Can anyone recomend a good cheap PC headset?

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Lizard

Lizard

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haitch40
Xbox?
I am looking for something to use to record my voice in youtube videos of games. I don't really need it for much else so it needs to be cheap. £10 or less would be ideal. I have seen stuff on Amazon for as low as £5.

Any suggestions as to the best buy in that price range?
 
At that price range your only options would be something cheap and generic. Maybe a cheaper Logitech/Microsoft model? Might be cheaper to just get a mic and use an existing or absolutely dirt cheap pair of headphones.
 
Sorry, no help here. All the cheap ones I tried are crap! Maybe find a good used pair?
 
Noob616
Might be cheaper to just get a mic and use an existing or absolutely dirt cheap pair of headphones.
Click to expand...

If you go this route, please consider the Zalman ZM-MIC1. It has great voice quality for a low price. You can clip it on the headphones' wire. 👍
 
I've used that headset for years. For the price it's an amazing piece of kit, really. If you want bang for your buck, I'll go ahead and say you cannot get anything better than that.

Just don't let people talk you into getting Sennheisers.
 
Bram Turismo
I've used that headset for years. For the price it's an amazing piece of kit, really. If you want bang for your buck, I'll go ahead and say you cannot get anything better than that.

Just don't let people talk you into getting Sennheisers.
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Ummmmmm. My HD 650's are pretty damn nice. ;)
 
Pako
Ummmmmm. My HD 650's are pretty damn nice. ;)
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Personal opinion :P

I tried the most expensive model I could find at my shop and found them to be rather uncomfortable and the sound quality was nowhere as enjoyable as my big old KOSS headphones.
 
Right after almost a year I snapped the cable due to me letting it all twist up and then tried untangling it by pulling it. My question is. Should I go for the same ones again or should I maybe get these?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Superlux-HD669-Headphones/dp/B003GU16J0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1400951671&sr=8-2&keywords=Superlux 668B
Or another Superlux model around the £30 mark? Or something completely different. I am willing to go up to about £40 for both mic and headphones.

Same criteria required as last time.

Obviously with those I would need a separate mic.

What about these?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00F96KMDA/?tag=gtplanetuk-20 And if these are good which is the better lead option? 3.5mm or USB? I have slots for both.
 
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I am far from an expert on headphones but I like the looks of the Corsair.

Also, I have a pair of USB and 3.5mm headphones and personally I'd stick with the 3.5 as you can use it on a lot more devices should the need arise. If you're certain that they'll never move from the computer and you've got the open slot for them, there's no reason to rule out USB, either.

Edit: Bonus, I just noticed that the 3.5mm version is £5 cheaper. :dopey:
 
Thanks TB. The Corsairs are my current favourite.

@LogiForce knew quite a bit about headsets last time I spoke so any chance I could get some more advice?
 
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haitch40
Thanks TB. The Corsairs are my current favourite.

@LogiForce knew quite a bit about headsets last time I spoke so any chance I could get some more advice?
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What's the budget range this time around exactly?

Funny thing is that my cable snapped as well because I ones rolled over it with my chair.
So I guess those cables aren't the best. Hence I wouldn't recommend getting the same.

After this I tried the best Steelseries had to offer, Tritton, Turtle Beaach and all those 'gaming' headsets. Non gave me a pleasant sound.
Especially the closed headphones sounded muddy and didn't have any mids. In which speech and guitars tend to live. The surround ones were even worse.

In the end I got my Sennheiser PC360 for 160 euros. In the end I had to use the EQ in the software from my soundcard to still boost the mids a couple of decibel.
From all the Sennheisers me and my dad owned, not one had cable issues. In fact they never gave us any issues.

What I would advice a cheap Sennheiser, and a PC320 around ear.
If you want something better than I would recommend looking at professional headsets, since you only need the microphone anyways. So why waste money on the headphone part?

I mean 50 euros for a cheap pro wireless microphone headset.
http://www.bax-shop.nl/headset-draadloos/skytec-stwm712h-2-kanaals-draadloos-microfoonsysteem

Edit:
Amazon uk link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00JR1S3ZC/?tag=gtplanetuk-20
 
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LogiForce
What's the budget range this time around exactly?

Funny thing is that my cable snapped as well because I ones rolled over it with my chair.
So I guess those cables aren't the best. Hence I wouldn't recommend getting the same.

After this I tried the best Steelseries had to offer, Tritton, Turtle Beaach and all those 'gaming' headsets. Non gave me a pleasant sound.
Especially the closed headphones sounded muddy and didn't have any mids. In which speech and guitars tend to live. The surround ones were even worse.

In the end I got my Sennheiser PC360 for 160 euros. In the end I had to use the EQ in the software from my soundcard to still boost the mids a couple of decibel.
From all the Sennheisers me and my dad owned, not one had cable issues. In fact they never gave us any issues.

What I would advice a cheap Sennheiser, and a PC320 around ear.
If you want something better than I would recommend looking at professional headsets, since you only need the microphone anyways. So why waste money on the headphone part?
About
I mean 50 euros for a cheap pro wireless microphone headset.
http://www.bax-shop.nl/headset-draadloos/skytec-stwm712h-2-kanaals-draadloos-microfoonsysteem

Edit:
Amazon uk link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00JR1S3ZC/?tag=gtplanetuk-20
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Budget this time is around £40ish I guess I could go up to mid £50s if it really was that much better than what I could get in the £40s.
I could get these http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003DA4D34/?tag=gtplanetuk-20 but that would leave me seriously stretched budget wise.
 
haitch40
Budget this time is around £40ish I guess I could go up to mid £50s if it really was that much better than what I could get in the £40s.
I could get these http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sennheiser-Closed-back-Headset-Integrated-Control/dp/B003DA4D34/ref=sr_1_4?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1401075929&sr=1-4&keywords=Sennheiser headset but that would leave me seriously stretched budget wise.
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Bummer, as it seems you can't get anything better than you had when sticking to the 40 pound range.
When I looked just now I noticed one thing... why are the UK (web)stores all selling the same product for the same amount of pounds in the uk as it would be in euro's over on the mainland? They are ripping you guys off a bit as 50 pounds is 61 euro after all.

Anyway, if you can make it than the PC330 would definitely be an upgrade. Especially the microphone but also the headphones themselves.

Here is a small microphone comparison. First the Fatal1ty headset and than the PC330. Notice the noise on the Fatal1ty headset?

 
LogiForce
Bummer, as it seems you can't get anything better than you had when sticking to the 40 pound range.
When I looked just now I noticed one thing... why are the UK (web)stores all selling the same product for the same amount of pounds in the uk as it would be in euro's over on the mainland? They are ripping you guys off a bit as 50 pounds is 61 euro after all.

Anyway, if you can make it than the PC330 would definitely be an upgrade. Especially the microphone but also the headphones themselves.

Here is a small microphone comparison. First the Fatal1ty headset and than the PC330. Notice the noise on the Fatal1ty headset?

Click to expand...

Maybe it is tax. How much VAT do you get? We are charged 20%.

The PC330 does look nice but what would they be like compared the say the Corsairs I posted? Also is it true that like some of the reviews have said they are incredibly uncomfortable due to it being really tight?
The mic sound I can cancel completely through my soundcard software no matter which headset I use.

Also this may end up being a temporary solution. Next year I may have enough money to spend £200 on a pair.
Whilst we are on that topic I assume these would be what you recommend should I have a big budget next year? http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008O515CK/?tag=gtplanetuk-20
 
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haitch40
Maybe it is tax. How much VAT do you get? We are charged 20%.

The PC330 does look nice but what would they be like compared the say the Corsairs I posted? Also is it true that like some of the reviews have said they are incredibly uncomfortable due to it being really tight?
The mic sound I can cancel completely through my soundcard software no matter which headset I use.

Also this may end up being a temporary solution. Next year I may have enough money to spend £200 on a pair.
Whilst we are on that topic I assume these would be what you recommend should I have a big budget next year? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sennheiser-PC363D-Surround-Over-Ear-Headset/dp/B008O515CK/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1401114794&sr=1-1&keywords=pc headset
Click to expand...

We have 21% of what we call BTW. No it doesn't stand for the English phrase.

Meh, the Corsair HS30 has kind of a nasal sound to the mic. Like someone is constantly pinching your nose or something.
Dunno if the PC330 is tight. So you'll have to go by the reviewers as I never tried it myself.

Now with that story in the back of my head that you have 200 pounds next year I am thinking of a different strategy.
I would say buy the same Creative headset which you had. If it breaks within a year you'll spend about the same amount of money as you would now if you bought the PC330. Now if the Creative headset lasts longer than your year it would mean you have 230 ish pounds to spend instead, as you saved 30 pounds now by holding out with the Creative.

So buy the Creative now and something else in a year's time. Also stay away from the Sennheiser headsets that end with a D. It has an extra USB soundcard into which 3.5mm plugs are inserted from your headset, and I doubt you'd need it.
 
LogiForce
.

Now with that story in the back of my head that you have 200 pounds next year I am thinking of a different strategy.
I would say buy the same Creative headset which you had. If it breaks within a year you'll spend about the same amount of money as you would now if you bought the PC330. Now if the Creative headset lasts longer than your year it would mean you have 230 ish pounds to spend instead, as you saved 30 pounds now by holding out with the Creative.
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The £200 is coming out of the fact I have an extremely cheap house next year so my student loan will leave me with loads left over. Saving money now will likely result in it being spent on alcohol. If the Corsairs are better than the Creative then I will get those otherwise I might just get the same again as I had no real problems but the PC330 maybe is a little too expensive.
Also stay away from the Sennheiser headsets that end with a D. It has an extra USB soundcard into which 3.5mm plugs are inserted from your headset, and I doubt you'd need it.
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Is this a bad thing or just something I don't need? If I have the money I want the best and if that includes an extra I don't need then so be it. Although they might not work anyway as it lists compatibility as Windows XP, Vista and 7 whilst I am using 8. What would you recommend btw? The ones you have?

And any comments on the better lead type? 3.5 or USB?
 
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haitch40
The £200 is coming out of the fact I have an extremely cheap house next year so my student loan will leave me with loads left over. Saving money now will likely result in it being spent on alcohol. If the Corsairs are better than the Creative then I will get those otherwise I might just get the same again as I had no real problems but the PC330 maybe is a little too expensive.

Is this a bad thing or just something I don't need? If I have the money I want the best and if that includes an extra I don't need then so be it. Although they might not work anyway as it lists compatibility as Windows XP, Vista and 7 whilst I am using 8. What would you recommend btw? The ones you have?

And any comments on the better lead type? 3.5 or USB?
Click to expand...

Never heard or saw the Corsair before as they weren't in the headset market yet when I was looking. So can't comment on them. They seem to have cheap plastic from pictures, but might feel great once you get your hands on them. At least they do look comfy.

You don't need it I think, so why pay for it? Nothing is free in this world, so all those extras need to be payed for since the resources they are made from need to be payed for one way or another.
So that said I would rather see if there is something better to be had without a USB soundcard as an extra.
Yeah that's the next thing. A USB soundcard needs drivers and how long does a company intend to support such a USB product driver wise?
So as to your last question, definitely go for those old fashioned analog 3.5mm plugs. They are and always will be universally usable in a PC, old radio, new ipod or whatever. Cause it simply doesn't use anything like drivers, it is simply plug and play.

I doubt you can still get the headphones or headsets I have, but I own the following.

- Sennheiser PC 360 headset
- Sennheiser HD 435 Manhatten headphones
- Bose Around Ear headphones (the originals)
- Logitech Precision PC gaming headset (hurts as hell on the temples if you wear glasses, as the foam pads are hard and they push the legs of your glasses into your temples)

I have a few earbuds too but I forgot which ones.
My personal choice if I had to replace my PC360 headset would be the Sennheiser G4ME One in black (item number: 506080). This because I prefer the more wide and open soundstage of open headphones while gaming, as this improves positional audio.
If I wanted a closed headset instead I would get the G4ME Zero instead, also black instead of white.

Here are two nice positional audio demos. The first one being Sennheiser and the second one a barbershop.



 
Another personal advantage of USB over 3.5 is that you can use the USB headset as your PS3(4?) headset. You would have to sacrifice one of the ports, but it is doable.
 
With the USB vs 3.5 question it was because the Corsairs have both options and I think I might have a punt with them. Would that be a usb soundcard as well or just connection?

Also what is the difference between open and closed? I am a complete novice when it comes to this and am buying purely off input from people who know more than me like yourself @LogiForce when it comes to the higher ranges as all the Sennheiser headset get near on perfect ratings leaving reviews no help in choosing which specific model to choose.
 
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Open means there is no casing behind the speaker driver and with closed, there is. With open there can be a lot of leaked noise, as in someone sitting next to you could hear it quite clearly, but the trade off is a open design can offer better sound quality.
 
haitch40
With the USB vs 3.5 question it was because the Corsairs have both options and I think I might have a punt with them. Would that be a usb soundcard as well or just connection?

Also what is the difference between open and closed? I am a complete novice when it comes to this and am buying purely off input from people who know more than me like yourself @LogiForce when it comes to the higher ranges as all the Sennheiser headset get near on perfect ratings leaving reviews no help in choosing which specific model to choose.
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It's either USB or 3.2mm plugs. Not and this and that. Which is the case with Sennheiser btw. You have a separate dongle you plug your plugs into, so that 363D could be used both ways.

Open headset = No noise blocking to the outside, but has better sound quality and often a more wider and natural soundstage (e.g. you can hear the positioning better in games). Often the sounds are less muddy and a bit tighter, with some more mids (where guitars and vocals are, so also speech).

Closed headset = Noise blocking from the outside (NOT noise cancelling! That's different again). Slightly more boomy and more muddy bass, lacks a bit in the mids and sometimes highs. A pretty close soundstage in which it is harder to estimate distances to others.


Most people choose closed regardless of influence on the sound it seems, just so they won't bug others. In which it would be better to just get so called noise cancelling headsets/headphones.
 
LogiForce
Most people choose closed regardless of influence on the sound it seems, just so they won't bug others. In which it would be better to just get so called noise cancelling headsets/headphones.
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Isn't that the purpose of headphones? If you don't care about the noise for others you may as well get some huge speakers.

Thanks for your help anyway.
 
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haitch40
Isn't that the purpose of headphones? If you don't care about the noise you may as well get some huge speakers.

Thanks for your help anyway.
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Headphones were originally brought to the consumer marker and marketed as 'speakers that won't disturb the next door neighbours'. In other words you could play music as loud as you wanted without bugging the people next door.
This was still in the era of tube lamp radios. So they had no walkman, no ipod, no smatphone, etc. Music was still in a fixed location in the house.

Now these days with your music being on the move with you and your neighbour sitting right next to you in the bus or train, there is no more outside wall of a house to block the little noise still leaking from your headphones. So people's tolorances stayed the same, but due to changes surroundings their demand for isolation changed. The reasoning is still the same behind the headphones though. You do wish to play music as loud as you desire, without desturbing that grumpy ol' neighbour.

Moral of the story is that the type of isolation will depend on the surroundings. Do you use them purely at home, an open design paid of headphones would be nice. Do you use it when going mobile, a closed design pair or headphones would be better.

Besides, it is better not to use big speakers at headphone volumes. Cause who knows? Maybe the old lady in the next street will even start to wonder if the Germans are attacking again, when you are simply watching Band of Brothers on Blu-ray. :lol:
 
Ok. Went for the Corsairs and compared to the Creatives I would say they are better all round.

Edit forget what I said about bass. The Corsairs are a good buy. Not tried the mic yet.
 
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