Gaming Gear at CES 2011

4. Creative: Finally Some PC Headsets!

Don't get us wrong: we love console accessories, but the lack of PC accessories was getting us down. Luckily, Creative came with three new Sound Blaster headsets and a new external audio processor. The Sound Blaster Tactic3D headsets (Alpha, Sigma and Omega) should be enough to satisfy PC gamers in every price range, offering solid build construction, sleek design and most important, quality sound. The Alpha comes in with 40mm drivers and a plastic headband, with a $59.99 pricetag. The Sigma steps things up with 50mm speakers and a steelcore headband, with an $89.99 price. Both headsets are 3.5mm with USB converters, allowing them to work on any machine. Both headsets are Mac compatible, use THX TruStudio Pro Surround for full-on 3D audio, and have customizable TacticProfiles that can be uploaded to share on the Web.

The Omega is a step beyond the other two offerings, giving the user a wireless headset solution that works with PC, Mac, Xbox 360 and the PS3. Offering the same 500mm drivers, THX audio and steel core construction as the Sigma, the Omega has a wireless transmitter that handles audio and voice on every platform but the 360, which still requires a cable to run from the headset to the controller. This is yet another situation where the headset manufacturer is hamstrung by the console maker.

To wrap it all up, Creative has a new external audio solution that looks to rival offerings from the likes of ASTRO. The Recon3D system is an external audio processor with a grocery list of features. This is another THX audio solution that will work across the same four platforms mentioned above. The marquee feature is the hardware acceleration, which takes the audio processing load off of your computer. The Xcout mode automatically optimizes the hardware for FPS titles, along with all the customization you can do via the included software, and this is a real winner in our eyes.