Gaming with Surround Sound (headsets)

[Blackwolf]

I posted this in my upgrade post but I figured I'd get a bigger pool of audio guys if I also made a thread in here.

Have some issues with the surround sound whislt gaming. No doubt the DT770 250 ohm sound amazing listening to music, but playing a FPS the surround sound feels really harsh. I've used the SoundblasterX G1 and I couldn't seem to limit it, I tried it with no software or 'virtual surround sound' on and it still felt jarring. Maybe I need to get use to it, I have to say though, using them with Razer's Surround Sound app on made it a lot better. Maybe it's just what I'm use too, it seems to blend the different directions of audio in better.

Though I'm getting a headache playing with the closed cup earphones so thinking of trying the DT990 Pro, just alittle worried because those are also 250 ohm and perhaps I need to have something less sensitive, like a 80.

Any help in the next hour would be great as I can get same day delivery in the next 50 mins.

 

[Marsman]

There could be a couple of reasons why you're getting headaches when using the DT770's. I can't really see it being just because they are closed cup though. That does affect the sound, but not in such a way that closed would cause headaches, and open wouldn't. At least I wouldn't expect that.

One of the most likely possibilities, could be because they are quite harsh in the treble frequencies. Some people like that, but some people find the treble too fatiguing. That could be what is causing headaches for you when using them.

If that is what is going on, then you'd be in the same boat with the DT990's, as they are a bit more lively than the 770's. The DT990 aren't totally different headphones.

Another possibility, could be that the G1 just isn't that good. Despite Creative claims of the 300 Ohm headphones can be used with the G1, I'm wary of their claims with cheaper devices. They once claimed the Soundblaster Z, could drive 300/600 Ohm headphones, despite not actually having a dedicated headphone amp. Creative removed that from the specs quite some time ago. No such problem with their more expensive sound cards, internal and external.

If the G1 can't drive the 250 Ohm DT770's well enough, that may have an impact on the sound. I would expect it to be more likely that the maximum volume that is limited, more than anything else. I wouldn't expect the sound to be affected in such a way as it to cause any headaches.

Other possibility could be too much clamping force. I'm sure I saw a thread not so long back and someone found the DT770's were uncomfortable after a while. I wouldn't expect the DT990 to be much different in that regard, as the headband structure is the same design.

Might be worthwhile trying a completely different headphone. Best choice of headphone for FPS gaming is the AKG K702. They need a decent headphone amp though despite being only 62 Ohm. They actually need twice as much power for the same volume as the 250 Ohm Beyerdynamic's, despite being a quarter of the impedance. Impedance doesn't tell the whole story when it comes to how easy or hard headphones are to drive well.

Anyway; the G1 surely won't have enough power to do the K702's any justice. Best pairing without looking at a different sound card, would probably be Sennheiser HD5** series. Easy to drive and a pretty neutral sound. No fatiguing treble.

 

[Blackwolf]

It's the surround sound as well, I sound like a old fart but it's too sensitive, too loud. So it's just overwhelming, it's the same when I play a game like world of warcraft, I'd actually prefer that to be more stereo and turn off directional sound. My character is third person in the centre of the screen and as I spin the camera around it's really jarring how prominent the sound is from each direction, there is no blending.

I fear it's one of them things I may have to get use to. I have bought some Philips Fidelio X2 today, they'll be arriving tonight so will be testing them out. If they don't work then maybe I should give the AKG K702 a go?

 

[The_Arbiter]

Open backs are in a different league. Less fatigue imo, but it's all subjective!

K702s are less controlled sound wise than 990. I have both btw. K702s less comfy, as quite heavy weight wise. But surround is bigger on k702. Treble is more dampened with K702. But with open back gaming, 990premium 32ohm i really enjoy. But i also like the AKG's, i think they are more laid back sound wise which is nice, but 990 is ultimately more precise, controlled, and fun. I also prefer them for music and comfort. But for guitars, the k702's win, they don't excel with guitars, but are better. Amp/dac/equaliser will change things a bit also.

Oh, no blending you say? There should be, the transition should be smooth. Try some setting checks. Could be the game also!

 

[EsaT]

What settings are you using?
There's plenty of room to use wrong settings and don't even see some settings usefull at all, like bass and treble boosting Crystalizer.

 

[Marsman]

It's the surround sound as well, I sound like a old fart but it's too sensitive, too loud. So it's just overwhelming, it's the same when I play a game like world of warcraft, I'd actually prefer that to be more stereo and turn off directional sound. My character is third person in the centre of the screen and as I spin the camera around it's really jarring how prominent the sound is from each direction, there is no blending.

I fear it's one of them things I may have to get use to. I have bought some Philips Fidelio X2 today, they'll be arriving tonight so will be testing them out. If they don't work then maybe I should give the AKG K702 a go?

These algorithms that are used to trick the brain into thinking sound is coming from different directions; not everyone likes the effect. Some are better than others though. Generally Creative's SBX Prostudio is considered to be the best of the bunch, possibly along with Sennheiser's. You've got to buy a GSX1000 to get access to Sennheiser's though, and that is overpriced for what it is. Razer's isn't that great in comparison, but you've found it to be better, so it could be a setting thing, as Esat points out.

You mentioned in the OP that you tried with no surround sound processing effects and still found the sound jarring. If you were just using plain stereo, then either the G1 is doing a rubbish job, or you just don't like the DT770.

Philips Fidelio X2's are worth a try. Different sound to the Beyer's with less pronounced treble. Should give you an idea whether it's the Beyer's at all, or something else.

Depending how you get on with the X2's, K702 are certainly worth trying. Not sure the G1 will be good enough for them though.