NUBWO G06 Dual Wireless Gaming Headset with Microphone for PS5, PS4, PC, Mobile, Switch: 2.4GHz Wireless + Bluetooth - 100 Hr Battery - 50mm Drivers - Orange
Gaming Headsets with Good Microphones
When it comes to gaming, having the right headset with a good microphone is essential. Whether you need a headset with active noise canceling (ANC), wireless connectivity, or just a good microphone, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the best gaming headsets with good microphones on the market.
EPOS H3PRO Hybrid
The EPOS H3PRO Hybrid is a great multipurpose headset that comes with a magnetic three-pin microphone and a variety of connection options. It has active noise canceling (ANC) and adjustable microphone noise gate, making it a great choice for gaming in louder environments or shared living spaces.
Corsair Virtuoso Wireless SE
The Corsair Virtuoso Wireless SE is a premium gaming headset with aluminum construction, comfortable ear pads, RGB lighting, and a generous selection of included accessories. It supports wireless connections via its included 2.4GHz USB dongle, and has a 20-hour battery life.
Audio-Technica ATH G1
The Audio-Technica ATH G1 gaming headset is a straightforward build with stellar sound. It works with anything that supports TRRS plugs, and its 45mm dynamic drivers output very good sound. The microphone has a relatively neutral frequency response, making it ideal for gaming.
Razer Barracuda X (2022)
The Razer Barracuda X (2022) is an affordable gaming headset with Bluetooth, 2.4gHz, and wired connectivity options, good sound quality, long battery life, and a great microphone. It is light at only 250g, and its battery lasts 59 hours and 53 minutes. The frequency response varies from ours in the highs and lows quite a bit, with the mids being quite close to our consumer curve.
Getting the Most Out of Your Gaming Headset Mic
If there's any single feature that's central to the appeal of a gaming headset, it's the mic. The simplicity of having all your audio needs taken care of by a single device is what makes them worth getting in the first place. That emphasis on simplicity carries over into how much work you typically need to do to get usable chat audio—just getting the mic near your mouth is usually all you have to do. Nevertheless, there are all sorts of little ways you can positively impact the quality of your mic audio.
Find the Right Position for Your Mic
Headsets can sometimes take the guesswork out of mic placement, but putting the time in to find the right position pays dividends. The first, and arguably most important step in improving the audio of your gaming headset's mic is to adjust its position. The best way to determine this is to listen to how your mic makes you sound. If you have access to any sort of monitoring function on your computer, this is a great time to use it. You can also download Audacity and record yourself talking for a bit too. Once you've got a way to listening to your mic audio, pay attention to how you sound—it'll determine what steps you need to take. Are you too quiet? Try moving the mic closer to your mouth. Practice your plosives—P and B sounds, which make you exhale. If it sounds like a phone call on a windy day, try moving your mic to the side of your mouth, so air doesn't hit it every time you breath out. These may seem like small adjustments, but they can really make a difference in audio quality. That's especially true if you're doing any sort of recording, or you plan to start streaming.
Check Your Device Settings
Sometimes gaming headsets have mic settings you don't notice—there's often more than just a mute switch. This is especially true on PC, where software add-ons are common. Does your headset have a separate volume dial for the mic? If your voice is coming through quietly even after you adjust your mic position, that could explain it. Additionally, there could also be OS-level settings that need adjustment. If you're running Windows 10, check if the input volume is set appropriately. Sometimes it needs boosting, and other times it actually needs lowering. Call programs like Discord and Skype will automatically boost or lower your audio, but if you're looking at recording stuff outside of that, getting your base level settings locked in is important.
Don't Be Afraid to Play Around
Gaming headset microphones are designed to not need much fiddling. They're often not terribly sensitive, and even in the best conditions they won't sound like studio quality microphones. However, that's not a reason to to just live with it if you sound like a windy phone call from the 1990s. A lot of what I've mentioned here will help, but no one thing is a silver bullet. Don't be afraid to mix and match different settings, whether its volume through Windows and noise cancellation through Discord, or some other combination. Most of these settings aren't difficult to find or reset, so don't be afraid to tinker if things don't sound quite like you want them.
Conclusion
Having the right gaming headset with a good microphone is essential for gaming. Whether you need a headset with ANC, wireless connectivity, or just a good microphone, there are plenty of options to choose from. With a little bit of tweaking, you can get the most out of your gaming headset mic and ensure that you sound your best.
