M17xR4 Audio Ports and Headsets -> Newbie help required :D

Hey

Ok so im in the process of getting together everything im going to need when i come to ordering my R4 in a week or so.

Now moving away from desktop gaming and my 5.1 surround setup (now being used as bedroom tv speakers) im left with the problem of requiring a gaming headset for use within "family" areas, i doubt my wife would put up with the speakers blasting over her soap time.


Now after looking over many many headsets, reviews, information ive come to the current stance:

- I cant get analogue due to the lack of ports.
- Various USB sets exist which would suit my needs
- i have an upto £180 budget.
- If possible id like PS3 Compatability
OR
- If possible Wireless


Now from where i am at now there are these ive seen that might work:

;- Razor megalodon
- Logitech G930
- Creative SoundBlaster Tactic3d Omega

All three give a good virtual 7.1

However it just occured to me that the creative card in the new R4's are 5.1, so maybe a true 5.1 would be better than virtual 7.1?

If so, how does a true 5.1 headset connect to the laptop? I can only see one audio out port for headphones, and theres the s pdif port... but ive never seen/used one of those before.

Im really new to the world of gaming audio so any advice is welcome. What would be better, true 5.1 or virtual 7.1?
Which would be a good headset for said virtual 7.1
Which would be a good headset for true 5.1
Any of these compatible with the PS3 (notably Sony have now activated "sound out" through the USB slots for certain headsets)

Any help would be great

 

I placed my order on ROCCAT Kave 5.1 and will recieve it most likely on Wednesday. Will give it a try with my l702x before I will buy an Alienware

 

The world is your oyster! The R4 does have all the ports you need for analogue connection. I went for the corsair 1500. USB with their own sound chip. 5.1 dolby headphone and 7.1. I prefer the 7.1, it's like 5.1 but voices are far less 'out there' and move to centre stage.

 

i like astro's, tho its not multi speaker.

 

Woot, woot! Got mine 'Kave' and some goodies.

First impression was: wow, really heavy and huge! Next I spent some time to connect it properly to my l702x, so I got a 5.1 sound but without the mic support, because there are only '3' 3.5 jack ports, but that's not a big deal though. Played a bit BF3 with surround sound and it seemed pretty nice. Am really out of time, so I couldn't test them more closely. Will do it soon!

 

You should be able on the m17x to set the speakers/headphones to 5.1, deselect the subwoofer so bass goes out on the 'normal' jacks. Then select surround 5.1 in the jacks setup page. You'll only use two jacks then and it will ask you what you have plugged in as you connect - so get your mic back maybe

All in the sw-see above pic

 

Hi guys!

I'd love to get these Roccat Kave! Decent price and it is said to deliver awesome audio quality! Now, can we get a confirmation on the following : if we use it for the Alienware R4 m17x - does it mean that we'll lose the mic ?

Is the audio quality the same or altered ?

Thanks ! guys <3