Surround Sound Gaming Headsets - Lots of people are doing it wrong!

^^ I think it might be just the actual GPU Unit going into 3D Mode or something, cause it only happens with games.... not videos or Flash or whatever.

It would be cool if someone found out what it actually is. Someone call NVIDIA ASAP !!!

@ferret-gamer - try changing the "sample rate" for your playback device. It may be too high. (or too low?)

I'm also thinking.. these headphones only have 1 speaker. I was under the assumption there was more going on... This makes me see the reason people just get a good pair of headphones instead. So this "immitation" surround sound... maybe i had it all wrong... i dunno. The surround sound processing seems to be done on the sound card anyway... right? So a decent soundcard + regular stereo headphones.. = win?

@BSC14 - Can you confirm this for me - is there really any benefit of going with a special headset? All the sound processing is done on the sound card right? Have you tried any of those multi-speaker headphones? I wanna hear more from you!

^^ I think it might be just the actual GPU Unit going into 3D Mode or something, cause it only happens with games.... not videos or Flash or whatever.

It would be cool if someone found out what it actually is. Someone call NVIDIA ASAP !!!

FelipeInside

I have a GTX 470. The other day I had a bit of fun listening to that sound while doing random things. Even moving the cursor or hovering it over an icon changes it. I got used to it. However I'm pretty sure it's not only the GPU's fault - I can hear *something* when my HDDs activate, for example. My uneducated guess is that the sound card picks up slight electromagnetic interference from the motherboard and you can't do anything about it.

Thanks to this thread I now consider buying a sound card and new headphones. I'm using the on-board sound and a Genius headset with bass vibration, which I really like in games and some music but usually turn off otherwise. An upgrade would be a nice Easter present...

[QUOTE="FelipeInside"]

^^ I think it might be just the actual GPU Unit going into 3D Mode or something, cause it only happens with games.... not videos or Flash or whatever.

It would be cool if someone found out what it actually is. Someone call NVIDIA ASAP !!!

Baranga

I have a GTX 470. The other day I had a bit of fun listening to that sound while doing random things. Even moving the cursor or hovering it over an icon changes it. I got used to it. However I'm pretty sure it's not only the GPU's fault - I can hear *something* when my HDDs activate, for example. My uneducated guess is that the sound card picks up slight electromagnetic interference from the motherboard and you can't do anything about it.

Thanks to this thread I now consider buying a sound card and new headphones. I'm using the on-board sound and a Genius headset with bass vibration, which I really like in games and some music but usually turn off otherwise. An upgrade would be a nice Easter present...

@BSC14 - Can you confirm this for me - is there really any benefit of going with a special headset? All the sound processing is done on the sound card right? Have you tried any of those multi-speaker headphones? I wanna hear more from you!

polishpaul

That is correct. People told me this over and over but I had to see for myself. I tried about every gaming 5.1/7.1 headset and all of them sounded weak compared to what I'm using now. Now the only ones that were close to SS were the trittons. They have...I forget how many speakers in each ear but it was close to what you might get for SS but still while it had very nice bass all around it lacked in quality.

I could not find what I was looking for so I decided to try the sound card and headset setup. Never looked back...The Klipsh Ones and the ASUS sound card sound really great and better than any of the gaming headsets I tried...by far.

If you are alone thenquality 7.1 speaker setup is best..

I have Sennheiser 555 and Logitech G35.

The G35s sound better, and have a lot more bass, that's not muddy. The 555s are flat, and don't have the same punch.

As far as the guy that said - "just buy a good sound card, quality stereo headphones and a good mic, it'll sound better than surround sound headphones"

Really? You can get better sound by spending $450 , instead of just $90.? No kiddin?

If you want headphones and a mic that will outperform the G35s, you will have to spend at least twice as much as a G35 cost, and that doesn't include the sound card - that will be extra.

Born_Lucky

I assume you meant me even the most expensive headphone I listed wouldn't come out to $450. The soundcard is only $30 and the mic is only $32 and you can buy great budget headphones to go along with the mic and soundcard for a similair price as the g35 that will sound better and have the bass response you want(especially the htf600 thats a true basshead headphones without messing with the mids and high the samson and superflux are more detailed oriented but aren't slouchs in the bass deparment have alot more then the hd555)just need to make sure to let them burn in for around 40-60hours for them to sound there best.

Samson 850

SuperfluxHD668B

Panasonic htf600 currently sold out but should be back in stock soon demand is very high for these due to there high performance at such a low cost.

surround sound headphones are a gimmick.

surround sound headphones are a gimmick.

TerrorRizzing

surround sound headphones are a gimmick.

TerrorRizzing

I think a decent pair of 2.0 headphones would be better.

For me all I want to hear is some deep rich bass and some ok directionality. The bass comes first though because that's the only part I like more about having a proper 5.1/7.1 speaker set up. When you can almost FEEL the bass in the room with you. It's a very hard thing to replace

[QUOTE="Born_Lucky"]

I have Sennheiser 555 and Logitech G35.

The G35s sound better, and have a lot more bass, that's not muddy. The 555s are flat, and don't have the same punch.

As far as the guy that said - "just buy a good sound card, quality stereo headphones and a good mic, it'll sound better than surround sound headphones"

Really? You can get better sound by spending $450 , instead of just $90.? No kiddin?

If you want headphones and a mic that will outperform the G35s, you will have to spend at least twice as much as a G35 cost, and that doesn't include the sound card - that will be extra.

DJ_Headshot

I assume you meant me even the most expensive headphone I listed wouldn't come out to $450. The soundcard is only $30 and the mic is only $32 and you can buy great budget headphones to go along with the mic and soundcard for a similair price as the g35 that will sound better and have the bass response you want(especially the htf600 thats a true basshead headphones without messing with the mids and high the samson and superflux are more detailed oriented but aren't slouchs in the bass deparment have alot more then the hd555)just need to make sure to let them burn in for around 40-60hours for them to sound there best.

Samson 850

SuperfluxHD668B

Panasonic htf600 currently sold out but should be back in stock soon demand is very high for these due to there high performance at such a low cost.

I have the Samson Sr850s and they sound great. $50 dollars. Plus you can get a clip on mic or real cheap standing mic for less than $10 dollars. And I dont even have a sound card, and they still sound great and I can still hear footsteps

surround sound headphones are a gimmick.

TerrorRizzing

Yeah it is...and to be honest a decent sound card + headphones pulls off this gimmick better than these SS headsets.

Hah.. yeah.. i was distracted by the fact that the PX5's had a fiberoptic connections (like i would use with a real receiver) so i was under the impression that i was getting a Dolby Digital SS signal (true) into a 7.1 headset (false). Turtle Beach confirmed this:

The PX5 and the majority of our headsets save one, are two speakers. We found that cramming multiple speakers into a headset tends to make the sound more muffled and muddy as a result. The surround sound gained through digital processing is much better by comparison.

So here's what i'm still scratching my head about:

If i set my audio to 7.1 surround sound and plug in a stereo headset.. is this the same? Is that it? (my sound card is 7.1 btw).

Do i loose anything since i'm not connecting via fiber for a digital signal (dolby?) Or does that only apply if i'm using a wireless transmitter (or a amp/receiver for example).

Hah.. yeah.. i was distracted by the fact that the PX5's had a fiberoptic connections (like i would use with a real receiver) so i was under the impression that i was getting a Dolby Digital SS signal (true) into a 7.1 headset (false). Turtle Beach confirmed this:

The PX5 and the majority of our headsets save one, are two speakers. We found that cramming multiple speakers into a headset tends to make the sound more muffled and muddy as a result. The surround sound gained through digital processing is much better by comparison.

So here's what i'm still scratching my head about:

If i set my audio to 7.1 surround sound and plug in a stereo headset.. is this the same? Is that it? (my sound card is 7.1 btw).

Do i loose anything since i'm not connecting via fiber for a digital signal (dolby?) Or does that only apply if i'm using a wireless transmitter (or a amp/receiver for example).

polishpaul

Yeah it's taking that DD signal and using the headset's software/firmware/whatever to simulate the sound. So the final product is not really DD even though it's taking in a DD signal. With only one speaker in each ear how could it really be DD? This is why the Tritton AX Pros had better but still not true DD....they had I think 4 speakers in each ear to simulate sound.

That said if you like them then that's all that matters but I found that the TB headsets missed a lot of sounds. It was like some sounds just got cut out completely.

@users who are posting about speakers being better

YES.. we know that! However this thread is specifically about headphones... :roll:

I guess what i'm getting at is that the sound card + regular stereo headphones should accomplish the same, right?

The DPX21's for example are regular stereo headphones, but they include a DSS2 sound processor, a box you connect in between PC/headset, which has Fiber input and stereo + USB output.

I'm under the impression that none of that is necessary if your sound card can do it. The DDS is basically a sound card in itself...

I'm still not convinced...

If i'm not getting a digital signal.. how am i really getting surround sound? Even if my sound card can emulate SS, the output is still to a stereo jack. So although my sound card is 7.1, it only works if:

1. I plug in each speaker to its respective jack.
2. I hook it up digitally with a fiber optic cable.

How would one get stereo headphones to do surround sound with a sound card? Is it a special feature (software?)

Has anyone here used the PX5 or equivalent? Is it just me or do they sound really amazing (at least when it comes to positioning)...

OK.. FOLKS... First, please stop quoting.It junks up the hose. Especially if there are multiple quotes within. Second of all, where did the $450 tag come in to play? What exactly costs this much? Not sure what you were comparing there pricewise... As for me, yes i care about quality, but not over the top. I was very impressed with the PX5's sans mike. So a step up for me. But i have nothing else to compare them with. @ferret-gamer: Did you hear a buzz or a hiss? I noticed that the headphones i've tried had a constant gentle hiss... as if the 'world was on'. Once sound comes in its not noticeable. So what's the verdict?? Which ones are the best?polishpaul

what

I'm still not convinced...

If i'm not getting a digital signal.. how am i really getting surround sound? Even if my sound card can emulate SS, the output is still to a stereo jack. So although my sound card is 7.1, it only works if:

1. I plug in each speaker to its respective jack.
2. I hook it up digitally with a fiber optic cable.

How would one get stereo headphones to do surround sound with a sound card? Is it a special feature (software?)

Has anyone here used the PX5 or equivalent? Is it just me or do they sound really amazing (at least when it comes to positioning)...

polishpaul

one good speaker on each side in headphones >>>> lots of crappy little surround sound speakers inside headphones.

Think about it, you have 2 ears yet you can very accurately detect where sound is coming from. You can do this with stereo headphones also Surround sound only has a legitmate use when it is a legit speaker setup.

quadruple quotes in every post get annoying. Use judiciously. Stop trying to troll.

Ok.. So i'm doing more reading... So some of these "surround sound" headphones (i believe they're all 2 speaker stereo) support "Dolby Headphone"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolby_Headphone
http://www.dolby.com/us/en/consumer/technology/home-theater/dolby-headphone.html
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6463_7-5024537-2.html

So there is in fact a sound processor involved at some point. Like i mentioned before, Turtle Beach sells one.

It simply seems like we must match technologies. My sound card only supports "Dolby Digital Home Theater", but not Pro Logic II, which the headphones support. They also suport "Dolby Headphone"; when looking at the wireless transmitter, there are 2 lights. One indicates Pro Logic II the other Dolby Digital. I'd assume either of those is better than "Dolby Headphone"... or do they work in unison?

I can just buy the replacement earcups from them for 2$ a piece :) and put them on another headset :P

Duh.. if i'd only look at the other tabs of the link i provided the other day:
http://www.dolby.com/us/en/consumer/technology/home-theater/dolby-headphone.html

In the How it works tab, it explains how Dolby Headphone interpreds DD or DDPL II - read this.. this is good stuff

@NailedGR

I remember thinking that before :) And i agree that it would make sense that these small speakers would be crappy. I'm not really sure how humans interpret front/back (i think its probably shape of ears or more likely the fact that our head can rotate on all axes thus pint point the sond). I think its interesting how they can reproduce the end result quite realistically.

Good headphones/soundcard > than SS/speaker setup imo.

Duh.. if i'd only look at the other tabs of the link i provided the other day:
http://www.dolby.com/us/en/consumer/technology/home-theater/dolby-headphone.html

In the How it works tab, it explains how Dolby Headphone interpreds DD or DDPL II - read this.. this is good stuff

@NailedGR

I remember thinking that before :) And i agree that it would make sense that these small speakers would be crappy. I'm not really sure how humans interpret front/back (i think its probably shape of ears or more likely the fact that our head can rotate on all axes thus pint point the sond). I think its interesting how they can reproduce the end result quite realistically.

polishpaul

Its because the sound hits our ears at slightly different times that allows us to pinpoint the direction.

@BSC14

I'm 'getting it' more and more. I do like the SS however - the reason is that i can very easily and naturally immerse myself into the action. In shooters (tribes2) i can play a LOT better with SS. I just know where everything is by audio. Do you miss SS for any such reasons?

@NailedGR

If that was the case, then what's the difference between forward and rear? Lets pretend that left ear hears it 1 second sooner (obviously made up values). How does that get interpreted into front/back? I bet if i placed a person in a symmetrical sound room, blind folded them and immobilized their head, they would not be able to hear if a sound was in front or back. I think the moment you move your head just a tiny bit, then the positioning kicks in because then your brain can compare the angles/timings and all and figure out the position.

------------------
OK... So i've done more experimenting. The DSS processor from Turtle beach: i plugged in my crappy headphones and my dr.dre earbuds. There is a button that disables the DSS and you can hear the stereo - very good as a comparison. There's still that hiss, but if there's any sound, you don't notice it. I feel as if the surround sound is fine, but the audio quality seemed better with the big headphones (PX5 or Delta).

Also, i noticed that most of these "surround sound" headsets do come with an external USB sound card! Its the Dolby Digital / Headphone processor.

So in the end, it seems that:

• You need a sound card that's capable of Dolby Digital and a headset that comes with a Dolby Digital Headphone procesor (they're usually tiny)
• You need a good soundcard that in addition to DD has Dolby Headphone built in. This allows you to get the effects straigth from the card.
• You can buy the Turtle Beach "DSS2" sound processor (what i've been experimenting with). This is an in-between of the above 2 points. This is if you have a sound card with Dolby Digital and standard headphones. It will connect the 2 and provide you with DD/SS.

Another way to break down the primary components:

Dolby Digital* --> Dolby Headphone --> Headphones

* There are various flavors of DD like Pro Logic II etc...

@NailedGR

If that was the case, then what's the difference between forward and rear? Lets pretend that left ear hears it 1 second sooner (obviously made up values). How does that get interpreted into front/back? I bet if i placed a person in a symmetrical sound room, blind folded them and immobilized their head, they would not be able to hear if a sound was in front or back. I think the moment you move your head just a tiny bit, then the positioning kicks in because then your brain can compare the angles/timings and all and figure out the position.

polishpaul

There are a ton of specials on how we hear on the science channel and national geographic.

There are videos on youtube that, if you are wearing headphones completely trick your brain into thinking sounds are coming from very specific places.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSGqUNUsCQk

^ this is probably the best one I came across, I listened to it probably once a day for a week due to the novelty of it.

@BSC14

I'm 'getting it' more and more. I do like the SS however - the reason is that i can very easily and naturally immerse myself into the action. In shooters (tribes2) i can play a LOT better with SS. I just know where everything is by audio. Do you miss SS for any such reasons?

polishpaul

You're not getting it, my friend. I'm not missing it because I still have it.

See my sound card does the same kind of simulation as those headsets do....the only difference is that I use a quality headset. Know what I mean?

My Asus sound card has a "headphones" options to go with DD...it's the same thing. See all the simulation software really does is muffle the sounds behind you to give the feeling of DD. Like I said the only headset that really sounded like DD were the tritton AX pros and that was because it really did have multiple speakers. The problem was that compared ot the sound I got from a sound card and decent headphones...the Tritton sounded hollow and cheap (other than the bass which was pretty dang decent).

Look here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132006

It says

Dolby Technologies

A rich Dolby feature set is supported in order to enhance PC audio with surround sound. A surround sound experience can be achieved with as little as two speakers or even headphones."

And

"GX2.5 GX2.5

automatically emulates the latest EAX technology – up to EAX5.0, to offer advanced environmental audio effects. While enhancing the feeling of actually being in the game, GX2.5 also improves on directional audio information."

No no, i tottaly got you :)

Like i've said in the previous post, one option is to go with a sound card that does the "dolby headphone" effect skipping the "surround sound" headset (they come with a tiny external soundcard that does "dolby headphone".

So i've been looking at cards - i'm just bummed a lot of them don't have fiber out :\
But yeah, i've been comparing the Asus cards since they mention the Dolby stuff... I'm on the same page. And thanks! Glad you chimed in to the thread :)

No no, i tottaly got you :)

Like i've said in the previous post, one option is to go with a sound card that does the "dolby headphone" effect skipping the "surround sound" headset (they come with a tiny external soundcard that does "dolby headphone".

So i've been looking at cards - i'm just bummed a lot of them don't have fiber out :\
But yeah, i've been comparing the Asus cards since they mention the Dolby stuff... I'm on the same page. And thanks! Glad you chimed in to the thread :)

polishpaul

You don't "need" a fiber out to get Dolby Headphone for your headphones. The processing for Dolby Headphone can usually be done in the card itself, so you won't need that external sound processor.

An example is the Xonar DG, as it takes a 5.1 signal, processes it to simulate surround sound in a stereo source, and sends it to your headphones through your typical 3.5mm jack.

No no, i tottaly got you :)

Like i've said in the previous post, one option is to go with a sound card that does the "dolby headphone" effect skipping the "surround sound" headset (they come with a tiny external soundcard that does "dolby headphone".

So i've been looking at cards - i'm just bummed a lot of them don't have fiber out :\
But yeah, i've been comparing the Asus cards since they mention the Dolby stuff... I'm on the same page. And thanks! Glad you chimed in to the thread :)

polishpaul

Ok, good.

People told me this stuff and I just had to see for myself. I bought the AX pros, Logitechs and a pair of TB which were around $140 at the time. I still was not satisfied so I took them all back and go tthe sound card. Then I went through a few different pair of headphones before deciding that I liked Klipish One's best.

Like I said I still get the DD sound but I get MUCH better sound with my Klipish headphones than I even came close to with the others.

You don't "need" a fiber out to get Dolby Headphone for your headphones. The processing for Dolby Headphone can usually be done in the card itself, so you won't need that external sound processor.

An example is the Xonar DG, as it takes a 5.1 signal, processes it to simulate surround sound in a stereo source, and sends it to your headphones through your typical 3.5mm jack.

ravenguard90

^ This. It's simulated DD sound so the sounds are not being sent to different speakers anyway.

Right, i know that regarding Fiber-Out, i was just hoping to have it for connecting other devices like home stereo etc, but i already have it in the build in card.. and i think they give you an adapter (asus).

So... I've decided to go with the same card you linked actually - the Asus DX 7.1, especially so since it comes down to like $56 after rebate. From there, i'll have to decide on a head set - i'll probably buy a nominal one for now.. but who knows.. i'll probably get excited and drop $ on a $150 set :P

Now if i only put in this much effort into picking up girls xD

Whatever you do, don't buy Dre Beats...not that you would but I'm just saying.

I had the Sennheiser 280 Pros first and liked them a lot but they take about a week or so to break in.

Best Buy has them for about $100. They are a little big too but they sound pretty decent.

hahahah! Yeah, i live in NYC and i see eeeeveryone is wearing them, very popular. How are they btw? I've wondered. I tried a demo setup in a store once, but the volume was soooo f'n loud i couldn't even listen. Sounded like they're full (stuffed with?) of bass, but again, i coudln't even put them on all the way.

And... ehh.... you know... i just might buy the Klipsch One :|
lol.. so would they fit over big ears? Are the ear cups comfortable? The leather? I'd consider buying replacement PX5 pads and putting them on the Klipsch One. Do you think they'd fit or is the Klipsch One bigger? I really like the feature where you can answer your phone?? Rly? So i can hook it up to my Droid (or iPhone) and still talk if i needed to! wow small things man...

I'm pretty much convinced that this will be the set... but.. what do you use for the microphone? I suppose one could somehow split off and use the mike that's built in...

Ok, looking at asus soundcards at newegg, trying to decide on the Xonar DG or DS. The Xonar DS has 7.1 surround and costs $43. The Xonar DG only has 5.1 sound but has a built in AMP and is only $26

@ferret-gamer

Those sound cards don't support Dolby.. i think. The DX and D1 are nice. Seems like X = PCI-e. G = fiber?

hahahah! Yeah, i live in NYC and i see eeeeveryone is wearing them, very popular. How are they btw? I've wondered. I tried a demo setup in a store once, but the volume was soooo f'n loud i couldn't even listen. Sounded like they're full (stuffed with?) of bass, but again, i coudln't even put them on all the way.

And... ehh.... you know... i just might buy the Klipsch One :|
lol.. so would they fit over big ears? Are the ear cups comfortable? The leather? I'd consider buying replacement PX5 pads and putting them on the Klipsch One. Do you think they'd fit or is the Klipsch One bigger? I really like the feature where you can answer your phone?? Rly? So i can hook it up to my Droid (or iPhone) and still talk if i needed to! wow small things man...

I'm pretty much convinced that this will be the set... but.. what do you use for the microphone? I suppose one could somehow split off and use the mike that's built in...

polishpaul

Beats are ok but way overpriced and built bad imo.

The Klipsh are also bass heavy but sound great imo. Most Best Buys have the Klipsh on display....might stop by and try it out. I have small ears and they fit over mine...but if you have large ears or even a normal sized ear it might be small. I think they are really "on ear" not "over ear" headphones.

@BSC14

That's why i liked the TB's PX5 or Deltas so much... I even enjoyed the open-ear design (lets sound through) and i think that's what made it seem more real as it blended in with the surrounding environment. If they'd only make the same exact headset but wired... or RF mike :)

I'll think I'll be near BB to try them on - sadly i really want/need cicrumaural (over the ear) headphones.

Oh wow.. the beats are $200? Dayummmnnn... :shock: go figure...

...

In the back of my mind, i'm still considering if i should just get the PX5 type of headset anyway :). Lets see how the sound card compares. (hopefully i'll get it tomorrow, they're packaging it now :D )

@BSC14

That's why i liked the TB's PX5 or Deltas so much... I even enjoyed the open-ear design (lets sound through) and i think that's what made it seem more real as it blended in with the surrounding environment. If they'd only make the same exact headset but wired... or RF mike :)

I'll think I'll be near BB to try them on - sadly i really want/need cicrumaural (over the ear) headphones.

Oh wow.. the beats are $200? Dayummmnnn... :shock: go figure...

...

In the back of my mind, i'm still considering if i should just get the PX5 type of headset anyway :). Lets see how the sound card compares. (hopefully i'll get it tomorrow, they're packaging it now :D )

polishpaul

Remember for the DD you will need to go into the setting and turn it on...my sound card has a "GAME" mode in the software.

Man...the PX5's are around $250.

Sure they might be wireless and all but for $250 you could get a good sound card and headphones. Up to you man but I would NEVER spend that kind of cash on Turtle Beach headset.

But that's just me, good luck on whatever you do and fill us in on how it goes.

Hehe, I hear ya, but new egg has them refurbed for about $140 now.

So what do you use for a mike?

I just got back from BestBuy and i tried the Klipsch One headphones. From all the headphones they had on display, they sounded the best! :O)

Also, the Turtle Beach MW3 Delta headset is the same thing as the PX5 for only $190 at BB.

Honestly, what i like about the PX5/Delta headphones is the comfort and the fact that they are solid as compared to others and they fit my big ears. They also have an open ear (i know, most people hate that 'cause the outside sound gets in) BUT! This makes the sound seem more real IMO because it blends with the "real world" sounds and makes the game sounds much more realistic... ya know what i mean? Its like this is really happening in the room. Secondly, i used to play with a friend a lot side by side and we'd always have to take one ear off to hear eachother. This way i can hear others.

I'm still testing/comparing and i think i'm most likely going to do this:
Keep the ASUS sound card (coming tomorrow!) and use a normal PC/Mike type of headset (for the microphone). My last test will be with the TB's X32. These are radio wireless (not BlueTooth), look like the same design as the PX5/Delta's.

@BSC14

Hey dude.. I can't thank you enough for chiming into this thread! I owe you a good beer... or wódka ;)

So i got my ASUS DX sound card... and WOW! SOOO MUCH BETTER than any other surround sound head-sets.. even the Turtle Beach DSS processors. No HISS. Max sample rate... even my crappy arse headphones sound great! Aww yeah!

The surround sound sound is much better too! I'm very happy with the decision. I can't even IMAGINE how good this will sound with a good pair of headphones!!!

Its kinda funny.. but i guess I was doing it wrong this whole time :)