Work Vs Gaming Specialised Headsets

• 

  tabz on 04/09/2020 - 20:34

  I was in the same situation. Wanted a wireless headset that I could use for both work and gaming.

  Ended up getting a Jabra Evolve2 65 for work since I already had the Cloud Alpha for gaming (wired), but if I didn't have that, I would get the HyperX Cloud Flight S.

• 

  ihavok on 04/09/2020 - 21:24

  Short answer is most headsets can be made to work. I assume that you are referring specifically to wireless headsets only.

  For clarity of your voice (work/gaming) a headset with a mic boom often works much better, where the mic is close to your mouth vs headset with built-in microphones near your ear.

  You can also add-on a mic to nearly any headphones with a product like an Antlion Modmic (there's a wireless version too).

  For gaming, specifically in FPS-style games, gamers like to have headphones which have very good imaging to hear the direction of footsteps, etc they have a tendency. This doesn't always translate to having the best sound signature for listening to music, movies, etc.

  If you're planning on wearing these for very long sessions, then you might also want to consider the comfort of the headphones you choose. Over-ear headphones tends to be more comfortable than on-ear, etc.

  Disclaimer : I don't use MS Teams / Console gaming. I do PC gaming and use various voice chat apps (zoom, Skype, discord) on Windows/Android. From a PC/Android phone, you don't need a headphone that has been marked as compatible/certified for these to work.

  • 

    Davesday on 05/09/2020 - 01:09

    Yeah I assume most headsets running on USB codecs/dacs should be recognised. Thanks for your insights though.

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  toristo on 04/09/2020 - 21:35

  If you have bluetooth on your work computer, check out the Jabra 65t or 75t earphones.

  I've got the 65t and they pair to 2 bluetooth devices at the same time (work laptop and work phone) so I spend most of the day with just one in my ear switching between conversations and you don't even notice it's there. If I want to listen to music, I put the other one in. If a call comes in, I can tap it and take the call and the music pauses. Audio quality is excellent for Teams/Webex/calls etc and the even music is very good for earphones. Good battery life - I throw them in the charging case if I'm having lunch and they're good all day. Best part is they're reasonable subtle so quite good for video calls if you have the camera just off centre facing more towards your left side, you won't even notice it tucked in your right ear.

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  Davesday on 04/09/2020 - 22:10

  Thanks for the input so far! I am too expecting most wireless headsets would be detected as an audio output device but was worried that MS Teams may not see/detect them in case they are setup differently in the audio tree. I tried my Sony WH-1000XM3 but to get mic working I have to switch to a lower audio quality profile. I am so far liking the GSP 370 mainly for its battery longevity.

  Besides the HyperX Cloud Flight S, do we have any other recommendations audio quality wise?
  Can anyone else confirm if they are using a wireless gaming headset with MS Teams chip in their thoughts too?

  • 

    Axelstrife on 04/09/2020 - 22:13

    Check out youtube videos and you will soon discover both of those headsets have terrible mics

    • 

      Davesday on 05/09/2020 - 21:55

      Yeah they aren't great. Most Youtube reviewers complained about the GSP 370/670's mic and attributed to the poor software application (settings don't have any effect) but they forgot to enable mic enhancement in the sound control panel. There were a few reviewers that seem to have demonstrated the GSP 370/670 mic being not too terrible. Its still not great but definitely not the worse.

      I think it has to do with limited bandwidth available for mic hence the terrible compression effects.

      • 

        Axelstrife on 05/09/2020 - 22:22

        I think it has to do with limited bandwidth available for mic hence the terrible compression effects.

        Yeah this is why i went with Modmic wireless they don't have this issue, and i can use any headphones.

• 

  Axelstrife on 04/09/2020 - 22:11

  Honestly not sure such thing exists.
  At least i never found one with good quality mic and wireless.

  I can give you two options right now fir wired if you would like but wireless with a good quality mic idk about that one im sorry.

  Maybe just a standard wireless headphones (You decide which) with Modmic wireless?
  I use a modmic wireless with my wired DT990's and HD 6XX's to get the best of both sound quality and mic quality.

• 

  bazingaa on 04/09/2020 - 23:03

  I am using a $4.5 wired headset from a dollar store for WFH, does the job.

• 

  scrimshaw on 04/09/2020 - 23:15

  Fifine USB condenser mics are around $45 AUD shipped on eBay, they run just on usb power and sits on a little tripod.

  For Sony WH via bluetooth headset profile, if the audio's no good you can always use a lapel or modmic wireless as mentioned above.

  • 

    Davesday on 05/09/2020 - 01:05

    Do you know if USB condenser mics solves echo problems in a room?

    • 

      scrimshaw on 05/09/2020 - 01:44

      Mic echo happens when a microphone picks up sounds from your speakers. If you are teleconferencing you shouldn't be using speakers but rather wearing headphones so you don't get a audio feedback loop.

      If you are somehow hearing your own voice when you speak into the microphone, it's possible that you have checked "Listen to this device" in the input device settings. Leaving that checked lets you hear everything your microphone picks up.

      • 

        Davesday on 05/09/2020 - 22:00

        Sorry I was referring to echo in a room. My newly converted WFH room does not have furniture in it. The wooden floor is bouncing noise around. My Jabra Speak 510 is capturing all of the echo and all the external noise from the window (not exactly a quiet street). Closing the window would make the echo worse.

        I was toying with the idea of setting up a cardioid mic where it would only pickup sound from a particular position. But then it gets too crazy for a simple WFH setup. The reason why I am so particular about mic quality is because most of my meetings are with senior management so these big guys have all the best tools for work.

        • 

          scrimshaw on 05/09/2020 - 23:34

          @Davesday: then all those sound waves getting bounced around your room needs to be absorbed by soft materials….. fill your room with a couple of bean bags or chairs and put cushions on them. Or put a rug down.

          If you've ever been in a empty room or a large hall, and the furniture is gone, the floors are not carpeted and the walls don't have any decor you'll notice everything just sounds noisier and louder because of the lack of soft furnishing.

          For sound that comes from the outside (like traffic or noisy neighbours) buy some heavy drape curtains or if you can't leave your home to buy any homewares make do with some doonas or bed sheets to get the same effect.

          since you live near IKEA Rhodes

          https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/oddlaug-sound-absorbing-panel-g…

          • 

            Davesday on 06/09/2020 - 00:24

            @scrimshaw: Yeah I do have furnitures coming in for the WFH it should be better by then. Thanks for your help!

• 

  Zazer on 04/09/2020 - 23:24

  If you can stomach the price, Steelseries Arctis Pro Wireless use 2.4ghz so no audio quality loss and low-latency for gaming, works for Teams + gaming etc.
  Also comes with functionality to simultaneously use Bluetooth while connected to your PC/console, if you need to take a phone call while connected, listen to music etc. And of course you can revert to standard 3.5mm jack if you like.

  • 

    Davesday on 05/09/2020 - 01:04

    Thanks for the recommendation. I'll consider it. Umart is selling this for $399 (about $50 cheaper). I'm not too sure about the external transmitter box though but I suppose thats what makes it so versatile. What do you think of the lesser brother, Arctis 7 Wireless?

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  AustriaBargain on 05/09/2020 - 07:52

  What about audiophile headphones that have microphone built in, I think some companies have been making them for a few years now with the rise of high end PC accessories.

  • 

    Davesday on 05/09/2020 - 21:51

    I was thinking of equiping my Mr Speakers Aeon Flow Open with modmic but the sound leakage is going to be a problem. Plus I really wanted to try a wireless pair. I have proper 'audiophile' headphones and IEM if I am in the mood for music listening though.

    • 

      AustriaBargain on 06/09/2020 - 11:13

      I have the mod mic and the wire is annoying.

      • 

        Davesday on 06/09/2020 - 18:18

        Apparently there's a wireless version of modmic. Not cheap though and cost as much as the head set.

        • 

          AustriaBargain on 06/09/2020 - 18:22

          @Davesday: The wired version was not cheap either. But I couldn't find anything else like it that people rated, even though it's such an obvious idea.

          • 

            Davesday on 06/09/2020 - 19:31

            @AustriaBargain: I wonder if matching a dedicated wireless headset on one USB receiver and a wireless mic on another USB receiver would alleviate the problem of limited bandwidth (presumably both dongles don't interfere with each other on overlapping wireless channels). Would the operation be synchronised?

• 

  conan2000 on 05/09/2020 - 09:22

  I have a set of Audio Technica ATH-G1WL. I wanted a wireless headset that was good quality for gaming/music and didn't sound like a tin can for work, I also wanted to avoid bluetooth as I find the quality is always average even on expensive devices and there are always issues with connecting.

  I have been working from home since March and was doing 2 days a week before that as well. These are expensive, but doing a lot of research about a year ago, the only good quality wireless gaming headsets that didn't have terrible mics were these and LucidSound LS40/41. I originally ordered the LucidSound on an Amazon US deal on Prime Day as it was a fair bit cheaper, had to send it back as there was no mic in the box when it arrived! If using for work purposes they are also tax deductible so I didn't mind spending a bit more.

  The other thing to consider, is how much does microphone quality actually matter? Most of the people I am on Teams/Zoom calls with are using Airpods/other bluetooth devices and they sound terrible. Both of these will sound better than almost any Bluetooth headset.

• 

  Davesday on 06/09/2020 - 19:28

  Thanks everyone for your contribution so far. After researching on the subject over the weekend, I decided to get a dedicated pair for each use case. For work I am going to pick up the Jabra Evolve2 85. As for gaming, I'm going to wait a bit longer and do more research. I really like Sennheiser's GSP 370 battery life but it seems to be plagued with connectivity issues at the moment. The GSP 670 had similar issues until it was fixed via firmware. Mwave is currently doing a special for both models (GSP 370 and 670) but I am not sure if its a good idea to jump in now.

  My research shows Audio Technica ATH-G1WL to have the best mic although I am not quite sure of its sound signature and less stellar battery life. I had the m50x a long time ago but didn't quite like it (I know they are not the same). Audeze Mobius is too expensive for what it does and the Audeze Penrose is being delayed for up to 4 weeks. While I like planar magnetics, I am not sold for its battery life (seems to need a lot of power to drive them).

  I'll continue to update here in case someone finds it useful.

  • 

    conan2000 on 07/09/2020 - 00:39

    What sort of battery life do you need? I used the ATH-G1WL for a 6.5 hour all day meeting earlier this week and then had maybe 3 hours of calls the following day as well, no sign of needing charged yet, they are rated for 15 hours. This is fine for most use cases.

    • 

      Davesday on 07/09/2020 - 10:59

      I am spoiled by the G Pro Wireless battery life as they last for weeks lol! I game with them on average 1-2 hours on most evenings throughout the week and I only charge them once a month?

      I may need to reset my expectations when it comes to wireless headphones for gaming. I'll give the ATH-G1WL an audition when I get to my local audio shop.

• 

  gabos on 07/09/2020 - 01:04

  I've been through a bunch of wireless headsets over the last couple of years. GSP 670's were my absolute pick of the bunch in terms of sound quality but they look silly so I traded out for a pair of Logitech G Pro X Wireless. Happy with the decision and quality.

  • 

    Davesday on 07/09/2020 - 10:55

    I am wondering if GSP 370 shares a similar sound signature. They are way less bulky and goofy looking. How's the mic quality with the G Pro X wireless? Some reviews mentioned the mic quality is really bad? Lastly how do they compare to the GSP 670 sound wise?

    • 

      gabos on 07/09/2020 - 11:29

      Yeh not sure on the 370s sorry. So I would compare the mic quality of the G Pro's pretty similarly to the GSP 670s. Basically all wireless headsets I've used have poor mic quality regardless of price/brand, the only way around that is using a good quality dedicated wired mic unfortunately.

      Sound wise the G Pro's are slightly worse but not bad enough for me to stop using them - it's slightly more tinny but it became also unnoticeable after a couple of days regular use.

      • 

        Davesday on 07/09/2020 - 11:34

        Thanks so much for the sound impressions!

• 

  Davesday on 09/09/2020 - 11:24

  Guys, what do you think of the JBL Quantum 800 wireless gaming headset. With exception to the RGB lights, it seems to have everything one would want on a wireless headset. I am particularly impressed with its ability to pipe in audio source on all 3 inputs simultaneously. That is audio via 2.4GHz wireless dongle on PC, Bluetooth 5.0 on mobile and 3.5mm audio input all happening at the same time. When you take a call you can actually have a conversation and still listening to the gameplay.

  I am not familiar with the JBL sound but I supposed its the 'consumer Hi-Fi sound' and not too bassy. The microphone quality seems very acceptable too. The only thing holding me back is the lack of reviews from reputable reviewers or websites. But reviews on Youtube seem promising.

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  GrantG on 28/11/2020 - 23:10

  Did you end up finding a good headset? I'm currently looking to upgrade my headset and I'm torn between the performance od wired, and the convenience of wireless. I spend 5+hrs a day in meetings, so stability/mic quality/comfort are important. The Jabra Evolve2 65 look ok for wireless, but i dont expect the sound quality would be anything to rave about.
  If quality and performance is better on wired headsets I'm happy to go down that path. Cheers!

  • 

    Davesday on 29/11/2020 - 01:00

    Hey mate, for work I got the Evolve2 85 and it does a great job. Initially the call quality wasn't anything to shout for. The Evolve2 65 does better with mic noise cancelling. However after a recent firmware update it seems to be on par now. My work uses Microsoft Teams and a recent software update introduced Noise Cancelling within the software so that may have contributed to 'better performance'. Back to the 85, the range is just satisfactory for me. I could leave my work laptop in the lower floor apartment and walk up the stairs to the kitchen without losing link. The sound does break a bit so it is nearing its limit. Active noise cancelling works like those of Sony/Bose (but not as good in that it causes bass to be weaker). The ambient sound feature is very natural and I could wear it for long periods of time without feeling the ear pressure. The sidetone feature doesn't seem to work or is very weak so at times it feels weird. The other complaint I have with the Evolve2 85 is 'noisy joints'. I tried lubricating it but it keeps coming back. Also I don't know if the pull down mic would survive the constant daily use. I think for most people considering 65 or 85 should also consider the wear style. Some prefer on-ear some prefer over-ear. Also the 85 is quite expensive.

    The one problem with wireless headsets particularly bluetooth ones is available bandwidth. For music listening, I think you will be happy. However as soon as you engage the mic, it switches to another bluetooth profile that lowers sound quality because it needs to conserve some bandwidth for picking up your voice. Meaning it is now a two way link. There doesn't seem to be any alternative with this technology at the moment. Some gaming oriented wireless headsets resort to proprietary RF but you lose the flexibility of bluetooth (e.g. you have to use the dongle that limits you to Windows, Mac and not mobile devices).

    There's no such problems with wired headsets but you sacrifice mobility and other ergonomics.

    • 

      GrantG on 29/11/2020 - 15:13

      Thanks for the reply, and thanks for pointing out the 65 are on ear (I don't know how I missed that). I currently have a pair of evolve 40 and my preference is for over ear, so the 65 isn't much of an upgrade.
      I didn't look into the evolve2 85's as I would like a pull down mic, but after checking them out it appears they do have a pull down mic (It is hard to see on the photos and I was assuming they were similar to the elite 85h). If I decide to go wireless the evolve2 85's are pretty appealing (although the price is getting up there).
      I used my wh1000mx3's for WFH for a while and didn't really make use of the mobility. I actually went back to the evolve 40 as I preferred the pull down mic and controls on the cable/controller. This has me thinking of sticking with wired. The evolve 80 is probably the smart choice, but there are so many wired options out there. The Logitech g pro and ATH-G1 both look comfortable, but I think the fixed mic would be annoying. Did you make a shortlist of wired units, or were only looking wireless?
      In true OzBargain fashion I will probably buy the one with the biggest discount and not the most suitable…