Gaming Headset explanation

[AsifC]

Hello everyone. I am new to PC gaming and was considering picking up a headset so that I can communicate when I game online. But upon looking at many variety of headset, I was confused with which one to purchase.

So for example the Astro A40 says that it is 7.1 surround sound. Does that mean it has 7 speakers and 1 sub woofer built into the headset or does it mimic the effects of a 7.1 setup. Also I saw youtube videos where they bought a 2 channel headset and connected it to their 5.1 or 7.1 sound card. I have a Asus Z97-A motherboard and could I do that if I bought a 2 channel headset and how would I go about doing it?

Thank You.

 

[davcsw]

When a headset is stated as 7.1, it usually means emulated surround sound. There's only one jack for the output. Yes, you can also plug stereo headsets into 5.1 or 7.1 soundcards, but the channel setting must be stereo or 2 speakers via software. Otherwise, you may find some sounds will be missing - because they've been set to come out on the other channels.

Very few out there actually have true 7.1 capabilities, in fact I only know of the Razer Tiamat - and you will need a true 7.1 sound card to support it (it comes with multiple jacks). Even so, it's not perfect and the drivers are problematic. Some say it sounds disorienting.

True surround on headsets aren't a fully realised technology. My advice is take the "7.1" label with a pinch of salt - just buy a quality gaming set with decent surround emulation that's within your budget. I hear the Astro A40 is decent.

 

[Morlizer]

I hear Astro A40 suffer from buzzing noise from the microphone. After doing a lot of research i spent a bit more money and purchased Steelseries H Wireless. It has very good sound, actually i could compare it to a entry audiophile headphone. The microphone is better then most headsets and when you get used to not to have a cable stopping you from going to the kitchen for a break while still chatting with the guys you will thank me =)

 

[Craig H]

There are a few true 7.1 headsets, most of these contain discrete speakers and are typically much heavier than others. The Razer Tiamat 7.1 is one of these. http/gamersound.org/razer-tiamat-7-1-review/

Typically, Dolby 5.1 uses a 5 speaker arrangement Front Left and Right, Subwoofer and Side Left and Right.
Dolby 7.1 adds 2 additional channels behind the side speakers.

In most cases surround sound (specifically Doby 7.1) is simulated. This doesn't mean you can't get the definition that you need just that the sound channels are created in software and not by discrete speakers. This provides a much lighter headset.

Any of the Turtle Beach headsets that use the DSS2 Amplifier (wired) such as the DPX 21 http/gamersound.org/the-ultimate-turtle-beach-headset-xbox360-guide/ will provide Dolby 7.1 simulated sound. Most of the Turtle Beach line including all of their wireless headsets provide good Dolby 5.1.

The Astros are a very good choice for a good synthesized Surround (Dolby 7..1) http/gamersound.org/are-astro-a40s-worth-it/