Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000 Headset (JUG-00013) with Clear stereo sound, Plug and Play, Noise-cancelling Microphone for Laptop/PC, Over-Ear

Well, I didn't want to spend this much but the reviews about the voice quality tipped me. They are correct. I was complimented in a national online conference, both in asides convos and in addressing the entire group (gulp).I took it out of the box, plugged it into my Win7 machine, it autoloaded drivers and that was that. Self-powered through USB, this is a DSP processing, noise-reducing system with enough hear-through to let you know if you're about to miss out on the last slice of pizza at work!It's a bit snug on my big noggin but the top bands are nylon, so over time and with a little encouragement, it is getting more comfortable, and the headphone audio quality is perfectly decent, not shrill.In the Sound Control Panel (for PC) installing this headset activates some useful headset audio functions like adjustable AGC, a low-cut (high-pass) filter at 100Hz, which could be a bit higher but cuts down on "popping," and a few other niceties. You can also tell your computer you'll be listening to music (or gaming, I suppose) and you won't find the headphones offensive, especially for the money.True circumaural ear-cups are MUCH more comfortable than on-ear cups are, especially if you wear glasses. As I mentioned, the headband is a bit tight, but gently stretching it out every use will make it better in time. As well, this is background noise reducing but not noise-killing for you. You will hear pages, etc. For the people you're speaking with, your voice and background noises are being processed, and the little mic boom has openings toward the mouth and away for active echo and background noise cancellation. It works.The mic boom swings all the way vertical to hug the headband, and is can be shaped, unlike many other brands, like many Plantronics models, for a better fit and control over your tonal quality.I wish the cable was not hard wired, but was plug-in replaceable, but if it doesn't break, who cares.One complaint (maybe two): The included mute/volume control inline assembly on the cord is too close to the headset, so it won't sit directly in the lap without weighing down. This is a terrible design choice unless the target market is 4ft tall kids. I don't think so.Otherwise, I like this quite a bit... another winner accessory from MS!

This is a fantastic headset. I've tried other models commonly found at Walmart and Radio Shack, and this one blows them all away - and at a lower price, to boot.I am hearing impaired and wear behind-the-ear hearing aids. The headset wraps beautifully around the ears, cushioning them comfortably, preventing slippage, and muting ambient sound. They should be very comfortable for anyone without hearing aids, but if you are looking for something compatible with aids, this is perfect.The size seems quite adjustable - my head is small so I can't say for sure that it fits large heads, but it seems like it would accommodate a variety of sizes. My 8 year old daughter also can adjust the set to her head.Because of my hearing impairment, it is critical to have a good maximum volume on the device. The maximum volume on other headsets have not been adequate to meet my needs. Obviously the volume is fully adjustable, so your non-hearing-impaired ears will not be blasted.The microphone quality is so good that people frequently remark how clearly they can hear me. The position of the mic is easily adjustable. I find it useful to position the mic at the level of my nose (an inch or two away horizontally but at the same level vertically), rather than under it, so my breathing isn't picked up.I've used the mic for the following purposes:- Skype- GoToMeeting and WebEx- Dragon Naturally Speaking- Recording the speaking part for a software demo (sorry, I don't remember what video software I used for this project)I've had this model for... oh, years. I just bought another because my daughter, who is currently 8 years old, was really hard on it (slamming the cord into drawers, dropping it, running over it with the rolling chair, bending the mic every which way), For years. So I won't say it's completely immune to abuse, but it's taken a lot from a child for a long time, and I'm very happy with the value.