Thread: USB Headsets?

My only question is if i buy a USB headset, is my sound card still being used? Or is it in the motherboard's hands at that point.

Iron answered my question on xfire.

I actually use one and the sound card is not used, you actually have to change your playback device when you want the headset.

Originally Posted by IronStomach

Since USB headsets act as a USB audio device, they bypass the sound card. Basically, if you've invested in a good sound card, using the DAC in a $20 usb headset to process your sound is a waste.

Bingo. In addition, you're not only pulling addition CPU cycles for what's probably an inferior soundcard, you're also pulling CPU cycles to run it via USB. For a laptop with crap a$$ sound card, I do use a USB logitech headset. For my main computer, I run it thru my x-Fi.

i use one too, but on my desktop. i only have the on-board crystal audio, so it's not that big of a loss for me. mine seem to work fine (without any configuration to tell the game which ones to use, but that could be software helping), except for the occasional (like once every 2-3 months) all sound cutting out. when this happens, it usually takes me leaving the game, removing, and replugging the usb headset back in. i think this may be a software bug, though (the software for mine is a piece of trash. you can only use them in the usb port you had them plugged into during install. in order to move to a new usb port, i have to un-install, and re-install the software).

here's the set i got, btw. the rumble effect is pretty cool. takes a lil bit to get used to big explosions rattling your brain, but pretty cool

As the title says, I'm looking for a small and competitive L4D2 PC team. That means I want to be in a team where there is no more than like 7 - 8 people. It's a 4 player co-op game so no need for 40 members. I have played the game on both platforms since their releases so I have enough experience. Also, even though I'm looking to play competitively does not mean I want to play with people that will FREAK OUT if you miss a pounce or you lose a round. If there are no small teams out there I am willing to build one with 5 or 6 good people to play. Message me on steam/xfire if you are interested in building a small team or recruiting me to one. By the way, I'm American and would prefer to play with Americans because the Euro timezones are annoying to work around.

steam - iceman419
xfire - ownzor111

Thanks,

A1eX