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    Gaming headsets for noob

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by lemmywinks, Oct 26, 2014.

  1. lemmywinks

    lemmywinks Notebook Consultant

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    Been looking at getting a headset as I've just started doing a little bit of online gaming (caught on late!), pretty much just the Left 4 Dead games at the moment.

    The problem is that my laptop (HP Touchsmart e002sa) only has a 3.5mm headphone port and no mic one. However I do use a Behringer USB mixing desk (Behringer Xenyx 302USB) so would a headset work through that? It receives power and audio in/out entirely through the USB and doesn't utilise any other ports unless you tell it to!

    Also are there any okayish budget (as in very low budget) models available? At the moment I'm going to get the cheapest non-flimsy looking one I can find but if I find I like using them then I'll ugrade. Been looking at generic ones on eBay like this:
    3.5mm Stereo Computer Gaming Headphone with Mic PC Laptop Headset Microphone | eBay
     
  2. TomJGX

    TomJGX I HATE BGA!

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    You could get a USB Headset... That should solve your problem.. Also what is your budget? When you say low? :D
     
  3. lemmywinks

    lemmywinks Notebook Consultant

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    Ah I didn't know you could get USB ones, thanks!

    At the moment I think I'm just going to buy a mega cheap set and see if they work with my mixing desk, when I'm listening to music or playing games with headphones I like to have physical EQ sliders and I can also pan it to one side quickly if I need a free ear. I don't play online much and even less with headphones (need to be able to hear if my 4yr old wakes up!) but if I like it then I'll get a decent set. I always have some normal headphones hooked up to my mixing deask anyway as I use it for silent rehearsal/practice so it would be an opportunity to upgrade those too.

    Are there any half decent ones under £25? I've always liked Sennheiser for low budget headphones but don't really know what to look for with gaming headsets.
     
  4. tijo

    tijo Sacred Blame

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    Sennheiser's gaming headsets tend to be on the more expensive side. Regarding your only port, it is probably a combo jack that does microphone and headphones in one. There are headsets that have only one combo jack and there are also splitters that will convert the combo jack to a headphone and mic jack. Those splitters usually run in the 5$ range.

    You don't need a "gaming headset" per say, just get something that you find comfortable.
     
  5. lemmywinks

    lemmywinks Notebook Consultant

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    Had a look at the manual and you're right, it does have a TRRS jack, thanks! Ordered an adapter for 99p off eBay.