PC headset for multiple uses

[blakers28]

Hey Guys,

 

Im not much of a forum person but I like the community here so i thought id give it a shot.

 

Im looking for a PC headset that i can use for Games/Music/Work.

 

Current board is a Maximus V Formula Series.

Dont currently have a dedicate sound card.

 

Currently using a Logitech USB headset (WalMart bought). Its good but doesnt do much int terms of base.

I tried the Triton AX180 and a blue yeti, but the yeti picks up my AC running in my apartment though its quiet but sounds like white noise to everyone else even with the gain on 0 and the AX180 is an Xbox headset really so id rather just keep it there especially since the trble isnt the best.

 

 

Id like something with plenty of bass for gaming/music but also very good treble as i work from home and have a hard time understanding clients who have heavy foreign accents. So id like to do my best in understanding fully what they need from me.

In addition id like a uni directional Mic with some sort of noise cancellation.

Id like the earcups to cover my ears as well instead of sitting on top of them.

Also the voice morph option from the Logitech G35 is cool, id like to try that out but i dont like that headset due to the poor ratings.

 

I like how the Razer Blacksharks look, though no idea how they sound without trying them out first but would like to avoid buying them to try them.

 

I dont really care for carrying cases or removable mics and id like the headset to be wired not wireless.

If its possible id like a headset that maybe has some sort of color to it or crazy design or lights up. But it isnt a "must have.

 

I am willing to spend up to $200 on a headset if i need to. But of course the best deal i can get, ill likely take. Ive been doing a lot fo research and still cannot make up my mind.

I see so many sites that will say a headset is good but the user reviews will totally go against it.

 

 

 

I like the community here, better than any other forum ive visited so Id like to know you all have to say.

 

Thank You

[wtfxmitchell]

i use tt esports shock one (thermaltake)

reaaly food for their price points of 60/70$ with quite alot of base but not to much

[Aphexx]

vmoda. 

bassy rugged design to carry around. comes with a hardshell carrying case comes in a tonne of customizable crazy colors and get their boompro mic that they sell with it for the microphone solution

 

http://www.amazon.com/V-MODA-BoomPro-Gaming-Headset-Headphone/dp/B00BJ17WKK

 

the m80 is an on ear design so I'd stay away from it but the crossfade lp or the updated crosfade lp2 is in your price range. also the swappable metal shields can be etched with any design you provide so you can have that linus tech tips branded headphone

[blakers28]

Damn guys that was fast! lol

 

Thank you, i will look these up.

 

Still open to any suggestions at all.

 

Thank you

[MayflowerElectronics]

$200 budget

 

http://www.modmic.com/collections/frontpage/products/modmic - $32

 

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-AD700X-Audiophile-Open-Air-Headphones/dp/B009S332TQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1377466059&sr=1-1&keywords=ath+ad700x - $55 (better mic)

 

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-AD700X-Audiophile-Open-Air-Headphones/dp/B009S332TQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1377466059&sr=1-1&keywords=ath+ad700x - $150

 

Those headphones have very very good highs if that's what your looking for.

[blakers28]

Ok checked out the mod mic, and i have an "eh" feeling about it. The auditechnica headphones seem pretty good.

 

I like the way Thermaltake headphones look. I think they look cool as hell. Its just unfortunate i dont know about any of these headphones sound quality.

 

What about these headphones that use virtual surround? Are they worth it? I see some headphones now come with a USB amp for this purpose.

 

The Crossfades, i like how they are able to be customized by pretty much anything you send them.

 

Actually im pretty ok with having a mic that is fixed to the headset; retractible is cool too.  The reason being i dont plan to use the headset for my music player on my phone or anything. This headset will only be for my pc.

I am kinda into the whole "look at me" ideaology when it comes to these things.. I know its kind of immature, but i cant help what i like lol.

 

 

[MayflowerElectronics]

Ok checked out the mod mic, and i have an "eh" feeling about it. The auditechnica headphones seem pretty good.

 

I like the way Thermaltake headphones look. I think they look cool as hell. Its just unfortunate i dont know about any of these headphones sound quality.

 

What about these headphones that use virtual surround? Are they worth it? I see some headphones now come with a USB amp for this purpose.

 

The Crossfades, i like how they are able to be customized by pretty much anything you send them.

 

Actually im pretty ok with having a mic that is fixed to the headset; retractible is cool too.  The reason being i dont plan to use the headset for my music player on my phone or anything. This headset will only be for my pc.

I am kinda into the whole "look at me" ideaology when it comes to these things.. I know its kind of immature, but i cant help what i like lol.

 

I can guarantee you the thermaltake headphones won't sound good.

 

Virtual surround sound is not worth it, read the sticky FAQ for an explanation.

 

If you want a retractable mic or cool looks, you will sacrifice sound quality.

[FanOfKOTOKO]

If you want virtual surround sound there's always something like Razer's Surround software to feed that into your headphones, no?

[blakers28]

I can guarantee you the thermaltake headphones won't sound good.

 

Virtual surround sound is not worth it, read the sticky FAQ for an explanation.

 

If you want a retractable mic or cool looks, you will sacrifice sound quality.

Oh ok, i had a feeling that would be the issue here. Alrighty, well in that case, ill re-look into these suggestions. ITs just unfortunate you cant get the best of both worlds ya know?

[ShearMe]

Oh ok, i had a feeling that would be the issue here. Alrighty, well in that case, ill re-look into these suggestions. ITs just unfortunate you cant get the best of both worlds ya know?

 

V-Moda headphones don't sound bad. They're the only flashy headphone makers that actually consider sound quality, depending on your definition of flashy, of course.

[Parkway Drive]

I'd recommend the Sibera V2 if you're looking for a nice balanced headset for under $100. I'm also using the MVF but with the ThunderFX and the audio is nice. Crisp highs, nice clear mids and bass is enough for gaming exposions, etc. 

The mic is one of the best I've used on a headset and it's nice and comfortable.

The only downside is it's not the most durable headset so if you throw your gear around or need to use it outside the house then I'd be very careful with it.

 

You get what you pay for but they aren't audiophile headphones. If you want something more then separate headphone + modmic

[blakers28]

What about a sound card as well? Im new to that aspect. I have no idea what i should even look for in terms of a sound card. I know they improve gaming headsets' performance, but thats it.

 

for instance, Linus did an unboxing of http://www.asus.com/us/Sound_Cards_and_DigitaltoAnalog_Converters/Xonar_Essence_One/, but said its not for those who want 7.1 or 5.1, however im unsure why he says this. Isnt surround sound better?

[blakers28]

See i see things like this   http://www.asus.com/us/Sound_Cards_and_DigitaltoAnalog_Converters/Xonar_DSX/, but no idea if it requires a headset that already uses 7.1 or if any headset would work here.

[ShearMe]

Maybe read the FAQ? 
 
Edit: Ah, to hell with it, I'm bored.
 
So, do I need a better soundcard or external AMP/DAC or is my onboard good enough?
 
[spoiler Click for Answer]
That's a good question, and it depends entirely on your headphones/speakers. The test is pretty simple, if you plug your headphones/speakers into the back onboard ports and play audio through your speakers or headphones and they sound loud enough for you at a volume under 80-85% and don't have audible noise, then your headphones are well driven by your current equipment. If you have to crank the volume to max or they have buzzing, humming, or popping that drives you nuts, it's probably time to look at a good soundcard or an external AMP and DAC combo.

On surround sound:
 
[spoiler Click for Info]
Virtual Surround Sound
 
Most "surround sound" headsets offer a simulated surround sound experience, meaning they only have two drivers - one for each ear. Headsets with virtual surround require some sort of processor to apply effects which attempt to trick your brain into thinking you are listening to a surround sound speaker setup. They can come in the form of the headset having only USB, plugging standard 3.5mm analog connections into some sort of in-between device, or are simply wireless. Whether or not someone enjoys these added effects is largely up to individual preference.
 
True surround sound
 
A few headsets have "true" surround sound, meaning they have multiple drivers in each earcup. These must be connected to a motherboard or soundcard with enough output channels (ie 5.1 or 7.1). Some people claim this array of drivers truly helps them with positioning for games, but regardless, it is without doubt that these multiple drivers must be of inferior quality to the two drivers used in similar priced headphones/headsets.
 
Remember, the most powerful sound processor in the world is available to almost everyone entirely free - the Human Brain! 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUDTlvagjJA

[Parkway Drive]

I'd recommend any of the Asus Xonar line for sound cards, find one that fits the budget and you should be golden.

[blakers28]

Alright, sounds good. 

 

Thanks all for the great input. Ill do some testing, and if need be, look into the Xonar sound cards. This, of course, will happen once i make up my mind on which headset to purchase. 

 

Thanks again guys.

[blakers28]

Oh i forgot to ask, has anyone had issues with Razer products failing alot? Im reading where a lot of people who have had 3+ products from Razer and all of them ended up in the trash because they just stop working. Id hate to think they have that kind of problem really. But then again, its more than likely just a handful of people out of the hundreds of thousands like any other product out there.

[ShearMe]

Oh i forgot to ask, has anyone had issues with Razer products failing alot? Im reading where a lot of people who have had 3+ products from Razer and all of them ended up in the trash because they just stop working. Id hate to think they have that kind of problem really. But then again, its more than likely just a handful of people out of the hundreds of thousands like any other product out there.

 

All gaming headsets eventually die - they're just not made to the same standards as a set of headphones designed to last you for decades.

[blakers28]

Ok cool. Thanks again guys. I appreciate the input and again, best community ive seen on the internet so far.