PS3/voice comms/headets/questions.

[apocrypha]

Wanting to do some multiplayer with some friends on the PS3 but don't have a headset nor much idea of how it works on the PS3, hence, questions!

Is it possible to have the voice comms going through a headset while the game sounds are played on the speakers (HDMI audio system)?

Is there push-to-talk implemented or is it all open mic? Or is it game-specific?

Can anyone recommend a good headset, preferably bluetooth but wired is ok if the wire is a decent length (3-5m)? Need one that's comfortable for someone wearing glasses, which seems to be really rare :/

Thanks!

[MisterNoisy]

Standard Bluetooth headsets are compatible.  Some manufacturers (Logitech has one, I'm sure) are also making wired/USB headsets (and I think standard PC USB headsets may also be compatible but don't quote me), but I like not being tethered to the console.  As far as PTT goes, pretty much every PS3 game I've played has the headset 'always-on', but you can always use the mute button on your mic i suppose.

I'm currently using the Jabra BT125 that came packaged in with Warhawk - it's fine (if somewhat bare-bones) and the single-ear/hook design works fine with my glasses.  Since it charges via USB and I don't like having to attach it to the PC or other devices to charge, I have a powered USB hub connected to the PS3 and leave the headset plugged in there so it's battery stays 'topped off'.

[apocrypha]

As far as PTT goes, pretty much every PS3 game I've played has the headset 'always-on', but you can always use the mute button on your mic i suppose.

I was afraid of that, what a bummer :/  Open mic drives me round the bend. Ah well.

The single-ear type don't fit me at all, I seem to have odd-shaped ears inside or a funny shaped head or something and have never been able to get any of the ones I've tried to fit me. Always had the same problem with bud-type earphones for mp3 players too, they just fall out of my ears.

Just gonna have to find a shop that will let me try various ones on until I find one that fits, which since they all come in laser-proof evil moulded unopenable plastic is prolly going to be entertaining 

[MrHat]

Is it possible to have the voice comms going through a headset while the game sounds are played on the speakers (HDMI audio system)?


Thanks!

I'm actually really curious about this as well.  Also, any recommendations on a bluetooth set that can then be used on the PC (not at the same time) for similar purposes?

[MisterNoisy]

Is it possible to have the voice comms going through a headset while the game sounds are played on the speakers (HDMI audio system)?

That's how it always works as far as I can tell - the headset is strictly for voice comm.

[fuser]

Standard Bluetooth headsets are compatible.  Some manufacturers (Logitech has one, I'm sure) are also making wired/USB headsets (and I think standard PC USB headsets may also be compatible but don't quote me)

I use a logitech pc headset with no issues. It's way clearer then a bluetooth headset and has a nice circle button on one ear to tap to mute/unmute and an led in the boom mic turns red when your muted. There is an ~8ft cable, never tested extending it tho, you might need an active/powered one.

If you can get one on sale they are sometimes ~$20.

[apocrypha]

Oh I actually have one remarkably similar to that already... never occurred to me to try it on the PS3 

That's how it always works as far as I can tell - the headset is strictly for voice comm.

Aha, awesome, thanks Mr :)

[schild]

I by mistake bought a $160 EtyBlue headset, you should buy one too so we can be wasteful jackasses together.

[apocrypha]

Heheh no. I'm quite good at being a wasteful jackass without any more help 

[Lounge]

Even though pretty much any bluetooth will work your best bet is to pickup the SOCOM bundle which comes with the official bluetooth headset.  It has some kind of extra profile mode that enables significantly better quality audio outgoing and incoming).

Not only that... you should be able to find it for around $50 which is a lot cheaper than most any decent quality bluetooth.

[apocrypha]

Isn't the official Sony headset one of those in/over-ear jobs? I really, really struggle with them due to having the aforementioned funny shaped ears 

[schild]

It is, and I hate over the ear things also, but I promise you, this one is good.

[MrHat]

Any of those douchebag cell phone ones will work too right?

And if I get a bluetooth adapter for my PC, that should then work with skype/ventrilo or what not?

[schild]

Yes and Yes.

[apocrypha]

It is, and I hate over the ear things also, but I promise you, this one is good.

OK, done. If it's shit I'll... well... do nothing. 

[Lounge]

It is, and I hate over the ear things also, but I promise you, this one is good.

OK, done. If it's shit I'll... well... do nothing. 

Basically what you have is an ear-bud style speaker with an over the ear clip.  Its probably the best fitting ear-piece I've ever used and I'm not a fan of either ear-bud headphones or over the ear clips.  That being said the combination of the two make this thing stay put incredibly well.

My only real complaint (and its negligible) is that when paired with the PS3 almost everything is software controlled on the PS3, so you get some lag when increasing the volume.

[Yegolev]

I have a stand-mike with a USB hookup that I got with an old PS2 Karaoke Revolution game.  I figure I can just stick it in my lap and yell into it.