Dillinger Posted February 10, 2016 Share Posted February 10, 2016 Okay guys, I read a couple of the threads we have on headphones and I was really hoping to avoid starting a new one. I read through both previous threads and settled on a pair of Sennheiser Game Zero noise cancelling headphones. Read a great review here from UK_Wildcat_Fan (even reached out to him via PM to discuss). Unfortunately, as good as these seem to be, they are going back. I can't get them to work on the PS4 with the BBC controllers I use. I can buy a Mixamp, like the Astro version or the DSS2, but then I'm adding another $100 plus to already expensive headphones. I have a couple of criteria to upgrade my headphones, because I have some Astro A50's that work "fine" for me and I haven't had a single problem with them or their customer service. I did break one of the frame pieces on the headset by sitting on it, but for $50 I sent it back and they replaced the piece and "re-certified" the unit. Turn around was less than 2 weeks door-to-door. Here is my criteria, and it's pretty basic. 1) Noise Cancelling. Not on the mic, but on the cans themselves. My gaming setup is quite different from most, as is my wife come to think of it, but suffice to say there is a lot of ambient and competing noise when I game. I want to filter all that unnecessary shit out, but still be able to be alerted if the dogs are going crazy at the door or something. Currently the Astro's let most of the noises through and frequently this results in me distracted and dead. 2) All Consoles. I have and play on the PS3, PS4, XB360 and the XB1. The A50's plug and play with both sets of systems without any extra cords, adapters or drama. (1) USB and (1) Optical cable and I am good to go. I really want that ease of us and don't want to get an Audio Tech's certification just to play some CoD. 3) All in One. Or close to it. I don't want to have dongles and adapters and this "Y" cable for that platform only. I don't want the hassle. I want really good sound and I don't want a ton of hassle when I want to change it from system to system. Here's my short list based on research: SteelSeries Siberia 800 Beyerdynamic (MMX 300 and 300 MANUFAKTUR) I can't find any other noise cancelling headphones that "claim" to work on all platforms. If they made a set like the chopper pilots use (I have seen the David Clark version, but not compitable), with that level noise cancelling, I would series entertain them. I doubt anyone is turning out that quality of headset for console gaming though, that would be overkill. Probably PC, but not for us lowly unwashed miscreants....LOL Now here is the other caveat. I worked construction for about 20 years and during that time my hearing took some abuse. I never had an audiophiles ear, nor do I play music, so extreme subtleties will be lost on me. Headphones that weren't built for gaming, but were built for booth quality music and voice recording are not going to be console compatible and there is no reason for me to re-outfit my home entertainment center just to game. So that is a way of saying I don't need a $1,000 headphone with a $500 specialized mix amp for this application. This will be for about 90% gaming use and the rest of the time just watching the occasional video or movie. So anyone have stories on SteelSeries? Or any thoughts that meet the criteria that don't come with a lot of drama to connect to multiple platforms? Thanks, JD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vincho31 Posted February 10, 2016 Share Posted February 10, 2016 Astro gaming headsets are better than any other ( except , may be, the beyerdynamic MMX300 , but it's price is quite different too) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzy clam Posted February 10, 2016 Share Posted February 10, 2016 JD go to head-fi.org and check out MLE's write up on headsets,best and most informative one I've ever read and tons of headsets on their he's reviewed as he is a true audiophile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dillinger Posted February 10, 2016 Author Share Posted February 10, 2016 Thanks guys - I have read the previous threads and also some stuff on the Blog Fuzzy. I currently have Astros. They work fine. They DO NOT cancel external noise, which is one of the key issues I am looking to solve with this "upgrade" or swap. If I can't get a single set of headphones that meet the requirements, I won't be wasting money just to do it. Thanks, JD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dillinger Posted February 11, 2016 Author Share Posted February 11, 2016 Update: Heard back from SteelSeries. Hey Dillinger Thank you for reaching out to us. 1) The headset does unfortunately not offer external noise canceling. They are decent in these regards though. 2) Preferably, you should get the Siberia X800 (only available from other resellers). That one contains a adapter that is needed for the Xbox One. Otherwise, get either the Siberia 800 or Siberia P800 and get the adapter for Xbox One afterwards. Kind regardsSteelseries support So I guess they are off the list. :-( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzy clam Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 I would keep reading MLE's write up on headphones JD,I'm sure there are several on there that would meet your criteria. Oh hell I'm gonna go read it for you and get back to you cuz you're my boy... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dillinger Posted February 22, 2016 Author Share Posted February 22, 2016 Had to update the thread title to stay relevant, but here is the synopsis from the OP thread. Steel series are cool people. Their customer service was really nice and friendly. Alas they do not offer a true noise cancelling headset. Removed from my consideration, but they are definitely good people so if you are in the market, give them a look. Beyerdynamics. Paul Fattrosso | Pro Audio Sales Specialist | North America: Hands down one of the coolest customer service people ever! Not only is dude a gamer, but he went into detail about some of the history of his gaming line and how they got where they are now. He spoke to me about Astro and their mix amp and actually recommends it for some applications, which I thought was cool as they are not affiliated. Beyerdynamics used to manufacture exclusively for Aviation and now have branched out in several markets. Their MMX300 headphone is really nice, but doesn't offer active noise cancelling. This is still being considered but it has moved down my list a bit. Hyper X Cloud gaming headset. This one was really well reviewed by several sites such as CNET and a couple of PC gamer sites. They are surprisingly pretty low priced for what they provide in this category (Amazon: $79.18) and they worked pretty damn well (on XB1). Alas, they need to be powered off the controller, and because I have BBC and my Hori FPS pad, it wasn't immediately compatible. For what I was able to do with them, test a couple of games of BO3 on XB1, they worked well. I would definitely give them a positive review, but they won't work for my application as I really want some stress free ability to game on both platforms. Currently I have a mix amp and a new set of headphones inbound and "should" be here as a complete kit tomorrow (Tuesday) if the two shipping companies can play well together. More to follow once I get them, figure them out and do some gaming with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iAmMoDBoX Posted February 23, 2016 Share Posted February 23, 2016 I'll sell you my turtle beach x41's they block noise decently Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzy clam Posted February 23, 2016 Share Posted February 23, 2016 You stuff is waiting for you at home JD,if I can get my situation straightened out we'll jump on and check the headphones out...DLC free Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dillinger Posted February 23, 2016 Author Share Posted February 23, 2016 Just got the text update from Amazon awhile ago my friend. Looking forward to it. Alas, as Irony is my co-pilot. Team 1's product owner is in town for the week and tonight is a team dinner. *sigh* Perfect night for gaming with the wife away in Denver and duty calls. Being a grown up is for the birds man.....LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzy clam Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 LMAO I'm laughing cuz I can picture you trying to get home to check your new toys out and having to stay at work... Maybe we can hit it tomorrow just got my shit straightened out,cut the tech loose about 10:00 pm and finished it up myself by 11:00,what a couple days... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zennon Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 That is great to hear about Beyerdynamics, I have a selection of headphones and I rotate between them a lot but when I come to the Beyers I just melt with there sound , class act indeed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzy clam Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 Just to add to this I install a ton of Beyerdynamics in our customers planes for their aviation package,nice cans no matter what you use them for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dillinger Posted February 24, 2016 Author Share Posted February 24, 2016 So the current plan: In a box at the house I have the X7 SoundBlaster and a set of Sennheiser PC 363 with the required "Y" cable (also Senn so it matches). Going to watch some set up and tuning videos today. Hitting the door as soon as I can today, jump in the Jeep and beat feet back to the house. Begin the setup Ping Fuzzy clam Play some games of DLC free BO3 to test More to follow.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zennon Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 Haha nice one mate, I bet your buzzing to get going, enjoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UK_Wildcats_Fans Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 So the current plan: In a box at the house I have the X7 SoundBlaster and a set of Sennheiser PC 363 with the required "Y" cable (also Senn so it matches). Going to watch some set up and tuning videos today. Hitting the door as soon as I can today, jump in the Jeep and beat feet back to the house. Begin the setup Ping Fuzzy clam Play some games of DLC free BO3 to test More to follow.... Don't forget that you need the Creative BT-W2 bluetooth adapter to get audio chat from the PS4 to x7. Without the BT-W2, you will not be able to use the audio chat (in-game or party chat). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dillinger Posted February 24, 2016 Author Share Posted February 24, 2016 Don't forget that you need the Creative BT-W2 bluetooth adapter to get audio chat from the PS4 to x7. Without the BT-W2, you will not be able to use the audio chat (in-game or party chat). No shit?! According to what I was reading the "Y" cable to the X7 from the Senns was supposed to handle this. Damn it. I didn't want to have a special tackle box full of accessories to change back and forth between systems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UK_Wildcats_Fans Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 No shit?! According to what I was reading the "Y" cable to the X7 from the Senns was supposed to handle this. Damn it. I didn't want to have a special tackle box full of accessories to change back and forth between systems. Yes, take a look back through our messages. I provided a link for it and a link for how to get the chat working with Xbox. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dillinger Posted February 24, 2016 Author Share Posted February 24, 2016 Yes, take a look back through our messages. I provided a link for it and a link for how to get the chat working with Xbox. I was reading through them after I read your post, and yep, you had mentioned it. I read a bunch of reviews and "user experiences" on the X7 and on the PC363's too damn it. WTF?! How is a company like Astro cornering this market with their plug and play stuff and no one else has caught on? The A-50's need a power cable and an optical cable to play on all (4) systems. Well, ordered up the BT-W2 as well, it will be here tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UK_Wildcats_Fans Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 I was reading through them after I read your post, and yep, you had mentioned it. I read a bunch of reviews and "user experiences" on the X7 and on the PC363's too damn it. WTF?! How is a company like Astro cornering this market with their plug and play stuff and no one else has caught on? The A-50's need a power cable and an optical cable to play on all (4) systems. Well, ordered up the BT-W2 as well, it will be here tomorrow. FYI - I often have to re-pair the BT-W2 with the X7 when I first turn on the PS4 and X7. It is quick and easy to do, but often have to re-do it. If for some reason your chat audio is not working, just re-pair it. Once they are paired and on, I don't have any problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UK_Wildcats_Fans Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 Added note: My gaming desk has my laptop, x7, headset, Benq monitor and Netduma. Therefore, I leave my laptop constantly connected to the x7 and Netduma. This way I can monitor the Netduma connection or make changes to the x7 while I was experimenting with settings. I also stream Pandora from the laptop at a lower volume while playing for added pleasure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dillinger Posted February 25, 2016 Author Share Posted February 25, 2016 Couldn't be any more pissed right now. Got the stupid Sennheiser's and they sent a software disc for PC only. Yeah, the headsets are compatible with MAC, if you don't use their own headset finder to choose one that isn't MAC compliant. Fucking Brilliant. The Creative X7 is nice. For sitting there and looking at me. This whole fucking experience has officially become more work than any pay off can ever make worthwhile. I honestly think all this shit is going back tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UK_Wildcats_Fans Posted February 25, 2016 Share Posted February 25, 2016 That is very frustrating. Do you even really need the Sennheiser software for the Mac if you are using the x7? BTW - Here is my x7 profile that I am using for the PS4. https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/69484020/COD%20BO3%20-%20Good%203.xml Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zennon Posted February 25, 2016 Share Posted February 25, 2016 Yeah JD why would you need MAC software that would be for MAC gaming and your not doing that mate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dillinger Posted February 25, 2016 Author Share Posted February 25, 2016 Guys, I don't know. I got the stuff and the X7 is really straight forward. Nothing out of the ordinary or anything. Golden. Why I got (6) power cords for it, with no fiber patch cable, is pretty maddening. The copper in the (5) cords I am not using would probably by (10) fiber patch cables, but I can deal with that as I have a couple of extra. No big deal and everything with the X7 was as expected (thus far) - although it's really small and light. That was a surprise. The Senns are really nice. I love the way they fit, the way they feel and I imagine if they work that well, I'll be really happy. But they have the WORST directions possible. There are 8 or 9 languages all crammed into little steps about size of your palm. It's like a run on paragraph that was typed by a transcriber on the UN floor. I should have taken a picture but by the time I got that far, I was just fed up. Now the real concern is, they have this big red and white sticker over the USB that says DO NOT plug in, until you have programmed the headphones. Okay. They provide a disc, but it's a Windows only version and it's not the current Windows (granted, it hasn't been out that long, so I get that), but you get a special card that says "Go here to download for the new windows patch" but nothing if you want to use a Mac. Then in the manual it clearly states you can damage the headphones if you don't follow their steps, which voids the warranty and all that jazz. So, fast forward to today. I still have the Bluetooth dongle slated to show up for the PS4 aspect of this setup, so there is no point sending shit back today anyways. I think I have access to the wife's PC laptop for work that can run the disc and see what that entails as far as set up for the headphones. It will probably be nothing, just a double check you have done A,B,C but I don't want to void the warranty and damage them before I even know if this will help with my issue. So, more to follow after some reflective reading today and an another attempt tonight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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