Headset with Noise-Cancelling Mic

[imusorka]

Could anyone please suggest a (preferably stereo) on-ear headset with a good noise-cancelling microphone, i.e. that kills all the background noise? Up to $50 would be great but might consider spending more if quality is good.

 

[Childs]

USB or 3.5mm? Is this for chatting, like Skype, gaming, both?

 

[imusorka]

Music, Skype, gaming. Basically, an all-round headset. Jack type is not that important, although 3.5mm is preferable.

 

[Childs]

Here are some threads that have come up recently:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2268515
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2271354


I have the Gamecom 780, and the mic sounds alright, so I would assume the 380 (non usb version) for $35 or so would be solid. If you happen to have decent headphones already, I would suggest looking into the Antlion ModMic, or a cheaper desktop noise cancelling mic. Corsair Vengeance 1300 is $60. I personally would start with decent headphones and a cheaper mic like the Zalman or Logitech USB mic, and then maybe upgrade the mic over time if you need to. Neither the mic nor drivers on a headset under $50 will be great. You can get good headphones and a decent mic for that price. But if you want something that is just good enough, I would think the Gamecom 380 would work well for you.

 

[imusorka]

Thank you for the suggestions. I did come across most of them during my past search but neither headset looked like a good buy. Primarily, due to apparent lack of comfort and mediocre mic quality. Guess, I'm after one of these but the prices hurt. Any idea about cheaper alternatives of comparable quality or is it unrealistic?

 

[Childs]

At under $50 it would be tough. Those headsets you linked aren't really for gaming or music. If the mic is what is important to you, you can get a good standalone cardioid condenser mic for around $65. Or you can spend a little more than the ones you linked and go to something like the PC350 $150ish on Amazon atm.

I know comfort is subjective, but are you referring to pressure on your head or the material the cans are lined with?

 

[imusorka]

Comfort as in lightness and ability to wear for a long time. PC350 is a decent option at its price point but it exceeds the budget and noise-cancelling wouldn't be good for my purposes. Hence, the search for an on-ear headset. Guess I'm gonna have a hard time finding something suitable...

 

[Childs]

Razer Carcharias is fairly light, and comes with a noise canceling mic. Its around $75 or less. Why not go with a desktop mic? Logitech Desktop mic is noise canceling, and only costs $20. As long as you dont use desktop speakers, you should be fine.

 

[imusorka]

I would spend $75 on the Razer set right away if it were not for the serious build quality issues that could be seen in numerous reviews on different websites.

Are you familiar with these Able Planet or Audio-Technica sets? I wouldn't mind them being mono if all of my other wishes are fulfilled.

The desktop mic suggestion is appreciated but I prefer to have fewer things to carry with my laptop. Hence, the search for a headset.

 

[Childs]

Ahh, laptop. I have the Audio-Technica ATH-AD700 and ATH-AD300 headphones, and ATR2500 USB mic. I generally like their products.

Some reviews seem positive:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...icrophone.html

 

[imusorka]

Can't find any reviews on the Able Planet set. Torn between that and ATR5200.