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View Full Version : Need Help With Microphone Headset, Please


Seil
07-12-2011, 03:27 AM
So way back when, I gamed exclusively on me PS3. I wanted to talk to people, but I looked at the price of those PS3 mics, and I was like "Stuff that!" Then I discovered that you could use any old Bluetooth headset, and it would work. So I bought one on the cheap, and after a little trial and error, I got it to work. Success! I was soon annoying the PS3 TF2 userbase.

Anyway, fast forward to the last few months. I discovered Steam, and all the games therin (and I finally got a computer that could run them) and so I purchased a Logitech Clear Chat headset. It was neat. I like Logitech. When I was a young nerdling, I found they made quality products. However, I've got some trouble with my mic of late - no one can hear me. Sometimes I do have the computer set up to record from itself, but for the most part the mic won't work unless it's right up to my mouth. Which is a problem, 'cause it's attached to the headset in a way that makes it undoable.

So, I checked around and discovered that I could use my Bluetooth headset thing for the gaming of gamey goodness. Joy. I didn't need to go out and buy a mic after all. However, I was dissapointed by the news that I apparently need a dongle. (A USB plugin.) I didn't get a USB plugin with my headset, I got a charger cable thing.

So there's my connundrum. Is there a way to get either mic up and working without buying something new, and if not, is there a good gaming microphone available for under $50?

Seil
07-12-2011, 03:37 AM
I've heard this is pretty good. Don't know if I can find it for that price in Qualicum, though. (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Plantronics+-+GameCom+377+Over-the-Head+Stereo+Headset/8978403.p?id=1218004379967&skuId=8978403&st=platronics)

synkr0nized
07-12-2011, 10:40 PM
However, I've got some trouble with my mic of late - no one can hear me. Sometimes I do have the computer set up to record from itself, but for the most part the mic won't work unless it's right up to my mouth. Which is a problem, 'cause it's attached to the headset in a way that makes it undoable.

Have you attempted to boost the microphone in any way? Many sound card drivers allow you to adjust the mic levels, and this can help you go from being barely audible to making ears bleed.

If you do have volume adjustments, I'd suggest testing it with the simple Sound Recorder by making some recordings and playing them back so you have an idea of how you'll sound to others.

akaSM
07-13-2011, 12:55 AM
Some sound card drivers allow you to hear stuff from line in and mic through your speakers, you could try that and see if you can hear yourself.

Seil
07-13-2011, 01:21 AM
I fiddled around with it for an hour or two last night, but nothing developed. I couldn't get the sound to register unless it was right in front of my mouth - even with gain on and the boost thing. (Plus I actually kinda want to blow money on a proper headset, the one I have now isn't the best quality and I just got my Financial Aid cheque.)

All that being said, the choices I have nearest me are a Creative Fatal1ty (http://www.mydigitallife.info/new-creative-fatal1ty-professional-series-gaming-headset-mk-ii/) and some sort of FTI or FLI headset. (I wrote it down wrongly and can't find anything online.) The Creative one is something like $80 and the unknown one (which the salesman tells me is totally awesome) is $29 - but I'm heading into Nanaimo tomorrow, so I'll find a Walmart and see what's what.

Seil
07-13-2011, 10:22 PM
So it looks like my choices arew atwixt:

A4Tech Comfort Fit (http://www.a4tech.com/product.asp?cid=66&scid=67&id=460)
Headrush Communication Vibration (http://www.thesource.ca/estore/product.aspx?language=en-CA&catalog=Online&category=HeadsetsAndMics&product=2611673)

EDIT Welp. (http://reviews.thesource.ca/9026/2611673/headrush-headrush-communication-vibration-headset-reviews/reviews.htm?sort=reviewTextLength)