"Extreme PC Gaming Headset" might be going too far...
Written: Apr 03 '06 (Updated Apr 04 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Inexpensive, simple operation, good directionality, clean mic recordings provided you don't mess with boom, lightweight
Cons: Can't adjust behind-the-ear headband, hollow sound with no bass, extended wear questionable, long cord unmanageable
The Bottom Line: While it isn't the best headset you can buy, it certainly does the trick for most voice applications and the price is hard to beat.
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| esasaki's Full Review: Logitech (980233-0403) Headset |
The packaging is bold: "Extreme PC Gaming Headset" is the name of the product. "Perfect for Unreal Tournament 2004" a decal claims in both English and French. The headset is "Ideal for Gaming." And among the photos on the box are teens and twenty-somethings wearing the headset while posing in exaggerated gaming, um, extremeness.
Although Logitech is marketing their Extreme PC Gaming Headset (aka model 980233-0403) to game-playing youth with the subtlety of sledgehammer, I picked this headset for an entirely different reason. Not that I don't enjoy playing PC video games (as my wife will testify), but I was really looking for a simple headset that I could use for work.
If you look beyond the ridiculous marketing of this headset, you'll find a perfectly serviceable and inexpensive analog headset that seems more suitable for voice communication than anything else.
Physical Design
The headset is a behind-the-head unit with an adjustable, ratcheting boom microphone. While it may take a bit to get used to the design if you're used to the type that sit on the top of your head, it's pretty easy to figure out. Unfortunately, while the placement of the mic is adjustable, the overall fit of the headset is not--it's one-size-fits-all with no adjustment band. While I was able to find a comfortable position where the headset stayed put, I can see how folks with large or small heads might have issues.
In terms of extended wear comfort, the headset is light. However, the large foam earpads and firm pressure from the headband will definitely remind you that you're wearing earphones. They're not horribly uncomfortable, but you'll probably feel the need to take them off when you're not using them.
A minor disappointment is that the headphones do not collapse for easier storage or transport. Another is cord management--while a 10' cord is nice, there's no cord wrap, making it tough to avoid cable tangle. You can sort of wrap the cable around the headset itself, but the cord tends to get caught between the headband and the earphones. And, unlike some of the more advanced Logitech models, the volume and mute controls that are about 30" from the headset are not electronic; they are decidedly old-school: a thumbwheel and a slider switch.
Connectivity
Connections are quite simple: standard PC headphone and mic plugs. While the 10' cord is useful if your audio ports are on the back of your computer or under a desk, you'll probably need to hook them up to your front audio jacks (if available) or invest in a separate audio switcher to toggle between your PC speakers and the headset.
Microphone Performance
The noise-canceling boom mic works well, although you will probably have to turn up the microphone input volume or activate any sort of mic boost that your sound options will allow. Otherwise, you'll probably be too hard to hear on the other end at normal listening volume.
The noise-cancellation feature seems to work as advertised. I made some recordings with general office buzz and ringing telephones behind me. In the playback, you could still hear the ambient noises, but my voice was definitely the focal point.
Unlike another reviewer, I couldn't replicate the problem of moving the volume/mute pod. However, any sort of movement of the boom mic or brushing/tapping on the mic definitely is audible. So you have to make sure the mic is positioned before you start to use it and that it doesn't bump against your clothes, the headset cord, or your hair.
Earphone Performance
As with most "street-style," behind-the-head earphones, this headset experiences more sound leakage than closed- or in-the-ear-style sets. That means that someone standing near you can usually figure out the type of sound you are listening to, depending on the volume.
Despite the 30mm stereo drivers, I was underwhelmed by the audio performance overall. Sure, it's fine for voice chat, IP telephony, and standard PC sound. But the range when listening to music is pretty lukewarm. The sound is hollow and completely lacks bass. In addition, you'll get audible hiss when you turn the volume up past about 75%.
However, I was impressed by the directionality of the earphones when combined with a soundcard that can support virtual sound. There's not only clear separation between left and right channels, but with virtual sound enabled, you can make out front and back in both ears as well.
Overall Recommendation
With that said, I've been carrying the Extreme PC Gaming Headset in my laptop bag for use with Cisco's Voice-Over-IP IP Communicator software. I also have a more expensive Logitech USB headset that has more bells and whistles, but the simplicity, low weight, and compactness of this unit outweighs its drawbacks compared to the fancier one. Since I'm using it only for voice calls and listening to voicemail, it suits me just fine. And in a pinch, I can use to talk on TeamSpeak for my favorite online game.
Add the low price ($24.99 list, I paid about $14 plus tax), and it gets my recommendation.
As for the "extreme" gamers, I suppose it would work fine for voice command enabled games, Skype, Ventrilo, and other gaming uses. But this headset is not going to replace any serious headphones you may want to listen to music with, nor replace your expensive multi-channel speaker system. And, thankfully, this headset is not going to turn you into the fashion plate models on the package, who seem to be playing air guitar with their wireless keyboards!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
esasaki
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Member: Eric
Location: Long Beach, California, USA
Reviews written: 36
Trusted by: 29 members
About Me:
35-years old, married with no kids, computer network manager, movie enthusiast, gadget lover.
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