Customer Reviews

Creative Labs HS-1000 Fatal1ty USB Gaming Headset with Sound Blaster X-Fi Technology (Black)

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I had initially given this device a semi-poor review, however after hooking it up through a powered USB hub (I was desperate, trying everything) it works beautifully.

If you are having sound quality issues (mine was a fluttery distortion) try a powered USB hub. My board is a brand new ASUS P5N-T Deluxe so I was very surprised that the USB ports are underpowered.

As for the headset, it is everything I wanted and more. I am a reasonably small guy and I have had many headsets that did not adjust down far enough to be comfortable. This one's smallest setting is perfect, however I wonder if the larger-headed folk out there would like it. It's width is not adjustable.

Sound quality is above reproach, with a surprisingly accurate 3D sound emulation. Now that it works I really can't say enough about it. Not overly thrilled with my new motherboard now, but that is another review :)

My model had a problem with the USB cable that would cause it to reinstall itself whenever I moved, but ignoring that problem...

The sounds from the headphones are great. The quality of the microphone is also great. I have no complaints on using it to play my games or voice communication. My complaint comes from the comfort and the build quality of the headphones.

1. The cloth padding on the headphones are pretty soft which is good. The problem is after the cloth padding, the actual thing that the sound comes out of is rock hard. So if your ears are touching/rubbing on them, it hurts.

2. The headphones were REALLY tight on my head. It hurt my head after a while. It might loosen up over a lot of usage, but I didn't want to go through that much pain.

3. The microphone will bend, and is good at angling toward your mouth, but it doesn't swivel up like other headsets. So if you're doing things like drinking/eating in front of your computer, the microphone will get in the way. That sucks. I know it's detachable, but if you're doing things on the fly, you don't want to be pulling out the microphone, then taking off the headset, and plugging it back in.

Another thing to note is that these are USB headphones. If you're a laptop gamer, then I think these would suit you very well. I game on my desktop. When you plug in USB headphones, they are now a new sound device. You can only choose to have windows output to one sound device. So it's going to be headphones or speakers. Having to configure games and applications everytime I decided to switch from speakers to headphones really sucked.

If you're a desktop gamer, then I'd recommend just getting the normal analog plugs (headphone/microphone) to have more versatility and easier use if you're switching from speakers to headphones a lot. If you're an always headphones guy, then sure the USB would be fine. I also recommend going to the slightly more expensive version which has the swivel microphone.

One last thing to note, the cloth doesn't do any sound isolation. So that can be good or bad. It was good for me because I could hear my wife when she was calling for me, but it's bad because it won't cancel out the sound of her vacuuming.

I would recommend to anyone looking at headsets to get the Turtle Beach Earforce X1. These are a lot more comfortable, and they can work on the PC or the Xbox 360.. and they're the same price.

Lets get this over with first, I have a large head and wear glasses (translation: TALL NERD). Most headsets are really annoying because they are so tight and cause pressure on my glasses making the headset really uncomfortable to wear. I have tried many headsets over the years and in reality this is the only headset that I have found that I can honestly say is comfortable even after wearing them for an hour or two.

They deliver on the sound and the mic is can be removed with just a tug if you are not using it. I should also mention that the cable for the mic is flexible so you can bend any direction you want and it stays there.

all in all, a nice headset for everyone, even us fatheads.

The shipping was speedy and when I saw that box on my doorstep I immediately took that to my computer and opened the box. I took out the software disc and put it in my cd drive but the cd drive was making all kinds of grinding noises, so I took out the disc, and found out that it was bent slightly. Luckily I was able to pull of the data from it and able to make a whole new software cd.

As for the comfort, I do have glasses and the last headset I had which were Creative's Wrap around really hurt my ears because of the glasses. This headset did not hurt at all, in fact you hardly even notice it! Its lightweight and comfy.

As for the quality of sound, excellent, the software gives you so many options of settings, eq, and etc.

The construction quality is great and the muff contour to your ears and are easily adjusted to fit anyone's comfort need. I did not even have to adjust anything right from that box!

I bought this headset after my old Plantronics one broke, trusting the positive reviews I saw. They were right. This is a great gaming headset and a good headset overall for other uses as well.

Pros:
very comfortable - even during my longer gaming sessions, it has never hurt my ears.
USB connection - my computer, frustratingly, does not provide power to its mic/line in port. Almost all headset mics are powered from the jack, meaning USB was a necessity
Great sound - my mic is always the clearest one on vent, and I enjoy the surround speakers even when i'm not gaming

Cons:
the foam padding over the microphone broke off and was lost. mic static is still unnoticeable, but that particular element was poorly made.
(possibly) the detachable mic - a swivel mount may have been better, as I have almost lost the mic before. however, if you can keep up with it (as i have so far and hope to continue doing) it IS nice when just listening to have the mic gone completely. I have gotten great use out of this headset as merely a set of surround headphones.

Overall, this headset it definitely worth its price.

I have had no problems with this device whatsoever. I recommend purchasing a Creative sound card for best results, since there were some rather unusual changes that needed to be made to get my on-board sound to harmonize with the headset, but they were minor compared with most tweaks. Essentially, don't use the sound card or the headset equalizer, but rather the equalizer that comes with the software you are using at the time, to ensure clear sound. The sound software bundled with the headset is frankly more than half the value. If you are looking for a seriously good audio experience then go no further.

Highly Recommended.

bought it a year ago on amazon gold deal for good price, after using about 1 month 1 side of the earphone stop working, RMA it which cost almost the same as the price i bought.. :( and after using about another 6 month, same problem again... even though with careful usage - it doesn't last. Overall, it has great sound quality, but should have last longer.. :( the fragility of it is a deal breaker

Well I did it. I splurged on this headset. It may not seem all that expensive to some people, but for me right now it was a lot to spend for headphones and a mic.

As a singer/songwriter and a world of warcraft player, it's important for me to have a clear sounding, quality microphone. The headsets I have had in the passed, varying from the cheap $5 headsets, to the more expensive Logitech types all had their flaws. You couldn't hear me, I couldn't hear you, it didn't work with all the programs I use - etc. Very frustrating. I guess my cat agrees because she chewed through every one of those headset wires.

I started doing some research. I was sick of buying an expensive product with sub-par quality. When I came across the creative headset, I thought and thought...and thought. I considered all of my options, but I liked what creative was offering. I had some experience with creative products, having had creative MP3 players. I knew from that that creative specializes in amazing sound.

This product does not disappoint. When I first plugged it in, the drivers installed and the sound came on right away. Unfortunately that is where it ended. The microphone was not working. So I thought okay well that's fine I'll try and install from the CD.

Still nothing. My speakers were disabled, the creative headset was my default...so there was no problem there. I started checking out the device manager, tried to search for new drivers. they were fine. Finally I decided the only other thing I could do was uninstall my sound card. And lo and behold...I had sound. People could hear me. They could hear me really well.

I don't like that I have to have my sound card uninstalled because that means i can't use my speakers unless I go to device manager and reinstall.This means i always have to wear the headset unless i feel like reinstalling. Kind of tedious.

The only other problem i had was making sure the microphone is snapped in really well.I love that the mic is detachable but if it's not secured, it can fall off the headset and then you've lost half your functionality. I also wish the mic would move up, like it does with other headsets - but it only moves left to right. You can make it work though, it's just a little more inconvenient that way.

Other than that..I have no regrets. I've only had it for a few days but it is much better than the other headsets I've had in the past. The sound is crisp, clear...I can hear the pitter patter of my mounts hooves. It's fantastic.

Sounds great, easy to use but the fit is tight. Hurts around ears, can't wear for an hour without adjusting multiple times. Hopefully it will stretch out and fit better in the future.

I have had this headset for 6 months now. I have had no issues with it. I was wanting to go with a cheaper model that had standard mini plugs. But for some reason the input on my MB sound card doesn't work. Blessing in Disquize! I went with this USB headset and love it. It was easy to set up, Everyone hears me great. It's comfortable and sound is really good. I would recomnend this to anyone.