Creative Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Alpha 3.5mm/ USB Connector Circumaural Gaming Headset

Pros: * Unbelievable sound quality

* Deep booming bass

* Soft and light ear cups (can be worn for hours on end without a bother)

* Built like a brick

* Good wiring to prevent fraying

* Great sound software and control panel

* I'm yet to have any problems with them after 4 months of ownership

Cons: None.

Overall Review: None

Pros: Comfort. I never had an issue with this headset hurting my ears or being uncomfortable during long gaming sessions.

They are relativity lightweight and well padded.

Sound quality. I am no audiophile when it comes to my gaming headset, I really only expect it to produce somewhat deep bass (explosions) and have enough range to make my games sound good. To immerse me in the environment. These can do that.

The THX USB device does deliver a nice rich sound environment that complements most games quite well, and is easily at or above the quality of many motherboard on-board audio solutions out there. It can be used with other headsets with similar ratings as well, so even if this headset dies, you can still use the THX USB device.

Using standard 3.5mm connections allows you to use the headset on just about anything. Very handy.

The detachable mic has yet to break, and it gets connected and disconnected a lot.

Cons: The cons for this headset can start to overshadow the pros at the price point.

The mic quality is fine, but it's VERY quiet, and short. So it does not reach in front of your mouth unless you have a small head, this would be just fine if it actually picked up your voice better.

I often found myself just using the headset on one ear, with the game sound being pumped out of my speakers, and VOIP in the headset, just to get the mic positioned in front of my mouth so others could hear me.

I don't have a quiet voice, I speak rather loudly and my voice carries quite well. When the mic does pick up my voice, it sounds fine.

The headband started to crack on one side after about 2 months of use, all be it heavy use. The other side then started to crack a short while after. While neither side has actually broken, the cracks are visible. They formed at the point where the headband housing and adjustable inner band met, where I had it adjusted to fit. Negating the ability to adjust the headset for fear of it breaking.

This is what prompted me to stop using the headset, I take very good care of all of my hardware, and I don't "pull" my headset open to take it off my head, I slide it forward with both hands, and they still cracked. The plastic is really just not robust enough to handle heavy use, except perhaps on those with smaller heads, or kids.

I have given them to my daughter since she can easily use them at their smallest setting, thus rendering the cracks a moot point since the headband housing itself has held up just fine.

The cord can be a pain at times, it does tangle easily, and does not seem to be very well constructed. While it has never broken, frayed, and still looks as though it's brand new. I does not look like it would take much to damage it, it's very thin.

So with these cons, why do I only dock two eggs? Because it really does have good sound quality for gaming, the THX USB adapter works wonderfully and can be used with other headsets of similar rating, and comfort was never an issue.

It just pays to keep these in mind when buying.

Overall Review: Would I buy this headset again? Probably not. While the sound quality is indeed good for gaming and general use, the overall quality of the headset itself, and the issues with the mics ability to pick up my voice, would stop me from buying them again.

I feel as though I have got my $50 out of them, especially since they are working just fine for my daughter, and the fact the THX adapter can be use elsewhere if I so desired.

If you're looking for higher quality sound, or are an audiophile, I would suggest spending more money on a nice set of headphones and using a clip-on mic.

For gaming, these are just fine, but if you can spend more and get a higher quality headset, I would do so. Perhaps one of the higher tier Creative line.