18. EDimensional AudioFX Pro 5+1 By Ben Heck

Ben Heck, the nomme de jeux of respected modder Benjamin J. Heckendorn, is the designer and driving force behind this attractive and capable USB-attached gaming headset from eDimensional. Though most headphones and headsets tend to be pretty dull and boring in appearance, this "Benheck" branded product is anything but. The design includes full-sized earcups that fit completely over the ears, designed for comfort and cushioning, and to block out ambient noise in your environment.

This eDimensional AudioFX headset looks nice, feels good, and blocks out ambient noise.

The complete name for this product is the Audio FX Pro 5+1 Force Feedback Headset. The 5+1 indicates support for 5.1 surround sound, and the Force Feedback portion of the name indicates that the unit includes small internal motors that react to low frequency sound by producing extra rumble, thereby intensifying the low bass portion of the sound spectrum way beyond what a set of headphones can normally deliver. When gaming, this is intended to boost the roar of engines and the boom in explosions, to help you become immersed in your playtime experience.

In addition to boosting audio quality and detail, surround sound is important for gamers because it lets them hear where things are coming from. According to reviewers, this headset does a stellar job of spatializing sound, thereby adding to the gaming experience. It's also supposed to be pretty nice for listening to surround soundtracks for movies or TV when open air speakers aren't practical or available. We think this makes these phones ideal for students who may want to listen to music, play games, or watch a movie at hours when using external speakers might not sit too well with roommates or neighbors.

The unit includes a USB 2.0 connection, along with an integrated 5.1 surround sound decoder. It also offers in-line volume and vibration controls, plus an instant microphone mute button. The mike swivels forward or aft so it can be used with either the right or left ear. Software bundled with the headset lets users customize audio positioning for surround sound, set equalization levels, and manage special audio effects on playback. The drivers work only with Windows 2000, XP, and Vista, so this is not a Macintosh plaything!

For $80 you get good looks, great audio handling characteristics, a good, noise-canceling microphone, and a mechanical rumble effect to really boost low frequency sounds. What self-respecting gamer or audiophile could ask for more? The back-to-schooler who walks off with a pair of these will be instantly elevated to crème-de-la-nerd status! For more information on this headset, please visit the vendor's own pronouncements on this headset are probably worth a gander, too.