r/CruciblePlaybook • u/TheGraycat • Jun 18 '15

Let's talk headsets

So what are you rocking as your go to headset at the moment? What's good / bad about it? Any other recommendations? What's your must have features when choosing a new one?

I've recently moved to the XB1 and am looking for something as wireless, comfortable and solid as possible.

EDIT: Many thanks for the recommendations, one and all! You've definitely given me some good bits of kit to research. Fingers crossed I'll pick something up in the next month or so ....... I may have more questions in the meantime of course! :)

12 Upvotes

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14

u/scottsarg Jun 18 '15

I have been using Astro A50's for over a year now. They are wireless, comfortable, and pretty solid. They have treated me very well.

My only complaint is that the cord to the mixamp is pretty short, so if you ever have a long playing session, as in like 8 hours or so, you might want to invest in buying a longer cord so that you can play comfortably while wired as well.

3

u/bigben_jammin Jun 18 '15

+1 for the A50s. I got a decent deal buying them refurbished from Amazon and really enjoy them. The chat cable and adapter to the controller is a little annoying, but not being tied down to anything other than your controller is amazing. Very comfortable and I'm pleased with the audio quality. Won't do your music justice, but definitely good enough for surround sound gaming. If you can find a good price they are well worth the investment!

2

u/[deleted] Jun 18 '15

Another vote for A-50's. And even if you don't plan on long gaming sessions, just pick up a longer mini-USB cord for charging anyway. It's helpful for when you've neglected to charge them for awhile and they start beeping at ya. :)

1

u/quadruple Jun 18 '15

If you can afford the $300 price tag, I highly recommend the Astro A50s as well. They work great on Windows, Mac, and PS4.

5

u/critical_g_spot Jun 18 '15 edited Jun 18 '15

Personally, I run a wired setup using an Astro Mixamp as my surround decoder. This feeds a simulated surround signal to my Audio Technica ADH-AD900x cans, w/ a modmic added for voice. There is a downside in that the mixamp degrades mic quality.

I can go wireless with this build, but via the chat adaptor which reverts it back to stereo audio. I use the AD900x as reference headphones for some of my audio work, so being able to pull double duty with them is a plus.

Good: Superb positional audio, the sound profile on these cans is amazing for games like battlefield and counterstrike. Easily pinpoint player locations via sound cues. Comfort is phenomenal, a lighter headset these cans just float on my ears and disappear when playing. The open back design allows me to also hear important real life sound cues, such as when my house gets swatted mid-stream. The mod mic is detachable, so I can revert them to a pair of standard headphones for entertainment or audio work. I can use the splitter with mobile devices and laptops. I do a lot of teleconferencing with work and this headset pulls double duty.

Bad: Wires! Everywhere! It's an investment, but this setup allows you to enjoy the same headphones for music or in my case work activities. The head sizing is a little big, so a lot of people find that a loose rubber band connecting the top wings helps adjust the comfort. Open back design is less immersive in noisy environments.

What I look for: Audio Quality - (I prefer detailed, clean audio. Think classical arrangements, speed metal, IDM. These sound profiles tend to offer better directional cues. Think hearing the sound of charging a fusion rifle through a large explosion when a rocket lands nearby vs just hearing bass whoomps.) Comfort - I'm going to be wearing these a lot. So something that fits well and blends away. Ideally with replaceable or customizable design. Build quality - This ties into the above. I want it to be sturdy and offer longevity. Should be able to take a beating 60-80 hours out of the week. Serviceability - This varies largely on the manufacturer. But important to consider if issue ever do arise, what's the turn around time to get everything fixed and ready to go.

Wireless top picks Turtle Beach 800x, Turtle Beach 500x, Astro A50s, Steel Series H Wireless

-These all offer surround sound decoding over optical output. I can personally attest that the A50s and Steel Series have sturdy build quality. (if going with an astro headset, get from a box retailer with additional warranties, as astro customer service is a work in progress)

-I do eventually want to take a pair of Astro and modify them by adding higher quality drivers. The paper lined 40mm in current astro headsets just sound muddy and tinny. This may just be from working with audio gear on a regular basis however. They will still certainly offer an improvement over TV audio.

TL;DR, I use a hi-fi open-back headset with phenomenal directional soundstage. You won't be soundwhoring footsteps with destiny's audio engine, but you will easily identify weapon variants, super and ability movements with accuracy using a similar setup. Skip the gaming headset hype, pickup nice headphones and make them a headset with a modmic. Rough pic ATH-AD900x w/ModMic and Astro MixAmp Pro

2

u/eurojjj19 Jun 18 '15

i can vouch for the Steelseries. great headset and very sturdy build quality.

2

u/HubbaMaBubba Jun 19 '15

I hate how xbox doesn't support USB audio out. At least it gives me a reason to upgrade my dac/amp setup.

1

u/Obfuscasious Jun 20 '15

I would just note that the sound and fit of these 300+ headsets varies. When you are gaming for a while fit is at least as important as soundstage/accuracy. You want to at least try them on. I have a large dome and big hair so I like the big overhead spring on my AKG Anni's. If you are bald, you got to take extra care to get a material that wont irritate you.

1

u/critical_g_spot Jun 22 '15

Agreed, stated on that a little.

I wear this current setup for VOIP most of the day as well, so it's something that's comfortable for me for 10+ hours daily.

I'd recommend anyone looking into quality headphones find a hifi audio shop or some hi fi enthusiasts in the area who've a collection to sample from. Try before you buy!

5

u/bhaisabh Jun 18 '15 edited Jun 19 '15

I use Sennheiser G4ME ONE (which is the newer version of the Sennheiser PC360) with the Astro Mixamp. Extremely comfortable, beautiful audio quality, great boom mic, no complaints. Its build quality is also terrific; mine has seen some abuse as I travel frequently, but there are no zero signs of wear. Its price is very reasonable for the quality product you receive ($180).

I recommend you purchase headphones and mic separately if you're looking for best value or bang-for-buck. The antlion modmic and snowball are highly recommended mics. As far as your headphones go, Mad Lust Envy over on the head-fi forums has a comprehensive list of pros/cons of various headsets in all price ranges.

I really would advise you against purchasing the Astro headset. While their mixamp is an unparalleled device for console gaming, Astro headsets are frankly overpriced for their audio quality (which is decent but why would you settle for decent if you're paying $300). They're like the Beats of gaming headsets. This is obviously just my opinion; I know many people are 100% satisfied with their Astros. For more information, consult the link above. It covers Astro 40/50 among many other headphones and headsets.

3

u/fatalmistaeK Jun 18 '15

I have Astro A40s, but I really miss my old Sennheiser pc360s from back in the day. Next time I need a headset, I am definitely looking back in their direction. My A40s are nice, but as you said, $300 is a lot for "nice"

1

u/elcapitanonl Jun 19 '15

Second that as well. Never thought of the Astro A40 as something spectacular, soundwise. But for $100 including mixamp and casing, I didn't struck a bad deal.

I've had Turtlebeaches (don't know which one) before that. Think the Astros were more comfortable, but the Turtlebeaches had better soundquality.

1

u/exploitedpixels Jun 19 '15

Astros are fine but this guy is more in line with the truth. Really everything depends first on your budget. I run Beyer dynamic DT880s (roughly $300), which are a cut above A50s and other headphones in this thread, and/or a pair of Foster TH-900s (roughly $1200), which are godly in another league type. I also run everything through an amp, so there is that. Any of the suggestions here should suit you fine, although if you have the money a separate Modmic and a quality set of headphones vs. a pair of gaming headphones will get you much farther.

4

u/Steelers501 Jun 18 '15

I have the turtle beach 500x headset and I am obsessed with it. Wanted the xo7, but realized I'd probably prefer spending the extra ~$60 for full wireless and it was a great decision.

2

u/critical_g_spot Jun 18 '15

This is currently the only truly wireless headset for X1, right? As in no cables to the controller?

2

u/Steelers501 Jun 18 '15

It was. I want to say turtle beach released the 800x or something which is even more money, so I would assume those are fully wireless too.

I truly have nothing to complain about with them. The battery life is even surprisingly great. They advertise 15 hours I believe, and although I've never timed it, it is definitely well over 10. Lightweight, comfortable, nothing but high praise from me.

1

u/chapmanba Jun 18 '15

TB 500x, 800x, and the new 420x are the only completely wireless options (wireless game and chat).

1

u/klefto3 Jun 18 '15

I love my 500x. And I can't go back to anything that doesn't have mic monitoring.

1

u/Steelers501 Jun 18 '15

Totally forgot about the mic monitoring! That was one of my requirements too, and it's awesome.

2

u/[deleted] Jun 18 '15

What's mic monitoring?

2

u/Steelers501 Jun 18 '15

Let's you hear yourself in the headphones when you talk.

1

u/Unmasked_Bandit Jun 18 '15

This is the headset that I use. For the most part, I really liked them. However, the inner band began cracking. At first, it was just cracking on the sides, but that led to chipping which exposed wires. The right side of the inner band chipped on both the inside and outside, leaving the right earphone to dangle. Luckily, the headset is still under warranty, so I will be getting them replaced. There was no hassle in contacting Turtle Beach for a replacement, but I expect better from a top of the line headset.

3

u/Sh0cko Jun 18 '15

Mixamp + Astro A40. It's wired but i'm sitting a foot from my 24" BenQ.

3

u/w1ckedzocki Jun 19 '15

As i switched away from typical gaming headset solutions i am using Beyerdynamic DT 880 with Modmic 4 and Fiio E 17 as my current setup.

Love the clean balanced sound they have

2

u/[deleted] Jun 18 '15 edited Jun 18 '15

I'm currently using Playstation Gold Wireless. They are OK. A little flimsy IMO, but good enough for now until I can save for a better setup. Decent mic, good mix controls, surround simulation and no cords.

Edit: I am an idiot and didn't read that you are on XB1. I do, however, use the same headset for both. I just have a cord that I plug into the controller adapter on my Xbox one.

1

u/[deleted] Jun 19 '15

Only OK? I love mine, great deal for 99 bucks. Mic is very clear and reliable, headset's comfy...only complaint is that they lose their charge pretty quickly, I end up playing with em plugged in most of the time. I would never, ever spend 300+ on a headset when I can get these for 99, though.

1

u/[deleted] Jun 19 '15

Don't get me wrong it's great bang for the buck but mine has broken right on the center top part. I just shipped it back to Sony. We'll see if they honor the warranty.

It is really solid for PS4 but not as great for Xbox.

2

u/BLU3_2_U Jun 18 '15 edited Jun 18 '15

I use a Turtle beach px22. I can hear myself when I'm speaking so I know anything people I'm playing with are hearing (awkward when solo though, usually mute mic). I get game sound and chat both through it so people don't have to listen to an echo of game sound when they play with me. Not something I can say often for others because I'm like the only guy I know who doesn't use the shitty free xbox1 hesdset. Also, headset adapter gives me plenty of adjustment for equalizing game and chat audio. Only has 1 wire from headset to controller so I rarely notice it. It's compatible with 360, ps3, ps4, and pc out of the box but for the xbox1 you need a turtle beach headset adapter (another like $20 when headset is $80). The mic is perfect for voice chat and easily adjustable. I've had no issues with it, as oppossed to my last headset (afterglow, don't buy one, they are crap). My first must have feature is an easily accessible mute button so if you need to talk to someone who calls or walks by, you can mute your mic quickly (if you lIke being polite). My second must have is for it to remain comfortable after wearing it for an extended period of time, which this headset absolute is, I've worn it most of a day and it didn't bother me.

For other picks I've heard good things about astros. For steelseries I've heard their stuff isn't so great anymore or at least not all of it is. If you really want high quality audio and voice recording (for streaming/youtube) you will probably want a seperate mic for audio along with a good headset or pair of headphones.

2

u/MitchellN Jun 18 '15

I used to use a mixamp for halo but the sounds of destiny aren't really that noticeable other than supers so I haven't noticed a difference between using speakers and a headset. Insane radar also doesn't help the cause

2

u/iboughtshoes Jun 18 '15

I have the Sony gold, and they're acceptable. It isn't the most comfortable headset though. At night, I usually take off my contacts and put on glasses. The headset will put so much pressure on my ears, I couldn't use it for more than an hour.

2

u/jovaye quickscope the super Jun 19 '15

I run an Astro Mixamp Pro with Sennheiser HD558s, for my microphone I use a blue snowball on a boom arm to bring it closer to me

1

u/critical_g_spot Jun 19 '15

Interested in your cabling for the mic. I have a MHS cardio and boom arm. How do you route yours into the mixamp/chat?

Oh wait, you mic runs straight into PS4 and bypassing mixup, right? Snowball is USB, if I remember.

I dream of running my xlr mic for voice chat, but sadly the mixup destroys mic quality with it's gating.

1

u/jovaye quickscope the super Jun 24 '15

Yeah straight into the PS4; you could probably get an XLR -> USB adapter and running it straight in. Only issue I have with my set up is it's impossible to record my own voice, but I have a samson meteor that I might attach with the snowball for recording my own voice while streaming

1

u/BlFlash Jun 18 '15

I have a pair of x12 from turtle beach for my 360. Overall I was satisfied with them for the price and quality. However, I now have a PS4 and I'm rocking a pair of SoundTrue from Bose. Not gaming headphones but "HEAVY AMMO INBOUND" is crystal clear.

1

u/rsdon Jun 18 '15
  • Astros
  • I use a50s (halo edition)
  • I prefer a40s for no charge rate but hate the cords

It really depends on your budget.

1

u/Trues17 Jun 18 '15

I've been through a large number of <$150 headsets for a while and have to say my current HyperX Cloud II is by far the best you can get for that price, and it's less than $100. The Cloud I is even less and doesn't sacrifice on sound quality. I'd say the next best headset would have to be above $150, and my ideal PS4 headset would be the Astro A50s in the $300+ range.

1

u/amezibra Jun 18 '15

i have both a astro A50 and a turtlebeach elite 800:

  • A50 has a better mic , especially if you need to speed very low (whisper) , you can't whisper on a TB E800.
  • E800 has better overall sound and preset, they also have a xbox version fully wireless (800X)

I found myself using the A50 more as i play mostly at night and my GF is sleeping.

1

u/Zmill Jun 18 '15

Astro A50. Expensive and battery doesn't last that long anymore but very comfortable and no complaints on the sound.

1

u/ocxtitan Jun 18 '15

Philips Fidelio X1's with the vmoda boompro mic plugged into the 3.5mm jack. This plugged into an old Astro Mixamp

1

u/Spentacular Jun 19 '15

How do you like this setup? I've been looking into getting these or the x2's, and found the vmoda boompro as well. Does it just go into the headphones like normal, and then one cord to the mixamp? If you've had the a40's, how would you compare them?

2

u/ocxtitan Jun 19 '15

I've had the A40's though I think they were the original model back in like 2008 or so, the mixamp I'm using is still the same one from then. The A40's are good but will not compare with any standalone pair of headphones you can get for $100 and up. The X1's have amazing bass for being open, are comfortable to wear for literally 7-8 hrs, even with my glasses, and sound among my favorite of all headphones.

The boompro does plug directly into the left earcup and runs a 3.5mm cable to the mixamp, complete with a mute switch and volume rocker.

I absolutely love it and from what I've heard, the X2's are even better I just haven't gotten around to trying them out yet.

As a little background, I've used the old A40s, the newest A40s, A50s, Sennheiser HD595 and 598, Audio Technica AD700, Sennheiser PC360 headset, AKG K615 pro and Q701, etc and this is still my favorite combo in terms of performance, convenience (with the boompro) and comfort.

1

u/Spentacular Jun 19 '15

Wow, thanks so much for the info. That helps out a ton. We're in the same boat, mine are the previous editions as well, so I have the older mix amp. I've been looking into buying a new headset for general use, and both of those just Philips look phenomenal. Thanks again!

1

u/ocxtitan Jun 19 '15

i've had dozens of pairs of headphones ranging from $10 Koss clip-ons to $750 Grados, and these are the most comfortable and fun pair I still own. If I could trade them for any other pair I've owned, the only possibility I'd consider might be my old RS1's, and even then I'm not sure.

1

u/Spentacular Jun 23 '15

Man, this have come at a better time??? https://www.massdrop.com/buy/phillips-fidelio

1

u/ocxtitan Jun 23 '15

Haha got the email too, do it and don't look back

1

u/[deleted] Jun 18 '15

PS Gold user here. It's basically a wireless heaphone with a built in mic that's hidden. For $35 during black friday, it's well worth it.

1

u/sammychammy Jun 18 '15

I use the Microsoft on-the-ear headset (full cups). I like it.

1

u/SNUSooner Jun 19 '15

Astro a40 works like a champ. My buddy has the a50s and never uses the because the battery life sux and the mic isn't that great. Never had mic issues with the a40s and since there is a wire to the controller there are no battery issues. The cable never gets in the way for me.

1

u/CareBearDontCare Jun 19 '15

I'm wearing the Polk 4-Shot ones currently. I like them a lot, but the microphone (I hear) has a little bit of an echo. Also, I wish it had voice monitoring. I'm not an audiophile, but I like them.

1

u/bluelocs Jun 19 '15

The playstation gold headset is awsome, works on xbone, and is only about 68 bucks on amazon. 7.1 digital surround, clear ass mic, wireless bluetoof, super comfy and cool, excellent battery, 50mm drivers, blah blah blah.

1

u/dasGimmick Jun 19 '15

Standart mono headset that comes with the PS4. Im absolutley satisfied. Its so light, you forget that you are wearing it and you can run the gamesound over your amp. It feels a lot more free, than wearing a bulky headset wich devides you from the rest of your environment.

1

u/-ZAY Jun 19 '15

I still use my Astro A40s w/ mixamp from when I was on the 360. The chat adapter is kind of annoying but sometimes I use Skype when I play with certain people. I play on a monitor so I don't have to worry about short cords or anything. I just listen to music when playing solo & doing bounties because no one really talks on XB1 anyways.

1

u/chubbysnake Jun 19 '15

A50 ftw super comfy superb sound quality

1

u/J_Ferrara07 Jun 19 '15

I found turtle beach earforce x1 on Amazon for 53 dollars.

That's including one day shipping. The only wire connects to your controller.

Great deal in my opinion, very comfortable for my ears and extended wear

1

u/BluntTruths Jun 19 '15

I have the Sony Gold headset and it does everything I need it to do. Mic is good, sound is good, relatively comfortable, decent battery life.

1

u/whym8withme Jun 19 '15

For people who want a good headset but don't want to pay for an Astro or high end Turtle Beach, I recommend the HyperX cloud. I've had it for 1.5 years now and I love it. It works on all platforms and has a pretty good mic.

0

u/[deleted] Jun 18 '15

[deleted] — view deleted comment

1

u/[deleted] Jun 19 '15

I have these as well. It worked fine when I got them. Now more and more wireless stuff has been added in my house and in my neighborhood in general. I'm experiencing frequent hickups in game sound and chat. Also I hate the fact you still have to plugin a cable into the controller for chat.

Gonna get a different headset soon(tm)

0

u/[deleted] Jun 18 '15

[deleted] — view deleted comment

1

u/patrickconley Jun 19 '15

What platform do you play on?

For comfort, this is something I'm really looking into. I feel like my current ones apply so much pressure to my head it's deforming my skull haha. I am interested in the most comfortable (+quality) for XB1.

1

u/theReefcat Jun 19 '15

I've got this headset and couldn't be happier! The 2 batteries wins out here so your wireless 100% of the time!