Where are my audio heads out there who love it when a game sounds spectacular?  If you’re like me, you know there’s no replacement for some good sound in a game.  You can say that about a phone call too couldn’t ya?  I’m happy to report that I think I’ve found sound heaven with both the wireless GameCom X95 and GameCom 777 from the Plantronics series headsets.

The X95 is for the Xbox 360 and the 777 is for PC.  I even used the 777 series on the plane from Seattle and it made a huge difference in my movie viewing.  Of course most of you will be using them to game but it’s nice to know that they serve more than one purpose.

Using the X95 on the Xbox 360 was a really amazing experience.  I didn’t even realize I had headsets on my head which is actually a good thing because no one likes to feel weighted down with crap on their heads while playing.  They made every step I took more crisp and unfortunately every time I was killed was more in my face too.

You really don’t get a clue at how much of the gaming experience you’ve been missing until you stop using the regular headsets that come with the console and invest in some headsets built to give you quality audio.  Even simple party chat was improved.

I realize most of you might hesitate and only rely on your TV’s audio or surround sound system but you should seriously try some headsets.  I guess if you have a surround sound system that is booming it might not matter but for those like me with a pretty typical setup, the headsets are perfect.

Most of the headsets I’ve used focus too much on amplifying the bass in games so you don’t get to hear the fine details of bullets rattling off or footsteps.  But the X95 does such a good job with balancing the audio streams that my ears didn’t feel overwhelmed with bass and definitely didn’t get anyone sneaking up on me.  Okay, I did but that was more about my lack of skills than the audio.

The 777 headset made the Battlefield 3 alpha beta rock!  I can only imagine what they’d do for a competitive player who needs superior audio.  For me, they simply added to the experience and immersed me in the game that much more.  I tried them with movies too and could tell my ears were thankful.  They sort of ringed in enjoyment as I watched Inception and even when I played some old school Half-Life 2.

Hell I’m going to see about investing in some Plantronics for my HTC Senstation 4G!  Yep, they not only have gaming options but mobile options too!  There’s something to be said about me looking into a bluetooth headset because I’ve never owned or wanted one.  But if my gaming experience can be boosted with Plantronics’ gaming line, then I’m interested in seeing what they can do to my mobile love affair.

Build quality

9.0

One of the best things about the X95 is its design and build.  They’re not bulky and heavy.  They fit very comfortably and don’t intrude on the gaming experience.  One of the things I mentioned to the Plantronics team during my PAX interview was just how comfortable they were which is a huge plus.  It was nice to hear back that comfort is a huge part in their design strategy.  The earpods themselves are a good size and when on don’t allow much noise to filter out so you get all the good sound.  The top band is adjustable of course for those with bigger skulls than me.

The 777 headset had the same light weight to them that made them less of an intrusion when wearing.  They were comfortable and that is one of the first things I look for in a headset.  They have to be comfortable!  Loved the way the microphone was tucked away too.  I didn’t like the audio control on it to be honest.  When trying to adjust the volume of the headset, the dial wasn’t the easiest thing to use.  I had to bring it up to my face to actually see the grooves in it to turn and adjust the volume.

Sound quality

9.0

This is where the headsets make their money.  When I connected the X95 to the Xbox 360 and played Batman: Arkham Asylum it was almost like my TV had taken on a new persona.  The way it managed to trap the bass and subtle sound effects filtered throughout the score of Batman was great.  It nearly felt movie-like despite the fact that the X95 doesn’t support 5.1 Dolby.  Speaking to Lars Ahntholz of Plantronics, he told me that the team has a high confidence in the extensive process they go through to get great sound to the gamer.  And would you believe old Lars managed to beat me in a game of Street Fighter IV … dammit I’ll never live that down. (smiles)

The one thing I will point out that disappointed me was the fact that the X95 had to be plugged into the controller for voice output.  I enjoyed using it for party chat but it definitely took away from the whole “wireless” aspect of it.

The 777 headset comes with a USB attachment for Dolby to create a 7.1 surround sound experience.  If you don’t want a Dolby experience then don’t use the USB attachment but I don’t know why you’d do that.  It converts any 2 channel audio source to a 7.1 experience so do it!  I fired up some Inception and just let the headphones do their work.  It sounded pretty damn good … better than my Razer Carcharias headphones.

One of the differences between the sound of the two was that the 777 had an open-ear design that allowed you to hear the surroundings.  Impressive I tell you … impressive

Overall I’d say that if you needed to invest in better sound for your gaming experience and you don’t have tons of money to purchase a surround sound theater system, then these headpsets are at the top of the list as a substitute.  They’re comfortable, affordable and most of all they enhance the sound experience on your console and PC.

Ya heard me?  (please tell me you get that)