Creative Labs EF0210 Fatal1ty USB Gaming Headset with Sound Blaster X-Fi Technology (Black)
by Creative
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List Price: Category: CE See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Creative Labs EF0210 Fatal1ty USB Gaming Headset with Sound Blaster X-Fi Technology (Black)
Customer Review: Pretty impressive sound - not just for games. HS-1000 vs. Wireless HS-1200
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
When it comes to gaming headsets, the sound quality is usually really disappointing when using it for other than... well, gaming (since it is optimized for it). However, the Creative Gaming headset is quite impressive even for listening to music and movies!
The Creative Fatal1ty USB Gaming Headset (aka HS-1000), also has a wireless version called the HS-1200. However, besides the obvious looks and wireless factor, they both actually sound completely different too. Even though they have the same audio specs (20Hz ~ 20kHz, 40mm Neodymium drivers, Impedance: 32ohm), there's a more secluded dynamic feel with this HS-1000; like being in a theater room, whereas the HS-1200 is more of a direct, sharper, like being out in the open, sound to the ear. Both are good in their own ways, but this HS-1000 headphone is definitely much nicer when it comes to comfort -- without a doubt -- and overall, better for other than gaming (music/movies).
Compared to the small, practically fixated cups on the wireless HS-1200, this one is a lot nicer to wear, simply because the headphones can also adjust/twist slightly inward or outward; this is not possible with the HS-1200 (when most headphones should be able to). I can actually wear this headphone for hours, but not with the HS-1200. However, I wouldn't say it's extremely comfortable to the point where I won't be able to tell that I'm wearing it; I have the headphones extended all the way out (it doesn't really go out that much compared to other headphones that extend at ridiculous lengths), but it's still slightly on the tighter side that it won't fall off even if I shake my head. If you know you have a large head, then these may be too tight for you.
The headphone is Plug-and-Play (I'm using Windows XP), but you'll want to install the Creative Software to take advantage of the extra features like the X-Fi Crystalizer and CMSS-3D -- it actually does make a major difference in sound.
When I opened the package for the very first time, my first impression on the build quality, to be honest, wasn't something I was blown away by. It kind of haunted me of the cheap build quality on the Creative Fatal1ty 1010 Gaming Mouse. However, after using it and staring at it for quite some time now, it's actually not too bad (my expectations might have been high); it's not awfully cheap looking, but it's definitely not high quality material. Although they always make it look super shiny in the stock photos, it is just plain plastic. However, I figured it's a good thing, since it does make the headphone lightweight. The red Fatal1ty logo area does add some spunk to it, at least.
I also own the SteelSeries 4H headphones (priced quite close to this one), but Creative's gaming headset -- no question -- has a much more impressive sound.
Pros:
- Clear, secluded surround sound.
- Not just for games. Music and movies sound just as great!
- Connects via USB (no need to plug into audio/microphone)
- Wire is only on the left side of the headphone, which I can live with (a lot less annoying than two wires dangling on each side!)
- Microphone can be detached completely (this could be a problem, though, if you forget where you left it)
- Clear microphone output. Comes with foam cover to reduce unwanted noise (the HS-1200 didn't come with one).
- Headphone cushions (keeps my ears and head warm)
- Comes with a travel bag.
Cons:
- Could have used a mute button on the in-line volume controls.
- Slightly inconvenient having to restart certain applications (or games) if the headphones aren't connected before (no sound). [But I'm sure this is a common problem with any USB audio devices]
Even if you don't play games, I would actually still recommend this gaming headset for just listening to music/movies, as well as voice chatting. I didn't think I would give this product a 5-star, but I have to admit, it impressed me.
Customer Review: Crystal Clear headphones for both input and output
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
Let me start by saying I am a hardcore mmo player. Anyone else who plays mmo's know that large guilds communicate through voice chat programs like Ventrillo (and similar). I myself use mostly ventrillo these days anymore. The testing that I did with this device was largely with guild mates of mine telling me how it sounds and how it performed from their end hearing me.
Right after I installed the software I tested these out on ventrillo. With literally zero tweaking time.. they sounded perfect. My voice was very loud and extremely clear. The music sounded great in the headphones. What more could I ask for.. they were trouble free! The best part was the microphone didn't need to be shoved against my lips for people to hear me speak. I have bought wired usb headsets in the past that required the mic to be so close it was annoying to use. This you can keep the mic 2-3 inches away from your mouth and it still sounds loud and clear (great little mic on this headset)
My only annoyance with these headphones is the tight headband. I have been told before I have a big head, but I thought they were being sarcastic! I am joking of course but they do fit snug and almost hurt a bit after a little while of use (*laughing* and I am pretty sure I have a normal size head!). Perhaps over time these headphones will loosen up and get more comfortable. I did of course try to outwardly flex the headband to loosen it but its all plastic so it didn't really work like it would have if it was metal. I still gave this product a 5 star rating, but I would knock off a 1/2 star for this tightness if I could.
The little microphone plugs in and out of the headphones in case you want to use these as pure headphones. I also assume if the mic boom ever fails over time you could more easily replace it being that its designed like this (I have had wires fail inside of headphone mic booms from years of over bending, so this is handy to be able to replace it so easily).
Lastly, these are "on ear" headphones .. not "around ear" headphones. So you will feel them sitting on top of your ear not go wide around the outside of your ears. The internet is hard to judge the sizes of products for things like this so I just wanted to let people know what to expect. The felt pad on headphones ear muffs are very soft and well cushioned so this shouldn't be a problem of comfort with most users.
Overall I am very pleased with this product. When I want to use a great working/great sounding plug and play headset I am now grabbing this for some long gaming sessions.
Customer Review: Despite some minor software quirks, this is a great headset for gaming and non-gaming alike.
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
Creative Fatal1ty is a great headset for your gaming and even non-gaming needs.
The Good:
*Crisp and Sharp Sound: Hear every minor details that goes through your soundcard. Most headphone will produce "fuziness" sometimes, but these will play a true sound without any noise.
*Comfy arch and large earcups: Those who have big heads and large ears should appreciate the room that these headphones offer. The earcups even swivle just enough to make it comfortable but not too loose. Also most of the headphones I tried before would fall off my head if I tilt my head down, but these stay tight on my head no matter what I do.
*Adjustible/detachable Mouthpiece: If you don't need to speak, simply unscrew the adjustible mousepiece and it will not get in the way.
*Sound Variety: A software that comes with these headphones can customize what you want to hear and eliminate what you do not want to hear. Want lots of bass? Turn it up! Want the voices to sound like echose? Check that option. You are in more control when it comes to hearing the sound.
*Leather Pouch: A pouch is included(synthetic leather material) to put the headphones away once you are done, so it doesn't collect dust. It even has a small pocket inside for the mouthpiece.
The Bad:
*Software Quirks: If you try to adjust software using the headphone's built-in remote, you will see a sound bar on the screen. However, it kept on freezing on my screen(Windows Vista 64-bit,) which made me go back to my good ol' Windows System Tray to adjust the volume.
The Bottom Line: Great headset for gaming and even not for gaming. If you are looking to take control of what you want to hear, then this is definitely a good buy.
Customer Review: Functional, good sounding 2-way headphones, not limited to gaming use
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
This product came via Amazon Vine.
In my opinion the most important thing with regard to headphones is sound quality. Next is comfort, ergonomics, construction, etc.
From a sound quality standpoint, these phones are pretty darn good with music or gaming content. When used with the included software the soundfield can be expanded, though I prefer not to color my sound sources. The sound quality surprised me, because I've tried another pair of Creative's headphones (HS-1200) having the same drivers, but the Fatal1ty version sounds better.. deeper and fuller. The 1200s were ok but lacked a certain oomph that these have. Maybe its due to their wireless connection, or maybe there's a better amp in the wired version. Audio-chat puts no demands on this set, so you'll be fine there.
Comfort: I have a large head and the phones are comfortable after an hour's use. Ear cups are comfy and flex just enough. I like that the mic is removable, and people say it sounds good.
Software: I hate having to load software for something as simple as headphones. Yes they are USB so they need drivers, but all the EQ crap that these come with are really not worth using I think. Each setting colors the sound one way or another, and when changing program material you will find yourself playing with the software again. Best bet is to leave all software EQ settings flat.
Construction: Reasonable, but realize this is a plastic product and not some nice lightweight metal alloy. If you take care of them they'll last, but won't be as pretty as the former.
4 stars for the good, -1 star for the software, which is best left invisible, and the amount of plastic.
Customer Review: Great headset for gaming and more
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
Named after famed professional tournament gamer Jonathan "Fatal1ty" Wendel, the Creative Fatal1ty headset is a fine piece of gaming equipment. Wendel takes his gaming seriously, and it shows in the design of this headset, which has first-rate audio quality for both gaming and music.
For gaming, the headset was tested with the ne pas ultra of online gaming: World of Warcraft. Audio quality was excellent, owing in large part to the built-in 3D positional audio, which added depth and detail to the aural surroundings. Teammate voices were clear and easily heard. The microphone also performed well...my regular playing partners could tell I was using a new headset just from the voice quality. The noise-cancelling feature was definitely a plus.
Also tested with similar results on a friend's PC, also running WoW. The extra padding is a definite plus for long gaming sessions, and did not seem to affect audio quality or feedback at all.
The headset also performed well with music, even though that's a secondary use. Treble and pitch were somewhat limited, and varied a bit with different types of music, but a quick equalizer adjustment fixed that problem. Bass feedback was excellent, regardless of musical type. Not a bad alternative to my existing headphones for the PC. The inline volume control is also a plus.
As an added bonus, the included music software allowed my wife more options for her Creative Labs Zen MP3 player, above and beyond what was included with the unit originally.
Overall, an excellent value for PC gamers, especially those who take their online gaming seriously. Strongly recommended.