Headphones + mic for gaming

[Maniacal]

EDIT: Hey, if anyone finds this thread, the 161s have lasted 3 years and the left speaker only JUST started to cut out occasionally in late July 2011!

I'm looking for a really good set of headphones and mic, preferably not more than $150 Canadian.

They MUST NOT have the headband thing stick out behind my head, I can't stand those as then I can't lean back in my chair.

Does anyone have any suggestions or better yet, used/using a good set?

I've tried finding reviews but most seem to be old.

 

[Hakim]

I have a Sennheiser PC160 (or 166). They are great, but Sennheiser is a bit expensive.

One requirement I have on a headset is a button on the wire to turn off the mic with. That way I can turn on speakers if I need to leave the computer (with mic on there will be acoustic feedback).

 

[Genocidicbunny]

I second the PC166 Sennheiser set. Ive had a good experience with them.

 

[Zelig]

Any headphones with a built in mic aren't going to be of particularly great quality, so my general rule of thumb is just to aim for a nice balance of comfort and low cost, for ease of replacement when the crappy cord wears out.

 

[Maniacal]

Damn, NCIX doesn't carry the 166, although it has the 161 aka 160.
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=24617&vpn=500926&manufacture=Sennheiser Electronics

 

[Speedo]

If you don't mind an analog headset:
http://www.plantronics.com/north_am...learance/computer-clearance/audio90-clearance

Otherwise:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106070

The first is just the analog version of the headset I have (which is excellent, 5/5 stars on quality). The second is just a slightly updated model of mine.

 

[Maniacal]

What is the difference between analogue and USB? (Besides where you plug them in).

 

[Speedo]

Analog headsets use your computers sound card to process their input/output, while a good USB headset like the Plantronics has its own built-in sound processor. The main advantage to the USB ones is that they show up as their own sound card, so in a game you can have voice chat come through your headset but still have the game sound through your speakers.

 

[Bigfoot3814]

The main advantage to the USB ones is that they show up as their own sound card, so in a game you can have voice chat come through your headset but still have the game sound through your speakers.

The only problem with USBs is you can't plug them in mid-game. My Plantronics headset works both ways.

 

[Speedo]

The only problem with USBs is you can't plug them in mid-game. My Plantronics headset works both ways.

Depends on whether the game refreshes its list of audio devices once on startup or every time you go into the game's options. It kinda splits both ways.

 

[Imrahil91]

I have this headset. I think it's very comfortable to wear because of the big headphones, good quality, specialized for gaming sounds, you can hide the mic inside the headphones, you can disassemble it into 3 parts for safer transport, you can switch between 1 meter and 3 meter cord.
I linked to an analog version, but there is a usb version a little more expensive out there too.

 

[Ghost Ranger]

This is the headset that I use: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826235001&Tpk=AX360

Despite what the reviews say, the bass isn't as bad as they say. Sure, it isn't the best bass in the world, but it is okay.

My only complaint with it is that if you have glasses (which I do), after wearing them for awhile, it becomes painful to wear them. So, if you wear glasses, don't get them.

 

[Souron]

Anything with noise canceling if you live with people

 

[Maniacal]

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=24617&vpn=500926&manufacture=Sennheiser Electronics

I think I will buy these as I cannot find the Plantronics Gamecon Pro1 locally or on a canadian site and I don't want to pay for shipping from the USA (Newegg), although correct me if there is a site that I can get them at that's closer. (Except by land, I'm NOT driving to another town, the gas would nullify the savings).

 

[Zelig]

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=24617&vpn=500926&manufacture=Sennheiser Electronics

I think I will buy these as I cannot find the Plantronics Gamecon Pro1 locally or on a canadian site and I don't want to pay for shipping from the USA (Newegg), although correct me if there is a site that I can get them at that's closer. (Except by land, I'm NOT driving to another town, the gas would nullify the savings).

http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=018712&cid=495.958

ncix will pricematch if you want to order from them still.

And Newegg won't ship to Canada at all, however, newegg.ca should be opening in the near future.

 

[Maniacal]

http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=018712&cid=495.958

ncix will pricematch if you want to order from them still.

And Newegg won't ship to Canada at all, however, newegg.ca should be opening in the near future.

newegg.ca hasn't changed it's front page in at least a year. Thanks for the link

 

[SG-17]

http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=25803
It is USB so it works with computer too. (I know I have it)

 

[Zelig]

newegg.ca hasn't changed it's front page in at least a year. Thanks for the link

Oh, I know, but they're gearing up since a couple weeks now, I've got sources.

 

[Maniacal]

I bought the 161s this morning, they have already been shipped too Hopefully I will have them in a day or two.