Showing posts with label microphone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label microphone. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Plantronics .Audio 645 USB Behind the Head Headset Review

Plantronics .Audio 645 USB Behind the Head Headset
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I needed a headset that had a microphone to be able to communicate both on Skype and several video games that require that easier communication.
Right away I was impressed by the ease at which my computer handled it and in less then 20 seconds it was fully operational. The quality of the sound was amazing and the easy access volume control is just icing on the cake. The microphone has great sound quality and there has never been a problem with anyone not being able to hear me or getting overwhelmed by background noise.
Now, there is a few issues. Firstly the cheap plastic tabs that held right earpiece in place broke after a fall of only a foot. Second, the behind the ear design is uncomfortable with the way the headset secures itself. Add in a pair of glasses and the entire rig crosses over into painful until you become accustomed to it.
Overall this is a headset with amazing sound quality both incoming and outgoing though wearing it takes quite a bit of getting used to.
3 1/2 stars.

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Sunday, February 10, 2013

Plantronics GameCom 777 Surround Sound Gaming Headset with Dolby Technology Review

Plantronics GameCom 777 Surround Sound Gaming Headset with Dolby Technology
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I was expecting an awful lot, getting my hands and ears on Plantronics new 777 Gaming Headset. I still, to this day, absolutely love Plantronics 3D Surround Sound Gaming Headset (USB Full Range Stereo) (Audio 770), which you can find my review for here at Amazon. That headset is probably the most comfortable I've ever owned, had great sound quality and was just an all around good headset, minus a few annoyances.
So, when I had the opportunity of trying the new GameCom 777 Surround Sound Gaming Headset, I was hoping for huge improvements. Instead, I'm finding myself liking it but putting it aside for the 770.
First, the good. My biggest complaint with the previous 770 model was the USB connector that stood out a few inches. It's easy to knock into and I've had a friend break his on accident, basically ruining it. The 777 model comes with a similar dongle, but, as you can see from the pictures, it's a small square that hangs from the USB connector on your PC. This makes it a lot less easy to break and works fine. Another step up is the fact that the mic actually stays in place (my 770's mic started drooping and won't stay in place now) and also has an extender. I also like the fact that it's difficult to accidentally mute yourself since it's an actual sliding switch as opposed to an easily-pressed button.
So that's the good stuff. Unfortunately, everything else feels like a step back. I don't know why they changed the actual design of the headset. It envelopes my ears like the other one, which is nice, but I find the bottom of the earphones snaps shut like jaws on my jaw, pressing hard and eventually giving me headaches. Likewise, the top of the headset has a nice cushion, but it's nowhere as comfortable as the previous design which might have looked like a torture device but felt like air. The comfort factor of this one is better than some of the Logitech's I've had the displeasure of wearing, but it's nowhere near the comfort level of the 770.
Then there's the sound quality which is decent but it isn't surround sound, don't let it fool you. The previous model also promised surround sound and didn't deliver, but when you have the product page telling you it's 5.1 dolby surround I expected something more than I got. The sound doesn't feel as full as the 770 and voices if you use a VoIP like Ventrilo don't sound as nice; they sound a bit on the tinny side.
Finally, there's the biggest offense. I'm not a tech newbie, but it took me forever to set up this device (which comes with no directions, mind you). When I plugged it in, my PC discovered three different audio choices (speakers, headset and some other sound device). Thinking the obvious choice was headset, I spent forever trying to get them to register sound. After they wouldn't, I eventually migrated to the other choices and discovered that speakers was the one you're supposed to use. But the problems didn't stop there. Every time I turn on my PC it's a crapshoot whether the PC will register the headset. I've had to unplug and replug the USB dongle in more than a few times just so it'll register, sometimes necessitating me working with the audio settings again since they sometimes reset. I've never had that problem before and I don't have it with any other device, audio or no.
The 770 was a five star product that had a few design flaws that brought the rating down. The 777 is many steps below that previous product and I'm feeling a tad generous giving it a three star rating. It's a decent headset with okay sound quality and a nice mic with great mic quality for everyone else. But there's even more design flaws and technical problems than the previous headset and I can't recommend it as much as I thought I would. For my money, I'd purchase the cheaper and much better 770.

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Plantronics GameCom 777 Stereo Gaming Headset 79733-01 86

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Sunday, February 3, 2013

Plantronics Audio 10 PC Microphone Review

Plantronics Audio 10 PC Microphone
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If you're in the market for a good PC microphone, you've found one. The construction of the microphone is excellent. It comes with two mounting options: one is a desktop stand that the microphone sits in. It can move around for whatever angle you want. The other is a small holder with an adhesive on it for mounting to say the side of your monitor. The chord is plenty long for most standard desks/computer setups.
I've used the microphone for two primary uses. One is for online voice chat, and it worked great. The other is for recording an acoustic guitar. While I'm sure there are higher quality recording setups, it sounds pretty darn good for $10.
It's hard to go wrong with this microphone. Highly recommended.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Plantronics Audio 10 PC Microphone

The Plantronics .Audio 10 PC Microphone connects to the microphone port of your PC or Macintosh tower. If you enjoy communicating via your Internet or Network access, this mic lets you add your voice. Its integrated stand allows optimal positioning for ergonomic comfort and fidelity. The .Audio 10 has a stable desktop base with an adjustable boom for perfect microphone placement. For easy conversion to a monitor-mount microphone, the boom can be removed from the base and snapped into the convenient monitor mounting piece.Works on Windows and some Macintosh systems

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Monday, January 7, 2013

Sennheiser PC 350 Collapsible Gaming Headset with Vol Control & Microphone Mute Review

Sennheiser  PC 350 Collapsible Gaming Headset with Vol Control and Microphone Mute
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I've owned a few headsets in the past 10 years, including Logitech, Altec Lansing, Sony (without a microphone) and a lower model Sennheiser about 5 years ago. I am an avid computer gamer and often go late into the night at stretches of 8 hours at a time or more. And this is the best headset I've ever used in almost everyway.
First impressions on removing it from the packaging (which I had no trouble with, following the directions on the box) were of durability and a solid build. It's well put together, nothing seems flimsy or cheap, but its also surprisingly lightweight. The wire is quite heavy duty, unlike the Altec Lansing and Logitech headsets I previously owned. Not to mention robust strain relief where the wire connects to the headset, the control pod, and the jacks.
The control pod is perfectly positioned and lightweight, so even if it's dangling you don't even feel it, unlike the bulky control pods on some other headsets. In terms of fit, the ears swivel almost 45 degrees in each direction, and extend from the head-bar with solid clicking intervals. The headbar and ears are both covered in comfortable velor padding which unlike faux-leather on my previous altec lansings, don't cause your skin to sweat and stick to it. The earpieces swivel slightly in and out, and if you push firmly on them they will collapse inward with a snap - don't be afraid, it just prevents them from collapsing on accident, which I was concerned about when I saw them folded inward in the pictures.
They collapse solidly but will not do so by themselves. The microphone is adjustable, but not overly so - you have to bend it firmly to adjust the position and it won't bounce back on its own. It descends down from its perch vertically along the headset with a moderate degree of resistance, so it won't flop up or down on its own. And if you want to move it halfway up and leave it there, it won't flop back down, unlike my old headset, which either had to be all the way up or down. Hopefully it stays this way.
In terms of comfort, its extraordinary. Many headsets I've owned claimed to be circumaural, meaning they surround you ears and don't sit on them or in them. But most either never intended to actually follow through on that promise or they are made for people with ears the size of quarters. Even my old Sennheisers sat right on my ears, and my Altec Lansings, while a very nice headset, had padding large enough to go around my ears, but the speakers inside the earphones themselves pressed up against my ears, which became extremely uncomfortable after periods of time.
These earphones are ACTUALLY circumaural. The padding surrounds your ears but never touches them. The only pressure is on your actual head; your ears are never in contact with anything. The velor is soft and the pressure is almost unnoticeable. At first they seemed a bit tight but a little adjustment of the head-bar and a couple hours and they seem to break in a bit. the velor padding on the head-bar rests gently on the top of your head and the whole thing seems to distribute the weight of the headset evenly so you barely feel it.
Now for sound - Everyone knows Sennheiser is one of the premier names in sound quality, and these are no disappointment. Now these are probably not the headset you want if you're just listening to music in a studio or something - but for a combination of a microphone and comfort and audio quality, I doubt there's any better at this price. I began by watching a DVD of Band of Brothers on my computer. At first I thought something was wrong! It sounded like there was some kind of noise coming from somewhere else besides the DVD, when I realized I was hearing things I've never even before heard on my speaker system!
Every sound, especially the mid's and high's are exceptionally clear and sharp. And for a headset that is not a 5.1 headset, the directionality of the sound is amazing. Some here have complained that the base is not heavy enough, but honestly, if you want to have more base than this, you're not looking for audio quality and accuracy, you're just looking for ridiculous base. The base was excellent and sharp, not booming or echoing. Explosions sounded realistic and surprising, without any buzzing or crackling. For sound quality, these are better than my Klipsch Promedia speaker system, and that's saying something.
These also have a closed headset design, and I was initially worried about the sweaty-ear syndrome from this type of headset, but I was suprised and happy to find that after 4 hours, I didn't experience any overheating or sweating of my ears. Maybe in the summertime that would change, but if anything the headset just got more comfortable over that time.
The microphone quality, while it is hard for me to tell myself, I've been told it's excellent, although I had to turn my gain up a bit on my microphone, because apparently its a bit quieter because of the filter on it.
My only con with this set of headphones is the cord I think could be a bit longer, but that's not a big deal, for me anyways. Also, I think a carrying bag might be nice to go with these headphones.
Overall, if you're looking for a headset with superb audio quality, comfort, durability, longevity, and a high quality microphone, not to mention incredibly stylish looks and a classic and understated appearance, you CANNOT go wrong with these for the price. Forget the 5.1 channel headsets with bulky, powered control pods for surround sound and brightly colored headsets, get this one for a lifetime of quality and enjoyment.

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Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone Review

Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone
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For recording my voice (baritone), it does a great job. For extra warmth that means close-miking, which in turn means not popping your p's, etc. If you hold it close to your mouth but don't directly face it end-on, that's easily done (or get a pop filter). [...].
The microphone electronics are extremely quiet - the audio is sampled at 18 bits.
It comes with a warranty which is easily extended to 10 years for free.
The real-time headphone monitoring is a great idea and works well.
It's a bit heavy (part of being built like a tank), and you need to think a little about how you're going to mount it, since some cheap desktop stands can barely manage it.
Some things to keep in mind are:
1) It likes close-miking (at least for male voices)
2) It is USB-only
3) It is a on the bit large and heavy side.
If those don't bother you, and the price is in your range, then you will probably like it a lot.

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Sunday, September 2, 2012

Logitech H330 USB Headset Review

Logitech H330 USB Headset
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I purchased this headset for gaming, VoIP, music, and watching movies. These headphones are just fantastic. The mic quality is superb. When speaking over VoIP, the voice comes out crystal clear and I do not need to speak very loud for the listener to hear me. Listening to music on these is great.
When I was shopping for a headset, I was paying careful attention to simplicity; this headphones does not have a controller on the wire and it only has a single wire. They are also lightweight and comfortable to wear for hours at a time.
I would highly recommend this pair of headphones to anyone who is looking for a simple, high quality headset. You cannot go wrong with these at this price!

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LogitechUSB Headset H330 delivers clear digital audio.

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Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Shure Green Bullet 520DX Dynamic Harmonica Microphone Review

Shure Green Bullet 520DX Dynamic Harmonica Microphone
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i've been using the bullet for years and find its "dirty" sound just what i need. some may feel that this mic is too heavy, but i don't think it is. and since shure added a volume control i like it even better. if there is one thing i could say about the bullet that needs changing, it's the cable. it is really not secured strongly into the mic and if you happen to accidentaly step on it while you're playing, you stand a good chance of ripping it right out of the microphone. if it wasn't for that, i'd give the bullet a five star rateing. jersey slim

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Contoured to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, the Model 520DX "Green Bullet" microphone produces the unique sound that has made it a legend among harmonica players. The 520DX features a volume control knob at the base of the microphone that allows users to make adjustments to suit their needs during live performance. An attached cable with a standard 1/4-inch plug allows the microphone to be connected to a high-impedance device. Contoured to fit perfectly between harmonica and hands, it can also be used for distinct, lo-fi vocals.

Key Features
Volume control knob allows users to adjust the volume to fit each musical situation
Rugged, dynamic cartridge with improved response
High-impedance, omnidirectional
Supplied with 1/4 inch connector

Applications Connect the 520DX directly into a guitar amplifier to produce the classic blues harp sound. Use the following guidelines:
The volume control on the microphone should be turned down before plugging it into an amplifier. As you move away from the amplifier, the volume can be turned up.
Adjust the microphone's volume control knob during performances as needed. For example, when switching from playing rhythm to lead or to place the microphone on standby between sets.
To avoid feedback, maintain as much distance as possible from monitors or loudspeakers. Adjust the volume of monitors or loudspeakers at the mixing console so that no feedback is present when the volume control knob on the harmonica microphone is at its maximum setting.

Specifications
Type: Dynamic
Frequency Response: 100 to 5,000 Hz
Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
Impedance: High, unbalanced
Load Impedance Range: Minimum of 100 kilohms
Output Level (at 1,000 Hz): Open Circuit Voltage ­38.0 dBV/Pa (13 mV)* -- *1 Pa = 94 dB SPL
Polarity : Positive sound pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on tip with respect to sleeve (ground) of microphone output phone plug connector
Cable: 20-foot cable, two conductor shielded with standard 1/4-inch phone plug attached (supplied wired for high-impedance, unbalanced connection)
Case: Green and chrome finished die casting
Weight: 26 ounces


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Saturday, August 25, 2012

Logitech Premium USB Headset 350 ( 980374-0403 ) Review

Logitech Premium USB Headset 350 ( 980374-0403 )
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After carefully reading reviews for many headsets, I decided to choose the Logitech USB 350 despite some concern about comfort. Here's my experience:
Sound quality:
Excellent! I purchased this Headset for VoIP (Skype) and was very happy with the sound quality. I can hear people and they can hear me perfectly. The sound is actually so good that I use this headset to listen to music on my computer (iTunes). As I don't have a great sound card on my laptop (Dell Inspiron 500m), the USB connectivity makes a big difference.
Comfort:
I experienced some discomfort at the very beginning, until I realized that the headpone was pushing my ear against my spectacles' branches. Now I just move my glasses above the headphone, and it's fine. The headset is probably a little tight for big heads, it's fine for me. It also relaxed a bit after a couple of week. Overall, comfort is good for me, but this is personal.
Conclusion:
Very good quality for the price. They won't really match $$$ headphone for music quality and comfort, but for that price, you can expect a very good headset for chat, VoIP or occasional music-listening.

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Binaural headset with noise-cancelling microphone and leatherette ear pads.The USB connection is truly plug-and-play, eliminating any complicated setup. Produces rich digital audio that is crystal clear. The headband and microphone adjust easily, and the boom microphone can even move completely out of the way when you want to just listen to music. Leatherette earpads fit snugly and comfortably on your ears. Features a noise-canceling microphone that filters out unwanted background noise for improved performance. Great for online calls, or just listening to music.

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Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Creative Labs 70GH014000002 Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Sigma USB Gaming Headset Review

Creative Labs 70GH014000002 Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Sigma USB Gaming Headset
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Hello this is one of my first reviews but i will try to give you all the pros and cons of this great headset.
Installation
First of it comes in great packaging, easy to open box, not one of those stupid plastic containers that you have to cut open (you know the kind i mean). Installation is very easy you just take it out of box, go to [...] and download the driver/program for your computer. You then plug the headset into the little usb dongle that game with it, and plug that into a usb port on your computer, and your are set you can start up the program then.
HEADSET
These headsets are set up great, they are nice and big (for anyone like me with big head this is great feature) but they arent so big that it wont fit people with small heads as well. You can adjust them a ton to fit anysize. If you have sigma like me it also has a steel layer inside headband so it wont crack like many headsets do over months/years of putting on and taking off headset. The cord coming from the headset is great, its a rubbery thin ribbon that makes it so it doesnt have stupid bends in it after you take off the retraint (most cords have those dam bends all over so it makes it hassle to get full length out of them) and non tangle design so it doesnt get all knotted up in transport, only downside to cable is its not super long maybe like 6ft. Mic is very nice plugged it in jumped into left 4 dead 2 and chatted with freinds right away without having to adjust any settings and they said i was clear as day. This headset has nice swivel ear cups so if someone is talking to you all you have to do is swivel it away from ear to hear them well as these headsets do cancel noise relatively well. For comfort these are great overall, they took me a while to get the hang of from my old headset but dont be discouraged if they feel wierd at first i spent 4 hours gaming last night and they nvr really got uncomfortable. Made my ears a little bit warm but not too bad. The earpads are made of a squishy leatherlike material, and on the sigmas there is a similar material pad on top so it sits nicely on head. Thats about it for the design of headset.
SOUND/SURROUND SOUND
Almost forgot the most important section lol, how they sound!! First off i tried playing some music mainly techno, rap, and rock. All sounded great. Audio is crystal clear and bass is really deep! For the surround sound feature i played Left 4 dead 2 and Battlefield BC2 to test it out and you can definitly clearly tell which direction sounds are coming from where as with normal headsets its kinda just played over both speakers and hard to distinguish the direction it came from. Most games you will have to tinker with the in game sound settings to get surround working but most arent too bad. Buy ya overall they make good surround sound and are technically better than both 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound setups because it plays sound for the complete 360degree area around you as well as above and below which no other headsets do (well do well at least).
INSIDE THE PROGRAM
The program that sigma and alpha headsets use is a very nice program, you have to have the headset plugged in to start it up which is a minor inconvienence sometimes but no big deal. As far as setup of program when your first start it up it opens to profile chooser where you can try out different premade profiles and modify and save your own settings how you like them. On that Main menu you can also adjust the mic volume and master volume.
THX Trustudio Pro
This is the main feature you will be spending time with in this program, here it allows you to change all the different effects for how sound will sound when playing into your ears. I wont go over every single adjustment category as they are pretty straight forward but to sum up you can adjust Surround sound, bass, crystalizer (enhance music/movies to make them sound livlier), dialog plus(enhances voices so u can understand them better), and smart volume(minimizes sudden volume changes). Along with this area is a nice little demo video that you can play to test out all the sound effects you are changing.
Equalizer
This is where you can customize how the audio sounds (mainly for music i believe) for example you can set it on flat, dance, rock, country etc etc. You can also completely customize your own favorite settings and save them as presets.
Voice FX
Heres a fun little tool that allows you to morph your own voice into wierd sounding creatures, the opposite gender, eldery people, robots, and many more options. FUN FEATURE: if you see the PASSCODE tab on way right and enter in UUDDLRLRBA it will unlock voicefx customizability so you can adjust the voice morphing any ways you want and save your own presets.
Appearence Tab
Here you can do basic stuff like select color theme for the program, also if you enter IDSPISPOPD at passcode tab it will allow you even more theme changing options!
FINAL SUMMARY
To sum it all up these headsets are very nice for the 90$ i paid. I give the comfort 4/5 stars, sound quality 5/5 starts, Surround Sound is 4/5 stars and cost isnt too bad there are a lot of more expensive headsets out there with less features. I would definatly reccomend these headsets to friends who are looking for a good gaming headset. Sorry for spelling and grammar errors lol i wrote this kind of fast.
Have fun with new headset if you decide to buy these, you wont regret it!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Creative Labs 70GH014000002 Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Sigma USB Gaming Headset

Experience the evolution of high resolution 3D gaming audio with the Dual Mode Sound Blaster Tactic3D Sigma gaming headset. High Resolution 50mm speaker drivers powered by THX TruStudio Pro technologies allow you to hear sound around, above, and below you in amazing detail in real time. Touchscreen software and TacticProfile allow you to save and share your favourite settings including THX TruStudio Surround for immersive 360º headphone surround and VoiceFX voice morphing technology. The dual mode design allows you to connect via standard minijacks or use the Dual Mode adapter to connect to your PC or Mac's USB port for the full THX TruStudio Pro experience.

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Monday, July 30, 2012

MXL USB 009 24BIT/96KHZ USB Condenser Mic Review

MXL USB 009 24BIT/96KHZ  USB Condenser Mic
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For years I've been working with traditional XLR cardioid condenser mics (love my Neumann TLM) but I've had to travel a lot lately, and humping the XLR cables, pre-amp, and heavy mics through airports and hotels has gotten to be a real bother, so I started The Hunt for a Great USB Mic.
Now, there are good USB mics out there for under $100, and Blue's Snowball is adequate. At ~$70 you get what you pay for. It is ok for podcasting, if you aren't too picky about sound quality. I had one shipped to me, didn't like that background hum, sent it back thinking it was a problem with the mic, and got another one that sounded exactly the same. (And yes, I read all the instructions and advice and made all the adjustments. I even tried it on Mac, Laptop, and PC--so spare me the "oh did you try this, and you're an idiot because you didn't try that" Snowball fanboy snarkiness ;).
So, when I returned the Snowball, I considered getting Blue's Yeti, but it's sheer size disqualified it -- the mic is way too big and heavy to be considered remotely portable, and since I like to record standing-up instead of sitting down, I worried that it would be too heavy for my boom.
Having eliminated Blue's mics, I tried the Samson G Track at ~$120 and the AudioTechnica AT2020 at ~$110. I like that the Samson has the headphone output and the gain controls (which the AT does not) and better recording quality versus the AT2020 at 48kHz versus 44.1kHz. However, the Sampson weighs a half-pound more. For both mics the sound quality is great for podcasting, and while vastly superior to the Blue Snowball, and certainly adequate for most vocals that will be supported with background music, neither mic produces recordings clean enough and of high enough quality (limited to 16bit) for pure narration (IMHO).
So I upped my price-point again. And found THE perfect USB mic for voice-overs at ~$275. The MXL USB.009. It records at 24Bit/96kHz -- a huge improvement over the 16Bit/44.1kHz of all the other mics. It has the benefits of a mic jack and knobs for gain control like the Samson G Track, and is Plug and Play. I don't have to tweak anything on my Mac or my PC. It is lightweight, so I'm not worried about my boom tipping, and there is no background hum. I like the steel carrying case -- it weighs about 6 pounds with the mic and USB cable -- and makes it easy to carry through airport security.
Yes, the MXL USB.009 is 4x the cost of the Blue Snowball and 2.5x the cost of the Samson G Track and the AT2020, but for me, it is worth it. I not only do podcasting, but I do professional voice-over work, and I need something that will give me the convenience of direct USB recording with near-studio quality.

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Thursday, July 26, 2012

Behringer C-1 Studio Condenser Microphone Review

Behringer C-1 Studio Condenser Microphone
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This thing is killer; throw in a pop filter and some sort of stand and you have an amazingly pro setup for not much. If like me you have tried using a different type of mic (like a standard dynamic mic) to record normal accoustic sounds like voice or non-amplified instruments, this thing will be way, way better. I can't compare directly to other condenser mics but do not perceive any fundamental drawbacks with this one, which is amazing given the price.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Behringer C-1 Studio Condenser Microphone

The C-1 is a cardioid condenser microphone designed to capture your sounds with incredible realism, sensitivity and accuracy. This condenser mic is an excellent choice for live and studio applications, and it's available at a price that will leave you with enough cash left over to secure other recording essentials.

What is a Condenser Mic? Condenser microphones are the ideal choice for capturing vocals and acoustic instruments. They're the primary type of microphone used in recording studios and radio stations. They are capable of capturing much more detail than dynamic microphones because of their wider, flatter frequency response. Another difference between condenser and dynamic mics is that they contain active circuitry that requires phantom power (+48 V DC) for operation. You can power them from any phantom power equipped BEHRINGER XENYX mixer, plus enjoy the benefits of our state-of-the-art XENYX mic preamps.
Why the C-1? The C-1 is an affordable, high-quality way to put this essential studio tool to work for you. Thanks to its cardioid (heart-shaped) pattern, the C-1 microphone picks up your source signal while rejecting off-axis sounds that can ruin an otherwise perfect recording. With its pressure-gradient, shock-mounted transducer and gold-plated XLR output, the C-1 is very neutral sounding and truly delivers on the promise of noise-free transmission.
With its exceptionally flat frequency response and ultra-high sound resolution, it's perfect for perfect for acoustic instruments, overhead, piano, and plenty more.
Built to Last The C-1 is built to be your go-to condenser mic for years to come. Its tough, die-cast body can withstand all the rigors of bleary-eyed late-night recording marathons. And with its rugged foam-padded carrying case, it travels in safety and style. We also included a swivel stand mount so it can be affixed to your studio's mic stands.
C-1 Specs
Transducer Type: Condenser, 16 mm
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Connection: Gold-plated balanced XLR connector
Open Circuit Sensitivity: -33 +/- 2 dBV (0 dBV = 1 V/Pa)
Frequency Response: 40 Hz - 20 kHz
Max. SPL (1% THD @ 1 kHz): 136 dB
Nominal Impedance: 100 ohms
Load Impedance: >1 kohms
Supply Voltage: +36 - 52 V
Supply Current: 2.5 mA
Dimensions: Shaft: 54 mm, length: 169 mm
Weight: Approximately 0.45 kg

What's in the Box Behringer C-1 Studio Condenser Microphone, Carrying Case, User's Manual

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Thursday, July 12, 2012

Creative Labs HS-980 Fatal1ty Professional Series MKII Gaming Headset (Black) Review

Creative Labs HS-980 Fatal1ty Professional Series MKII Gaming Headset (Black)
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I spend my time listening to music at the computer primarily to concentrate and/or drown out ambient/family noise. I also play FPS games. These headphones sound just as good as my Sony headphones and seem to fit my head better. I've only had them for a day so I don't know what the durability will be but for the price it's hard to go wrong.
Prior to these I lived in a pair of Sony MDRV6 headphones for about 11 years until they started to disintegrate. My requirements for a replacement were that they:
- should be less than $100
- needed to muffle sound when nothing was playing
- Should be over ear and closed design
- should have a normal 3.5mm audio plug (not usb)
I've bought 4 headsets to replace the Sonys and the HS-980 is the final solution.
First, I had a Logitech Clearchat headset from Best Buy. Fair on the ear design. Lasted about 6 months.
Second, I bought Microsoft Lifechat LX-3000. Flimsy and USB. Good sound.
Third, I had a pair of Plantronics 367 and they don't even compare to these ones. Plantronics way too big. Mic quality poor. Poor sound quality.
Things I really like about these:
- A bonus feature they don't mention in the spec is that the mic boom detaches.
- It's also really nice to be able to fold these flat so that I can put them in my laptop bag.
- They also work well with a normal mp3 player.
- The inline volume/mic control can be clipped onto your shirt pocket or something.
Creative makes great sound cards but has made serious mistakes over the last 15 years with most of their other products (dvd drives, mp3 players, speakers, etc). In this case they got it way right.

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Creative Labs Fatal1ty Pro Series MKII headset is the ultimate in full on gaming communication. The Pro Series MKII is high-end with ultra-comfortable over-ear memory foam padded earcups for comfort during those extended gaming sessions. Includes inline mute and volume control for your convenience. This headset is ultra-portable with a foldable feature for easy storage and traveling. The proprietary Silencer technology is a noise suppression system that works by using two high-quality microphones in the headset, one on the boom mic and one on the earcup. Noise arrives at different times across the two microphones allowing each noise to create a 'noise signature" that is able to be separated from the actual intended voice transmission. Use headset with the Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Card to create the full Silencer experience. (Sound Blaster X-Fi Card sold seperately.) Headphones include driver units of 40mm Neodymium Magnet and a frequency response of 20Hz ~ 20kHz. The Microphone includes a Noise-Canceling Condenser (x2), Frequency Response of 80Hz ~ 16kHz, Impedance:

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Sunday, April 15, 2012

Inland 87070 Lightweight Headset with Volume Control Review

Inland 87070 Lightweight Headset with Volume Control
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I was drawn to this headset because of the 2 ways to connect it to the computer. It is very lightweight and the price was great, and with Prime I was able to get it quickly with free shipping.
However, when I received it I found it to be a little more uncomfortable than a standard headset. Perhaps it's my head shape, but even though it is so lightweight it just feels awkward. The boom is adjustable.
On first use, the group I was talking to said I wasn't coming through clearly enough. After adjusting the boom microphone, there was no improvement. I switched the connection from the USB to the dedicated mic/headset connectors on my laptop. The group members said there wasn't much improvement, if any. While it still worked for my meeting, I get much better quality from my Logitech headset that I had used years ago when I had a Playstation 2!
If you just need a mic for one or two occasions, I would say you could get by with this. However, I would think anybody who needs a mic for repeated usage would have no problem throwing another $10-15 to the purchase to get a good one.

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Saturday, April 14, 2012

Plantronics DSP400 Foldable Multimedia Headset Review

Plantronics DSP400 Foldable Multimedia Headset
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After more than a year, I'm surprised to see Amazon letting this confusion persist. The old Plantronics DSP-400 connected directly to the computer's USB port, and its volume control and mute buttons were true USB HID (human interface device) controls, so they communicated directly with the computer's OS, which a lot of people like. The newer and cheaper Plantronics DSP-470 is a conventional two-plug analog headset, packaged with a separate USB sound stick to connect it to the computer. If you buy the item on this page, even though it's described as a "Plantronics DSP-400", what you actually get is just the same as the DSP-470, except you're paying about ten dollars more for it. If you want the original DSP-400 with real USB HID controls, you'll need to look elsewhere.

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For passive music enjoyment and interactive voice applications alike, reach for your Plantronics DSP-400 digitally-enhanced USB foldable stereo headset. Listening to music, watching videos with sound, orally communicating through the Internet, responding to language programs, or using voice-based security are all functions commonly used with computers these days. The foldable design allows for easy storage and transport. Listen to your CDs, DVDs, or MP3 files. Its noise-canceling microphone enhances speech accuracy. The PerSono Audio Control Center Software allows users to adjust microphone and audio characteristics like volume, bass and treble, launch their favorite voice or audio applications, as well as select audio presets like rock, jazz or classical, all from a central software interface. The convenient folding mechanism is perfect for mobile use with notebook computers. The included software is for Windows, but headset is USB ported for PC/Mac compatibility.

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Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Corsair CA-HS1NA Gaming Audio Series HS1 USB Gaming Headset Review

Corsair CA-HS1NA Gaming Audio Series HS1 USB Gaming Headset
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I've worked in studios and have demo'd TONS of audio gear over the years. I know what a good DAC (Digita-Analogue Converter) sounds like, and I know what a crappy one sounds like. Music is probably the hardest source material to be objective about when it comes to the listening experience -- everyone has their opinion, but almost nobody but studio rats really "get it" in terms of true flat response. Do these have perfect response? No. It's just not hyped sound -- there's no built in "smiley face" EQ or any nonsense coloring the sound. Well, actually, there is, but it's made to flatten the output as well as it can -- and it does. People complain about "harsh highs" listening to music with this headset...THEIR SOURCE MATERIAL IS LOW QUALITY! Of COURSE an over-compressed MP3 file is going to sound TERRIBLE on any halfway decent DAC. Throw in a good recording of something recently done on a CD or something of equal quality (nice M4A at 256kbps or equivalent) and you're golden.
That's just music. I mention this first because that was my ONLY CONCERN buying this unit. I read review after review of "harsh highs" and "not enough bass" which makes me sick. The bass is there, it's just instead of anything past 500hz was normally smeared all down the spectrum making it indiscernible from the rest of the noise your noggin was bogged down with all these years.
The problem I have with this headset is all that dolby headphone simulation stuff sounds HORRID. Any time you turn it on its like it takes the beautiful bits sound and turns them into bigger, less precise blocks of noise. Yes, it DOES sound like its in a bigger room, or directionally correct based on how you set it, it just sounds horrible. Leave it on 5.1 or 7.1 surround with none of those buttons turned on and it sounds GREAT! Even for stereo source material -- it just processes it better. Another thing you definitely want to do is go into your sound settings and set it to 24 bit audio 96khz output -- the converter is actually decent at these rates.
The mic does a decent job of filtering out noises without putting a hard and fast reducer algorithm so it still sounds natural, and you can hear noise in the room, its just lower. You can set that to 16bit 48khz, as well.
Theres TONS of volume on this thing -- just keep it at a reasonable level and it'll treat you right. Use the mixer on windows 7 to your advantage. Set the output on the programs (itunes, skype, video games) to max (or close to it) and mix the sound in using the control panel -- definitely the way to go.
I could go on (as you can tell), but suffice it to say, this is worth at least double the price in terms of usefulness, it doesn't seem like it will ever break, the audio is WONDERFUL (but you won't be used to its precision if you've never taken audio seriously before).
To the reviewer who said this was not for audio purists, I submit it ONLY suitable to audio purists, and to those not afraid to venture deeper into the audio world for extracurricular activities.
This is a great one-stop-shop for a laptop audio solution.
Windows 7 64bit, btw.

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The Gaming Audio Series HS1 USB Gaming Headset is designed for gamers who are serious about audio. Massive 50mm drivers deliver serious gaming punch, without sacrificing the sparkling sound quality you need to enjoy music and movies.Dolby Headphone surround sound gives you a competitive edge, and the noise-cancelling microphone ensures that your teammates and opponents hear you loud and clear. Extra-large earcups and fabric covered memory foam earpads provide a firm fit and excellent noise isolation without binding or pinching, so you'll keep your cool and keep your head in the game for hours of playtime.The extra-large inline volume and microphone controller is easy to grab when things get fast, and the HS1 is designed and crafted with high-quality materials for years of use.

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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Plantronics Foldable USB Stereo Headset (Optimized for Laptop Use) (Audio 470 USB) Review

Plantronics Foldable USB Stereo Headset (Optimized for Laptop Use) (Audio 470 USB)
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Okay,
I'll be honest and reveal that I bought these on a lark. After moving to a new home, I found that my Telex Digital USB microphone that I'd been using for DNS 9 Preferred and had been training for so long had been smashed inside a packing box. This was disconcerting because that microphone is no longer made.
Coming to Amazon.com, I specifically looked for USB headsets that reviewers said worked well with DNS 9 Preferred, and I was amazed that so few people had reviewed microphones for use with this program. Just about the only USB headset that anyone had mentioned at the time as being good with voice recognition software was this one. At about 30 bucks, I thought it was worth a try.
So I plug it into the USB port and do the shortest training I can find, creating a new user for use with this microphone. To my shock, dictation on this microphone after such short training was even better than I had achieved in many months of training on the Telex USB Digital microphone! This fact was made all the more bizarre because DNS 9 Preferred's user set up did not appear to like this microphone at all: this microphone only achieves a signal-to-noise rating of 18-19, while the Telex was easily up into the mid-20s consistently and easily. Go figure. But I sure am NOT complaining.
True, the build is a bit fragile feeling, so I'm not sure just how "optimized for laptop use" these truly are. Yes they fold up very small, but they don't do so without resistance, and I'm not quite sure how much folding and unfolding they will take before breaking into tiny pieces. But, for a desktop where I can simply hang them up when I'm not using them, I think their build quality will not be such a big issue.
I didn't think I'd use it, but the shirt-pocket volume control and mic mute have come in quite handy when watching streaming video, catching up on some TV shows I've missed during the move.
I'm not quite sure how significant the Dragon/Nuance/ScanSoft/whoever-owns-them-this-week rating of the low signal to noise ratio for these is. It might not be great for all programs, but it seems to work well for DNS 9, and that's all I use them for.
The one star negative I added in, making this a four-star rating, comes from what so many of us have come to experience as the "Chinese Build-Quality Syndrome." (Don't try to make an acronym out of that) I hope these are sturdier than they appear, and I hate to have to handle them with kid gloves -- o.k. I don't own any kid-gloves (it's a metaphor!) -- but it's solid tech, and for 30 bucks I don't think one can do much better. IIRC, I think the Telex was in the $90 neighborhood some years ago.
Lastly, I don't think that the Plantronics stereo headphone-component of these will replace my Grados or AKGs any time soon, but the sound quality is much better than expected, and it definitely is useful for speech playback. If you want to listen to Strauss, Mahler, Tchaik, or Branford, well, refer to the above models....

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Sunday, March 4, 2012

Razer Carcharias Gaming Headset (Black) Review

Razer Carcharias Gaming Headset (Black)
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I must admit I was a bit put off by the price of this gaming headset and the lack of features. Other PC headsets such as the Logitech G35 and Senn's PC350 were priced more but came with more features and of course, a bigger brand name. But when it comes down to gaming and listening to music, you aren't really asking for a lot. The Razer Carcharias delivers what one would need to enjoy listening to music, and of course, long comfortable gaming sessions.
Out of the box, the Carcharias seems pretty normal, perhaps even a bit cheaply made. Padding is placed in appropriate places, including the headband and loudspeakers. The padding is exceptionally soft, especially around the loudspeakers where the material is felt-like. The thin plastic that covers part of the headphones may seem flimsy, but is very light. A nice mesh around the headphones is also present, and also takes away a bit of weight. A nice part of the construction is the wire that connects the speakers to the headband. It is not only quite sturdy, but also gives some range of motion without compromising that integrity. Speaking of wires, the cable for the headset itself is very lengthy (nine feet) and is braided in fiber. The mic is sturdy itself and can be turned 270 degrees. It is also bendable at the midsection to some degree.
No sense praising the construction if it isn't even comfortable, and this is the part where the Carcharias excels at. Placing these headphones on for the first time felt amazing, as if it was conforming to the shape of my head. Of course, I felt this way about many headphones at first, so naturally I decided to start up a few games (which easily lasted several hours), after which I listened to a few hours of music while studying. There was absolutely no discomfort at all after all that time. The lightweight construction and circumaural design is a real blessing to the ears. The headphones themselves are also very easy to adjust.
The audio quality for these headphones is quite exceptional, enough to justify wearing these headphones for hours. As probably mentioned, audiophiles may want to look elsewhere, but for the casual listener, the quality is more than good enough. Although the bass is quite deep ("boomy"), it does not overwhelm the treble. The highs for this headphones can be quite distinct (ie loud), and since the volume can go quite high on this thing, may be overwhelming sometimes. Much of this is perfectly suited to games, especially first-person shooters. Keep in mind that this headset does not provide surround sound, and never was intended to. You can take a look at the aforementioned models for that.
The noise-filtering mic for this headset works well. I tested it with Ventrilo, Skype, and Left 4 Dead, and others could hear me very well, with a noticeable lack of background noise from my side. I should note that I had the mic at its default positioning (no additional bending). It can be adjusted to be a bit closer or further.
Overall, the Razer Carcharias does its job as a gaming headset very well. I consider it Razer's best headset in terms of price vs performance; a step above the Mako, and better than the Barracuda and Megalodon. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys long gaming sessions and listening to music. The comfort along with its exceptional audio quality and mic justifies the pricing; just don't expect any extra features.
Side note: I also think the name for this headset is awesome. As someone who's interested in cartilaginous fishes, I don't think they could have picked a better name.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Razer Carcharias Gaming Headset (Black)

Get ready to experience extreme comfort and quality audio as you have never experienced them before. Were proud to introduce the Razer Carcharias. Like its ferocious predecessor the Razer Megalodon the Carcharias delivers superior, realistic audio with clarity and deep, thumping bass. The headset encompasses a circumaural earpiece with interchangeable leatherette ear-pads for maximum comfort during extended gaming sessions. The in-line remote control provides fast and easy volume control while the adjustable, noise filtering microphone ensures high quality audio clarity. The Razer Carcharias is fully geared and ready to plug-and-play. The Razer Carcharias is a circumaural gaming audio headsetdesigned for extended hours of gameplay with superior gaming audio, clarity and bass. The Razer Carcharias is a complete and comfortable gaming communications package that gamers can wear for hours on end.

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