Can anyone suggest a really descent mic/headset for the PS4?

[Jackthestripper]

Ok so in celebration of the big day in October, I've decided to treat myself to a descent mic/headset for my PS4.  I have a standard $25 Sony mic/headset for my PS4.  I don't know much about them as I've never dropped any real amount of money on a good mic/headset.  I want to spend around $100.  I have been looking around some of the Turtle Beach units as I heard they are pretty good.  Basically, my wife loves to sit and watch me while I'm gaming.  The problem is, is that she can't hear what other people are saying to me. I also have buddies come over and hang out too.  I think my main objective is to be able to hear the game AND what people are saying to me through the TV.  * I'm not concerned with my voice coming through the tv.)  So, I am guessing that I would need one that hooks up to the tv?  Any help will be appreciated! 

[Truth]

I'm on xbox, so I can't help here too much. I would suggest going through your settings though. We have an option to play game chat (only other players, not your voice) through the tv AND headset, I would guess you probably have something similar. A cheap option (if that doesn't work) is to buy a splitter and a spare headset. I'd personally go with turtle beach. If you want immersion, go with a nice wireless set.

[dIV4r]

Turtle Beach's quality has went down a lot so I wouldn't recommend those. 

I have a HyperX headset which I got for sale for I think $70. They run about $100. They should still carry them at bestbuy. 

[BropolloCreed79]

23 hours ago, Jackthestripper said:

Ok so in celebration of the big day in October, I've decided to treat myself to a descent mic/headset for my PS4.  I have a standard $25 Sony mic/headset for my PS4.  I don't know much about them as I've never dropped any real amount of money on a good mic/headset.  I want to spend around $100.  I have been looking around some of the Turtle Beach units as I heard they are pretty good.  Basically, my wife loves to sit and watch me while I'm gaming.  The problem is, is that she can't hear what other people are saying to me. I also have buddies come over and hang out too.  I think my main objective is to be able to hear the game AND what people are saying to me through the TV.  * I'm not concerned with my voice coming through the tv.)  So, I am guessing that I would need one that hooks up to the tv?  Any help will be appreciated! 

Honestly, it all depends on what you're looking to do.

as far as your main objective, that's actually a setting in the PS4 system menu once you have a headset plugged in.  You can toggle between chat, or chat and system sounds (i.e. gameplay).  I paid $15 for a pair of cheap plastic over-ear headphones paried to a mic, but the bass and levels are all spot on--better than coming out of my soundbar, and it has the bonus of no ambient noise from the rest of the room/house.  Just the game sound and party chat.

As an added bonus, if you pump all the sound through the headset, the PS4 automatically cuts the audio feed to the television; sound only comes through the headphones, so you won't disturb anyone else.  It's been a lifesaver for me during late night sessions on The Division when I don't want explosions waking up everyone else in the house. 

Given that you want others to hear both in game sound and party chat, what you may want to do is see if the PS4 has a setting for only the mic to be active too (I think it does, but I'm at work and unable to confirm).  You'd then have a Mic, with all sound coming from your TV speakers, including chat audio.

[Truth]

14 hours ago, dIV4r said:

Turtle Beach's quality has went down a lot so I wouldn't recommend those. 

I recently got a new version of an old set that I had. That one seems pretty cheap.

The wireless set that I got is really nice though. It really depends what set you buy.

[Jackthestripper]

1 hour ago, BropolloCreed79 said:

Honestly, it all depends on what you're looking to do.

as far as your main objective, that's actually a setting in the PS4 system menu once you have a headset plugged in.  You can toggle between chat, or chat and system sounds (i.e. gameplay).  I paid $15 for a pair of cheap plastic over-ear headphones paried to a mic, but the bass and levels are all spot on--better than coming out of my soundbar, and it has the bonus of no ambient noise from the rest of the room/house.  Just the game sound and party chat.

As an added bonus, if you pump all the sound through the headset, the PS4 automatically cuts the audio feed to the television; sound only comes through the headphones, so you won't disturb anyone else.  It's been a lifesaver for me during late night sessions on The Division when I don't want explosions waking up everyone else in the house. 

Given that you want others to hear both in game sound and party chat, what you may want to do is see if the PS4 has a setting for only the mic to be active too (I think it does, but I'm at work and unable to confirm).  You'd then have a Mic, with all sound coming from your TV speakers, including chat audio.

Thanks for your reply.  I plugged the crappy headset that I have into the PS4, and went through the settings.  Under 'Devices' I chose the output to TV/AV AMPLIFIER. However, in the Quick Menu, the only option I have is Chat Audio or All Audio.  This is where the problem is.  I can have either all the chat in my headset while the game sounds come out of the tv, or have both chat and game sounds coming through my headset.  Basically, I have to choose one of those options.  As far as adjusting the settings for only a mic, there is no option for that, which I can see.  I'm sure there is a way because I made a video of Resident Evil 7 with commentary and my wife was even sitting beside me jokingly arguing with me and all the game sounds and our comments came through really clear.  Anyhow, I definitely will have to learn how to switch it all back to everything coming through the headset as I am starting a 2nd shift job next week and need to be quiet while gaming at night.  I'm going to do some experimenting and see if I can figure out the settings.  I'll let you know if I figure it out or have to patch a hole in my wall lol Again, thanks for the info! 

[Jackthestripper]

1 hour ago, Truth said:

I recently got a new version of an old set that I had. That one seems pretty cheap.

The wireless set that I got is really nice though. It really depends what set you buy.

Oh I'm definitely going wireless!  It doesn't have to be expensive...I would like something light though.  Personally, I wish I could just through a bluetooth on the coffee table like I did with the PS3.  Everything came out of the tv and if I had to be quiet, I put the wired headset on.  It picked up my voice perfectly and nobody said they couldn't hear me, it was nice not having something on my head. 

[Truth]

4 minutes ago, Jackthestripper said:

Personally, I wish I could just through a bluetooth on the coffee table like I did with the PS3.

That's an interesting idea... You could probably find just a microphone with a 3.5mm jack to plug into the controller. I'm guessing that could work. Never really thought about that...

Edit: You can, and they're cheap.

https://www.amazon.com/Conference-Microphone-FOKEY-Computers-Omnidirectional/dp/B075RWPHCQ/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1532550304&sr=8-7&keywords=3.5mm+microphone&dpID=51%2Bfy6ARSuL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Edited July 25, 2018 by Truth

[Jackthestripper]

5 minutes ago, Truth said:

That's an interesting idea... You could probably find just a microphone with a 3.5mm jack to plug into the controller. I'm guessing that could work. Never really thought about that...

Edit: You can, and they're cheap.

https://www.amazon.com/Conference-Microphone-FOKEY-Computers-Omnidirectional/dp/B075RWPHCQ/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1532550304&sr=8-7&keywords=3.5mm+microphone&dpID=51%2Bfy6ARSuL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Thanks! The reviews are pretty good on this product so that gives me a little more confidence in it.  I might even be able to find a wireless one to hook up via bluetooth to the PS4.   I would imagine that if it's only a mic, the sound wouldn't have a choice but to come out of the tv.  I could find a headset for times I need to be quiet.  Now, if I could only find a device that drowns out my cursing while gaming so I don't wake my wife.....lmao

[Truth]

9 minutes ago, Jackthestripper said:

Thanks! The reviews are pretty good on this product so that gives me a little more confidence in it.

That was just one of many that popped up. More of an example than a suggestion.

10 minutes ago, Jackthestripper said:

I might even be able to find a wireless one to hook up via bluetooth to the PS4.

Wireless is always better (as long as it maintains connection). I've thought about getting some wireless speakers, but I've already bought a decent surround sound set that I haven't hooked up in years...

13 minutes ago, Jackthestripper said:

Now, if I could only find a device that drowns out my cursing while gaming so I don't wake my wife.....lmao

I got nothing for that, but my searches came up with this:

https://www.amazon.com/Gears-Out-Love-Stinks-Relief/dp/B06XCMXRJB/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1532551471&sr=8-14&keywords=let+the+wife+sleep

Unrelated, but it might come in handy! I'm sure @BropolloCreed79 could use a few of those!

[Jackthestripper]

9 minutes ago, Truth said:

That was just one of many that popped up. More of an example than a suggestion.

Wireless is always better (as long as it maintains connection). I've thought about getting some wireless speakers, but I've already bought a decent surround sound set that I haven't hooked up in years...

I got nothing for that, but my searches came up with this:

https://www.amazon.com/Gears-Out-Love-Stinks-Relief/dp/B06XCMXRJB/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1532551471&sr=8-14&keywords=let+the+wife+sleep

Unrelated, but it might come in handy! I'm sure @BropolloCreed79 could use a few of those!

OOOOH man that last link made me laugh so hard!  I tell ya my wife would appreciate that! 

[Kean_1]

One thing to consider is being "that guy" that has the background audio from the TV coming through their mic.  I've had some people I've played with online where they were apparently using their PS4 camera mic.  Everyone in the party could hear the audio from their TV and even our own voices which can get really annoying.  With a dedicated mic, you should be able to adjust that though since it will be next to you instead of the TV.   ....if you can find a solution that works in your scenario. 

[Truth]

3 minutes ago, Kean_1 said:

One thing to consider is being "that guy" that has the background audio from the TV coming through their mic.  I've had some people I've played with online where they were apparently using their PS4 camera mic.  Everyone in the party could hear the audio from their TV and even our own voices which can get really annoying.  With a dedicated mic, you should be able to adjust that though since it will be next to you instead of the TV.   ....if you can find a solution that works in your scenario. 

That's a VERY good point that should be considered.

 

8 minutes ago, Jackthestripper said:

OOOOH man that last link made me laugh so hard!  I tell ya my wife would appreciate that! 

Not even sure what I searched to pull that up, but it made me laugh and I figured someone would appreciate it as well. Glad I was right lol

[Kean_1]

......ya got me thinkin' now.  

 

I'm wondering if the solution might simply be a USB mic.  Sorry if that has already been suggested (haven't checked any of the supplied links).  I think if you try to plug anything  into the 3.5mm jack of the DS4 controller it will automatically block the audio from the PS4 out to your speakers.  On the other hand, a USB mic might simply be viewed as specifically a microphone.  ......if that makes sense.

 

If anything, maybe this might help you in a search for a solution if you start looking at these types of devices specifically?

Edited July 25, 2018 by Kean_1

[Jackthestripper]

It will definitely help in my search, and I definitely agree with @Truth I don't want to be that guy! I literally got earaches in the past from people like that! LOL I'm going to do some experimenting tomorrow to see what I can figure out. 

[BropolloCreed79]

3 hours ago, Truth said:

That was just one of many that popped up. More of an example than a suggestion.

Wireless is always better (as long as it maintains connection). I've thought about getting some wireless speakers, but I've already bought a decent surround sound set that I haven't hooked up in years...

I got nothing for that, but my searches came up with this:

https://www.amazon.com/Gears-Out-Love-Stinks-Relief/dp/B06XCMXRJB/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1532551471&sr=8-14&keywords=let+the+wife+sleep

Unrelated, but it might come in handy! I'm sure @BropolloCreed79 could use a few of those!

Mrs. Creed appreciates the suggestion .

Edit: her exact words were: "I DEFINITELY need that!"

Edited July 26, 2018 by BropolloCreed79

[Glopez]

You seemed to already get some good advice which is good cause I am horrible at mic shopping. I can tell you what models to avoid though... Pretty much anything on Amazon that is an off-brand or no-brand repackaged. And the headset my girlfriend has... 

Over-priced POS this set is.

 

[Jackthestripper]

20 hours ago, Kean_1 said:

One thing to consider is being "that guy" that has the background audio from the TV coming through their mic.  I've had some people I've played with online where they were apparently using their PS4 camera mic.  Everyone in the party could hear the audio from their TV and even our own voices which can get really annoying.  With a dedicated mic, you should be able to adjust that though since it will be next to you instead of the TV.   ....if you can find a solution that works in your scenario. 

So, I made some progress! I decided to mess around with the settings.  I was able to mess around on GTAO for awhile and start chatting with some people.  I was able to hear the game AND the chat out of the tv, and was not giving off any feedback.  As a matter of fact, I asked them flat out and they all said everything was clear, and there was no background noise.  Hopefully this will work for RDR2.  My settings were as follows: 

In Settings/Devices/Audio Devices/Output Devices, I chose 'TV or Amplifier (obviously) and in Settings/Sound and Screen/Audio Output Settings I chose HDMI OUT.  (It had been set to DIGITAL OUT - OPTICAL)  I think that was one major issue. 

In the quick menu, under Sound Devices, the output to audio was actually set to 'Chat Audio' rather than 'All Audio'.  

Anyhow, the most important setting was the microphone level.  I had it way down, and everyone could still hear me fine and it was low enough that it did not pick up any audio from the tv. The tv was up pretty loud too.  So, the only thing left for me is to find a descent headset for October, now that I know how all the settings should be.  What a relief! lol 

[Kean_1]

Good deal.  Glad you figured it out and thanks for posting your solution as I'm sure this will help others in the same boat.

[Truth]

1 hour ago, Jackthestripper said:

In Settings/Devices/Audio Devices/Output Devices, I chose 'TV or Amplifier (obviously) and in Settings/Sound and Screen/Audio Output Settings I chose HDMI OUT.  (It had been set to DIGITAL OUT - OPTICAL)  I think that was one major issue. 

This makes me think I should go through my settings on xbox...

Still contemplating just getting a cheap mic so I don't need a headset though. I never thought about that until you brought it up yesterday. I'm sure I could make it work (without being "that guy") somehow...

[Jackthestripper]

Realistically, I really wish I could just do this without having anything on my head LOL I know some of the headsets are quite comfortable and stuff, but I would rather not have something on my head if it's possible. I'm going to try a $15 or $20 mic next week, and worst case scenario is I'm only about $15 or $20 bucks. But I think if your TV isn't super loud, and you put the microphone closer to you, you should be okay. I seemed to be today. However, I think if I had a headset it would be better if I want crystal clear sounds when RDR2 comes out. Plus, my wife will be sleeping while I'm gaming at night so I don't want to disturb her. Happy wife, happy life!

[Truth]

@Jackthestripper

There are comfortable headsets, but no headset will always be MORE comfortable.

I usually don't have my tv too loud anyway. I doubt it would be a problem at all, especially if you set it closer to where you're sitting. Worst case you could probably just prop up a book or something to "shield" it.

[Cokeyskunk]

On 7/26/2018 at 4:23 PM, Truth said:

There are comfortable headsets, but no headset will always be MORE comfortable.

Call me stupid, here. (No, don't really. Jerks.) But I've never understood the need to pay hundreds (or even TENS!) of dollars on a mic'ed headset. 

Y'know what I did? I paid a buck-and-a-half, ordered some earbuds with a mic in the wire from China, waited a month for them to arrive, and I use that.

I stick the mic'ed bud in one ear, then use the other to listen for misbehaving children and/or an angry wife.

Never once have I ever received any complaint from any of my fellow players. Likewise, never have *I* had a complaint about them. Great quality sound, great comfort, and everyone can always hear me clear as day.

Why buy the expensive, gigantic cans that would prevent me from hearing someone in my house shout, "FIRE!"? My cheapos are quite lovely, thankyaverrahmuch.

So, what gives?

Kisses,
- Skunk  

Edited July 31, 2018 by Cokeyskunk

[Truth]

1 minute ago, Cokeyskunk said:

Kisses,
- Skunk  

I hate earbuds. Always have.

I also like to hear what's going on around me, so I got this set. Nothing fancy (the older model was better), more comfortable than earbuds, and not a crazy price. This is what I typically use if I'm gaming with friends.

I bought this set when I got PUBG because it has a "superhuman hearing" mode that amplifies enemy footsteps and stuff (I feel like I've mentioned this). It's an amazing headset, charges with my phone charger, totally wireless, surround sound, blah blah blah. It's awesome, but it was totally unnecessary. I barely played the game, and the headset is rarely used. Still great, but that money could've been used more wisely in my case. This one is really only worth using in fps/ (maybe) open world games.

Realistically, earbuds will work just fine. They're just not comfortable for me and I wanted something better than the ones that come with and xbox if you buy it new. Those always seemed crappy to me. Main feature I wanted was the mute switch/volume adjuster.