Logitech Premium Notebook Headset Review

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Logitech Premium Headset Review

I purchased the Logitech Premium notebook headset because I was having some problems using voice chat on my Compal HEL-80 notebook related to feedback while plugged into my overpowered 5.1 surround system. Anyway, being a personal fan of Logitech accessories and after having played with the box at the store for a bit I came home and took a night to reflect on such a high priced headset while reading some buyer feedback from places like Newegg.com and Compusa.com. For lack of a better word, everything seemed to come back as &quot;awesome&quot;, so I took the plunge the next day and picked it up. I was pleasantly surprised to find a special promostional event at my local CompUSA which lead to a discount on the purchase.

Headset Features:

• Foldable design
• Adjustable ear peaces for comfort
• Adjustable microphone pivot and swivel (not flexible extension like other models)
• In-line volume and microphone control with lapel clip
• Frequency response: Headset: 20-20,000 Hz; Microphone: 100-10,000 Hz
• Sensitivity: -62 dBV/µBar, -42 dBV/Pa+/-3dB
• Cable length: 6 ft.
• Value Added Features:
  • Plug protector (plastic sleeve that you can store the microphone / headset plug in)
  • Includes 3.5mm to USB adapter (both microphone and earphone connect)
  • Includes hard plastic travel case

Design

First off, the cool factor of a high quality and comfortable headset that can easily fold up and go with you is very appealing for notebook users. These go into a case not much larger then a portable compact disc player.


Headset on top of travel case (view large image)


Picture of travel case included with headset (view large image)

I've had some foldable headset's in the past that often felt flimsy or didn't hold their shape well against your head because of the movable parts, and I can proudly say that Logitech has done a great job on making this headset feel and fit like a non-portable headset.


Picture of headset folded (view large image)

This particular design goes back around behind the head, rather then over the top, which I personally prefer for long term comfort (when done right). The adjustable earphone locations are also very accommodating for people with both larger or smaller heads.

Photo of studio microphones and reviewed headset (view large image)

This headset features adjustable earphone locations to allow a more custom fit. These seem to be best used for helping the headset adapt to large and small heads.

Photo of earphone slid forward (view large image)

Photo of earphone slid back (view large image)

The microphone swivels forward and back firmly, so you can either position it best for your needs or tuck it back behind your head when not wanted. There is also a slight hinge motion that can pull the microphone closer to your face, or farther away. I prefer this design rather then the flexible gooseneck's more typically found on headsets.

Photo of headset on friend with glasses, doesn't he look thrilled to be a model? (view large image)

Note for users of eyeglasses: I've had two of my friend's try these that do wear glasses and I can report that both of them agree these are comfortable and non-interfering with their glasses. I know they both also mentioned that often behind-the-head designs cause their ears to hurt since the weight is often pressing against the top of their ears.

These earphones are very light, great for hours and hours of gaming and voice chat. I often forget I've even got them on at times because of how light and unobtrusive they are. Also, since it doesn't have the closed ear design it doesn't crush my ears against my head or cause them to sweat. They also don't seem to suffer from bleeding audio* as much as you might think from a headset that doesn't conceal the ear. I also didn't have any problem with outside noise causing me to not enjoy listening.

(*Bleeding audio definition: Sound that bothers people around you while using earphones because you have them up so loud your ears bleed.)

Last but not least, keep in mind that the cable length has been kept somewhat short because it was designed for notebook users. It's very cheap and easy to get a hold of either a USB extension, or analog audio extension cables. The in-line volume controller also works to smoothly change volume levels without static or hissing that some headsets are known to have.


Photo of in-line audio controller (view large image)

Sound Quality

An Audigy 2 ZS and HEL-80 onboard sound were used in conjunction with the Logitech headset to test sound.

For testing I've watched a few DVD's that came in from Netflix, listened to a few hours of music while surfing the web, and played several hours of Battlefield 2142.. You know, for review quality assurance.

I'd say this is the highest quality headset for sound reproduction I've ever used, and place it pretty close to some high end ear-eaters (enclosed ear design) that some people I know praise for sound quality.

Highs have been accurately recreated without any strange pops or crackles, as well as some deep explosive sounds. Volume at high and low levels is clear, clean and crisp. My friends tell me audio they hear from my microphone puts me to sounding almost as normal as I do in real life, even over my cell phone. Volume for recording is again clean, clear and crisp.

Conclusion

Being without earphones for FPS style games for such a long time (boo to apartments and volume levels) made me forget the fun you could have by hearing the footsteps and what not while safely tucked away waiting for the enemy to pass by. I'd seriously recommend the Logitech Premium notebook headset to anyone whom is interested in having an awesome headset for gaming or any audio needs on the go.

 

Great review pyro! That does look to be a nice headset option for gamers and chatters.

And your friend does look absolutely thrilled to be modeling the unit.

 

That's a very thorough review for a headset, and glowing as well, seems you're pretty happy with this purchase. Ergonomics and sound quality are both very important with headsets and seems Logitech has nailed it with this mobile pair.

I'm a little concerned about this "bleeding audio" thing. If anoyone's easrs are bleeding after gaming it's probably an okay idea to turn it down a little

 

zalman 'theatre 8' headphones are still the way to go..
best 5.1 sound in headphones at $50.

Nice review though the specs on those look great as well!

 

Thanks Chris. I think a picture got lost in translation though, a couple are shifted up from the copy I sent in. Starting at (studio headphones next to reviewed unit)

Can you patch it up abaxter? No big deal either way.. looks like a lot of people have been reading it and haven't noticed

 

Those headsets are for a different crowd (All I found in my 5 second search led to a theatre 6, not 8... so maybe that is a different design that does fit the same audience as these?)

Thanks for the feedback though.

 

I've been on puddle-jumpers (16ish man prop planes = loud) where I could still hear the noise from someone's headset in the next row...

 

Yea my bad.

 

Couple months back I bought Cyber Acoustics AC-401 ( http://www.cyberacoustics.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Home.ProductDetail&content_id=321) headset for about $20-25 CDN from FutureShop. It has mic attached and inline volume/mic controls, 7 foot cable. Great sound quality. And these days I rarely switch to my old external ampli speakers...just max the volume on headphones and the sound volume is sufficient for the whole room.
Good headphones for the price I paid. My main reason for the purchase was to use it for Skype and voice chat.

 

Maybe I should have bought Zalman headset but that one probably require a good sound card for best sound quality.
It would be cool if companies can use voice recognition technology in headphones and would allow the user to selectively cut out the voice of particular person(s) in the room.