Gamers, What's Your Audio Set Up?

I need your collective wisdom, please.

My current setup are a pair of Focal Elegia headphones, plugged into a Schiit Gunnr DAC. And then a Rode podmic with a Rode AI-1 for input.

I'm happy with the input quality, though with the xlr cable out the front it's not the cleanest set up.

I'm just a bit underwhelmed by the output for gaming, which is all I really use it for. Don't get me wrong, they sound good, but I struggle to tell the difference between the Elegias from my old Sennheiser H6Pro's gaming headset. Which isn't great considering the outlay.

What changes could you guys recommend?
 
Honestly, if you are only using it for gaming thats par for the course i think. Not much you can spend on that beyond what you have will make a huge difference.

Maybe a pair of openbacks with a wider sounstage may help?
 
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@Vidar Agree with @Angst - I think given the level of you're gear your either hitting preferences, or limits of gaming audio engines. Unfortunately not everything is Returnal, or Overwatch. Often games can have limited audio. That said I also echo the suggestion of open-backs for gaming as I also have a preference for those for gaming.

The other thing is the Epos H6pro is a variant of the PC38X, essentially the same drivers and internals that they released in their plastic frame. They did change the tuning a bit but the open-back H6pro is solid for gaming and that might also be why the jump up isn't there. My favourite gaming headphones/sets aren't the most expensive. Personally I put more emphasis on comfort and weight for gaming than for listening to music.
 
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My H6Pro's where the older closed backs. I have my pc in the living room, so open backs don't really seem like an option. What's the sound bleed like?

Is there a particular software people recommended or anything like that?
 
You will be able to hear everything happening around you, how much leaks out will depend on how loud you have it, but it won't isolate anything. Have you enabled "Windows Sonic for headphones"?
 
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Timber said:
Np. I used to have the G6. Sold it a few years ago in a clear-out. Very versatile DAC/AMP with some great features, very small size and lot of power for a USB-only DAC/AMP. I used it on a number of devices over the years I owned it.
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I finally purchased the K7 - very pleased. Thanks for the recommendation.
 
Vidar said:
My H6Pro's where the older closed backs. I have my pc in the living room, so open backs don't really seem like an option. What's the sound bleed like?

Is there a particular software people recommended or anything like that?
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Ah OK, so they have a large bass boost over the open-back ones but otherwise share some traits (Squiglink Gadgetry Tech Link - basically show measurements). A few years ago I was going through a phase of trying stuff and the closed and open both became cheap (on or around the news about Epos halting gaming headsets). With open-back headphones as Angst mentioned hear everything around you which can be distracting, but it does provide a more natural sound, usually with more depth (soundstage).

brakeinup said:
I finally purchased the K7 - very pleased. Thanks for the recommendation.
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Np. Great to hear. It's a super impressive DAC/AMP for the money.
 
I ended up getting a dac/amp and chose the Fiio k11. The sounds are much better than the onboard sound card, really happy with it.
 
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Angst said:
You will be able to hear everything happening around you, how much leaks out will depend on how loud you have it, but it won't isolate anything. Have you enabled "Windows Sonic for headphones"?
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Yeah, not going to work for me if the missus or kids are watching TV or something. I hadn't activated Windows sonic, but ended up going with atmos for headphones and its helped a bit.
 
Vidar said:
Yeah, not going to work for me if the missus or kids are watching TV or something. I hadn't activated Windows sonic, but ended up going with atmos for headphones and its helped a bit.
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Fair, it may also be helpful to install Peace APO to EQ the Elegia and try to find a tuning that fits your preferences more for gaming.
 
I am using a pair of Sennheiser HDB630 (via USB-C Cable) paired with a Fifine USB Lavalier Microphone (£7.99)

The HDB630's are mainly for listening to music, the only downside I've found using them for gaming is the built in mic as it reduces the sound quality significantly. Which is the reason why I am using the separate USB microphone.
 
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Vidar said:
I hadn't activated Windows sonic, but ended up going with atmos for headphones and its helped a bit.
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Regarding Windows Spatial Audio (Windows Sonic for Headphones, Dolby Atmos for Headphones, or DTS:Headphone X) they are going to be great for the games that support 3D audio on PC. However where a game doesn't support 3D audio it will default to a 7.1 Virtual Surround (VSS) which is arguably going be inferior to direct audio from the game, i.e. just running it as stereo. Again subjective and everyone has a preference. But I think worth making the point that 3D audio/Windows Spacial sound works well where the game supports it, but won't work for everything.

Essentially my understanding is that Microsoft support 3D audio very well, because all their current 3D audio solution works on Windows and Xbox Consoles (Xbox One/X, Series S|X), Sony PlayStation studios where it seems those games have maintained that 3D support via the PC Ports process (usually Nixxie software studios) that use the same Windows Spacial sound. And then some other support from publishers like Ubisoft, or SEGA. I did find this list but I know there are PC games on there like Overwatch 1/2 (which have Dolby Atmos built in).

The bit I'm less clear on is what happens with games that support Windows Spacial sound and then run via the proton-layer in Steam OS (Steam Deck/Steam Machine etc.). My assumption is that 3D audio support isn't maintained given the guides that I've read so far.
 
Good morning all

I purchased the below in line mic and its been fairly reliable to be honest 2021 I think I got it and its had its work cut out with my sons and me over the year, the volume wheel is stating to make the sound crackle, drop out and in so I need to order a new one, is the below OK think I paid around £30 so around that price, thanks!

V-Moda BoomPro Microphone​

 
iMacMart said:
Good morning all

I purchased the below in line mic and its been fairly reliable to be honest 2021 I think I got it and its had its work cut out with my sons and me over the year, the volume wheel is stating to make the sound crackle, drop out and in so I need to order a new one, is the below OK think I paid around £30 so around that price, thanks!

V-Moda BoomPro Microphone​

Click to expand...

If you can stretch your budget a bit I'd go for the Modmic Uni, personally.
 
I've got a Modmic Uni which I bought in Feb 2020. I don't use it as much as the mics on the PC38X/H6pro, but it has had some use. Very good quality. They have recently improved it with the Modmic Uni 2 & USB 2. Not necessarily as convenient as the boom mics that plug directly into the headphone, but obviously compatible with any headphone. I did buy that small £10 accessory pack to get more of the stick-on magnets.
 
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