review: cs dsp-500

[CmdrFlesh]

Edited by [user="41266"] @ [time="1061636670"]

So this is a headset with integrated soundcard... hmm I just wonder why they invented that? For me, I have a decent soundcard capable of digitally processing somethings, even in full duplex mode!!1!1! So why would I need an extra external usb soundcard for exclusively running the headset? What's the benefit? And if I decided to use a headset like this, how would switching between my old-fashioned internal soundcard (which would digitally process somethings and send it to my speakers) and the headset system be done? Would I have to go deep into my OS's config dialog dungeons to achieve that or...? I have no experience with running several sound adapters simultaneously. Games never seem to offer a possibility to choose from several sound cards. I guess I'd have to change a global OS setting everytime you want to switch, please correct me if I'm wrong...



edit: concerning Sennheiser headphones: I had one (HD 445) and their cables tend to break (the wires inside, not the cable itself) right where they are connected to the speakers. Very annoying, especially because a spare cable would cost almost as much as the headphone.

[Eagle25]

to me, in my absolutley closed mind, this is just an overpriced, overhyped peice of plastic... integrated soundcard? well, sounds decent for any one with an ac 97 or whatever other goofy integrated soundcard... but for people who (like myself) have an already decent soundcard wich is capable of good quality sound, why bother paying for another one? plus im sure this one is overpriced because it has counter strike in its name



-edit the person on that review picture... god if anyone screams that loud when playing cs they need therapy

[Wwv]

The reason for the USB is that it supposedly doesn't pick up electromagnetic noise seeing it quickly goes USB=digital.

nm that it still has to be converted in the usb box on the cable to digital so there's always a analog line ready to pick up interference, o well. as rizzuh says, yay for marketing hype.

At least it doesn't pick up noise from all the frequencies inside your computercase I guess is the logic.

btw, ironically my soundcard sometimes picks up USB noise.



And yes, you pick the mic used in windows->settings->control panel->audio but seeing it's a separate setting for recording device that should not be a problem leading to constant switching.

[Diamond Dust]

(except the sirens from the fire station I live near, but that's a rare circumstance because I spend so much time reviewing headphones that I don't get the time to light things on fire anymore).

ahh that made me roflmao, ga I one of those expensive soundcards, so no usb headset for me

[busterrifle]

E-HOG wrote..

Then get an .5 mini audio plug extension cord at radio shack.

we don't have Radio Shacks down here. They're called Tandy.....lol



wtf is Tandy meant to be anyway?! They sell Radio Shack branded products, so obviously it's a franchise type company.



Stupid Australian trade laws.



Back to the topic.... I use Sony street headphones with a free standing mic (whooo, obsolete junk!). The Sony's are great, but the ones with volume control would be much better for gaming.

[MikeJ]

Eagle25 this headset is for people who either have integrated sound or people who are unlucky enough to have a sound blaster card that isn't the Audigy 2. I think that's the only card they make that doesn't have screwed up problems with it in atleast some way shape or form. From blasting everyone over the mic with static to not being able to use two different direct sound applications at the same time. The sound quality is just as good and it's a lot cheaper then paying like $70 for audigy 2 and then another $30 or so for a decent headset.



You can pick up the DSP500s on amazon for $66 with free shipping.

[-Aragorn]

I have Sennheiser HD 212 Pro's, with Audio 90's that I use for the microphone (rizzuh style).



Very good setup. The Sennheisers are great. The 212's are also closed, so you can listen to them very loudly without disturbing others. The bass is superb on the Sennheisers too.

[|=AoGO=| DaButcha]

Had the DSP-500, which broke due to abuse on my behalf :P. Repairing those things yourself is damn well near impossible btw, since the wires have a diameter of around .1mm



Got myself a nifty DSP-400 now, which is working fine as well. Bit lower bass reponse, but still some nice sound coming from it. Did I mention the folding capabilities of the 400? Not that it's useful, but hey you CAN fold 'em



$110 is waaay off decency by the way. Here in the Netherlands the plain dsp-500 ships at around 100 euros as well, so I imported both Plantronics from the States. Gotta love PayPal

[ReFresh33]

mmmm i may be stupid or somthign but i still prefer speakers cuz i wear glasses and so it hurts when i wear headsets. I do like the sounds better but i can still find the enemy with speakers. They work just as well. And also, my heaset broke...hahah

[SiC]

I enjoyed reading that review thanks to rizzus talent.

[con2vp1]

should you have a faster connection to talk clear on the mic because my DSP-500 its not clear when i talk on the mic and they said that u should have a faster connection coz im a fucking 56k pls help

[kSaini]

I had an Audio .90 too. Problem with it was that around after a year of use, one side didn't play sound at all. I went through two .90s and then finally decided to get a logitec usb headset (model 300). They're durable and perform very well.

[Mobius?]

i got me a 1337 headset mic for $30

works real well until the server gets bogged down or someone starts to lag

[kurokokaze]

heh oh well my audio 90, audigy gamer and plantronics speaker switcher are way better than these 110 dollar headphones and all those cost as much as this freaking dsp 500 i would never shell out so much for headphones golly, the switcher works wonders for whoever needs to switch between speakers and headsets espcially to my logitech 640zs

[DarkZeratul]

ROFL at the picture on the right side of the site. Looks like she was just awped...!