USB vs Analog Headsets?

**Allane** · 07-13-10, 04:34 PM

Hey guys, I thought my X-Fi card had broken, so I plugged in a USB adapter and plugged my analog into the adapter. I immediately noticed a sharp decline in sound quality.

My question is: Is this just because I'm running an analog through an adapter? Do USB headsets have less audio quality than an Analog run through a dedicated soundcard?

Turns out my sound card was simply not seated correctly, though the question still stands.

**Dusk** · 07-13-10, 04:42 PM

Im leaning toward the adapter being the issue. Depending on the connections used, you could be going from a gold plated (high quality) connection to a cheaper metal, which would decrease quality on the spot. USB itself shouldn't really be an issue.

**Kanati** · 07-13-10, 06:59 PM

depends on the quality of the usb sound card (because that's all they are)... My G35, costing 135 dollars, sounds far superior to the onboard sound that I use when not gaming.

**HeavyG** · 07-13-10, 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by Dusk

Im leaning toward the adapter being the issue. Depending on the connections used, you could be going from a gold plated (high quality) connection to a cheaper metal, which would decrease quality on the spot. USB itself shouldn't really be an issue.

I will argue that. Gold plated vs non-gold plated won't make any audible difference with USB. It is all a bunch of hype to get you to spend more money. Gold plated connectors only help to reduce any corrosion that may occur. If you are gaming in a rain forest or somewhere with high humidity, then it might make a difference.

To answer your question, a USB headset is basically it's own sound card. If you are plugged into USB and you have it set as your audio device, your X-Fi sound card is basically sitting there taking up space. To get full use out of your X-Fi card, you would want to always use your analog ports.

Honestly, I am also using a G35. When I had my Razer Barracuda, I hated having to pull plugs out of my PC when I wanted to switch back to speakers. The G35 is always plugged in and I simply go to Volume Control -> Playback Devices -> and select between my Sound Blaster X-Fi and my Logitech G35 as the default device.

**flame** · 07-13-10, 11:03 PM

My headphones (777s) had the usb thing, I didnt care for it. I have an asus xonar sound card and 5.1 speakers I use most of the time. The awesome thing is the speakers have a volume control box that i can plug my headphones into and it sits right by my keyboard so i dont run into the plug and unplug issue as its literally right infront of me and easy to go from speakers to headphones. I used the usb for a while and it improved the surround sound effect a tiny bit but not much.