Audio Noob help please!

[XDXD_4U3IF1P]

Alright good people,

 

My new rig has this as a motherboard, with integrated audio -

 

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/Z97M-GAMING.html#hero-specification

 

This is the relevant bit -

Sound Blaster Cinema 2: Realistic Surround Sound Experience

Audio Boost 2: reward your ears with true quality

 

I run Realtek audio drivers in stereo, feeding via audio jacks this headset -

 

http://en-uk.sennheiser.com/gaming-headset-stereo-pc-320

 

It's time to make my audio better, I only game and play FPS games like Arma, Squad and Insurgency etc.

 

My current set up lacks some base, and I am sure I could do better with directional sound (But the games i play are not the best for this anyhow).

 

I realise my set up is far from high end, i am wary of software surround sound etc so am looking to stick with stereo but of a decent quality for gaming.

 

Any tips or suggestions most welcomed.

[Dackzy]

9 minutes ago, ShoshinUK said:

Alright good people,

 

My new rig has this as a motherboard, with integrated audio -

 

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/Z97M-GAMING.html#hero-specification

 

This is the relevant bit -

Sound Blaster Cinema 2: Realistic Surround Sound Experience

Audio Boost 2: reward your ears with true quality

 

I run Realtek audio drivers in stereo, feeding via audio jacks this headset -

 

http://en-uk.sennheiser.com/gaming-headset-stereo-pc-320

 

It's time to make my audio better, I only game and play FPS games like Arma, Squad and Insurgency etc.

 

My current set up lacks some base, and I am sure I could do better with directional sound (But the games i play are not the best for this anyhow).

 

I realise my set up is far from high end, i am wary of software surround sound etc so am looking to stick with stereo but of a decent quality for gaming.

 

Any tips or suggestions most welcomed.

So you want new headphones?

[XDXD_4U3IF1P]

I am open to suggestions, 

 

Dedicated sound card, DAC, headphones ? Which would be the best thing to get considering what I have and what I am looking to improve?

 

Is my headset any good, for what I want?

I am all for one thing at a time and (in this case) hear the difference, helps me learn stuff.

[Dackzy]

9 minutes ago, ShoshinUK said:

I am open to suggestions, 

 

Dedicated sound card, DAC, headphones ? Which would be the best thing to get considering what I have and what I am looking to improve?

 

Is my headset any good, for what I want?

I am all for one thing at a time and (in this case) hear the difference, helps me learn stuff.

A dac and amp would not really improve your sound that much.

The sennheiser game headsets does not have focus on bass and I have a feeling that you like headphones with more focus on bass.

What kind of budget are we working with here?

[XDXD_4U3IF1P]

Yes I feel my sound is a bit weak on the base levels,

 

My new headset must have mic - I only game, I am clumsy, I need things simple.

 

Prob would spend up to £250 ($400ish) on something that was absolutely better re sound.

 

Should I remain stereo for sure? (is this the source of my directional sound issues in game? Is software surround really bad?)

[Dackzy]

3 minutes ago, ShoshinUK said:

Yes I feel my sound is a bit weak on the base levels,

 

My new headset must have mic - I only game, I am clumsy, I need things simple.

 

Prob would spend up to £250 ($400ish) on something that was absolutely better re sound.

 

Should I remain stereo for sure? (is this the source of my directional sound issues in game? Is software surround really bad?)

hmm so if I were to recommend a pair of headphones with a separate mic (lavalier mic) what would you say to that?

Open headphones gives the best directional sound and they are stereo, but open also generally have less bass than closed and they will leak sound. Some people like the virtual surround.

 

[XDXD_4U3IF1P]

well I am up for suggestions and appreciate it.

[Dackzy]

1 minute ago, ShoshinUK said:

well I am up for suggestions and appreciate it.

Closed: Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus + boom pro mic, NAD VISO HP50 + boom pro mic, MrSpeakers Mad Dog + boom pro mic ( you wll need a angle adapter), PSB M4U2 + boom pro mic.

 

Open: AKG K712 + Zalman ZMMIC1, DT 990 + Zalman ZMMIC1/ Mod mic,

[XDXD_4U3IF1P]

3 minutes ago, Dackzy said:

Closed: Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus + boom pro mic, NAD VISO HP50 + boom pro mic, MrSpeakers Mad Dog + boom pro mic ( you wll need a angle adapter), PSB M4U2 + boom pro mic.

 

Open: AKG K712 + Zalman ZMMIC1, DT 990 + Zalman ZMMIC1/ Mod mic,

Ok thanks for that, obviously if I upgrade the headphones will my source (my motherboard via the realtek drivers) deliver whats needed?

 

I have no idea how this stuff works, and want to ensure I see a good benefit.

[Dackzy]

1 minute ago, ShoshinUK said:

Ok thanks for that, obviously if I upgrade the headphones will my source (my motherboard via the realtek drivers) deliver whats needed?

 

I have no idea how this stuff works, and want to ensure I see a good benefit.

Yeah it should be able to. The post I linked higher up is about amps and dacs (sound cards) where I go over some simple things and say why you might or might not need them

[XDXD_4U3IF1P]

Dackzy,

 

Thanks for the article, I read with interest and kind of 'get it' better now................. I am looking into what you recommend.

I have the chance to pick up a pair of Sennheiser PC350's for not alot of money.

 

Heres the comparison - 

 

https://versus.com/en/sennheiser-pc-350-vs-sennheiser-pc-320

 

I am thinking these may do the job for what I am after?

 

I do realise they are not in the same class as what you suggest but is it a step in the right direction?

[Dackzy]

15 minutes ago, ShoshinUK said:

Dackzy,

 

Thanks for the article, I read with interest and kind of 'get it' better now................. I am looking into what you recommend.

I have the chance to pick up a pair of Sennheiser PC350's for not alot of money.

 

Heres the comparison - 

 

https://versus.com/en/sennheiser-pc-350-vs-sennheiser-pc-320

 

I am thinking these may do the job for what I am after?

 

I do realise they are not in the same class as what you suggest but is it a step in the right direction?

They should have higher audio quality, but I cant say if they will have more bass.

[XDXD_4U3IF1P]

Right,

 

The PC350s are closed and my PC320's are open - in effect this will deliver more powerful sound? If that comes with increased quality then I think this may be a good step to take, they will cost me £25 used...........

[XDXD_4U3IF1P]

I got the PC350s to try, it was too good a deal to not.

I shall report back as that may help others.