Headset time

[LstBrunnenG]

I've recently started gaming with co-workers who use voice comms heavily. For the past several years I've been on onboard audio paired with a pair of M-Audio AV 40s. I was able to find a cheap 15-year-old analog mic and use it in conjunction with the earbuds that came with my cell phone, though I did get complaints about my voice quality. It was a pain since the earbuds don't stay in my ears properly.

One of my co-workers heavily recommended the Logitech G35 headset. Looking around it seems that the G35 is almost universally regarded as sub-par compared to other solutions. My first thought was to get another pair of the Sony MDRV6 cans that I use at work and pair them with this Zalman mic, but my co-worker correctly reminded me that the onboard audio is more likely than my mic to be the source of my quality issues.

So now I'm considering some up-level USB options and/or a sound card. On the USB side we have the Sennheiser 363D. The included sound card seems a bit spartan and gimmicky though. As far as a discrete internal sound card, I've heard good things about the Sound Blaster Z and was thinking of pairing it with the Sony headphones and the Zalman mic above. I've heard that the Sound Blaster ZxR offers superior sound quality for headphone users, but I'm not sure the $100 premium is worth it to someone who's been on onboard audio without complaint for years.

Thoughts? Additional Options?

 

[Puterguru]

I recently bought these - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ICOE8KE/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Although I realize that those aren't on any audiophiles list, after reading all of the reviews and seeing what you get for the money I picked them up and have been extremely happy with them. They even come with a carrying case to take with you. Take a look and see what you think.

 

[StoleMyOwnCar]

...but my co-worker correctly reminded me that the onboard audio is more likely than my mic to be the source of my quality issues.

That sounds like a load of crap to me. The voice does not require that much to transmit decently. Even very low bitrate sound can let you understand what a person is saying easily, and I doubt you need much more than that. If the DAC on your motherboard works fine for what you're listening to, I think the ADC will be fine for your microphone, unless it's just really utter trash. Your problem is imo much more likely in the microphone department. The only place I would say your onboard sound would matter some for sound reproduction may be in the software department. ie after-the-fact noise elimination. For instance I have a beam mic with my Soundblaster Z, and somehow the software does angle-based isolation with it (probably with phase but I'm not really sure).

I'm not sure about that Zalman mic, but I would just go for a highly rated option on Amazon and try it out. You have very little to lose by trying out an ever so slightly more expensive mic to see if it fixes the option. On the other hand you have a lot to lose by trying the more expensive alternative options, and you'll be locked in.

As for headphones, I wouldn't suggest those cheapo USB DAC options. If you're gonna go for some headphones, save up for some good ones that aren't integrated gimmicky "Gaming" headset types or something.

Anyway so steps:
1. Get better mic. If this fixes the problem, go to step 4.
1.a. Take what your coworkers say with a grain of salt, they have a natural bias as buyers of a product.
1.b. If this doesn't fix it, try a few more mics (not much to lose here, just return the ones that suck).
2. If 1 doesn't fix it, get a cheap sound card with good ratings. Fixes, go to step 4.
3. If 2 doesn't fix it, return sound card from step 2, go for the Soundblaster Z.
4. Consider good pair of headphones and headphone amp (and maybe DAC) if you really want better sound (doesn't sound like you care much though). The Beyerdynamic DT990 240 Ohm Premium is currently 150 bucks on Amazon (my friend picked up a pair). But you might need more than integrated for the resistance. Shrug.

Well that's what I'd do.


Edit: Also, how does your CPU/MB combo work? I just looked up the 980X, and it's an LGA 1366, while your MB is a 775 or something. I was just trying to see what your onboard sound was...

 

[krakerman]

That sounds like a load of crap to me. The voice does not require that much to transmit decently. Even very low bitrate sound can let you understand what a person is saying easily, and I doubt you need much more than that. If the DAC on your motherboard works fine for what you're listening to, I think the ADC will be fine for your microphone, unless it's just really utter trash. Your problem is imo much more likely in the microphone department. The only place I would say your onboard sound would matter some for sound reproduction may be in the software department. ie after-the-fact noise elimination. For instance I have a beam mic with my Soundblaster Z, and somehow the software does angle-based isolation with it (probably with phase but I'm not really sure).

I'm not sure about that Zalman mic, but I would just go for a highly rated option on Amazon and try it out. You have very little to lose by trying out an ever so slightly more expensive mic to see if it fixes the option. On the other hand you have a lot to lose by trying the more expensive alternative options, and you'll be locked in.

As for headphones, I wouldn't suggest those cheapo USB DAC options. If you're gonna go for some headphones, save up for some good ones that aren't integrated gimmicky "Gaming" headset types or something.

Anyway so steps:
1. Get better mic. If this fixes the problem, go to step 4.
1.a. Take what your coworkers say with a grain of salt, they have a natural bias as buyers of a product.
1.b. If this doesn't fix it, try a few more mics (not much to lose here, just return the ones that suck).
2. If 1 doesn't fix it, get a cheap sound card with good ratings. Fixes, go to step 4.
3. If 2 doesn't fix it, return sound card from step 2, go for the Soundblaster Z.
4. Consider good pair of headphones and headphone amp (and maybe DAC) if you really want better sound (doesn't sound like you care much though). The Beyerdynamic DT990 240 Ohm Premium is currently 150 bucks on Amazon (my friend picked up a pair). But you might need more than integrated for the resistance. Shrug.

Well that's what I'd do.


Edit: Also, how does your CPU/MB combo work? I just looked up the 980X, and it's an LGA 1366, while your MB is a 775 or something. I was just trying to see what your onboard sound was...

I would agree the OP's problem is likely on the mic end of things, and I would just try out the Zalman clip-on. It's cheap and can provide an easy check about what the underlying issue may be. It's also a great backup mic to have around in case you ever need one.

I have one as well as several friends and we have never had complaints in games about the quality of our voice audio. Another upside is that if you multiple pairs of headphones liker I do you can simply and quickly switch the mic to new cans and be off to the races (I frequently alternate between open and closed cans depending on if my fiance is trying to work in the office when I am gaming). Even if the Zalman doesn't work it is basically displosable at that price.

 

[LstBrunnenG]

I ended up talking myself into the SB Z. The mic wasn't the only thing picking up interference - I was hearing electrical noise through my earbuds too. I will bring my Sony headphones home over the long weekend and try them out with the mic that accompanies the Sound Blaster. Depending on how that turns out, I'll either get another pair of the Sonys to keep at home, or a Zalman non-USB headset.

 

[spaceman]

You don't need a zalman. Just use the mic that comes with the sb. Put it on top of your monitor and rock on. I would suggest the Senheiser 558 or 598 headphones over the sonys. EIther way you are in good shape. I just find the Senns to be superior.

 

[Puterguru]

One of these days I have got to try a $150-$300 pair of headphones to see what I am missing compared to my $70 ones...

 

[Matthew Kane]

You don't need a zalman. Just use the mic that comes with the sb. Put it on top of your monitor and rock on. I would suggest the Senheiser 558 or 598 headphones over the sonys. EIther way you are in good shape. I just find the Senns to be superior.

As soon as I saw this thread I knew "spaceman" would reply with the HD558/598 recommendation, but yes I also agree on the rec, a 555/595 would suffice also.

 

[Venomous]

Knock out two birds with one stone. Buy a nice headset for yourself, than go buy the new modmic 4.0. You have limitless options doing so. I have mine going through my sb zxr and the voice quality is superb.

 

[Puterguru]

The Beyerdynamic DT990 240 Ohm Premium is currently 150 bucks on Amazon (my friend picked up a pair)

I would suggest the Senheiser 558 or 598 headphones over the sonys. EIther way you are in good shape. I just find the Senns to be superior.

So if I wanted to enter the world of audio awesomeness either one of these headsets?
Would I need an amp? If so which one?
Would I need a DAC?
This would also be just for gaming. I would like to get everything at once from Amazon and try it for comparison to my $70 set. If it turns out I have been missing something all this time i'll keep them, if not then i'll just return it all.

I hope the OP doesn't mind me asking...

 

[spaceman]

Just need a soundblaster zx or zxr and use that mic on top of your monitor. If you want the best sound out of the sennheisers you will want an amp. I just use my receiver as an amp.

If you want it really simple just get the Zx or ZxR and a pair of fidelio x1 headphones. Those headphones do not need anything more than the sound card to be their best. They are easier to drive than the Senn or Beyer headphones.

 

[Puterguru]

Just need a soundblaster zx or zxr and use that mic on top of your monitor. If you want the best sound out of the sennheisers you will want an amp. I just use my receiver as an amp.

If you want it really simple just get the Zx or ZxR and a pair of fidelio x1 headphones. Those headphones do not need anything more than the sound card to be their best. They are easier to drive than the Senn or Beyer headphones.

This would be for use with the laptop in my signature so getting a Soundblaster is not an option...

 

[Venomous]

This would be for use with the laptop in my signature so getting a Soundblaster is not an option...

Stay below 250ohms and you won't have any issues then. The DT990s are nice but if you're going to spend that kind of money, 600 ohm is a better buy but requires a headphone amp.

 

[Puterguru]

Stay below 250ohms and you won't have any issues then. The DT990s are nice but if you're going to spend that kind of money, 600 ohm is a better buy but requires a headphone amp.

The 558's are 50 ohms and $122. Should I get those?

 

[cageymaru]

I bought a set of these Pioneer SE-A 1000 headphones and they sound really good for the money. I must warn you that you need a big head to use them. Think Jay Leno or a ton of hair to keep them on your head.

Some wonderful person recommended them some months ago and I would like to thank them 1000x over.

 

[spaceman]

The 558's are 50 ohms and $122. Should I get those?

Good price on those. If you are on a budget, that is about as good as it gets under $200.

 

[doug_7506]

Yeah as everyone else said, you don't want a gaming headset. They are all overpriced and junk.

Go for either the 558s or the audio technica mth-50s

Then add a good mic like the Mod Mic

Finally, add a nice little sound card or internal card and call it a day.

BTW, just so you know the 558s are open (meaning everyone can hear what you are listening too) while something like the mth-50s are closed back (keeps the sound from leaking out). Open back headphones have a larger sound stage, but have the obvious draw back that the sound comes out.

If you are looking for more of an everyday solution, I really like my vmoda headphones. You can get a paid of m80s or crossfade lps for about 120 and then swap the cord out with their gaming mic. Then you can use the headphones for gaming (my m100s and their boom mic even works with the xbox one adapter) or for travel. BTW, vmoda's CS is top notch.

I personally use a USB Creative Sound Blaster 5.1 sound card (I really like have the adjustable knob for volume), with V-moda m-100s, and the V-moda mic. Audio bliss.

 

[StoleMyOwnCar]

I bought a set of these Pioneer SE-A 1000 headphones and they sound really good for the money. I must warn you that you need a big head to use them. Think Jay Leno or a ton of hair to keep them on your head.

Some wonderful person recommended them some months ago and I would like to thank them 1000x over.

Do you have any point of reference? Everything sounds really good for the money if you have no point of reference.

I got my friend to bring his DT990's over and they didn't really hold a candle to my Beyerdynamic T1's. Which is expected, they were 1/4th of the price. For the money they could be said to be good, but so could anything if you like it.

 

[Aaron_ATX]

I was given a set of g35's for christmas. Excellent for the headset mic, but terrible for sound reproduction. I knew something was weird when the box said "7.1 surround" ....

uhh, outta two speakers eh.

Unless free or low priced i'd pass. Went back to my old ass sony studio monitor mdr-v600 (which dont get good reviews from "audiophiles" and a 5 dollar mic and wont look back.


Remember the USB connection of those g35's bypasses any onboard or additional sound card setup you may have. Everything done on the magic silicon on the chip in the headset.

 

[Puterguru]

BTW, just so you know the 558s are open (meaning everyone can hear what you are listening too) while something like the mth-50s are closed back (keeps the sound from leaking out). Open back headphones have a larger sound stage, but have the obvious draw back that the sound comes out.

Thank you for mentioning this, I had no idea. The Sennheiser 558's are no longer an option. I must have closed headphones...Starting all over searching.

 

[doug_7506]

Thank you for mentioning this, I had no idea. The Sennheiser 558's are no longer an option. I must have closed headphones...Starting all over searching.

Start with the audio technica ath-m50, v-moda crossfade lp, and v-moda m80. Some of the best headphones around the $120 price point.

 

[Venomous]

DT880s are fully closed even though people keep claiming they are semi open.

 

[cageymaru]

Do you have any point of reference? Everything sounds really good for the money if you have no point of reference.

I got my friend to bring his DT990's over and they didn't really hold a candle to my Beyerdynamic T1's. Which is expected, they were 1/4th of the price. For the money they could be said to be good, but so could anything if you like it.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/670454/pioneer-se-a1000-appreciation-club-sennheiser-hd-650-for-45

Best thread on them I can find so you can read what others much more knowledgeable than me thought of them.

 

[spaceman]

DT880s are fully closed even though people keep claiming they are semi open.

They still leak a lot of sound though.

Start with the audio technica ath-m50, v-moda crossfade lp, and v-moda m80. Some of the best headphones around the $120 price point.

x2

 

[Puterguru]

I would suggest the Senheiser 558 or 598 headphones over the sonys. EIther way you are in good shape. I just find the Senns to be superior.

Good price on those. If you are on a budget, that is about as good as it gets under $200.

Yeah as everyone else said, you don't want a gaming headset. They are all overpriced and junk.

Go for either the 558s or the audio technica mth-50s

BTW, just so you know the 558s are open (meaning everyone can hear what you are listening too) while something like the mth-50s are closed back (keeps the sound from leaking out). Open back headphones have a larger sound stage, but have the obvious draw back that the sound comes out.

Start with the audio technica ath-m50, v-moda crossfade lp, and v-moda m80. Some of the best headphones around the $120 price point.

Well I ended up buying the Senn 558's and the ATH-M50's. I just had to have a pair of the SENN's after reading all of the reviews including you two. I think I will end up using them to listen to music. The ATH-M50's I think I will end up using for gaming and for traveling. My Senteys are a closed set with a mic so I will most likely use those for when I play HL2 Deathmatch with my brother.

I don't get to try the headphones until Monday but I'm really looking forward to it!