SteelSeries H Wireless Bit Depth & Sample Rate

[Borei]

I've heard time and time again that the SteelSeries H Wireless is supposedly the be-all-end-all of multiplatform wireless gaming headsets. Perhaps for some, but in any case, I have a question for someone who owns this piece of equipment.

 

My question is, what is the bit depth and sample rate of the cans and the microphone, be it a locked setting or a range of settings? If you're not sure how to find out, in Windows, go to Control Panel > Hardware & Sound > Sound. On the Playback tab, right-click the H Wireless or optical port device (however you have it hooked up), choose Properties, go into the Advanced tab, and make note of what's provided in the drop-down list under Default Format. For the microphone, it's the same thing, only go to the Recording tab instead of the Playback tab.

 

I thank you in advance, anyone who is able to relay this information to me, and apologize if my instructions came across in any way condescending.

[KaminKevCrew]

I don't own them, but I know that optical has a limit of 192khz, if that helps any... If you can't get an answer here, you might be able to email steelseries about it and get the info directly form them.

[Borei]

Thanks for the idea, but I've tried that. SteelSeries doesn't accept contact except through their on-site form, and even then only for in-progress (already placed) orders and RMA requests.

 

I tried filling out the form and explaining that it wasn't an RMA request and tried asking my question, but their response just asked for my product number and other such to process the RMA request that I wasn't even trying to make.

[KaminKevCrew]

Thanks for the idea, but I've tried that. SteelSeries doesn't accept contact except through their on-site form, and even then only for in-progress (already placed) orders and RMA requests.

 

I tried filling out the form and explaining that it wasn't an RMA request and tried asking my question, but their response just asked for my product number and other such to process the RMA request that I wasn't even trying to make.

Well that sucks. 

[Borei]

Come now. Surely someone on these forums owns the H Wireless.

[Guest]

Does it matter? I guarantee the microphone quality isn't enough to make use of anything beyond 16-bit, 44.1kHz, and you don't need any more than that for playback.

[Borei]

Does it matter? I guarantee the microphone quality isn't enough to make use of anything beyond 16-bit, 44.1kHz, and you don't need any more than that for playback.

 

I'm curious. So sue me.

 

I've noticed any given microphone, especially on headsets, can tend to sound different from mic test to mic test depending on the person. I've also noticed I can't always guess about the numbers.

 

For instance, my ASTRO Gaming A50 runs at 16-bit, 48kHz. Since ASTRO Gaming is always touting how the A50 is just a wireless version of the A40, I thought the A40 would be the same. Come to find out from a friend, the A40 is capable of 24-bit, 48kHz.

 

I'm simply curious to know, from owners of the product, if the SteelSeries H Wireless has its own hidden ace (or however you want to put it) in playback and mic quality.

 

I do thank you for your contribution, though.

[Guest]

I'm curious. So sue me.

 

I've noticed any given microphone, especially on headsets, can tend to sound different from mic test to mic test depending on the person. I've also noticed I can't always guess about the numbers.

 

For instance, my ASTRO Gaming A50 runs at 16-bit, 48kHz. Since ASTRO Gaming is always touting how the A50 is just a wireless version of the A40, I thought the A40 would be the same. Come to find out from a friend, the A40 is capable of 24-bit, 48kHz.

 

I'm simply curious to know, from owners of the product, if the SteelSeries H Wireless has its own hidden ace (or however you want to put it) in playback and mic quality.

 

I do thank you for your contribution, though.

 

Perhaps you misapprehend me. The bit-depth doesn't affect the sound quality. Any differences you heard were due to other factors.

[Borei]

Perhaps you misapprehend me. The bit-depth doesn't affect the sound quality. Any differences you heard were due to other factors.

 

I see. Well as much as I enjoy gaming and tech, in the end I'm no expert. So tell me:

 

1. Why does Windows rely on bit depth and sample rates to measure quality in sound settings if it doesn't actually effect the quality? (serious question)

 

2. If those (or at least bit depth) aren't factors, what are the factors? (and don't just say bigger is better, because I've seen tiny mics sound fantastic)

[Guest]

I see. Well as much as I enjoy gaming and tech, in the end I'm no expert. So tell me:

 

1. Why does Windows rely on bit depth and sample rates to measure quality in sound settings if it doesn't actually effect the quality? (serious question)

 

2. If those (or at least bit depth) aren't factors, what are the factors? (and don't just say bigger is better, because I've seen tiny mics sound fantastic)

 

Bit depth is important when audio editing.

 

Acoustic design determines the sound and quality of a mic.

[creatip123]

Even the 'legendary' AT2020 USB is only 16bit/44.1kHz: http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/c75c5918ed57a8d0/

[Borei]

Alright, so let me see if I understand this...

 

The Audio-Technica AT2020 USB, at 16-bit/44.1kHz, can sound better than the ASTRO Gaming A50, at 16-bit/48kHz, because of acoustic design?

 

Well I suppose, but how do you quantify 'acoustic design'? Particularly, when factors like recording environment and background noise can't be controlled. Is it a matter of how much space there is inside the mic for sound to bounce around? If so, why are there lavalieres that sound just as good?

 

Also, I get that cardioid condenser mics like the AT2020 USB are supposed to be good for streaming and YouTube, but what about my A50? I'm not asking if it'll be perfect for streaming or anything like that. It's not designed for that as good as it may be. I mean more along the lines of how do I determine the mic type? I gather from their website that it's a cardioid mic, and from what I've seen on competitor sites condensers (or perhaps more accurately electret condensers) come in all sizes. So is there a test I can do, or what?

 

 

Sorry if I'm noobing up the place. I'm just trying to get a handle on this whole audio business so I know what I'm getting into if/when ever making purchases to enhance my Twitch stream. (As for that, wireless is always a big plus for my more general audio needs because I'm constantly needing to get up and move around while listening to stuff or chatting on Skype.)

[creatip123]

Alright, so let me see if I understand this...

 

The Audio-Technica AT2020 USB, at 16-bit/44.1kHz, can sound better than the ASTRO Gaming A50, at 16-bit/48kHz, because of acoustic design?

 

Well I suppose, but how do you quantify 'acoustic design'? Particularly, when factors like recording environment and background noise can't be controlled. Is it a matter of how much space there is inside the mic for sound to bounce around? If so, why are there lavalieres that sound just as good?

 

Also, I get that cardioid condenser mics like the AT2020 USB are supposed to be good for streaming and YouTube, but what about my A50? I'm not asking if it'll be perfect for streaming or anything like that. It's not designed for that as good as it may be. I mean more along the lines of how do I determine the mic type? I gather from their website that it's a cardioid mic, and from what I've seen on competitor sites condensers (or perhaps more accurately electret condensers) come in all sizes. So is there a test I can do, or what?

 

 

Sorry if I'm noobing up the place. I'm just trying to get a handle on this whole audio business so I know what I'm getting into if/when ever making purchases to enhance my Twitch stream. (As for that, wireless is always a big plus for my more general audio needs because I'm constantly needing to get up and move around while listening to stuff or chatting on Skype.)

 

Here's how to put it into perspective: which one is faster, a 2015 F1 or a 2015 GMC Yukon SUV?

 

By that bit depth logic, the GMC Yukon is waaaaayyyyyy faster than the 2015 F1, because the Yukon's engine capacity is 5300cc, while the F1 is only 1600cc (new 2014 regulation)

[ShearMe]

Sorry if I'm noobing up the place.

The only thing you should apologize for is apologizing so much. We're here to answer questions. Someone like you who is genuinely interested in learning something is actually refreshing.

Now, on to the topic. There are small mics that can sound just add good as big mics, but they are pricey and still often come with their own caveats. No product is perfect in every way. Usually proper setup, environment, and post production make the biggest difference in recording quality. Fancy equipment merely assists in one of these.

[Guest]

Well I suppose, but how do you quantify 'acoustic design'?

 

You can't really, unless you're a microphone engineer. Frequency response and pickup pattern are part of it, but not the whole picture. The recording environment does have a significant effect as well. 

[Borei]

I see. Thanks for all the input, guys.

 

As for factors, I use my recording equipment to stream live on Twitch. Unfortunately, that means that there is no opportunity for post recording manipulation and processing. It's all captured and broadcast raw and unedited.

 

My environment is no treat, either. I'm splitting the bills and household expenses with my mother and brother, both living in, in a house we're renting. I have my own bedroom, but it's not very big. I have my computing/gaming setup in the living room to avoid constantly isolating myself, but that means I'm subject to noises like conversation, television and such. I could maybe squeeze into my bedroom again, but I don't have the means (or perhaps even permission from the land lord) to soundproof my room. On top of that I'm quite soft-spoken.

 

So what are my options, realistically? Obviously I can keep using my A50 for now, but is there anything for which I should save up? Financially, I have the ability to save maybe 100 USD a month if I'm lucky. Unlucky months can mean saving up as little as nothing for that month. It's really up in the air right now. Is there anything that would be suited to my situation and pricing limits? How do I measure if a piece of equipment will be right for my setup without buying it first so I can test it? (I don't have a Best Buy or any kind of audio store anywhere near me, unfortunately.)

[Guest]

A better mic isn't necessarily going to combat background noise, although it could help I suppose. Generally the strategy there is to move the mic as close to your mouth as possible while turning sensitivity down. This is one case where I will recommend checkout out youtube reviews, especially those with sound tests.

[Borei]

A better mic isn't necessarily going to combat background noise, although it could help I suppose. Generally the strategy there is to move the mic as close to your mouth as possible while turning sensitivity down. This is one case where I will recommend checkout out youtube reviews, especially those with sound tests.

Thanks. I'll do that.

[KaminKevCrew]

I see. Thanks for all the input, guys.

 

As for factors, I use my recording equipment to stream live on Twitch. Unfortunately, that means that there is no opportunity for post recording manipulation and processing. It's all captured and broadcast raw and unedited.

 

My environment is no treat, either. I'm splitting the bills and household expenses with my mother and brother, both living in, in a house we're renting. I have my own bedroom, but it's not very big. I have my computing/gaming setup in the living room to avoid constantly isolating myself, but that means I'm subject to noises like conversation, television and such. I could maybe squeeze into my bedroom again, but I don't have the means (or perhaps even permission from the land lord) to soundproof my room. On top of that I'm quite soft-spoken.

 

So what are my options, realistically? Obviously I can keep using my A50 for now, but is there anything for which I should save up? Financially, I have the ability to save maybe 100 USD a month if I'm lucky. Unlucky months can mean saving up as little as nothing for that month. It's really up in the air right now. Is there anything that would be suited to my situation and pricing limits? How do I measure if a piece of equipment will be right for my setup without buying it first so I can test it? (I don't have a Best Buy or any kind of audio store anywhere near me, unfortunately.)

You could also try to build a foam fold-out wall, to block some echoes, and perhaps even a bit of the other noise in the house.

[creatip123]

Or try a shotgun mic...

[Borei]

Fold-out wall? Would this be portable/storable, or would it be permanently affixed to my walls?

 

As for shotgun mics, are they designed for that? I'm not going to be doing any singing or instrumentals. Just talking to viewers while I play my game live.

[ShearMe]

So what are my options, realistically? Obviously I can keep using my A50 for now, but is there anything for which I should save up?

 

You could try out SteelSeries's Wireless H as a side grade (at least monetarily), which you may prefer. Honestly wouldn't bother considering anything else. There's nothing more expensive on the market that I know of which has a boom mic anyways.

[KaminKevCrew]

Fold-out wall? Would this be portable/storable, or would it be permanently affixed to my walls?

 

As for shotgun mics, are they designed for that? I'm not going to be doing any singing or instrumentals. Just talking to viewers while I play my game live.

I meant more along the lines of a foam version of this: http://i5.walmartimages.com/dfw/dce07b8c-b4f6/k2-_be32b23c-03ef-4e63-8dd4-f2587ec16e58.v1.jpg

It's a bit ridiculous, but hey, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do! I will say though, that you should probably look at other options primarily, and use this as a last resort... They make small versions or those that just go around the mic, so that might help a bit too...

[Borei]

 

You could try out SteelSeries's Wireless H as a side grade (at least monetarily), which you may prefer. Honestly wouldn't bother considering anything else. There's nothing more expensive on the market that I know of which has a boom mic anyways.

 

Is the H Wireless going to be much better than the A50 Gen2 in terms of audio/mic quality? I've been tempted to give it a shot, but I've also been concerned about aspects of the H Wireless such as customer support, the circular ear cups, and an overdone degree of bells and whistles on an overly simplified control scheme. Still, if it's that significantly better than the A50 when both products are used properly, it might be worth a look...

 

 

I meant more along the lines of a foam version of this: http://i5.walmartimages.com/dfw/dce07b8c-b4f6/k2-_be32b23c-03ef-4e63-8dd4-f2587ec16e58.v1.jpg

It's a bit ridiculous, but hey, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do! I will say though, that you should probably look at other options primarily, and use this as a last resort... They make small versions or those that just go around the mic, so that might help a bit too...

 

As far as around the mic, you mean something like this?: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CY8SBBG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I bought that pack sometime last year, and they do absolutely nothing for my A50. On or off, there's no pop, but the mic still picks up breathing and background noise. The mic does block out some, but not everything, and those windscreens don't help. Perhaps there's a better version of that? The ones I have don't even cover the whole mic. Maybe just enough to cover the holes, if you can manipulate it just right.

 

 

 

 

EDIT: I should probably note that I'm only streaming PC games. I have a console, but I don't use it for Twitch.

Edited April 26, 2015 by Borei

[ShearMe]

Is the H Wireless going to be much better than the A50 Gen2 in terms of audio/mic quality? I've been tempted to give it a shot, but I've also been concerned about aspects of the H Wireless such as customer support, the circular ear cups, and an overdone degree of bells and whistles on an overly simplified control scheme. Still, if it's that significantly better than the A50 when both products are used properly, it might be worth a look...

I wouldn't guess it to be significantly better, I just know Linus did a review which says he preferred it a tad more.