Gaming headset recommendations

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Yesterday, we received a note from Astro Gaming (whom we've recently spoken with about next-gen audio) indicating that their headsets will work for chat on the PlayStation 4… just not right away. This prompted us to dig a little deeper and find out what gaming headset owners can expect on November 15.

The answer we received from Sony is complicated. If you have a Sony-branded PULSE gaming headset (or the elite edition of that product), you will need to wait for a system update coming in the future. It seems that those will not work at all at launch.

Any other headset that relies on bluetooth for chat will not work at all. If you have something that relies on USB for chat (like the Astro mixamps and Astro A50 wireless system), you'll eventually be able to use those. An update will be coming in the future.

Any headset that relies on digital optical for game audio will continue to provide that out of the box. You just won't be able to chat yet.

The situation is similar for the Xbox One. The connector on the controller is completely different, and until Microsoft delivers the adapter it has promised, you won't be able chat using legacy devices. Both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 will come with a headset in the box, and there's always the option to use the Kinect as a microphone (but if you have dogs or kids, please don't).



Our TakeWhile it's good that these headsets will eventually work, it's a shame that both platform holders won't be ready to support them at launch. Gaming headsets are significant investments that can cost hundreds of dollars.


I know that technology moves on and changes are required to improve the overall experience. That doesn't make me any happier that my $300 headset won't work with my new consoles right away.
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http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/...uffer&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=Buffer
 
I wonder why they can't get the patch ready by launch? I have a PS bluetooth headset. Guess I'll just use the one in the box for the time being.
 
blue said:
I wonder why they can't get the patch ready by launch? I have a PS bluetooth headset. Guess I'll just use the one in the box for the time being.
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I think they probably placed a lower priority on it and want to make sure everything else is working as intended at launch before focusing on it. Especially, since they probably think they are OK by including the earbuds (toslink headsets i have hear will work too) in the box. Not saying i agree with them, but i think that is the mindset on it.
 
I thought they had said some time back that all PS3 Bluetooth based items (headsets, remotes, etc.) would work on the PS4. If the PS4 is BT, then why would the older BT based items not work? Well there goes the Harmony Remote BT Extender until this is resolved.

And I was already upset that my 360 wireless headset's wouldn't work on the X1. At least I'd be able to continue to use them via BT for Sony machines... guess not. What a waste of money.
 
The cheap earbuds that they are bundling in with the console are frankly a joke. I have a BT headet and i hope it's up and working by spring next year when i get a ps4, if they'll release a patch by then it's fine by me.
 
ren of heavens said:
The cheap earbuds that they are bundling in with the console are frankly a joke. I have a BT headet and i hope it's up and working by spring next year when i get a ps4, if they'll release a patch by then it's fine by me.
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you mean earbud, last I saw it was just one earpeice much like a mobile headset packaged with phones.
 
SevenDead1ySinz said:
you mean earbud, last I saw it was just one earpeice much like a mobile headset packaged with phones.
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yeah it seems to be a monoraul earpiece mashed up with cheap quality wire. sony is of course advertising it like 'our new bundled-in chat headset' lol.

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I have the bluetooth headset as well but guess these will do. Don't spend much time online anyways.
 
ren of heavens said:
yeah it seems to be a monoraul earpiece mashed up with cheap quality wire. sony is of course advertising it like 'our new bundled-in chat headset' lol.

dsc07959jpg-30ba79_610w.jpg
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It's not much, but it's 100% better than what came with the PS3 :)
 
I don't think this was already known, but for me, this is probably the worst Xbox One news in a while.

Microsoft won't release Xbox One adapter for older headsets until 2014

So far, the included Xbox One headset from Microsoft is the only one that will be fully compatible with the console.

Microsoft will include its own headset with every new Xbox One when the next generation console is released Nov. 22. However, it appears that if you want to use an older headset with the console, you'll have to wait a few more months.

In an email sent to Neowin, Microsoft has confirmed that the adapter won't be ready for the Xbox One launch. The statement said, in part, "Xbox will release an adapter in early 2014 that allow consumers to connect many brands of wired gaming headsets to the Wireless Controller for gaming and chat audio." Microsoft has not stated how much the adapter will cost. Such a device is needed because the Xbox One uses a proprietary data port that is incompatible with current headsets that work with the Xbox 360.

According to a report in Computer and Video Games, third-party headset maker Turtle Beach, which previously announced plans to launch its own Xbox One compatible products this fall, has now revealed that it has delayed its new headsets until early 2014. Once more, the report claims that when they do release the headsets, they will also require the use of the Xbox One adapter.

However, in Microsoft's statement to Neowin, the company hints that the adapter may not be necessary for Turtle Beach's new products, saying it is "working with 3rd party manufacturers to create new headsets that will take full advantage of the Xbox One technology."
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http://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-wont-release-xbox-one-adapter-for-older-headsets-until-2014
 
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Yup. The worst news by far. Sucks for gamers who have good headsets. I just use whatever gagdget is included free in the box.

Odd that X1 needs a physical adapter to get oldies to work, but PS4 is doing a software patch to get them to work.
 
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I have a real nice Turtlebeach headset that I use even when playing Single Player games. I'm going to feel naked not using that thing.
 
Its not "delayed" if it never had a release date. They never claimed it would be available at launch, only that they were working on one.
 
Adam said:
Its not "delayed" if it never had a release date. They never claimed it would be available at launch, only that they were working on one.
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There I edited it. Better now? :)
 
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Intellivision said:
Yup. The worst news by far. Sucks for gamers who have good headsets. I just use whatever gagdget is included free in the box.

Odd that X1 needs a physical adapter to get oldies to work, but PS4 is doing a software patch to get them to work.
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I think it's that they're using a different connection type than the original. I'd like to think they could get this sorted sooner but of the things I'd prioritize for MS or Sony, it's way down the list.
 
hrudey said:
I think it's that they're using a different connection type than the original. I'd like to think they could get this sorted sooner but of the things I'd prioritize for MS or Sony, it's way down the list.
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ya hopefully there is way to rig something together for the time being, because I do most of my gaming late at night
 
The surround sound aspect of the headphones will still work if you have a fancy pair, for the time being wear the fancy pair on your ears and then just put the included headset around your neck so they can hear you talk or something.
 
I'm cool waiting a few months. Is better than spending lots more money on an all new decent headset.
 
at least they have one in the box now....I'm going to hold off till next year to get a uber one.
 
I've had voice/chat issues with my Tritton headsets for years. Gone through 3 of them, always the same thing - mic problems.
Broken mic booms, loose pins in the booms, my voice not picking up, static over my friend's headsets from my headset, etc.
Eventually I gave up using the built-in mic totally.

What I've been doing for a while now (I think) will apply here:
Take your Xbox chat headset, wrap the headband around the back of your neck, and position the mic in front of your mouth.
Wear your surround headset as normal, and set your audio chat settings to come through your headset as well.

This will suffice until they get those adapters/updates out.


Edit: Didn't even check the thread, but yea what this man said:
Adam said:
The surround sound aspect of the headphones will still work if you have a fancy pair, for the time being wear the fancy pair on your ears and then just put the included headset around your neck so they can hear you talk or something.
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Who makes the best headsets? Ill use the included one initially, but I wouldnt mind getting a nicer pair for late night gaming.
 
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