I guess some of you guys will know your stuff around Headphones and microphones?

Basically using it mainly for gaming however, rather than recording.

My really old Headphones broke, so replaced them with the Logitech G35. But currently hating them. I'm looking to return the Logitech G35 Headset due to it using USB and bypassing my sound card. It also has an issue with making a low 'eeeeeee' sound in the left speaker when the microphone is active but not being used. I also want to get something real which makes good use of my audiophile hardware.

I have a Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD audiophile sound card which I love, hate everything 'Sound Blaster' except for this!

It has either 3.5mm Mini Plug Digital Optical or standard 3.5 mm jacks as an option. Produces 5.1 Dolby Digital Live or DTS Connect (currently set on).

Currently I have interest in either:

Beyerdynamic MMX 300-II - which has Audiophile Stereo 2.0, can this still sound surround?

or

Turtle Beach Ear Force XP SEVEN - which I might be able to use the Digital Optical Dolby 5.1, would this be better due to my card?

or

similar as above, but maybe separate Headphones from microphone?


Anyone else also use their Headphones for gaming purposes, familiar with these or something better? Thanks in advance!

This post has been edited by Azzaboi: Apr 30 2014, 08:29 AM

I think the Beyer is based on their DT770s. The 770s are good headphones in the £100-£150 range and I know some professional mix engineers who use them for work. Whether or not you'll find a closed back headphone comfortable for gaming for long periods is debatable.

I do think though that you're paying a bit of a premium for USB and a built in mic. To put it in to perspective you could get a pair of AKG 702s for about the same price and the 702s are a couple of steps up from the 770s in terms of audio quality. (I know the 702s quite well as we use thei AKG 712 pro headphones). However if you want it for primarily for gaming rather than mixing the mic and USB of the MMX may make it a better all rounder for you.

Well said, zip to add, nice

Thanks for your replies...

I would be keen on the DT770 or DT880 with separate microphone, however the computer stores here doesn't seem to sell any good microphone separately. The 'Blue Microphones Yeti' I could possibly get elsewhere sounds awesome, but USB connected and would end up costing me more I guess for a large erm manhood style on my desk. The computer store currently has up to 50% off headphones and headsets, however no separate microphones to be found, so it might be best just with the MMX 300?

Get rid of the USB part which kills it's quality and instead directly connect to the sound card via the 3.5mm jacks? Stereo 2.0 (large speakers) will probably still sound better than 5.1 surround (tiny speakers)?

Open headphones do sound better, but for my parent's sake might stick with a closed set?

This post has been edited by Azzaboi: Apr 30 2014, 08:24 PM

Be careful. Gaming and recording are 2 different experiences.

Seems like you want a gaming set of headphones. Some, like you mentioned, have a surround mode and are made to keep your ears from fatiguing with extended periods of use. and also have added features like mics and such. It's designed to be a colored, hyped, engaging experience.

Studio grade headphones are aimed at helping you hear a greater sonic quality to really asses the audio passed through them. It's less about an 'experience' and more about giving you a clear picture of what you are listening to. They are usually flatter in their response.

They are definitely 2 DIFFERENT worlds.

Comparatively, there are sports cars and there are limousines. Both can do the same job of taking you somewhere, but both serve a different purpose. You wouldn't buy a limo expecting to race around the track. And if you REALLY wanted to, you could take it to the track, but you won't be satisfied.

I would look at a gaming magazine or website and find the best rated pair of headphones for your budget. I think around here, you're going to get responses more skewed towards recording.

Conversely, at some point I would look into buying a set for recording purposes.

Hope that helps.