Computer Headsets Test

Reviews on Computer Headsets

"Sennheiser PC 350 headphones review"

Published on: 6/2008

On test: Sennheiser PC 350

They certainly look the part but how do they sound? → More

"EDGE Acoustics GX400"

Published on: 3/2008

On test: EDGE Acoustics GX400

A good headset can make or break the gaming experience. Positional audio cues from the game give you a better idea of whether bad guys are to the left or to the right of you. A microphone is vital for in-game chat, especially if you're raiding in World of Warcraft. Too often, though, gaming headsets are designed using cheap hardware that produces mediocre sound. Enter EDGE Acoustics' GX400 headset for gamers looking for uncompromising quality. → More

"Doro hs210pc multimedia stereo headset"

Published on: 2/2008

On test: Doro hs210pc

Doro is a Swedish company hoping to break into the UK. Chances are you've never heard of them though, so can the multimedia stereo headset it makes really impress? We get listening to find out. → More

"Microsoft LifeChat ZX-6000"

Issue: 12/2007

On test: Microsoft LifeChat ZX-6000

Microsoft is, of course, the world's most successful software company, but it also attracts praise for its well-made hardware. Here's a new wireless headset that connects to your PC for hands-free chat. → More

Computer Headsets

Computer headsets come in many shapes and sizes from the traditional headphones with microphone attached to a small arm to newer bluetooth earpieces. Most analogue headsets will have two connections, one for the headphones and another for the microphone and can come with about two metres of cable which can be extended with a male-female 3.5mm cable extender. USB versions have an integrated sound card built into the unit and can thus offer improved sound quality by taking the sound processing out of the noisy, interference ridden computer case. Some models of headset use noise cancelling microphones which provide higher clarity when recording by cutting out background noise. Noise cancelling can be either passive or active; in passive systems the microphone is simply shielded so it picks up less of the general noise around the wearer. An active noise cancelling microphone uses sophisticated systems to combat non voice frequencies by playing back their sonic opposite and consequently nullifying their soundwaves. Which type of headset you chose depends as much on personal preference as on its intended application and environment. A gamer who wants to take part in online games without disrupting those around him or her will generally not need complicated noise cancelling technology, whereas someone working in a loud office will. Headsets designed for office use also sometimes have the added benefit of automatically switching off the microphone when the person is no longer speaking, this leads to much clearer conference calls and can possibly save the wearer from mishearing important information which could jeopardise their job.