*TPU's Gaming Headphone/Headset Thread*

[majestic12]

Sorry for the double post but I need help with sound settings.
This headset is my first real good gaming set and I'd like to know, is there a trick most use to get the best sound outta there head set?

I mean...

I play with the EQ settings while listening to MP3's and have the sound matched to my likeness.
But when I jump into a game it's like holly crap!!! BASS!!!! I need to lower the volume as my bones are vibrating lol. But really is there a setting I need to be concerned about for proper gaming sound?

hear, I took some screen shots on what my settings are at. If there is something off would you kind ppl please help guide me on what needs to be adjusted?


http://img.techpowerup.org/101230/6.png

Yikes! Doesn't it kill your ears having the equalizer set like that?!! The treble must be piercing.

Mine's turned off usually-

 

[fullinfusion]

Yikes! Doesn't it kill your ears having the equalizer set like that?!! The treble must be piercing.

Mine's turned off usually-

http://img.techpowerup.org/101230/EQ.jpg

Ummmm, na, I droped the treble a bit and it's nice ATM to listen to...

I'm kinda trying to work out x-fire atm... 5970 plus 5870 Tri-fire and so far the audio sounds great but im at the limit for a image restore...

i need to reload a fresh copy of W7 in the morning to get everything working the way it's suppose to...

 

[Kursah]

It depends on quite a few things whether or not the use of EQ is necessary. I'd guess that most people out there would use an EQ to color the sound while others prefer a pure and flat sound. The first and foremost "thing" is your ear/listening preference. Some like bass, some like treble, some like all of the above, some like mids, etc. But if you gotta wimpy sound card, you might need a heavier EQ than a mixing setup or high end sound card, etc. I use EQ, mostly flat with some extra bass and a slight boost in the mids. But with my speakers to attain the sound I want out of my X-230's the bass goes waaay down, and the mid and treble get a boost.

Just pick a few of your favorite songs go for that in entertainment, then pick gaming mode and turn the EQ flat, maybe reduce the bass and go from there. Onboard X-Fi's have the console/mode too right? If not, you might just save a Gaming EQ instead. But I doubt what I listen to how I listen to it as a preference is what you prefer. So really messing around with the EQ is the best way to go. Honestly, I still tune my EQ's from time to time...it's a never ending deal but I am content with it how it is atm.

 

[fullinfusion]

It depends on quite a few things whether or not the use of EQ is necessary. I'd guess that most people out there would use an EQ to color the sound while others prefer a pure and flat sound. The first and foremost "thing" is your ear/listening preference. Some like bass, some like treble, some like all of the above, some like mids, etc. But if you gotta wimpy sound card, you might need a heavier EQ than a mixing setup or high end sound card, etc. I use EQ, mostly flat with some extra bass and a slight boost in the mids. But with my speakers to attain the sound I want out of my X-230's the bass goes waaay down, and the mid and treble get a boost.

Just pick a few of your favorite songs go for that in entertainment, then pick gaming mode and turn the EQ flat, maybe reduce the bass and go from there. Onboard X-Fi's have the console/mode too right? If not, you might just save a Gaming EQ instead. But I doubt what I listen to how I listen to it as a preference is what you prefer. So really messing around with the EQ is the best way to go. Honestly, I still tune my EQ's from time to time...it's a never ending deal but I am content with it how it is atm.

The on-board don't have gaming and such options. But any way I seem to have found a medium between gaming and music.. i just made a game profile and load it b4 gaming.

 

[fullinfusion]

*update* I have a great headset but it was bothering me that the on-board X-fi sound card was so limited. Just installed an Asus Xonar DX pci-e 7.1 audio card and WOW!!!

Finally Now I have the settings that make every thing sooooo much more enjoyable

 

[Kursah]

It's amazing what a good feature set and solid sound card can do. Good to know the add-in/ship-with x-fi's aren't as good as I thought they might be. I love my Auzen Forte...wouldn't trade it for any other card out there! Glad you're happy man!

 

[fullinfusion]

It's amazing what a good feature set and solid sound card can do. Good to know the add-in/ship-with x-fi's aren't as good as I thought they might be. I love my Auzen Forte...wouldn't trade it for any other card out there! Glad you're happy man!

I just cant believe the difference! Man where have I been? under a rock I guess
The sound is nuts! I have all sorts of modes and even gaming mode And the cards interface looks sweet, not plain and boring like the Creative X-fi one...

 

[Bo$$]

damn, im still running an audigy 2 ZS, i must be really missing out

 

[TheMailMan78]

A friend of mine is looking for some good ear buds OR behind the head for no more then 50 bucks. He uses this for gaming only. What would you guys recommend?

 

[Kursah]

I honestly don't know with ear buds that would be worth gaming with, but the buds I use are kickass with my sansa fuze. They are Meelec M9's, http://www.meelec.com/M9_Series_earphones_s/244.htm

For 19.99, they absolutely kick ass. I've had a few pair of skullcandy, jvc and noname buds...the M9's are by far the best I've used yet.

Though for behind the ear, Koss KSC75's are where it's at...look them up on head-fi. One of the most talked about headphones in it's class.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006B486K/?tag=tec06d-20

If he's using them for gaming only, have him consider a full-size headphone...while what I just suggested are good values in their class...the JVC HARX700's are pretty kickass in the closed full size headphone class also (check op)...and can generally be found at sub $40. Just some food for thought.

 

[mcloughj]

I love my turtle beach X41 wireless headphones

 

[Robert-The-Rambler]

I don't know what the hell you guys are talking about

really? i had 202's many many years ago and thought they had way too MUCH bass.

oh and i have the CX300 II precisions (and got laughed at a few posts back) and find them to be quite comfortable and decent sounding for the price ($30 au, not the $100 retail)

I don't know what you guys are using to drive the HD 202s. I'm using the headphone output of my Pioneer VSX-1016 TSV receiver from the rear analog output of my X-Fi Fatality set at 192khz and the sound quality is amazing for $29.95.

They are so smooth and loud. They don't distort at all when being pushed and no matter what I listen to from Heavy Metal to the Neverending Story Soundtrack the depth of the soundstage is awesome. Color me impressed. They are way more comfortable than the Creative MK IIs and sound much better without having to adjust any equalization at all. Just go direct with no enhancements and play it loud.

 

[MT Alex]

A friend of mine is looking for some good ear buds OR behind the head for no more then 50 bucks. He uses this for gaming only. What would you guys recommend?

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I love my Head Direct RE2s. WileE turned me on to them, and they are inexpensive. Frederik S has some good reviews on the subject, with the step up, the RE0s.

http://www.head-direct.com/product_detail.php?p=23

EDIT: I found he has a review for the RE2s, as well. Rated 9.6. At the time of the review, they were going for $80, now they are $30. I really need to order a spare set.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Head-Direct/RE2/5.html

 

[Frederik S]

If it has to be earbuds then he should look into the Sunrise Audio products. We covered those on TPU a while back. Basically cheaper slightly more music Yuin earbuds.

If in-ears are alright as well then definitely look into the RE2s and the Meelec in-ears that Kursah mentioned they are also priced sold at a great price.

Behind ear, Koss KSC 35/75 are alright. Yuin G2A and G1A are better but cost a lot more.

 

[Anisotonic]

We have a pair of Roccat Kave.

Hey there mister, just a quick question for you... for 4 years I have been using the turtle beach hpa2 which is similar to the Kave, and of course I couldn't live without it anymore. however I have thought of upgrading it quite a few times, and the Kave is certainly a contender, what I have not managed to know however, is if the integrated amp produces any notable hiss when turned on and idle? that would be the only negative point of my cans, the amp, while powerful, is quite noisy. also, how would you describe the bass unit of the Kave? is it more of a boomy, shaky experience (mine are like that), or is it closer to the tighter, punchier approach to bass of a high-end 2.0 headphone? oh and are the pads thick enough so your ears don't touch the cups? cheers

 

[Mussels]

I don't know what you guys are using to drive the HD 202s. I'm using the headphone output of my Pioneer VSX-1016 TSV receiver from the rear analog output of my X-Fi Fatality set at 192khz and the sound quality is amazing for $29.95.

They are so smooth and loud. They don't distort at all when being pushed and no matter what I listen to from Heavy Metal to the Neverending Story Soundtrack the depth of the soundstage is awesome. Color me impressed. They are way more comfortable than the Creative MK IIs and sound much better without having to adjust any equalization at all. Just go direct with no enhancements and play it loud.

well, let me put it this way.


i felt the same when i got my 202's... and then i found them lacking when i got my 555's.

just because they are awesome, doesnt mean there doesnt exist awesomer

 

[n-ster]

I love my KSC75, but they are no match for my SRH440

If you don't mind open sound, the KSC75 will give you the best for the $ IMO

 

[Robert-The-Rambler]

When you're right you're right

well, let me put it this way.


i felt the same when i got my 202's... and then i found them lacking when i got my 555's.

just because they are awesome, doesnt mean there doesnt exist awesomer

I do believe Albert Einstein came up with that theory some time ago. And possibly the reason for the high divorce rate.

 

[BumbleBee]

I love my KSC75, but they are no match for my SRH440

If you don't mind open sound, the KSC75 will give you the best for the $ IMO

I got a pair of Shure 440 in my living room. nice headphones.

 

[Mussels]

so how good are those RE2's everyones ranting about? I've noticed i can get them shipped here to Au for about $40 USD

 

[Frederik S]

so how good are those RE2's everyones ranting about? I've noticed i can get them shipped here to Au for about $40 USD

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Head-Direct/RE2/1.html
Please remember the review is old, lots of new stuff has made it to the market. For the price they are still pretty much unbeatable if you are after a analytical sound. Bass wise they lack a little but you cannot have it all especially not for $40.

Cheers,
Fred

 

[Widjaja]

Using HD202 at the moment.
Into a Sony amp to Infrasonic Quartet Pro Audio sound card.

Bought them for half price so I can't complain.

 

[Blue-Tiger]

If I might add, Blue-Tiger is using a Sennheiser RS-170 headset, powered bij a ASUS Xonar DX and an semi-vintage Kenwood amplifier, powering 2 L&S floorstanders. Too add some power on the lower frequencies, I currently own a JBL TLX-125 sub and I am simply loving it.

 

[Robert-The-Rambler]

Sennheiser HD 515

Just want to give impressions of the headset after the first few hours. It sounds great after my initial fears about the total seaming lack of bass have been alleviated. I've been listening to a variety of music and these things are coming alive with the output of my Xonar DS set at only 25% - 30% and my $21 little Behringer HA400 headphone amp set at just 50% gain. I had the thing set way too loud at first and now I know what to expect it is getting easier to refine the volume based on the various sound levels of the recordings. I'm listening to a 1996 studio recording from John Denver titled the Best of John Denver and the vocals are insanely clear. I don't know whether bass is lacking or just getting swallowed up by rich midrange and crisp treble that could simply wake the dead it is so loud. These seem to be the loudest headphones I have ever heard even surpassing the HD 202s that are insanely loud, too. Haven't got a chance to play games I've been enjoying the music so much. I only paid about $60 at Newegg. I think it is wise to get discontinued models at a huge discount. I was about to go sleep and now I just don't want to. It almost 2:00 AM here.

 

[Mussels]

peeps here were right.

I upgraded from my sennheiser CX-II 300 precision (or whatever complicated name they had) to some RE2's.


first impressions were that the RE2's had less bass.
second impressions was that the senns sound like shit in comparison at anything that isnt bass.

opinion pretty much stuck with that.