yes this is a reupload, originally uploaded on 20th September 2021. RIP to OG crinacle :(
TL;DW: crinacle.com/guide/gaming/
Headphone ranking list: crinacle.com/rankings/headpho...
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PATREON: / crinacle
TWITTER: / crinacle
DISCORD: / discord
SUBREDDIT: / inearfidelity
HOODIE: merch.crinacle.com
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00:00 Intro
01:52 Critera for "gaming headphones"
02:08 Competitive "advantage"
04:02 Immersiveness
05:03 Something with a microphone
07:32 Best under $50
09:10 Best under $100
09:57 Best under $200
11:28 Best under $300
11:53 Best under $500
12:40 Honorable mentions
13:22 E N D G A M E
14:16 Not-terrible gaming headsets
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CAM: Sony a7 III + FE 35mm f/1.8
DESK MIC: Motu M2 interface + Neumann TLM 102
MONITOR: LG C1 48" OLED
for the deja vu bois yes, this is a reupload, originally uploaded on 20th September 2021 on the original crinacle channel before it was aliven't. RIP to OG crinacle :(
So if I am right, this is the 3rd Crinacle channel? RIP OG Crinacle channel and Crinacle+
when will you review Bang and Olufsen headphones?
@@sweetsurrender815 no, this is crinacle+ you're watching, just renamed to crinacle
when crinacle pro max
So that’s why i feel like I watched this before.
This video never gets old "don't get half ass one thing get a whole ass 2 thing" 😂
One key thing to note about buying mic and headphone separate, is that if you break one, you won’t have to replace both! This is nice, as you don’t have to spend that much to get good mic, and you can spend more on headphones and IEMs.
Any recommendations on a super cheap standalone mic?
@@ebiooo Razer Seiren Mini, it's often on sale for like 30$
using the siren mini with equalizer apo + peace makes the mic SO much better trust 👌
@@beegest_yoshi i would also like to know this
@@felkmane same
I think this was the video that got me hooked to your channel. Uncle Crin truly gave me hard lessons. I hope you reupload the other ones! Rip OG channel
Happy to see these being re-uploaded to the new channel
Fantastic video, I've been using my old DJ headphones the ( Sennheiser hd 25-1 ii ) for over 15 years now and I have bought many " gaming headphones " in hopes of replacement, however, this has always resulted in pure disappointment. I always go back to HD25's as my daily driver as there simply isn't any real reason to change, they are indestructible and the sound quality and clarity seems to be the best I've heard at their price point. Crinacle & team thank you very much for your video and i look forward to the next one.
Thanks to you and all the people that work on the autoeq project, I have finally found a set of headphones for me. I got my hands on the beyer dynamic team tygr. The fox mic and tygr 300 R combo. It sounds great and has an amazing soundstage.
Hey man thinking about getting these have you paired them with a audio interface or did you plug them straight into the motherboard audio ?
@@cristianjimenez2582 I have the headphone running through the mics aux port. The mic is plugged in with usb c on my motherboard. The mic has a bit of audio processing for output audio.
I ended up getting the beyerdynamic MMX300 which is branded as a gaming headset but actually quite decent unlike the rest. Sounds alright and it's the well known solid beyerdynamic build quality so I can drop it on the floor as much as I want and replacement parts are quite easy to get. A bit expensive for what it is but I'm alright with that.
When it comes to headphones the thing I always take account into is its compatibility in general to modern devices (especially non-wired). Since some consoles/portable devices don't support certain headsets. Another thing I realised is it's always better to have a separate mic from your headset when you're recording, at least then you can guarantee the audio quality without worrying about silly factors as breathing into the mic or sounds being picked up in the background (if u have a directional mic).
Bluetooth >>>
@@3n3j0t4 L take tbh
@@3n3j0t4I'm primarily a rhythm gamer. Bluetooth has a minimum audio latency of around 100-200ms. My target accuracy is +/-30ms or so with an average timing deviation of 15-20ms. You can buy a cheap DAC and run it through a powered USB hub and skip the bluetooth. A mic can run over bluetooth just fine unless you're doing music production.
@@totally_not_a_bot Bluetooth Le audio has, at least theoretically, much lower latencies than Bluetooth had before. But sadly it's not that common yet.
Compatibility with consoles is gatekeeping from the console makers so they can license some silly firmware. Trash practice.
The most thought out gaming headphones review I have watched so far. Despite the comical delivery, I learned a lot from this video. Thanks Crinacle!
I'll gladly watch this again mate. Love your content please keep it up
I finally have a video to link to friends when I go on this rant. I've convinced a few of them to go with a headphone/mic combo, and they were surprised how much more they liked it. And now my discord audio sounds so much better, lol.
I got the Koss KSC75 and you're totally right they're fantastic. I had bought some other "gaming" headphones and was really unsatisfied with them and now I have these great cheaper alternatives and couldn't be more pleased. Thank you!
What other head sets do you have and what kind of games you play
the headset that dosn't give me headset hair. ive been using it, its great
@@jagen304Yeah or the iconic streamer head dent. I can also use them when my hair is wet and it still dries
This is still one of my fav crinacle vids ever
Thank god you made this and I found your channel from dank pods I was trying to find any reason if I should consider surround gaymin headphones because they might have a more attuned to game audio levels But I also wanted some entry level good headphones for film and music after spending a hefty sum on my new computer and enjoying editing as a hobby Glad my scepticism about those gaming headphones was confirmed
Thanks for the reuploads!
Wow this was such a refreshing take. Telling people the truth. I tried 5-10 headphones and ended with the conclusion that I played the same with either one and went with the cheapest option. Subscribed for sure!
I am honestly having the time of my life using the Schitt Magni Heresy and Modi 3 for my audio. I have been using the hell out of the Fostex T50rp Mk3 as my “gaming” headphones. I do also use the HD650s from time to time. I love the setup to death! My mic is a Samson Meteor desk mic.
Thank you for reminding us! LOL! Love your content bro! More to come!
Thank you for reuploading!
I finally made the move to non-gamer branded headphones roughly six months ago and haven't looked back since. My previous headset was the Plantronics Rig 800. For being a wireless headset at $150, they were great, and still maintained great battery life after 5 years of daily use. They weren't the greatest for music, but for gaming they were pretty good and imaging was spot on. Im pretty mid at shooters and my friend who is a lot better accuracy and reaction time wise has been shocked several times by how I know where to look at any given time. Those RIGs were great... but the Beyerdynamics DT770s were leagues better for the same price. Sure I lose the wireless capability, but the cable is so long that I can go from my desk to my bed and have plenty of length to spare to get to other key parts of my room. For those wondering I got the 80 ohm versions. I didn't get a DAC/Amp so it is running off of my motherboard audio. I know some of you would balk at the idea, but its got a Realtek ALC1220-VB and ESS Sabre 9018 DAC setup in it. There is absolutely ZERO noise no matter what my PC does, and 55/100 is already getting comfortable KZhead video watching level versus my old wireless that needed to be at 90 to sound the same as these on 55. And the soundstage even though the 770s are closed back is amazing. It gets extremely close to feeling like the sound is coming from around me but just barely falls short, and it doesn't feel unnatural. I also really wanted to keep a lot of the bass performance personally. Im sure there are some open back headphones with good bass, but I wanted to get something that I KNOW I will be satisfied with first before experimenting with open back headphones. I have ideas on what open back headphones I want to try, but all in due time.
I love the KSC75 (Both my Silver and Black are MMCX modded). I use them mostly for music, entertainment like YT and watching streams and gaming, mainly at home. As for mic, I used to have a Samson Meteor but switched to Fifine K690 and it’s great.
I did an mmcx mod too but honestly mmcx female connectors are kind of janky so I just used the IEM cable that I had and basically replaced the original wire with a better one.
I'm kinda surprised I'm not the only one here that uses ksc75s for gaming lol
For music and movies, it's clear, but severely lacks bass extension. Better off with some decent closed backs for movies.
Love your reviews ❤
Watched this many times on the old channel. The whole reason I subscribed.
I have had a pair of AKG's K702 for almost a decade now and I still don't see a reason to change or upgrade them, especially at the current price point. Yes, I have a Fiio K3 to drive them, which is also one of the cheapest "Hi Res" DAC/AMP combo you can buy to drive them and I have incredible soundstage and localisation especially with Dolby Atmos for headphones.
Shure SM7B + Focal Radiance is my current gaming setup. Though I also have ModMic Wireless + Hifiman Sundara. Honestly, I find a dedicated mic to be less work cause it's less dangling cables, less fiddly bits, and (for me) one less thing to battery manage; also just more consistent, good sound quality
Love the videos. I would love a bluetooth headphones guide, just like the tws buds u did. Im currently looking for one, everybody recommends the sony xm4, but remember u saying u dont like them. Would love to hear ur recommendations!
I like this guy. Great delivery with the humor. He had me laughing so much!
I just tend to use any kind of IEM or Headphone with a Mic. Yes, if I want B2's, I'd want it with a Mic. Currently using Massdrop's KSC75's as it comes with Mic. Best choice. Thank you Uncle Crin. 😮
Been using my Sennheiser HD 600 for about a year now, and I’ve been very happy with it in games! Those HD 800s are very enticing, but I’m not quite ready to spend more on my headphones than I spend on my entire pc lol.
Buy em used baby
how loud are they ? how is the bass , i just got some dt770 pro with a focusrite gen4 and they are dull and flat im sad .
@@dankdutchthey can get pretty loud, though I tend to keep m the sod honed on the quieter side. I uses Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) and I can hear pretty much everything well with windows volume at 100% and my audio interface turned up to about 1/3 of the way. Edit: forgot to answer about the bass. They’re very well-rounded headphones, so they’ve got a great range of everything, including bass. I personally don’t like headphones to be bass-heavy, so if you’re looking for a little more “oomph” for bass in particular, then the HD 650s might be a better choice (at least from what I’ve heard about them).
@@Frostycrypton i had my dt770 pros maxed 100% on interface windows on the application or game im using and they didnt do it for me , maybe therre just good for music , sounded great on music videos on youtube i have to say just overall use was 6-7/10 super comfortable im really disappointed i was hyped for them to blow me away coming from a overpriced "gaming " wireless headset to some studio headphones , hopefully i can find something to suit my needs under 200$
its always been 'starter' worries, they usually ended up upgrading after but hd600 is very good might want to upgrade the setup
The KSC75 was exactly what I was looking for. Before, I was gaming on a Logitech G435, which was a wireless headset that weighed only 165 grams. They were super comfortable to wear for many hours at a time, but I was constantly having issues with random disconnects and the microphone not working. So I wanted to get a new headset, but I didn't want anything that was heavier than what I was already using, but since most gaming headphones are over 200 grams, my options were pretty limited. I'm so glad I found this video because I would not have known about the KSC75 nor would I have considered them otherwise.
LOVE THIS VIDEO 👍🏼 thank you so much for this great content 😄👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I bought three "gaming" headsets over the years and always hated it because I generally use all audiophile grade equipment that put the headsets to shame. I now use my Focal Celestee headphones connected to a very high end preamp or my balanced portable USB C DAC/Amp and a separate desktop studio mic. Couldn't be happier because now I have proper audio quality for gaming. When I'm playing single player, sound comes out of my Kanto Tuk speakers and Monolith M-10 v2 sub.
I love my AKG K240s for gaming. The soundstage makes spatial audio stuff just come alive. Replaying F.E.A.R. with them was a damn near religious experience.
I like the K240 for the little bit of time I used them. I got them for a friend as a birthday present mainly for their lightweight first. He likes how mid forward they are, the bass rolls off aggressively along with the steep rolloff for treble. Crinacle on his site says they are a weird sounding headphone and I may agree but I still find them fun but in a different way. My roommate says gunshots are easier to pinpoint with their imaging compared to gaming headsets he tried in the past
Wow. F.E.A.R. was one of my favorite shooters. That game ruined climbing ladders in games for me. Lol
Actually Matt I have a question, did you turn EAX on when playing with the K240? They have ways of doing that in software now
they are incredibly quiet
Thank you for the recommendation Crin. This video made me buy the Audio Technica ATH R70x. I love it for music listening and gaming. It maybe my last audiophile headphone purchase.
ive had the penrose for a while now. great for gaming, and good with most other stuff. i have my eq set to a warmer tone just because thats what I like. Sometimes there is popping from the drivers, seems like its interference from the wireless connection. recommend only using bluetooth or wireless one at a time. Plugged 3.5 jack is flawless to pc and consoles. Mic quality is about the same as other gaming headsets in the price range of 300, but leaves something to be desired. Range is terrible, but they have a new model now that is twice the weight but expanded on the battery and range and I believe it is using different drivers but im not sure. good channel
you are right about PC38X, it's more of a music listening focused headphone but has a mic for gamers (or just people who needs the mic for regular online chatting) and funny enough, been using PC38X for 2 years and i like it a lot, since im a gamer regularly online on Discord with friends and is someone who wants a good mic attached to the headphones, but cares more about listening to music than footsteps in games. my previous pair of gaming headphone was the Game One from Sennheiser
Same exact experience goes for me, that's why I love them, I bought them for music and didn't have room for a microphone stand/arm
I have PC38X, it’s an amazing headphone for music and movies. The mic might catch the audio leak so I bought a Fifine K658 mic. For gaming, it’s still great. I recommend a open back if ur in the room alone for sure
I like high sound quality with surround sound. It helps me hear where the enemy is without having to look because of the direct it's coming from
Love the brutal honesty 👏
I used to daily drive sennheiser HD700 and i honestly think that there is not a better gaming headphone. Comfort was super good and has alot of qualities from hd800
I need more videos of Crinacle thickening the accent.
Hey Crinacle, great video. You ever consider reviewing popular gaming headsets, like the HyperX Cloud Alpha? Would be an interesting vid! Thanks.
This video is the reason I got the ATH-r70X and I haven't looked back since thanks Crinicle.
personally I got the AKG K240 Studio for 50€ and a samson C01 Pro for 70€ (both were discounted) and are both serving me extremely well for over 5 years now, as you stated multiple times in the video purchasing the two separatly in most case will lead to better results and, compared to "gaming" devices, even to a lower final price.
nice to see im not alone with the K240 lol, I bought a cheap mic tho thats okay
are your k240 also quiet? mine are extremely quiet
@@whenwillitbecold I noticed that it depends on the device i use them with: with the laptop that my workplace provided me with they sound pretty quiet but with my desktop they get pretty loud when I go beyond 30 with system volume control.
Amazing advice! Because of this, I ended up with a set of HD 560s and a Zen Dac v2. I came from years of HyperX cloud IIs and it feels like I’m hearing music for the first time.
Have u watched Fresh Reviews videos? As I think that was what he recommended the most. Also, how is your setup now? I have currently used the Cloud Alpha for 3+ years and am planning to buy the KSC75 while saving for the HD560s and Zen Dac v2.
@@gabby.alcantara still going strong! I am really enjoying the headphones and DAC. By no means am I an expert or audiophile but the difference is highly noticeable. There were certain nuanced details, in many songs I listen to, that I had never noticed. The setup is more than adequate for my needs and better than anything I’ve used previously. I’m not familiar with Fresh Reviews.
Thank you for this, I found you a few days ago looking for tech info and you sir are exactly what I was looking for. It's so nice to hear somebody else say "GAMING" gear is BS. gaming headsets = garbage, gaming chairs = hurt you, gaming prebuilt = garbage, "gaming" branding is basically a red flag not to buy for me lol. Btw, I've been watching your videos, I was just trying to determine if you were honest, it didn't long, :) I look forward to all your videos now, subbed with the bell Uncle crinacle! AND, i fuckin love your skits, it really adds a special touch to your videos, 10/10. Keep up the good work, we need more ppl like you and fewer ppl telling us to buy more junk.
Except gaming chairs are actually ergonomic and not just for aesthetic, you can buy it just fine.
I really love that microphone you use. The size, sound, everything. Any alternatives that won’t break the bank? 😭
Based on Crinacle's recommendation, I bought the AKG K612 Pro. The staging and imaging are noticeably better than, for example, the Steelseries Nova Pro, which is marketed as a gaming headset. The only issue with the K612 Pro is that these headphones don't pick up footsteps very well. Specifically, in the context of PUBG, I have to significantly increase the gain and volume to clearly hear footsteps. Overall, I rate this product very positively. I like that I can simultaneously hear what's happening in the room, and I also like the very long cord because it allows me to move around freely. I'd really like to try the HD800 one day. I want to compare and see if the extra 1300€ makes a significant difference.
Better if you can run studio type headsets through an amplifier or an interface at the very least - they can supply a bit more power than just running it from the soundcard
@@marcusj17 I use Sound blaster G6 with high gain for these headphones.
Thanks crin, I've just gone ahead and ordered a Sennheiser HE-1 for my gaming headset. I hope it comes with a 3.5mm jack and not a 6.3mm so I can plug it into my Xbox controller without needing an adapter. Can't wait!
Ah yes, now you can listen to those footsteps in 4k!!
I like that you reupload all the old videos.
I bought my R70x about a year ago when I came across the original video. Miles ahead compared to my previous headset which was the SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDac. Thanks Crin!
I just got a pair and I must have big ears because they hurt after about an hour. Switched to dt1990pros, much more comfortable, but I feel like the r70x sound better.
@@ignacio8597 You can get bigger after market pads for them, which I did. I have the Brainwavz XL Micro Suede on my ATH-R70x and they enormously increase the wearing comfort by cupping all of your ears. However, they of course somewhat alter the sound of the headphones. I found them to be slightly darker than with the stock pads, but with a much much better bass extension, which is actually bonus for me. Also the overall imaging becomes less intimate, due to the driver being removed further from your ear as compared to stock. This I feel makes music sound more natural / live-performance like, with a more organized and wider soundstage. Came for the better comfort, stayed for the subjectively better sound signature.
@@ignacio8597 Those are exactly(!!!) my thoughts as well. I had the same experience! Large ears, so the R70x started to hurt after a couple of hours, got the DT1990 but I'm always looking back at the AT's.
I'd love to see a review of the Steel Series Arctis Nova Pro, people have been saying it's a game changer for gaming headphones but I'd love to hear what you have to say about them.
It is a great headphone, i got them wired and it is indeed game changer, but you do need to tweak the settings in order for it to be GrEaT, you can't just download someone else tune, but there are presets in the Sonar App.
@@IceBurNCABR I ended getting both wired and wireless because I loved the comfort and sound so much but I've just been curious to hear what Crinacle has to say about them :D
I use the moondrop Aria with a mic cable to play fps and I am very pleased with it, the thing is, use whatever headphone or IEM you want to play, just leave us alone
i went iems for gaming and i will never look back. Even conviced 2 of my friends to get iems and they both love it
@@cyko5950 same I couldn't spend any more than 20 dollars on an iem at the moment. Just got the Chu and was satisfied.
Yep, I have a bunch of phones that are decent for games, but I most frequently grab my Aria, Chu, or Tin T2... Whatever happens to be nearby.
Yeah i recently got into IEMs too, bought S12 Pro and I use it for everything. Honestly whatever bs people was spouting about IEMs not having good positional awareness is bs (imo), i can hear and pinpoint enemies just as fine as my dusty MH751 headset waiting for its final days.
@@theimaginativeweirdo4537 cheap IEM > cheap gaming headset any day of the week
The intro! 🤣👻 You kill it ❤️
I'm one of the people that has gaming headphones as a all-in-one lol. I love it though, it's the Audeze Penrose. I'd love for you to review the Audeze Maxwell coming out soon. I've pre-ordered it.
Well I play competitive at very high level and I've never bought into the gaming gear bullshit. Very very happy with my R70X paired with a Fulla Schiit, works wonders, great soundstage, sounds marvelous and have endured many years and I'm positive they will last many more.
About buying mics and headphones separately, this can lead to more quality, yes, but this only works in it’s full display if you: 1) don’t game in a console, because then it would be more hassle than it’s worth to connect separately a good headphone and a good mic, probably with a separate audio deck to intermediate things because the controller internal DAC sure as hell won’t support well a AKG K712 plugged directly. 2) if you already have an audio deck or a good quality DAC lying around, because if not, you would be spending a fuck ton of money buying in one go a good quality headphone, a good quality mic and a DAC that you can use to plug both in your computer without the audio sounding like it’s coming from Narnia just to play fucking Call of Duty I think that gaming headsets are a good alternative for anyone who just wants a good enough headset to play Fortnite with their friends without thinking too much. In 9 out of 10 cases no one would listen to music with their gaming headsets because if they can afford a console/gaming PC and a library packed full of AAA games, they probably can afford a second pair of headphones to listen to music (I know I have separate headphones for both gaming and listening to music).
Ofc he's talking about PC gaming, console ppl don't even consider the option to choose between the two. Unless they play PC and console on the same monitor like me, in that case might buy a audio mixer. Bold of you to say that, who bought a gaming PC and lots of AAA games and still afford to buy spare headphones. So you buy separate headphones and think everyone else do the same ? People like that are called rich people and 9 out of 10 people are not rich, and they don't buy separate headphones for different occasions. Why buy more headphones if I can use that money to buy more AAA games and upgrade my PC ? It's not that people have infinite amount of money. Buying good quality headphones and a microphone is better than buying a gaming headset especially if you listen to other thing than playing videogame (everyone do that). Gaming headsets's sound quality are not worth their price and their mic is terrible that's why people are recommending alternatives, there are cheaper headphones which are better than them, good microphones that are cheap af but still better than built in ones. At the end of the day, your money your decision. But the truth is buying normal headphones + separate microphone bring the best bang for your buck vs AIO gaming headset in the long run. For people who can afford both, it's great, but its not the option for everyone.
@@GreatExtended my dude, we both know Crinacle isn’t talking about buying cheap headphones and a cheap mic in this, he is talking about buying a good quality pair of headphones and a good quality mic. These aren’t cheap, and definitely aren’t, combined, cheaper than a pretty good gaming headset. Yes, obviously would be better, but it would demand more money upfront, and that’s not even considering the price of an audio interface if the headphones and the mic can’t run directly on the computer. No, this is just an audiophile trying to see gaming with an audiophile mindset. A gaming headset won’t be great to do anything other than gaming, and the mic wouldn’t be great, but in a sweaty online match, it’s perfectly serviceable. And buying a pretty good pair of gaming headsets allows you, with that same budget you would use to buy the good quality stuff plus the audio interface, to buy another pair of headphones to listen to other stuff. This would end up way cheaper on your wallet and would please anyone who doesn’t care about listening music exclusively through FLACs.
Video had me rolling! Subbed!
I looove your videos! 😂
My k712s have been a fantastic job at being immersive in gaming and Dolby Atmos. However I recently got a pair of N90Q'S and have found myself using the surround option with those for that level of immersion, mainly when I'm going on a handheld. For a microphone, I just got me a cheap fifine mic, and applied a live voice isolating filter, and it is decent for the price.
K712s are awesome. I love how detailed they are -- however, they're a little light in the bass department. When I am using them I turn on my 10inch sub. Listening to both is a heavenly experience and really rounds out the sound.
Unfortunately for console gaming an all in one is the most convenient solution. We have a limited amount of usb ports.
pc master race
I use AKG K712 Pro and Antlion Modmic on PC for gaming and music. HiFiMan Sundara on PS5. Both sound great on their respective setup's. Each have their own dedicated Mayflower DAC/Amp's. I'm sharing this video right away to a PC gaming group. Too bad I left the two console groups cause those scrubs could use a lesson in audio.
yes yes bring back all the videos
ok now we want the immersion ones for those that don't play competitively
I like this set better. Feels more natural compared to the new one.
That "STOP" gets me every time 🤣🤣
Bought the KSC75. best advise ever!!! thank you fellow Singaporean!!!
I use 6xx, it's enough for a decent idea of where footsteps are but definitely leaves a bit to be desired. Eventually I'll get headphones with better imaging, but not to rank up or anything lol
Hd58x. Recently sold mine and went back to my other only pair of headphones (Hd6xx) and now regret selling the 58x. 6xx aren’t bad headphones. They’re amazing for movies and music but for gaming, they’re not great.
On point. Earlier this year, tired of all my gaming headphones dying - cups falling off, horrible mics, pleather materials flaking off etc. So I got the V Moda boom pro and connected it to my Phillips X2HR's ($125-150). Great bass and treble with wide soundstage and light and comfortable. Add a great mic with full sound and a mute button that actually works. Excellent for music, movies and gaming. $150-$175 total. Done.
Do you wear glasses? I'm looking for some comfortable headphones because the ones i have now keep hurting me with pressure on the glasses arms
@@Icy_Capibara I don't but the X2HR's are extremely light and comfortable. I would try them if you could. If you go Amazon (currently on sale) you can always return them easily.
@@moonsofjupiter ty
I'd be curious to hear your opinion on the AudioTechnica ATH-ADG1 headset. I believe they have they have the same drivers as the ATH-AD700X. I bought a pair like 8 years ago when I was very serious about Counter-Strike but knew gaming branded stuff was often junk. Before the prevalence of wannabe streamers people would often compliment my mic quality, and they sound pretty good to me, though I have pleb ears.
Some 40-50eur usb mics are seriously good, my brother got one, it sounds pretty good, came with a metal arm which mounts on the table, shock mount, pop filter, foam, etc. Insane value
I got my SHP9500 years ago when they ran for like $50. Enjoyed it for what it was. Super comfortable and the sound stage was better than any Skullcandy or beats and stuff I tried before. Don't use it anymore but I do think it's comfort is it's best quality. I could game all day with that and very easily takes the vmoda boom pro. I use my HD 560s now cause it doesn't matter. I'm not good enough for it to make a difference. And don't play multiplayer much anyways
….that last paragraph had a tone of sadness to it. Don’t worry, think how much time you’re saving by not playing multiplayer (I only play single player games)
@@TheHulksMistress ....and how much your sanity improves from not playing multiplayer
@@TheHulksMistress Haha, I just prefer singleplayer games more these days anyways. I'll hop on StarCraft 2 for my competitive fix but headphones truely don't matter in that game at all.
dude, the comfort!! I don't use speakers, only headphones so I really enjoy my SHP9500... it's simple: I put them on and I forget they are there. While using the Sundaras, omg such a sound quality, but boy... I can't wear them for more than 2 hours, they really hurt my ears
My SHPs got me wall bangs that I've been accused of hacking with.
the issue with this video and the thought process behind it is: the customer wants a headphone + microphone all in one product. we do not want to buy seperate microphones to clip onto our headphones or clip onto our shirt or whatever, WE WANT THE ALL IN ONE PACKAGE. so yea, this is why "gaming headphones" are actually a good option to buy for gamers, because they come as a full package. you did not give us any good alternatives in this video. all you did was basically tell us to buy regular headphones and a seperate mic, which is exactly what most consumers do NOT want to do.
As a cheap console pleb, I tried investing about $100 in the SHP9500+BoomPro mic precisely because people like crin recommended this combo online. I found this combo AWFUL for any online team gaming. The mic kept picking up game sounds from the open back cans. For HALF the price, HyperX Cloud II have worked wonderfully. The mic is far clearer, has background noise-cancelling, and is still easy to mute/unmute. Performance for online voice chatting is the key difference between "gaming" headsets and regular cans IMO, and this video misses the mark on that. You can't just slap a "good mic" together with some "good cans" and it automatically be good for gaming. There needs to be a synergy in the setup; and often an AIO "gaming headset" is priced cheaper, less fuss, and a better value than trying to get the "better" gear working together adequately.
@@PhantasmXYZ completely agree.i myself run a Corsair HS80 wireless gaming headset and both the sound quality, microphone quality, comfort are all great for the price. Not to mention because its wireless i can keep it on my head while i grab some food or go to the toilet.
i enjoyed rewatching this
Bought the Sennheiser PC360 and it was 150-200 euro ish if I remember well, and it was great for my listening pleasure and the microphone was nice. Then I bought a soundblaster USB soundcard and used it on the Playstation 3 at the time. Worked perfectly. Nowadays I simply use my Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones but I find them to be nice but compared to my recently bought Samsung Buds 2 Pro they sound dull (lacking the mid-high frequency detail and imaging in audio and gaming).
To me personally Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro is more than enough for gaming. It feels to kinda give more detail than Grado SR60e (which also were really good tho) and is probably a bit wider, but I don't remember for sure
Honestly I think the Harmonic Dyne Zeus are slept on for a "gaming" headphone. I love mine for both general enjoyment, but also how accurate they are when I'm playing a competitive tac shooter. Footsteps are clear, and directional. I drive mine with the Schiit Audio Magnius. I also throw on my HD660s with Dekoni pads.
"just use whatever you want". Indeed, this is the case for me. I only use a pair of cheap Tangzu Wan'er IEMs and still manage the play well.
This video was released at the perfect time
But Crinacle, I really do need the staging and imaging for my P2W strategy games on mobile
Yes, Uncle Crinacle is right, yet again. That said, if you’re dead set on owning an actual pair of “gaming” headphones, the VZR Model Ones are fantastic, and the Master & Dynamic MG20s are a great wireless option if that’s your use case. To be fair, neither are better than a regular set of midrange headphones and separate mic, but if you absolutely need an integrated mic that isn’t complete bullshit, these are two great options.
Any cheaper wireless solution for this purpose?
@@Xerathful If you want a midrange option, the Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is a solid choice. Sonar, Steelseries' software, is also great for customizing sound and microphone profiles and does a decent job with spatial audio. I don't know any headsets below that price point that are worth the investment.
@@Silverjerk How about the performance for music & movies? I always think that wireless headsets have latency. It is really important for me cuz I play FPS when I play games.
@@Xerathful They’re decent for movies; for music they’re going to be very bass-heavy and you’re going to lose some mids. Treble detail isn’t the best either, although it can be tweaked in Sonar. If you’re a critical listener I’d recommend something like the PC38X (unfortunately these are wired) which can serve double duty for gaming and music/movies. A lot of gaming headsets are tuned for gaming audio and aren’t always going to perform well for music. Wireless performance is solid as well. Bluetooth is where you’re going to see the most latency, but most wireless gaming headsets will operate on 2.4ghz bands and the latency will be minimal. Just avoid pure Bluetooth sets if you can. If you can save for them, the Master & Dynamic MG20 or the Audeze Maxwell will handle anything you can throw at them for games, music, and movies. They’re the best performing wireless headsets on the market for pure sound quality. The Maxwell’s mic is also exceptional and near broadcast quality.
@@Silverjerk Thank you again for being such an explanatory. Would you recommend me dac+amp(DAC) solution which is around 150$ for gaming, music ?
I agree with everything you say in this video except for the KSC75 being good for gaming. I have a pair, and they sound fantastic, but they're uncomfortable. I think comfort is the most important aspect because you could be gaming for several hours
This guy review are brutal and i love it
I have the PS5 headset. Find it awesome for gaming. It has no cables hanging so it's much more confortable. Also has a lot of interface buttons that allow for quick mute and volume controls. Soundwise I find I can easily locate footsteps. Now, I have no idea on how beautiful the sound really is, but for a competitive advantage it definitely feels like it gives it to me.
I have the same Pulse 3D headset, and I think they sound alright. Mess with the eq app and they sound a lot better. I also have the ATH-R70x and they blow the pulse out of the water. But I still prefer the wireless and the lag from the wireless adapters I have is very noticeable. I prefer the ATH when I'm playing COD or something alike but anything else I prefer the pulse.
The mic is not the best though
The Corsair HS80 has such an insane microphone that I ask to myself what the f* are all other headset companies doing. The mic in the HS80 sounds literally as good as a dedicated desk mic. With some EQ on it you can make it sound insanely good. But even if you don't do anything and use it stock, it's absolutely unbelievable. The HS80 might not have the best sound, but the mic is so freaking far ahead of ALL the competition even those 3x its price, it's just insane. If you want an all in one headset that's easily available everywhere and need the best mic ever for streaming without needing a dedicated desk mic, the HS80 is a no brainer. Just hear some mic tests on youtube and you will get surprised.
Mine cracked in half at the plastic piece of the headband in the center just this morning as I put it on my head. I have a narrow head even. Only 4 months of use Corsair had to replace both earcups under warranty for me because the seems split. These headsets have been mostly great but the durability is extremely questionable. I also do not like the fact it uses Windows audio and the sound balancing is terrible to use if you are trying to stream games or movies with audio to friends in Discord but this is a small nitpick. Mic and Sound quality have been great. I don't personally like the floating headband design from a stability perspective either because these headsets are quite heavy. If you tilt your head forward they will slip off your head.
yeah plus if you only use for pc, there's a USB version which sounds better than the wireless i have been wondering of which one to go for ( HS80, H560S, PG38X, H6PRO )
Do you game on PC? Because Playstation, for example’s has a cap on the mic audio bandwidth in their party chat so it doesn’t matter how good the mic is..
My headband cracked in half too
@@zososoundliterally no one over the age of 14 should be gaming on anything but a pc in 2023 bozo . The reason about caps on the mic is yet another reason gaystation is terrible.
My friend just recently looking for a 'gaming headphone' just because he only got a switch that can game,and for voice chat purposes.I just told him to look at some of the mics on the headsets that are offering and buy the cheapest one that doesn't sound like shit. Turns out the mic from the Corsairs' lower ended wired headphones have a pretty good mic. $60 is not a bad deal.
Mod mics are awesome, not as clean as a headset tho, either adding an extra cable or a wireless connection. I just wish there was more competition in that space. Although I've thought of doing a custom solution that's a bit more sleek.
For me, the best headphones ive used are shp9500. The sound is great, but thats not why. Its because of confort, weight and breathability. Not to mention the cable setup makes it easy to add a mic cable to make it into a headset
I have it too. For 1 years more. Just re equalizer it with crinacle graph tool web. reduce freq 5-6k and 17k. It will be good heaphone. And replace the earpads with velour. Original earpads not good clamp on my head
I daily drive an HD800 and it's just the best headphone I've ever tried and for gaming (and for critical listening). While it has its advantages, buying it SOLELY for gaming purposes is not really worth it. As a do it all headphone for music, production, gaming and all that, definitely. But man, if this isn't the most immersive headphone on the market, then I don't know what is.
Not immersive, staging is ok but imaging no
@@zhanurdos Did we hear the same headphone? Lol
@@Auruchius 800s only has wide soundstage but best imagination depth instrument placement etc is higher tier headphones 2k+ ends with HE1
@@zhanurdos I've tried things beyond 2K like the Empyrean and LCD4z and as far as instrument separation and imaging and layering/depth to the soundstage, it's still better on the HD800/800S. For preferences though, the bass is better on both the Empyrean and LCD4z.
yes you are right i wanted to find a gaming headset but I don't need it just head phones to hear in game well and you answered my question thank you so much keep up the amazing work and again thank you
Hey Crinacle, how about a video on wireless headphones/headsets? Bluetooth or 2.4ghz, vs wired, and why, why not, etc
I went on a big journey to find gaming headphones and ended up trying many in this lineup, and still felt dissatisfied. Long story short, I landed on the EPOS H6pro open backs. They have a really wide soundstage and pinpoint imaging. I EQ a slight V for single player games, and just leave them as-is for competitive ones and I couldn't be happier.
I found them for $150 AUD which is about $100 AUD, and I don't regret the purchase. The only other good headphones I have used are the Sennheiser HD6XX, and yeah, they aren't the same, but for the price I paid, I am VERY happy with the headphones, and the microphone is just a bonus for me. No way I would pay 4x the price to get the 6XX over these. I used to increase the treble to closer match my old Logitech G633's, and I slowly decreased it until I now run it flat with a bit of a bass extension boost and I couldn't be happier.
We need iem version of this crin! XD
I bought some razer sharks years ago and I just went these sound nice and are comfortable, this good and it's been like that for years
I'll say, as much as they may sound "bad" I adore the skullcandy crushers for action shooters. The booms rumbling on your head just put a smile on my face, even if they sound a bit worse than something like my FHEs. The fun factor is just too perfect for that type of game.
I would love to switch to other, better headphones, especially since I already have a separate mic. But there are 2 features I haven't found in any other good headphones that my current steelseries arctis pro wireless have: 1. 2.4ghz/5ghz wireless. Bluetooth has too much latency for gaming. Yes, I know, some newer low latency codecs aren't that noticeable anymore, but in games latency > sound quality. And no, wired isn't necessarily lower latency than wireless, there are even some wireless technologies out there that are faster than most wired products. 2. Multi input. I can have my pc connected wirelessly over 2.4ghz and my phone via bluetooth. An absolute gamechanger, since I use my gaming peripherals also for working from home. I pretty much dont take my headset off anymore. Both of those points are only comfort, I want to be able to get up between gaming sessions, while still talking in discord, take calls while gaming, listen to music while in a boring teams call (don't tell my colleagues;) ), etc. I wish there were actually good headphones out there that could do that. But unfortunately I haven't found those yet.
I work at a PC store and have been telling people this shit for over a decade now. I haven't personally found 'the one' for gaming but having worked in the returns team for some years I could say from experience pretty much all the gaming headphones were just mega bass/treble boosted shit. I think they might be better now, but I might think that because I no longer get to try them all. I haven't found the right set myself yet, I almost always use speakers. Most of the time my headphones are my AKG 702 but god damn the lack of bass pisses me off. Technically great for having probably for the reasons you have mentioned, but I don't want footsteps defiling my ears, really rather a warmer sound. It's not going to change my success, it'll just make it nicer to experience.
8:34 I'm trying this loadout. Adding Moondrop Chu II's as well. To see which "Budget" set up sounds better.
But a nice GAMING CHAIR however, makes a difference. It helps you aim and “feel” where the opponent is through walls!