Kevin gets attached to the new Gamecom
I’ve worn plenty of headsets in my time
writing for Micro Mart. Indeed, I’ve reviewed plenty. For a long time I
maintained a set of Gamecom 777s with an expertly wrapped piece of brown
packing tape to stop the headband snapping. Needless to say, I like the Gamecom
line.
Plantronics
Gamecom 780
The big down side of gaming headsets,
though, is the price. Spending upward of $75, you do get what you pay for, but
you also never see that money again. It gives me pleasure, therefore, to say
the 780s are available for a snip under $60. That’s actually a very good deal,
especially when you appreciate just what they offer.
They’re smart, with a bit of a retro feel.
Squared muffs are connected to the well-cushioned headband via metal rods,
while the wiring on display provides a bit of an audiophile vibe with little
chance of accidental hooking. It’s strange to say it, but the set looks a bit
like a gaming set crossbred with a hi-fi headset from the 80s. A dark-red trim
adds to the 80s feel, but the set is lacking in such a set’s bulk. However,
it’s only strange to say it until you actually use the 780 for anything audio
you choose.
This is because the new Gamecom set is not
only a comfortable, supportive and – depending on your taste – stylish
offering, but also because of its bundled software. The 780 comes with Dolby
7.1 surround sound drivers, which really brings things to life. Plug and play
does work, but with Dolby’s Pro Logic iix technology installed via the included
software, up-converting to 7.1 is achieved at the tick of a box. What’s more,
it sounds rather tasty.
Plantronics
Gamecom 780 solves the problem about the lack of an in-line volume control
Sat in your taskbar notification area, the
software allows you to enable and disable Dolby’s effect on your listening
pleasure at will. Although quite why you’d want to disable it I’m not sure: the
40mm speakers Plantronics has endowed the 780s with deliver music and games or
movies with aplomb. And the adjustable headband makes the set more than
comfortable for a few hours indulgence.
One thing slightly amiss is the lack of an
in-line volume control. However, that’s only a problem until you realise that
Plantronics has only gone and, genius-like, installed a volume rocker (with
notification bleeps) directly into the casing of the left ear muff! Just above
it is an on/off slider for the mic, and you can even enable or disable Dolby
directly from a button on the front side. Such convenience is to be lauded,
because there’s no more groping at a wire to increase volume, or shut off your
mic before a sneeze troubles your in-game buddies. The mic itself, also on the
left muff, delivers commendable clarity and can be elevated when not in use.
Plantronics
Gamecom 780- High-quality audio at an appealing price
Plantronics even makes switching back to
your desktop speakers easy, as you can access your system’s sound control via
the software. But surely you’d be in no rush to, because for gaming, music,
movies, voice calls or anything else, the Gamecom 780 is exceptional.
Details
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Price: $60
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Manufacturer: Plantronics
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Website: www.amazon.co.uk
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Required spec: Free USB port
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Verdict
High-quality audio at an appealing price
