Need Mic, Suggestions?

[diabloplayer75]

Originally Posted by polobunny

Stereo as opposed to 5.1 surround.
Some headphones/headset can connect to USB, analog (preferred), coax or optical to give you a surround sound experience. They pack 3-4 speakers inside each ear (front, center, rear and sub) which could always help finding where someone is hiding hehe.
Actually, I use surround sound a lot in many games, it's much easier to track down people.
What you need: Surround sound card if headset is using analog connections.
For USB, a free USB port. coax and optical is you're using any of both (normally found on higher end sound cards, though I know certain onboard and cheaper cards pack the latter)
Something to note, when connecting using USB you are using the headphones sound card, therefore you need to install their drivers. This can prove to be problematic if you plan to use it on a console or an unsupported OS.


On a more or less related note:
I own some Zalman ZM-RS6F+ (the + sign meaning they come with a mic) and they're very nice BUT the mic that comes with them is a clip on cord sort of mic that totally sucks in my opinion for gaming. There's also comfort being an issue after some time, but that might be me wearing them for just too long. Headsets are very nice overall. Oh and you look goofy wearing them. :P
Good part though, they are dirt cheap considering the pricing on most if not all other surround headphones I could find.
Amazon.com: Zalman ZM-RS6F 5.1 Surround Sound Headphones: Electronics

dang was hopin to use my 25$ newegg credit on it! I might just go with those then though! What do you mean when you say clip on cord?

[polobunny]

Originally Posted by diabloplayer75

dang was hopin to use my 25$ newegg credit on it! I might just go with those then though! What do you mean when you say clip on cord?

It's a tiny contraption that clips on the wire going to your headphones which is why I have a hard time recommending it for gaming. The model I linked to isn't the ZM-RS6F+ version, therefore it doesn't have a mic included (can't find someone with the ZM-RS6F+ in stock).
Zalman Headphones
Cheaper ($39.99), if you decide to go that route and buy a cheaper mic of some sort.

Also something to note, those will sound horrible when not used in surround.

[diabloplayer75]

Originally Posted by polobunny

It's a tiny contraption that clips on the wire going to your headphones which is why I have a hard time recommending it for gaming. The model I linked to isn't the ZM-RS6F+ version, therefore it doesn't have a mic included (can't find someone with the ZM-RS6F+ in stock).
Zalman Headphones
Cheaper ($39.99), if you decide to go that route and buy a cheaper mic of some sort.

Also something to note, those will sound horrible when not used in surround.

yeah i think buying some nice headphones and a cheaper mic might be the best route for me. ill do some shopping around thanks for the recommendation :) i need to pass out now its late haha

[One4yu2c]

Originally Posted by polobunny

I've only heard good things about Razer Barracuda HP-1 "gaming" headset.

I need to update my review of the Barracuda headset, as they've not stood the test of time very well. Problems with this headset that prevent me from recommending it:

1) Anemic bass when configured for 5.1 surround sound. Oddly, the sound/bass vastly improves when configured for either 4.1 or as headphones, both of which negate the headphones' main selling point.

2) The review sample I auditioned blew a speaker, which I (incorrectly) blamed on testing at high volume. Razer replaced them for me, which I used on my main system afterwards. Months later, after babying the volume control, one of the speakers again went bad. Overtime, three of the six speakers went bad, and the microphone has since gone bad too.

[One4yu2c]

Originally Posted by diabloplayer75

i was thinking along the lines of 15-55

I haven't auditioned these, but Woot.com is selling the Everglide S-500 Professional Headphones for $25 shipped. Given that Buy.com sells the same set for $60+, it'd be worth researching to see if they're adequate.

[Smashing]

Newegg.com - SENNHEISER DJs HD202 3.5mm/ 6.3mm Connector Circumaural Dynamic Hi-Fi Stereo Headphone

I love my headphones. I use these paired with the microphone previously mentioned.

[Capper]

I'm a big Sennheiser fan, best headsets I've ever used.

[Tech Geek Deluxe]

Here is where I got my gear from.

MicrophoneMadness.com:


Nice setup here:
MXL V63MBP Computer Desktop Recording Kit


Podcast Kit has headphones also:
Alesis USB Mic Podcast Kit

[onebxr]

+1 for sennheiser, just dont roll over the cord with your chair
-1boxer

[screwballl]

I use 5.1 speakers with a desk mic similar to what smashing mentioned:

Newegg.com - Logitech 980240-0403 Black 3.5mm Connector Desktop Microphone

and have had no problems myself, I use it for ingame chat, IM voice chat, Teamspeak and so on without a problem... as long as the mic is at least 12" away from the speakers there shouldn't be any echo or problems. My headsets have the same problem, die within a few months, last one was a logitech as well....
also I ALWAYS get the 3.5mm plug as USB messes with windows sound too much.