Gaming Headset

[Harvey]

I need a new gaming headset for my computer so I can talk on vent and ingame again. I've been using a Plantronics (specifically the GameCom 377 model) headset for the last 2 years because its sound and mic quality is excellent. However, I've gone through 2 of those because of the same problem; bad construction. After about a year of use, the area of the plastic headband above the adjustable section starts to crack. Eventually it breaks. I've always been very careful with both, but they break eventually. The mics fail around the same time.

I've been looking at a few different brands like Turtle Beach and Corsair, but I'd like some input/advice.

What I'm looking for in a gaming headset:

-Full-size/over ear headphones

-Great audio range and quality

-Must have Great/Good microphone

-Isn't really uncomfortable

-Sturdy/Tough

-Doesn't need to be wireless

-Around 80$ or less

[Maines]

Id choose Corsair, Thats what I got. Always went with it, Always WILL go with it

[Goodwin 1st MRB]

I got the Fatality headset - and it's AMAZING. Super comfy, amazing clarity, just all around well built.

Newegg has them on sale sometimes - I picked up this pair for $35! Had I known how amazing they are (they work great for mixing music, too) I would've bought many many more just to have as backups although this pair has lasted me over a year. The mic works fine also and is detachable if you've got people over or don't want to look like a geek with them on around school or work.

[Fujiwara]

Buy a dedicated headset, such as the Sennheiser HD555 or if you're fancy the HD595 and then buy a dedicated mic.

Don't buy into the gimmicks that "gaming" companies try to sell you for their "gaming" equipment. You're pretty much paying 60% the actual quality of the headset, and the other 40% is the looks and other neat stuff they advertise to you.

Here's good article for those looking for a good pair of cans.

http://www.overclock.net/sound-cards-compu...s-headsets.html

EDIT: Ok, so the 60-40 thing might've been an exaggeration, but still I believe that you guys should not waste money on flashy junk (some are not junk, but still flashy and overpriced).

Edited October 26, 2011 by Fujiwara 1st MRB

[Kirkendall 1st MRB]

I agree with Fujiwara pretty wholeheartedly, I use the Sennheiser HD428, and the notorious LY115M microphone. It's nothing flashy by any means, but an extremely nice pair of headphones for under $50 and a microphone that's been around as long as I have.

Having a dedicated headphone set and a dedicated microphone means that both will be able to be produced at a much higher quality, without having to spare room for each other.

[Harvey]

I agree with Fujiwara pretty wholeheartedly, I use the Sennheiser HD428, and the notorious LY115M microphone. It's nothing flashy by any means, but an extremely nice pair of headphones for under $50 and a microphone that's been around as long as I have.

Having a dedicated headphone set and a dedicated microphone means that both will be able to be produced at a much higher quality, without having to spare room for each other.

Thanks for all the help. What I think I might do to start is order a Zalman Zm-Mic1 Microphone from Amazon. The headphones themselves still work on my existing headset, so I can use them in concert with a dedicated microphone to see how the quality is. Then I'll be able to determine if having a separate Headphone/Microphone combo will work with my machine.

If that doesn't work, I've got my eye on this Corsair 1300 Headset. If I really needed to, I could just keep buying the same GameCom 377 I've been using.

[Lafy BAR]

I would buy one of these two. I have the first set, they're great. The first set is closed back which isolates you from outside noise, the second set is open back which makes them sound a little more natural, but you'll hear more outside noise. One of the main reasons I bought them is because they are super comfortable. I can wear them for a dozen hours or more without them bothering me at all.

http://www.sennheiser.ca/live/senn/produit/en/972/177

http://www.sennheiser.ca/live/senn/produit/en/2813/177

[Smithers 1st MRB]

I use the microsoft lifechat headphones, they have lasted me 2 years already and still working great. 40 bucks at bestbuy if your looking for a more general kind of Mic.

[Harvey]

Well I was able to get my old mic working somewhat in the last few days. Working because, I am faintly audible. Somewhat because I have to position the mic just right and the slightest nudge or bump will require another fix.

But no more.

I got my Zalman mic today, and after recording the difference between the my old on-board mic and my new external mic, I'm stunned I ever though the old one was any good. I twisty-tied my mic to the boom arm on my headset and it's working perfectly. I may get a new pair of headphones sometime soon, but for now, this setup is excellent. Thanks again for the advice everyone.