I am having a problem with my PC38X with Xbox X. My first headset was and is the SteelSeries Arctis 7X+ and when playing online with others, they are able to hear me. When I switch over to the PC38X (plugged into the Xbox wireless controller), they are not able to hear me. I can switch back and forth between the two headsets, and they hear me immediately with the 7X+ and then can't hear me the second I switch over to the PC38X. The Xbox software shows in the controller settings that the headset mic is set to on, and I have mic monitoring turned all the way up and can hear myself talking into the mic. But even while hearing my mic'd voice say "Testing, can you hear me?" they tell me they can't. Is there anything I'm forgetting to set?
Feb 12, 2024
I tried using my M50x on the go, but my LG G4 didn't get them loud enough, and they don't have enough bass for me. And using the EQ to increase the bass just made everything else less loud instead :-D
I bought a DAC/amp combo with EQ for that reason (Sound Blaster E5), but the G4's Bluetooth is absurdly bad (at least on mine), and with cables this was too much of a hassle. So I only used the M50x at work through the E5 with the EQ running to boost the bass. Software based solutions on the Mac either cost money or had their own issues of sound cutting out.
After two years, the fake leather on the padding (earpads and headband) starting disintegrating, and they looked pretty hideous as a result.
I went to an audio store and said I would like to get a new pair of closed cans in the <$1000 range (I didn't really want to spend that much, but if something had blown me away, I would have). They showed me two models for $800 which I didn't consider better than the M50x, and one for $1200, which was maybe a tad better - but not $1000 better. Then they showed me the open-backed Focal Elear and I was in awe. Sounded just like actual speakers - amazing.
But they are open, so not good for the office or public transportation. Checked what else Focal has to offer and found the Focal Listen. Reviews were positive, some also suggested the Meze 99 Classics, which are gorgeous.
So I went back to the audio store and compared both to my M50x. Both sounded better to me, didn't lose the wonderful highs of the M50x, but had enough bass, and were more comfortable.
Then I discovered something I never heard before: on the Focal, I could pinpoint the source of the instruments, while with everything else, it sounded more like instruments and voices are coming from a larger surface.
So I went with the Focal Listen! I love them. The headband is a little uncomfortable, and the microphone is crap, but the sound is absolutely gorgeous.
I tried about 20 headphones last Saturday, for up to $2000 each, but didn't like any of them better. mrspeakers has a more natural sounding bass, Sennheiser HD800 a lovely sound stage, but nothing sounded better to me overall (the HD800 have less bass).
Also very nice: the Focal are very efficient (32 ohms, 122 dB sensitivity). Now I have great sound straight out of my phone! So happy.
Best $249 I ever spent. There's now also a wireless version for $299 or so, have not tested that.