Clash of the audio titans

Clash of the audio titans

A showdown among four popular gaming headsets
by Trevor Tan
05:55 AM Dec 03, 2010

NOT so long ago, the only peripheral a computer gamer needed was a good mouse. These days, gamers also require a good gaming headset for their multiplayer communication needs and to fully savour the games' fantastic sound effects without annoying others. Here's a look at some of the coolest gaming headsets in the market.

Sony DR-GA200 ($99)
Sony DR-GA200 PC Gaming Audio Headset (Black)

This lightweight gaming headset features a rather unique triple enfolding design that looks more "alienish" in the midst of circular cup headsets. Despite its unconventional design, it works well in reducing pressure on the ears and increasing air ventilation so that your ears will not perspire. It is surprisingly comfortable even after long gaming sessions, with the remote volume control easily accessible along its 2.5m cord.

But the curvy microphone that goes with the design is non-adjustable. You can pull it out from its resting position but you can't bend it to move it closer to your lips. Out of the four headsets, it has the most muffled voice recording.

There are no drivers to worry about here. You just have to plug the headset to your computer via the normal audio jacks and you can use it straight away. Audio from the headset is crisp and sharp but the bass lacks punch.

At $99, this headset will cater to gamers on a budget.

Creative Sound Blaster World of WarCraft Wireless Headset ($249)

Smack almost anything with a World of WarCraft (WoW) logo and it is bound to sell. The Creative Sound Blaster WoW Wireless Headset even allows you to change the ear cups to feature the Horde or Alliance badge so nobody will mistake your allegiance.

The design is so minimalistic that you might have problems initially locating the various buttons. In fact, I still find it hard to locate the volume controls "hidden" along the rim of the earpads. Also, I haven't found the battery indicator. Nonetheless, the headset is very comfortable and is ideal for prolonged gaming (up to eight hours on a full charge).

While there are drivers for both Mac and PC, you can just plug in the USB transmitter and the wireless headset will work seamlessly without lag. But with the drivers, you can customise your voice to sound like a male Paladin or a female Elf to your WoW comrades. The microphone picks up your voice readily. You can also change the colour of the illuminating Alliance or Horde badge from 16 million LED colours.

With THX TruStudio PC technology support, the sound quality is impressive, handling the loudest of bangs and thuds without breaking up. But the hefty price tag of this headset will be a big deterrent.

Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930 ($299)

Logitech's latest wireless gaming headset G930 is packed with features such as 7.1 surround sound, three programmable G-keys, noise-cancelling microphone, memory-foam headband and cushioned ear pads. It's even touted to be 38 per cent faster compared to a headset using Bluetooth wireless connection.

All the buttons, such as the G-keys, volume dial and mute button, are situated on the outer left ear pad. While it makes sense since your right hand will be too busy on the mouse, left-handers will again be left out cold.

The polygonal G930 ear pads cup your ears nicely and filter external noise effectively. But the ears get rather warm after only an hour of gaming.

The sound delivered is exemplary. The surround sound lets you immerse in the gameplay completely - I can hear bullets straying past my left ear and grenades exploding on the right.

The PC-only software allows you to customise the G-keys so you can tap them immediately for voice, chat or music. It also allows you to change your voice output to sound like a troll or an alien.

It has the best microphone of the pack, delivering clear and clean voice to ensure your comrades can hear you without the background hiss of your air-conditioning. You might hiss at the high price though.

Razer Megalodon ($249.90)

I was awed when I opened the Megalodon's box to find a solid black carrying case housing Razer's latest sleek USB gaming headset. Why didn't anyone think of such simple packaging before?

Megalodon comes with its own audio engine, Razer Maelstrom, built into the audio control box that sits in the middle of the 3.3m braided fibre sheath cord. You can place the audio control box on your desk for your left or right hand, depending on your preference. The audio control box allows you to easily change the volume with the dial and switch between surround and stereo sound with the press of a button.

The Megalodon is an absolute delight to use. Just plug its single USB connector to your PC (Windows XP or above) and you are ready to go. No drivers are needed.

The large, circular ear pads fit my ears snugly, filtering ambient noise while letting my ears "breathe". Microphone reception is clear and you can bend the microphone close to your lips. The amplified audio is as good as that of the Logitech G930.

Despite its exquisite built and audio quality, the Megalodon is expensive for a wired headset. Plus, it does not work on a Mac.



VERDICT: Grab Sony DR-GA200 if you are on a budget. If looks are important, go for Creative WoW Wireless Headset. Buy Logitech G930 if you're greedy for features. But for the best overall experience, get the Razer Megalodon.

Source: www.todayonline.com
Sony DR-GA200 PC Gaming Audio Headset (Black)