Optimized for Windows Live Messenger
Noise-canceling microphone
Leatherette ear pads
Flexible six-foot cable
In-line volume controls
Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000 Digital USB Stereo Headset
Take your audio experience to a new dimension with the Microsoft® LifeChat™ LX-3000. Optimized for Windows Live™ Messenger, this comfortable, high-quality stereo headset gives you the simplicity of USB installation and high-quality digital sound that cannot be matched by analog. Hold clear, private Internet voice calls, enjoy music and movies, and become fully immersed in your games.
Noise-canceling microphone
Clarity, Comfort, and Convenience Digital USB for superior clarity Built-in unidirectional microphone with acoustic noise cancellation Leatherette ear pads for improved comfort In-line volume controls Pivoting boom microphone with 180-degree movement Flexible 6-foot cable
Optimized for Windows Live™ Messenger Windows Live™ Call Button - It's simple to start voice calls. One touch of the Windows Live Call Button lets you see who's online, and you're on your way towards audio chatting. Easy Audio Switching - Automatic audio switching from music to your audio call. Simply press the Windows Live Call Button when someone calls you, and your music automatically pauses.* Free Worldwide Internet Calling to Your Online Contacts** *Pauses audio in iTunes® and Windows Media® Player. Other application behavior may vary. ** Windows Live Messenger or MSN® Messenger contacts only/ broadband connection required. System Requirements - Windows® Vista™, Windows® XP Pro/Home/Media Center Edition/Tablet PC Edition
This review is from: Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000 Headset
I just purchased this headset yesterday because I was looking for a decently-priced gaming headset. While this headset markets itself largely toward the WLM users, it does claim to be useful for gaming as well. I figured that since it was made by Microsoft, there shouldn't be any compatibility issues when using with Windows.
I was right about that. I installed the software first, as instructed, then plugged in the USB cable attached to the headphones. At first I thought I was having problems with the headphones conflicting with my Creative X-Fi soundcard, but I just needed to restart my Media Player and it worked fine (so there was no adjustment needed to my audio devices, even though Windows seems to identify the headphones almost like another sound card).
The ear pads are very comfortable, which is good because the new headset does have quite a bit of pressure on the head. I do have to adjust them from time to time to keep a maximum comfort feel. Music sounded excellent--crystal clear sound reproduction. I listened to a piece that involved a large string orchestra and it sounded beautiful.
Gaming was great. I really wanted a 5.1 surround sound headset, but they're either too expensive or not reliable enough at this point, so I decided to hold off. In gaming, it's fine. I hear footsteps to the left or right accurately and clearly, and voice chat in-game is quite clear (I was in the same room as someone else playing online with me and I was able to hear my voice communication).
I don't use WLM, so I can't speak to its functionality at all.
The in-line remote is fairly useless for any functions other than WLM. It does have an independent volume control (it doesn't affect the volume of your system--just of the headset), which is very useful. But the mute and call buttons don't function for anything other than their intended purposes.
Overall this headset is very good for the price. It fits tightly around the head, which may be a bit uncomfortable at first, but I found that with some adjustment I was able to get a comfortable fit. If you're looking for a nice gaming headset and don't want to shell out over $100 for a high-end headset, this is a strong choice....
This review is from: Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000 Headset
As a pair of headphones the LifeChat LX-3000 is pretty decent. Good, clear response across all frequencies. Notably, the bass range is beefy without being too muddy. They are comfortable and don't make my head sore after extended use, compared to some other headphones I own. (Your mileage may vary.)
The microphone is my favorite component of these headphones. It is responsive and doesn't pick up very much background noise. The windscreen (the foamy thing) eliminates some of the effect of breath sound, and pops and plosives to a certain extent, giving one's voice a more polished sound. You might think of it as a minor feature, and perhaps a little ugly or bulky, but it adds a tremendous value to the headphones in my opinion.
In addition to Automated Gain Control (AGC), there seems to be the option in the Sound & Audio Properties control panel of applying effects to the incoming signal. Maybe it has something to do with the sAPO technology in Windows Vista, but I'm using the headphones on Windows XP exclusively at the moment. There aren't any effects included with the installation CD that comes with the LifeChat headphones, but the idea is intriguing. At least I know that since this headset comes from Microsoft, if the technology develops further I'll be able to take advantage of it. It would be good to apply some effects such as a compressor or equalizer to one's voice, even for something as simple as chatting or making calls online, in order to give one's voice more clarity and punch. In any case, that's all a side point to actually reviewing the product.
I've tried recording my voice (both speaking and singing) into Audacity (a wave editor) and Ableton Live (a music/audio production package) and the results are favorable. I can see using this for some quick voiceover work or demo vocals if you happen to be a music production enthusiast as I am. Granted, an actual studio quality dynamic or compressor mic in the right environment is ideal, but this headset functions as a good tool to use a "notepad" for my voice.
The "remote" with the volume, mute, and livechat controls is definitely handy. Only thing is it weighs down the cord. It's placed about a foot and a half down the cord from the headset itself, which makes it possible to place it on the desk; however if you tend to move around while working at your computer (and I would hope you do) you'll pull it off. I don't imagine it's heavy enough to cause any sort of neck strain or such thing, but the weight is noticeable.
Another thing to note is that the headset uses the USB interface exclusively. There are no analog jacks to fall back on. This is a problem since it uses USB bandwidth, which can be a problem if you have many devices hooked up to your computer (and especially if they are hooked up to the same controller by...
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