The Edge - Headsets - The Mic

Microphones are an integral part of any headset.  It can take the form of an in line mic or a boom mic coming from an earpiece.  Most mics are on the left lead or attached to the left earpiece.

The microphone should clearly transmit the voice of the user without introducing other sounds from the user's environment. Some gamers like to play music while gaming and some mics pick up the background music as well as the users voice. No problem during a campaign, but during online game play your teammate who happens to be a Country Music fan may not appreciate the by the finale of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, not to mention the cannon shots could be a bit distracting.

"Why do players play their favorite tunes while playing, shouldn't they be more focused?" We've all pondered and/or voiced that question, or the question, "Why do players always want my music turned down or off?" These questions, while usually voiced in far less subtle terms, illustrate both sides of the same issue, an issue that can be addressed with the mic.

With regard to music during gameplay, players tend to fall into one of three categories. One, players who listen to music. Two, players who don't listen and are distracted by the music of others. Three, players who don't listen and aren't distracted. There are other categories such as players who listen but are bothered by the music of other's, however, this type of player is also distracted from the game by his own music, and is not using music to enhance his ability, only his enjoyment; he simply doesn't like the other guy's music. We are not trying to take away from the relevance of their issue, the issue is simply not relevant to our subject.

The edge you gain with a surround sound headset is measured by the ability to accurately locate your opponent by sound and the ability to communicate to the players on your team. The latter advantage could be diminished if your fellow players are muting you; it does no good to announce "They're moving north through the eastern passageway" if nobody is listening.