7.1 headset for gaming?

dlmalloc · 6 Nov 2010 at 21:59

I am looking to pickup a 7.1 headset for gaming. I don't want to spend too much money but I don't want anything cheap.

I have three headsets in mind; the Logitech G35, SteelSeries 7H USB, and SteelSeries Sibera V2 USB.

All three claim to be 7.1, but the SteelSeries are "virtual" surround sound. Is this the same as the G35? From what I gather the SteelSeries have two drivers and the USB sound card creates the virtual 7.1 environment. I can't find anything about the G35... Does it work the same way or have multiple drivers?

Anyone have any experience with these headsets, or able to recommend better alternatives?

Thanks!

Scon · 6 Nov 2010 at 22:02

Yes, the G35 works exactly the same way.

Rroff · 6 Nov 2010 at 22:12

My favorite 7.1 gaming headset is the Sennheiser PC163D

valkia · 6 Nov 2010 at 22:16

Roccat Kaves, these are not 7.1 but they are 5.1 3mm jacks, so you can get full potential from sound cards. I own a pair and they have saved me countless times in competitions

Best part is these are on offer!

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SP-000-RC&groupid=702&catid=1058&subcat=1718

Uriel · 6 Nov 2010 at 22:22

If you don't mind going down the soundcard route, the Xonar DG is cheap and will create virtual surround with any set of stereo headphones. It uses Dolby Headphone, which is the most convincing virtualised surround sound I've tried so far.

In practice, I found Dolby Headphone far better than multiple-driver surround headphones and much more like using speakers.

To be honest, I wouldn't consider anything apart from an X-Fi or Xonar soundcard as suitable for gaming, unless you stick to brand new games. X-Fi is best for this with Xonar a close second. All other sound providers are pretty awful for legacy games.

dlmalloc · 6 Nov 2010 at 23:21

Mostly looking for comfort and surround sound. I will go either headset/soundcard route provided I can get a comfortable headset which won't hurt/annoy after extended gaming periods.

I *think* I can just about cram a soundcard below my graphics cards! Heh.

Rroff, valkia: are they comfortable? :]

valkia · 6 Nov 2010 at 23:56

dlmalloc said:
Mostly looking for comfort and surround sound. I will go either headset/soundcard route provided I can get a comfortable headset which won't hurt/annoy after extended gaming periods.

I *think* I can just about cram a soundcard below my graphics cards! Heh.

Rroff, valkia: are they comfortable? :]

They are quite big, but they are comfy too! soft padding on the ear cups along with the headband.

namorismo · 7 Nov 2010 at 20:27

I had the Roccats's for about a week and found them a little uncomfortable.
After about an hour of gaming I was glad to get them off and have a good ear rub

The sound from them was pretty good tho.

valkia · 8 Nov 2010 at 10:37

namorismo said:
I had the Roccats's for about a week and found them a little uncomfortable.
After about an hour of gaming I was glad to get them off and have a good ear rub
The sound from them was pretty good tho.

You do get used to this. If you have had a lighter headset before, it is a fair bit different. Soon you wont even know you have them on.

Kosmiche · 8 Nov 2010 at 14:06

I have the Kaves's and never had the heaviness issue.

I am a bigger (wider) build than average however.

Rroff · 8 Nov 2010 at 14:10

For me the PC163D are the most comfortable headset/phones I've tried so far and I've tried a few - they are an open design which does leak audio into the room a little but means you get excellent SQ and your ears don't seem to get hot. The head band and pads are well designed so that they sit on rather than over your ear but don't apply pressure to the ears - this does mean at first they feel a little loose but when you get used to it, it does mean they are comfortable and light for long useage.

I'm not really a fan of dolby headphone but the 7.1 box provided with these does the best job yet of any DH virtualisation (IIRC it uses Dolby Pro Logic IIz) I've tried in games and I think I've used it more than my X-Fi for gaming since getting this headset - CMSS-3D has slightly better positional accuracy and a cleaner soundscape but the DH gives a better sense of depth and a more immersive soundscape.

antran · 11 Nov 2010 at 01:47

I also got the kave for a month now, best headphone I ever had so far. It took me a week a get used to the headphone being a bit heavy. Funny thing is, I kinda stop playing fps