Creative HS-1200 Wireless X-Fi Gaming Headset Review - 08/21/08 10:07 AM
Everything USB is pleased to announce our Creative HS-1200 Wireless X-Fi Gaming Headset Review
Gamers understand the value of headphones all too well: to avoid pesky restraining orders or plan a sneak attack during a LAN party, sometimes it's best to confine the sounds that populate the games we love to the space between the ears. However, anyone playing a game needs to add surround to their auditory experience, or risk missing critical (and enjoyable) audio details. One option is to go the hardware route: adding multiple drivers to each headphone cup, as Tritton did with their Audio Xtreme USB headset. But adding more hardware is expensive, so Creative is one of many companies opting for other option: simulated surround through software. Throw in a swivel-mounted microphone and a wireless receiver and you have the potential for an enclosed gamer's paradise, but potential and reality can be two very different states of being. How well do these HS-1200 X-Fi headphones work? Today, we'll find out.
http://www.everythingusb.com/creative-hs-1200-wireless-usb-gaming-headset-15237.html
Verdict:
Creative's wireless take on the world of wireless gaming sound hits a lot of strong spots (weight, comfort, ease of use, surround options with OpenAL), but still needs work in some areas and is not a good general-use replacement. Recommended, but with some caveats.
Pros:
+ Comfortable fit
+ Simple, easy to use controls
+ Good battery life
+ Deals well with standard amounts of interference
+ Rechargeable battery
Cons:
- Poor documentation
- Microphone levels are fairly low
- Master volume not designed for a headset
- Not a good general-use product
- Surround works better with OpenAL games
Regards,
Ian Chiu
Managing Editor, Everything USB
http://www.everythingusb.com/
Gamers understand the value of headphones all too well: to avoid pesky restraining orders or plan a sneak attack during a LAN party, sometimes it's best to confine the sounds that populate the games we love to the space between the ears. However, anyone playing a game needs to add surround to their auditory experience, or risk missing critical (and enjoyable) audio details. One option is to go the hardware route: adding multiple drivers to each headphone cup, as Tritton did with their Audio Xtreme USB headset. But adding more hardware is expensive, so Creative is one of many companies opting for other option: simulated surround through software. Throw in a swivel-mounted microphone and a wireless receiver and you have the potential for an enclosed gamer's paradise, but potential and reality can be two very different states of being. How well do these HS-1200 X-Fi headphones work? Today, we'll find out.
http://www.everythingusb.com/creative-hs-1200-wireless-usb-gaming-headset-15237.html
Verdict:
Creative's wireless take on the world of wireless gaming sound hits a lot of strong spots (weight, comfort, ease of use, surround options with OpenAL), but still needs work in some areas and is not a good general-use replacement. Recommended, but with some caveats.
Pros:
+ Comfortable fit
+ Simple, easy to use controls
+ Good battery life
+ Deals well with standard amounts of interference
+ Rechargeable battery
Cons:
- Poor documentation
- Microphone levels are fairly low
- Master volume not designed for a headset
- Not a good general-use product
- Surround works better with OpenAL games
Regards,
Ian Chiu
Managing Editor, Everything USB
http://www.everythingusb.com/