SSJ5Broli

I am looking to buy headset but have some crappy RealTek Sound,
which I disable in favor of a USB - enabled Headset.

Before I spend $50-100 on a 5.1 headset I just want to make sure,
that 5.1 going to work after I plug it in USB (with sound card disabled)?

My primary reason is I want to hear surround sound in games so I know which direction enemy is coming from!

Slider46

No. If you disable your onboard sound, you won't have any sound. This is how your proposed setup would work:

Onboard Sound Device > USB Bus > USB Connection > 5.1 device in headset > 5.1 speakers in headset.

You need the onboard sound device to generate the sound to begin with - otherwise you have no sound going to your headset regardless if its a USB connection or 3.5mm connection.

Because the sound is generated at the standard onboard sound device, then has to travel through the USB bus and then to the headset, you still get low quality sound, just in more speakers. So yeah, it would sound like "surround sound" but very low quality. You might even experience 'pops' or random distortion while gaming - I've read more than a few reviews that all describe the same issues even across different manufacturers of "5.1 headsets".

Here comes the suggestion....you are better off buying at the very least, a budget sound card (PCI interface) and some high quality headphones with a 3.5mm connection.

I think you will be much happier with the quality that way. I also think if you go with the "5.1 headset" you won't be that impressed.

My

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SSJ5Broli

If I just plug in some headphones in USB I can still hear sound even with Sound Card Disabled tho. How I can purchase a new PCI sound card if I already have built in Real Tek?

Besides I don't want to spend alot on sound, I just need multi direction. Can Built - in RealTek do 5.1?

Slider46

Not sure if the onboard will do 5.1........BUT,

Here's what I just purchased:

Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 7.1 SE OEM $27.99

Plantronics GameCom 367 $26.99

This combination is amazing! I have full 7.1 sound from those headphones.

I configured the sound channels in windows Vista sound control panel - not on the creative sound control panel.

I just played a little fallout 3 and the sound is amazing - I can hear enemies creeping up behind me!

I highly suggest these headphones and sound card if not a better sound card if you are looking for surround sound and good quality on the cheap

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SSJ5Broli

Is there some sort of USB plug in that plugs in to your USB and comes with the headphones that does surround sound so I don't have to install a new sound card?

Slider46

You missed the point in my first post.

If you are trying to send your sound data through the USB hub and into a "5.1 headseat the quality will degrade and will most likely be noticeable. I've read reviews of people having popping and crackling noises when the sound gets instense when using USB headsets.

And no, I don't think there is such a thing.

Trust me, you'll be better off taking the 10 minutes to install the new soundcard and using a decent pair of standard headphones - not some "5.1 surround sound gimmic crap headset"

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