Best Gaming Headset vs $1000 Audio Setup

Summary

In this video, the creator compares three different audio setups for gaming, streaming, and editing: the budget-friendly HyperX Cloud 2, the mid-range Sennheiser & Drop PC38X, and the premium Shure SM7B paired with high-end Sennheiser IE300 IEMs. The review focuses on comfort, microphone quality, and audio performance, highlighting the significant improvements in sound and mic quality as you move up in price. While the HyperX offers great value for budget gamers, the PC38X provides a more immersive experience, and the Shure setup delivers top-tier quality for professional streamers and content creators, though it may be overkill for gaming alone.

Takeaways

• 😀 The HyperX Cloud 2 headset offers good comfort and decent microphone quality for its $60 price point but sacrifices audio quality with a bright, fatiguing sound.
• 😀 The Sennheiser & Drop PC38X headset provides a significant upgrade in both microphone and audio quality, offering fuller sound and better bass response for around $200.
• 😀 The Shure SM7B paired with high-end IEMs like the Sennheiser IE300 delivers exceptional microphone quality and immersive sound, but it's considered overkill for gaming.
• 😀 The dynamic range of the HyperX Cloud 2's microphone is commendable, as it doesn't clip during loud or soft speech, which is important for gaming.
• 😀 Audio quality in gaming headsets, such as the HyperX Cloud 2, often focuses on boosting mid-to-high frequencies, which is good for detecting game cues but sacrifices overall enjoyment.
• 😀 The Sennheiser & Drop PC38X provides a wider soundstage with open-back design, creating a more immersive gaming experience compared to closed-back headsets like the HyperX Cloud 2.
• 😀 Despite the performance improvements of high-end audio setups, the increased cost often results in diminishing returns, especially for competitive gaming.
• 😀 The PC38X microphone quality is much better than the Cloud 2's, but it picks up more breathing noise, requiring adjustments like a noise gate for optimal sound quality.
• 😀 For general gaming and content creation, investing around $200 in a headset like the PC38X provides a well-rounded balance of performance without significant diminishing returns.
• 😀 Premium setups with the Shure SM7B and IEMs provide superior audio quality and immersive experiences but aren't necessary for competitive gaming, as they don't offer a major edge in terms of gameplay advantage.

Q & A

What is the key difference between the HyperX Cloud 2s and the Sennheiser and Drop PC38Xs in terms of microphone quality?

The microphone quality of the Sennheiser and Drop PC38Xs is significantly better than the HyperX Cloud 2s. The latter's microphone sounds compressed and lacks clarity, whereas the PC38Xs deliver clearer, more professional-grade sound, making them more suitable for serious gaming and streaming.

How does the comfort of the HyperX Cloud 2s compare to other headsets?

The HyperX Cloud 2s are praised for their comfort, especially considering their affordable price point. The headband and clamping force are well-designed, making them comfortable for extended use, which was an unexpected advantage for a budget headset.

What is the primary limitation of the HyperX Cloud 2s in terms of audio performance?

The audio quality of the HyperX Cloud 2s is very high-frequency driven, which makes the sound feel flat, tinny, and fatiguing. While they emphasize mid to high frequencies for gaming audio, the overall sound lacks depth and bass, reducing the overall enjoyment.

How does the sound quality of the Sennheiser and Drop PC38Xs improve upon the HyperX Cloud 2s?

The Sennheiser and Drop PC38Xs offer a fuller, more balanced sound with better bass and midrange. The audio is much more immersive, with clear detail across the frequency spectrum, making it a night-and-day difference compared to the Cloud 2s.

What gaming experience does the open-back design of the Sennheiser and Drop PC38Xs provide?

The open-back design of the PC38Xs provides a wider soundstage, which makes the audio feel more expansive and immersive. This creates a more natural sense of space, though it doesn't drastically affect competitive gaming performance like pinpointing footsteps.

How does the microphone quality of the PC38Xs compare to the Cloud 2s?

The microphone quality of the PC38Xs is superior to the Cloud 2s. It captures clearer and more detailed audio, though it is prone to picking up breathing noise. This can be mitigated by using a noise gate or adjusting the microphone's angle.

What specific feature does the PC38Xs offer for mic control that is useful for gamers?

The PC38Xs include a built-in mute switch for the microphone, activated by rotating it upwards, which is a convenient feature for quick muting during gaming sessions. It also has a volume knob on the right side for easy audio adjustments.

What makes the Shure SM7B microphone stand out compared to gaming headset microphones?

The Shure SM7B offers professional-level microphone quality, which is a world of difference compared to the tiny capsule microphones on gaming headsets. It delivers a richer, fuller sound ideal for streaming and recording, although it's overkill for casual gaming due to its high price.

How does the audio feedback differ between the HyperX Cloud 2s and the Shure SM7B?

The Shure SM7B provides far more detailed and dynamic audio feedback compared to the HyperX Cloud 2s. The Cloud 2s lack the bass and depth, making gaming less immersive, whereas the SM7B offers a more full-bodied, realistic sound that enhances the overall experience, though it's more suited for professional streaming.

What are the key factors that determine whether you should invest in a high-end audio setup like the Shure SM7B for gaming?

Investing in a high-end audio setup like the Shure SM7B is worthwhile if you prioritize streaming or recording content, as it provides exceptional microphone clarity and sound quality. For gaming alone, the increased audio fidelity may not make a significant impact on performance, as in-game audio is often compressed in platforms like Discord or TeamSpeak.