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Hey there,
As a caster with casting long events very often for lots and lots of hours and also for future live events (where I want to bring my own stuff if I can) I decided it's time to buy a high quality headset. This was basicly my weakest but still a very important hardware part. I am currently the owner of a standart something USB Logitech headset worth ~40 euros, I actually don't care much about the sound quality I hear but more what is getting recorded by the microphone. The reason why I ask for a headset instead of a stand alone microphone is basicly that I am moving around on my chair getting in different postions quite a lot etc. while I cast at home which means that the volume will be different all the time but it will stay the same with a headset on.
So here are some details I need for it and some I would like to have for it.
Must:
-robust, it needs to not to get broken very fast -very good microphone (for a headset), need it for live events as well as casting from home -a long cord, i hate those extension cords -comfortable on the ears even for long hours, i wear glasses
Good to have:
-USB, when I cast or talk to friends via teamspeak or skype i have the ingame sound or some music on my speakers and i dont know a way how to accomplish that with a headset using jack plugs (im actually not sure if this is the correct term but i mean those things: + Show Spoiler +
If there is anything else which is important and a I need to know pls be so kind to tell me.
Budget
I am willing to invest some money but still i dont want to throw money away and pay 200% more for a 3% better product. If I am convinced by the quality of a product I am actually ready to invest some money. If you get what I am saying.
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Plantronics Gamecom 367. Good long cable, sturdy, even survives my toddler messing with it, I wear glasses and it's never been uncomfortable, the mike is decent, and it's cheap.
It's analog, if you can deal with that instead of USB junk.
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The next jump would probably be the corsair HS1. At its price point (60-80usd) nothing can top it in terms of a headset. If you want something better than this its going to cost you more than double. There are plenty of reviews of this headset on both youtube and the webs as it is highly regarded.
The analog version is called HS1A and the usb is simply HS1.
+ Show Spoiler +
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i can recommend the sennheiser PC360 german website english website
+ 3m cable + noise cancellation + overall very good sound quality (hey, it's sennheiser ^.^) + microphone sounds good (what the others hear ofc) + fits nice and sits comfortably for several hours (but i have no experience with glasses, so can't speak for that. but i guess it shouldn't be a problem)
- 200€ :/ - no usb (but i personally don't like USB headsets at all, just stick with the usual stereo plug)
and if you want to have sound on your speakers and headset at the same time, you usually can program your sound card to output stereo (front) on 2 outputs (front and rear on 5.1 cards p.e.) or just use something like this: + Show Spoiler + not the best solution, but works fine ^^ i use it to have my headset and speaker system plugged in at the same time and not have to switch plugs when i use the headset for skype/VT and just sitting in front of the PC w/o headset
edit: i'm talking about the regular PC360, no the g4me edition, it's supposed to be a bit "worse" (if that applies to these headsets at all)
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Something with a similar price (actually somewhat higher, but it comes with a USB sound card) than the Sennheiser PC360 would be the Beyerdynamic MMX 300. Like Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic is one of the big names in professional audio, broadcasting equipment, audiophile headphones, etc., that actually manufactures their high-end products in Germany.
Their large circumaural headphones are widely regarded as among the most comfortable out there, with those huge fluffy velour pads that actually go around the ears and don't press down on it in any way. I haven't used the MMX 300, but I've used the DT 770 Pro (80 ohms) a lot before. Those things are very comfortable and are absolute tanks. Sometimes I joke that it's not good to drop them on the floor, because you'd be damaging the floor (okay, maybe that's an exaggeration).
edit: I think price is probably around 250€ if you look around? But that includes the sound card, so consider the price similar to the Senn PC360. There are two versions.
http://www.beyerdynamic.de/shop/hah/headphones-and-headsets/multimedia/mmx-300-manufaktur.html http://www.beyerdynamic.de/shop/hah/headphones-and-headsets/multimedia/mmx-300.html
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Avoid the Razer Banshees.
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On June 21 2011 11:51 Jaxtyk wrote: Avoid the Razer Banshees.
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On June 21 2011 11:51 Jaxtyk wrote: Avoid the Razer Banshees. How come?
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I can also vouch for the sennheiser pc360, very comfortable, good quality sound and microphone ( people say they hear me crystal-clear).
It's analog as people mentioned, but Its really good! It's also sturdy because my drops all the time or ride over it. With my chair and still works. The 3m wire is awesome too.
Downside probably cost think I paid around 130 euro, but at least don't have to get a new set each 6months.
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On June 21 2011 20:47 8D wrote:How come?
Because its a mediocre (at best) headset that is way overpriced.
If you want something that quality wise a bit below (but still very good) the top brands like sennheseiser, but is allso quite a bit cheaper try the Logitch G35.
Ps. It is USB.
You could allso look at the hd555, but I dont think it has USB.
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On June 21 2011 20:47 8D wrote:How come?
I personally find them uncomfortable to wear after a long period of time, especially with my glasses on.
Other than that the sound quality is good, but it's no different than the Razer Ocra which is way cheaper (no mic).
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On June 21 2011 21:46 MetalLobster wrote:Show nested quote +On June 21 2011 20:47 8D wrote:On June 21 2011 11:51 Jaxtyk wrote: Avoid the Razer Banshees. How come? I personally find them uncomfortable to wear after a long period of time, especially with my glasses on. Other than that the sound quality is good, but it's no different than the Razer Ocra which is way cheaper (no mic). well yeah like a said Razer makes a lot of stuff to check out.
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Personally I strongly suggest SteelSeries' Siberia V2 headset. Very comfortable and high quality microphone. It's gold plated USB (or yuo can just use the normal jack) and it has a sound card you can use as well.
It cost me 140$ total, but it's totally worth it, ESPECIALLY because of SteelSeries' EXCEPTIONAL customer support. I broke my first headset by my own fault, and they gladly gave me a new one free of charge! I can't think of any company that would be near as nice.
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On June 22 2011 01:33 Legion710 wrote: Personally I strongly suggest SteelSeries' Siberia V2 headset. Very comfortable and high quality microphone. It's gold plated USB (or yuo can just use the normal jack) and it has a sound card you can use as well.
It cost me 140$ total, but it's totally worth it, ESPECIALLY because of SteelSeries' EXCEPTIONAL customer support. I broke my first headset by my own fault, and they gladly gave me a new one free of charge! I can't think of any company that would be near as nice.
I must say the Steelseries Sib V2 has one of the worst sound qualities when it comes to the microphone used. (I have it here and the quality is way worse that the one of some years old Speedlink 20€ headsetmicrophone that i use. I'd love to see someone here post which microphone only or headet has the best value under 100€/$. And post only if you know what you are talking about.
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My old headset just conked out and I'm looking for the best set that money can buy, for up to about $120 CAN. I'd love something USB and VERY comfortable. Audio tech specs aren't really my forte!
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