To preface my issue a bit, I've always found the xbox headset to be pretty weak even with the volume on the controller and the dashboard on max, so maybe mine is faulty (I refuse to believe I have hearing issues haha). But...

I just started putting together my HT with a new set of front towers (rears on the way) and discovered there's no way I can play it loud and use voice com at the same time. It really blows because I mostly play with friends and I'm a very active communicator when it comes to tactics and the like. I tried using an alternative setup (ipod earbuds + cell phone adapter w/mic and volume control) and found I was able to hear better, but the mic was way too sensitive and gave a TON of feedback.

It's pretty lame that the dashboard lacks the ability to adjust mic sensitivity, so I might be stuck having to turn my volume down and/or give up voice com to enjoy my new speakers. But does anyone have any recommendations on an alternate headset to use?

The dashboard DOES have the ability to adjust mic sensitivity. You have to hit the guide button and it's in one of your profile menus.

Are you sure about that?

Positive.

Guide button -> Personal Settings -> Voice

Adjust the little slider guy so that you are not annoying everyone :)

Or learn how to mute the mic while you're playing when you're not talking and bugging everyone else with your loud speakers.

Or learn how to mute the mic while you're playing when you're not talking and bugging everyone else with your loud speakers.

What a great response! Thanks for the help dude! I fail to see where my original post says I'm constantly giving feedback while I'm playing, but I guess I'm not going to get any kind of helpful response here. :rolleyes:

And unless I missed a dashboard update, or I'm looking in the wrong place, I still don't see a sensitivity slider. The only slider I have is for volume.

the only thing you can control in the dashboard is the volume, which he said he was all the way up in his original post, so that nullifies posts 2-4...

the bottom line is that like you, i'm not happy with any of the headsets available for the 360 either, and have yet to try one that i am happy with. the only thing i can say would be to try a 2.5mm cell phone headset, with a decent boom and in-line volume control, and see how that works out for you...

i personally crack up that everyone and their grandmother complained about the original MS headset for the orginal xbox, and while it wasn't the best as far as comfort goes, it was great as far as hearing other people and being able to communicate with them. maybe try to see if there's a Gamestop by you that may have one used for a few bucks, and see how that works, and just adjust the volume through the dash since it doesn't have an in-line volume control. if you need to curse at someone, just unplug it... lol

i just found my original Halo2 headset i had for my original xbox, i'm going to try that out next time i play, and if i works well i'll post back...

Thanks man. I did try the cell phone method, but I think without a sensitivity adjustment I think I'm screwed. I would think that would be an easy implementation in the dashboard or are the mics so crappy that it wouldn't matter? I have a feeling my living room is causing a lot of reflection/harshness (bare floor and thin rug) which is making the problem worse, so hopefully some room correction will help.

What a great response! Thanks for the help dude! I fail to see where my original post says I'm constantly giving feedback while I'm playing, but I guess I'm not going to get any kind of helpful response here. :rolleyes:

And unless I missed a dashboard update, or I'm looking in the wrong place, I still don't see a sensitivity slider. The only slider I have is for volume.

That's mic volume, not earpiece volume. Same thing as sensitivity, more or less. Turn your mic volume down, and it won't pick up more distant noises.

That's mic volume, not earpiece volume. Same thing as sensitivity, more or less. Turn your mic volume down, and it won't pick up more distant noises.

Verified this is incorrect...bump

Here is what i use and its awsome!

one of these
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l269/vancouver_03/b61c729fd7a000381805d010L.jpg

With this
http://www.bang-olufsen.com/page.asp?id=53
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l269/vancouver_03/earset1.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l269/vancouver_03/Earset1-mobile.jpg

Let's see now.....$10 for the adapter, $250 for the headset......that's $260 for your solution. :)

Yeah, for that kind of coin I sure hope it works. :D

I use the Plantronics MX505. It's basically identical to one they make specifically for the 360 (I think it's the X30), but the minor design differences make it much, much better, mostly due to the volume/mute dongle being separated from the little tension-relief clip.

I've found them plentifully in the cell-phone accessories area of Best Buy etc.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7716162&st=mx505&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1138087124172

The only real problem is that the mic tends to be a little quiet, which can be an issue for others because of the low volume of that original 360 headset. But for myself, the thing is a massive improvement over the original, plus I can wear it underneath my headphones for late-night gaming.

I use this one: Plantronics GameCon X30 In-Ear Headset (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7676115&type=product&id=1134702472303). It works wonders for hearing people while playing loud due to it being slightly more in your ear than the others. I actually find myself turning it down because it seems that some of my friends are too loud, even when they are talking normally. And, it's pretty darn cheap, too.

Funny thing is, I tried using the standard headset the other day just for fun. After trying the two standard ones I had, I came to the conclusion that they are junk. I like to play my games loud and just couldn't hear anyone, even with the volume at max. On a side note, none of my friends have ever complained of being able to hear my loud speakers in the background with the X30, though I can't say the same for the standard one.

Give the X30 a try. It may seem a little weird at first as it mounts under your ear, but it's much more comfortable than the original, especially when playing games for long periods of time.

-Brad

I use this one: Plantronics GameCon X30 In-Ear Headset (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7676115&type=product&id=1134702472303). It works wonders for hearing people while playing loud due to it being slightly more in your ear than the others.

-Brad


As I said in my post above, the MX505, also from Plantronics, is far superior to the X30 in every way. It is essentially the same unit, but the microphone stalk is much better and more adjustable. Also, the mute/volume dongle is separate from the clip on the wire that provides tension relief, which allows the dongle to be much more easily accessible. It costs just about the same as the X30.

I've used them both extensively, and the MX505 is superior, in that all the differences between the two are better on the MX505.

I'll have to look into that one. I'm always looking for gadgets!

-Brad

the x30 is 5 bucks.... and works well.

how much is the mx505?

This is the kind of help I was looking for, thanks! Just got the mx505 on ebay for $11 shipped...hope it's as good as you say it is.

there have been a few recent sales, i got mine at stootsi, and i have seen it elsewhere for the same price, but your best bet is probably ebay.

and IF you can find the mx505 for the same price, i'd probably go that route, even though i havent used the 505, and the x30's volume controls or mic adjustments dont bother me.

So if I'm reading right the problem is that the mic is picking up the sound from your speakers and hence other people you're playing with are hearing it through your mic?

In that case, one of my friends got the plantronics X30 mentioned above a month or so ago, and it seems to REALLY block out surrounding noise. It's to the point where he says he has to practically put the mic in his mouth for me to hear him and sometimes when he talks it doesn't come through, so the sensitivity must be pretty low on it.

Wow. You must have your stereo really loud. Since I moved into a house I've been able to play at 10dB below reference. And with the 360 headset, there's never been any feedback.

I use the 360 wireless headset and find it awesome

i tried playing with my Halo2 (plantronics) headset from my original xbox the other night, and while i was able to hear everyone very well, i did get complaints that it was too loud. i didn't know about that Datel adapter though, i will have to look into that...

Let's see now.....$10 for the adapter, $250 for the headset......that's $260 for your solution. :)

Yeah, for that kind of coin I sure hope it works. :D

and it does!

works great, sound great, feels great and looks great ( not thate anyone would ever see it). Yea it costs alot but it matches my system, and I use the earset for my cell and work too.

i was just looking online for that Datel headset adapter, because i would really like to be able to use my Halo2 headset from my original xbox on my 360, and no one seems to have it in stock. did they stop making it? i'm only asking because it's not even on Datel's website anymore...

i was just looking online for that Datel headset adapter, because i would really like to be able to use my Halo2 headset from my original xbox on my 360, and no one seems to have it in stock. did they stop making it? i'm only asking because it's not even on Datel's website anymore...

not sure, but my local CC always has them in those "bargain bins" and they range from 4.99 to 9.99.... but they always have them in stock.

i was just looking online for that Datel headset adapter, because i would really like to be able to use my Halo2 headset from my original xbox on my 360, and no one seems to have it in stock. did they stop making it? i'm only asking because it's not even on Datel's website anymore...

Frys electronics for $9.99

I use the wireless mic and have had pretty good luck with it. It does have occasional dropouts, but they generally only last a second or two. I haven't had any problems with hearing people or with people being able to hear me.

I use the adapter that Vancouver posted, which was 10$, and a 5$ cellphone headset or a headset from the original XBox. This combo works fine for me