Headphones / Audio / Microphones

Last updated 12/31/2015, added SkullCandy notes 7/3/2016

Headphone capabilities are constantly changing. If this page is more than one year old, then it needs refreshed before you make a decision.

I use apple headphones for everyday use, because they DO NOT block outside noise and are very comfortable. Sound quality is not that good.

If I want to block background noise, then I switch to SkullCandy Buds 2. They seal in your ears and sound great. But they are a little uncomfortable after a few hours.

Noise Cancelling Headphones

I am not a strong fan. Requires batteries for noise cancelling. Bose used to fail completely if the batteries were dead. I would definitely carry a passive set as a backup.

If you are going to bear the burden of batteries for the noise cancelling, then it makes sense to go ahead and get bluetooth wireless also.

Bose Quiet Comfort

Quiet Comfort 25 allows use in passive mode.

Not wireless

Phiaton Chord MS 530 ($250)

Bluetooth and Noise Cancelling Microphone

On the Ear

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2428161,00.asp

It's hard to view the noise cancellation circuitry as a real selling point of these headphones, however—they can't touch what the Bose QuietComfort series is capable of.

Sennheiser Noise Cancelling

They have an on the ear bluetooth MM 450-X Travel for $350

550X vs Bose

B&W P5 Wireless ($400)

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/aug/14/bowers-wilkins-p5-wireless-headphones-review-top-notch-sound-high-price

Other Wireless

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/may/05/five-of-the-best-bluetooth-headphones-to-break-free-of-cables

Monoprice ($115)

Considered good for the price, but Bose is better.

Klipsch Mode M40 - Obsolete

Klipsch STATUS - Not sure if these are Noise Cancelling.

9/23/2014 PC Mag Reviews

4/8/2014 - Consumer Reports

In fact, the top six models in our Ratings of home/studio-style noise-canceling headphones all cost between $280 and $400. In addition to the QuietComfort 15, they include the beats by dre Beats Executive ($300), SMS Audio's Street by 50 ANC ($280), the Sony MDR-NC500D ($400), and PSB Speakers' M4U 2 ($400). Our Ratings still include the Monster beats by dr. dre studio model ($300), launched before the Monster/beats partnership dissolved.

NRR of Noise Cancelling Headphones

you-and-the-law-active-noise-cancelling-headphones-confusion

Web Conferencing Headset (USB)

I have heard arguments for USB mics, others have argued that USB mics suck. I currently don't use USB mics, but have had good luck in the past.

I am trying to do all GoToMeetings and Skype with VoIP, but I just don't have enough conference calls to provide good feedback.

I am currently testing my apple earbuds and mic with an adapter to my sound card. My new laptop appears to have a multi function plug that accepts the headset directly. I also have a 4 conductor extension cord to allow me to move around while on conference.

Microsoft LifeChat

https://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/headsets

Others have highly recommended these, I have not tried them yet.

LifeChat LX-3000 - $40

https://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/p/lifechat-lx-3000/JUG-00013#details

For Cell Phone (2.5 mm Jack)

Sennheiser Deskmate

Podcast Quality

Paul's Security Weekly has one of the best sounding podcasts:

http://www.slideshare.net/securityweekly/how-to-do-a-podcast-bsides-ri-2013

The best microphone is one on a headset, because it stays in front of your face!

Audio-Technica BPHS1 ($200)