General

The microphone may be this [url=http://www.amazon.com/Zalman-Zm-Mic1-Sensitivity-Headphone-Microphone/dp/B00029MTMQ]one[/url] which is commonly recommended by audiophiles who use music headphones for gaming. However, it is not the only ~$10 standalone mic to my knowledge.

The [url=http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-AD700-Open-air-Audiophile-Headphones/dp/B000CMS0XU]Audio Technica ATH-AD700[/url] is recommended for gamers unable to pony up for the Astro A30. While the AD700 has some features that won't appeal to you such as an open back design, weak bass presence, and the obvious lack of a microphone, its claim to fame for gamers is a soundstage capable of reproducing natural sounds such as footsteps and some wacky sound science that allows for accurate positional audio better than 5.1 headsets.

I personally do not like heatsets from Turtle Beach, Tritton (Mad Catz), and Razer. They're overhyped, overpriced, and underwhelming. The most likely reason why those three have their own cult followings is because the fanboys haven't tried better headphones/headsets from other manufacturers.

I do find Corsair Vengeance headsets, the Logitech G35, Steelseries Siberia V2, and Sennheiser gaming headsets acceptable, but all of them are at odds with the closely priced Audio Technica ATH-AD700 and standalone mic combo.

http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-PC-320-Gaming-Headset
http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-PC-310-Gaming-Headset
http://www.amazon.com/SteelSeries-Siberia-Full-Size-Gaming-Headset
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-7-1-Channel-Surround-Sound-Headset
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-CA-9011112-WW-Vengeance-Gaming-Headset
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-CA-9011111-WW-Vengeance-Analog-Headset

[quote=WorkOfArt]@AmericanBoy
I don't get this: Why buy a headset when you can just buy high quality headphones, and a cheap mic? I use a $10 mic with a $150 pair of headphones. The headphones have far higher quality than any headset under $200 that I've tried, and the microphone has an attachable clip that attaches itself to the headphones. The quality of the microphone is decent enough for people not to hear too much background noise, and for people to hear me perfectly without problem when I speak in TS3/mumble/vent.

And the plus side of having high quality headphones is that you can use it in any situation, whether you are walking to class/school/through campus, working out (i don't like this but a lot of people use headphones when working out), studying, library, etc. Believe me, headsets won't exactly be preferable to wear while walking through campus, people will think you're ridiculous.[/quote]

Mainly because of background noise. Loud sisters + sharing room w/ brother who plays a lot of Xbox makes me hesitant to buy a separate mic. I am willing to consider it, however. Out of curiosity, which headphones do you use?

@AmericanBoy
I don't get this: Why buy a headset when you can just buy high quality headphones, and a cheap mic? I use a $10 mic with a $150 pair of headphones. The headphones have far higher quality than any headset under $200 that I've tried, and the microphone has an attachable clip that attaches itself to the headphones. The quality of the microphone is decent enough for people not to hear too much background noise, and for people to hear me perfectly without problem when I speak in TS3/mumble/vent.

And the plus side of having high quality headphones is that you can use it in any situation, whether you are walking to class/school/through campus, working out (i don't like this but a lot of people use headphones when working out), studying, library, etc. Believe me, headsets won't exactly be preferable to wear while walking through campus, people will think you're ridiculous.

[quote=AmericanBoy]@Kevin778, which part. The TBs or the Astros lol.[/quote]

One warning about the TBs. The headset is rather small, and my ears rather big. The tips of my ears start hurting if I keep them on too long (2 hours or so). I am still happy with them because the sound quality is pretty damn good for a 45 dollar headset, and the mic works well too.

I would get the Astro A50s.

@Kevin778, which part. The TBs or the Astros lol.

@Tabris totally agree with her

[quote=Merichuu]I use a $30 Logitech headset. They have decent headsets for a good price. Also, I recommend you DON'T get a headset that has wirey/bendy microphone. In my experience, those mess up easily. @_@

This is the one I have: http://www.logitech.com/en-us/webcam-communications/internet-headsets-phones/5469

And so far, it works well. o-o (I've had it for over a year now)[/quote]

Tbh, I'd rather pay more for excellent quality. Also, thanks for the tip/heads up

I'm using a Turtle Beach Earforce X12 with bass boost. it was 45 bucks on sale at Frys, i think the normal price is 60 bucks. It works great, and its also compatible with an Xbox.
Also, Astros are amazing. I tried them at MLG; it was by far the best headset i have ever used, but they're also insanely expensive.

Get Astro A40's, great sound. A little on the pricey side, but definitely worth it.