ways but I prefer a discreet sound card coupled with my one of my Sennheiser sets. However, I haven't managed a good way to mount my Proclip onto the headphones yet.

[dburne]

Thanks for the info cichlidfan,

 

I have been looking around at the various headsets, think I am on information overload lol.

[cichlidfan]

My experience with a Sennheiser wireless set, for non-PC audio, was good from an audio quality standpoint, but I had signal issues, which is something that is subject to the environment as well as the unit itself.

 

I would personally make sure I could return them if I did not like the way they perform, so that I could test them in the environment that they will be used in.

[dburne]

I may just go wired, I really like my Creative Soundcard. I have the Sounblaster Z, but could upgrade to the ZX which would give me a control pod with headphone and mic jacks and volume knob, that would sit on my desk. Then I could easily plug in the headset and mic to it.

Decisions decisions...

[cichlidfan]

The cables have never bothered me. I have one set of headphones (USB) with the TIR cable braided to the head phone cable and I barely notice it is there.

[dburne]

The cables have never bothered me. I have one set of headphones (USB) with the TIR cable braided to the head phone cable and I barely notice it is there.

 

Thanks for the info, think I am probably going to go with the wired then. Might as well make full use of the soundcard.

Now to decide on a headset lol...

Really thinking about going ahead and getting the SoundBlaster ZX card as it has that control pod, would make plugging in and unplugging very convenient.

Edited October 28, 2015 by dburne

[joey45]

I love my G930, the range is great, every room in the house [yes including that one] and I don't even notice any lag.

[TomOnSteam]

As someone that works with audio, my tip for a gaming headset would be to avoid a gaming headset, and even headset's altogether, but instead by the best headPHONES available in your price range, as for the money you'll get a much better sounding set of cans for the same money - just attach a $1 mic, and you've got a headset :)

 

That is if you appreciate natural, realistic, crystal clear sound. If you just want something that has a lot of bass for explosions and don't care about the rest then by all means, you'll be happy with a gaming headset. But it sounds like you have a good sound card, so I'd be making the most of it!

 

 

I would specifically avoid PC, console and gaming brands such as Logitech, Creative, and Razer, Turtle Beach, etc. The reason being is that these are often made from a cheap low-end headphones tuned for too much bass with the expense of all other tones, with a cheap microphone built in, and if you were to buy these item separately, it would be the exact same product for much cheaper, or a better product for the same money (sure they might have flashing lights and bright neon colours). Instead go for well known audio specific brands.

 

For games and simulators specifically I would recommend most headphones that have an open-back design - this lets in air, so that the headphones can reproduce a natural sound, unlike closed-back designs which sound like you have put your hands over your ears. I will admit that with my first pair of open-back headphones I turned around a few times thinking someone was talking to me from down the hallway - as I could hear band members talking on recordings!

 

The other advantage of an open-back design, is that the stereo or surround field sounds considerably wider. It doesn't sound like two speakers either side of your head. The sound is more a like listening to a surround sound system separated by across a large cinema, and you can pinpoint exactly the direction and distance a sound is coming from - in first person shooters for example, I've been accused of cheating because I can shoot at people so accurately before I can even see them.

 

 

There can be a couple of disadvantages to an open-back design however - if you turn up the volume really loud, then someone in the same room will be able to hear your headphones, as the sound isn't contained as much inside the headphone. I game in the lounge room and my wife sits about 5m away from me, and has only complained once when I had a guitar solo screeching away loudly, but low pitch sounds like a helicopter tend not to escape.

Likewise sound will leak in too, so if you were to use these headphones in a noisy environment like a train, you'd hear the train, instead of being closed into your own little environment.

 

If you can afford it, one of the best headphones are the Philips Fidelio X2 http://www.head-fi.org/products/philips-fidelio-x2. I suggest these as they are comfortable, will literally last a life time being metal in in the key areas, and the sound signature is amazing most importantly. They are not only great for games and simulators but also music and movies. You will be surprised at how many subtle sounds you have never heard before, even though they were always there!

 

If these are too expensive, then there are plenty of options down to almost any price range from brands such as Audio Technica, Sennheiser, or even you might be able to find a pair of fidelo X1's which are still amazing - This is what I'm using now, but the X2's do sound just that little bit better.

 

 

If you do decide to get a hi-fi pair of headphones, then also make sure you turn off any software that "enhances" the sound or adds surround sound artificially, because it does this as a trade-off for sound clarity.

[dburne]

I love my G930, the range is great, every room in the house [yes including that one] and I don't even notice any lag.

 

Hey Joey,

 

I have certainly been eyeing that one.

Do you use it wireless?

 

So if I were to get that one, should I desire to just hook it up to my soundcard via the wired connectors, could I do that - or does it have to use a usb connector?

On my current Soudblaster Z soundcard, it has both headphone and mic jacks

 

And if I had it hooked up this way, by having the headset plugged in does it automatically mute out the speaker system I have hooked up?

 

Thanks for any tips, as you can tell I am quite the headset newbie here lol.

[dburne]

As someone that works with audio, my tip for a gaming headset would be to avoid a gaming headset, and even headset's altogether, but instead by the best headPHONES available in your price range, as for the money you'll get a much better sounding set of cans for the same money - just attach a $1 mic, and you've got a headset :)

 

Thanks so much for all the feedback Tom, it is greatly appreciated!

Definitely gives me more to think about and options to look at augh! LOL.

 

I will check some of those recommendations out. For my first I may just go with a less costly option like one of the gaming headsets to get started, but will definitely look into those as well.

 

Thanks,

[TomOnSteam]

Thanks for the info, think I am probably going to go with the wired then. Might as well make full use of the soundcard.

Now to decide on a headset lol...

Really thinking about going ahead and getting the SoundBlaster ZX card as it has that control pod, would make plugging in and unplugging very convenient.

 

If you are getting a new sound card go with a Xonar based card instead :)

 

Or even still you can get plenty of other sound cards, also known as DAC's (digital to analog converters) - made by audio enthusiast companies that will have clear sound without any fancy (rubbish) software manipulating the sound. Most DACs also have a control wheel if that's what you are interested in.

 

 

Thanks so much for all the feedback Tom, it is greatly appreciated!

Definitely gives me more to think about and options to look at augh! LOL.

 

I will check some of those recommendations out. For my first I may just go with a less costly option like one of the gaming headsets to get started, but will definitely look into those as well.

 

Thanks,

 

Hahaha yes, it took me about a month of reading about various stuff to workout what on earth all of this new stuff was.

 

What's your price range? I can recommend you something to save you a few headaches :)

[MegOhm_SD]

I love my G930, the range is great, every room in the house [yes including that one] and I don't even notice any lag.

 

Same here. I can walk around outside and still talk on TS3. Wireless with wireless TIR has been great. Would not go back to wired.

 

Have had some fun with the voice morphing too.

 

But each to his own.

Edited October 29, 2015 by MegOhm_SD

[doveman]

If you're considering a wired open-back headset I can recommend the Samson SR850. Cost about £30 and reviews have described them as the best cans under £100. You'll need to sort out your own mic though, I used some Velcro to attach one I took from a cheap headset (need to upgrade it really) to the round bit on the side with the logo on and I've attached a gyro tracker and battery on the top but you could fit a TrackIR clip on the side instead. http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/headphones/sr-series/sr850/

[Bourrinopathe]

Hi there,

 

I'm also using a G930 headset w/ an IR emitter (for 2/3 years) and if the wireless feature is definitely comfortable (free from the PC and annoying spaghettis), I wouldn't recommend it.

 

Like many users I experience regular micro-cuts (sometimes a few per hour) even with the USB dongle in close proximity. And I'm not in a busy high-frequency environment. From what I've read, heard and experienced it's one of its (annoying) flaws.

 

Also, you will not be able to use your soundcard quality as it's connected to its own USB 7.1 soundcard (max quality: 48kHz 16bit). IMO, the sound quality is good enough for games and entertainment though.

 

The virtual surround sound is a great feature and I experienced a delightful sound environment with Elite: Dangerous (great sound design and sound engine). Not so much with DCS unfortunately (perhaps it's more specific to the soundscape and effects used).

 

The ear pads will wear off and you'll have to change them after a year or two. [random exemple]

Comfortable replacement ear pads are easy to find, so it's not a real problem.

 

The earband plastic connection piece tends to crack and brake after some time, even if you're careful.

(only one side started to crack recently on mine)

 

The micro-USB plug can endure some severe stress and finally start to get loose after some time.

Some of the great features are the volume wheel, the programmable buttons and the wireless range. The "retractable" mic boom is also great and the sound quality is decent if not crystal-clear.

 

If the G933 fixes most of the original flaws, I might buy a new one for DCS and such but I'm also about to buy a pair of (wired) monitoring stereo headphones (w/ a soundcard) (probably Sennheiser, AKG or Beyerdynamic).

 

I hope this helps ;)

Edited October 29, 2015 by Bourrinopathe

[T_A]

I`m using Sennheiser PC360 (the none USB model) , they sound good to me (i`m not audiophile).

 

mind you that you will need a headset amp for them (unless your sound card has one built in )

 

as for getting just headphones and adding 1$ mic - true you will get better sound but it will not be easy or pretty to handle the mic.

[BIGNEWY]

I am a fan of turtle beach now, never want to spend to much on a headset, but my latest one is very good quality and comfortable. turtle beach recon 100

[dburne]

Thanks for all the great feedback gang, I really appreciate it!

Going to take my time and look around some more, I am sure I will have more questions as I do. There certainly is a lot to consider.

 

Edit: One more question, it appears most of these headsets , even the wireless, offer the plugs that can plug directly into my soundcard. Usually with a splitter that splits the headphone and mic , so they will plug into my soundcard properly.

 

In that case aren't the headsets using the processing of my soundcard?

Edited October 29, 2015 by dburne

[GriffonBR]

+1 for G930 the sound and range of the wireless are great! The Track Clip Pro fits perfect, without any modification. Also, the G keys are very useful on DCS World, at least for me. I set one for HMD on Russian aircrafts and one for issue the order Attack my Target.

[dburne]

+1 for G930 the sound and range of the wireless are great! The Track Clip Pro fits perfect, without any modification. Also, the G keys are very useful on DCS World, at least for me. I set one for HMD on Russian aircrafts and one for issue the order Attack my Target.

 

Thanks guys, I am leaning toward the Logitech based on your recommendations. I was trying to decide between the SoundBlaster offering and the Logitech.

 

Now I am trying to decide whether to go with the newer 933 ( about a month from release) or the 930...