OS Steam and Computer Gaming Thread

[jyoung]

Re: OS Steam and Computer Gaming Thread

Rebellion's 2010 Aliens vs. Predator game and all of its DLC is on sale in one package for $8:

http://www.getgamesgo.com/product/aliens-vs-predator-collection

It's worth playing through the marine campaign, plus the survivor mode is fun in multiplayer, though I doubt anyone is still playing at this point.

[The JareBear]

Re: OS Steam and Computer Gaming Thread

Rebellion's 2010 Aliens vs. Predator game and all of its DLC is on sale in one package for $8:

http://www.getgamesgo.com/product/aliens-vs-predator-collection

It's worth playing through the marine campaign, plus the survivor mode is fun in multiplayer, though I doubt anyone is still playing at this point.

I've never played this game, 8 bucks is a pretty good deal. Honestly, I know you said you doubt anyone is still playing online, but does anyone on here still play the game and know for sure? If I know I can hop online once in a while I will get it for sure.

[jyoung]

Re: OS Steam and Computer Gaming Thread

Looks like it's averaging about 100 concurrent players per day:

http://steamcharts.com/app/10680#1m

There's no telling how many of those players are from America, though. Most of the PC people I was playing with after the opening week of Aliens: Colonial Marines were from Europe. The Alien series seems to have a much bigger following overseas.

[trobinson97]

Re: OS Steam and Computer Gaming Thread

Really Big Sky free key:

http://www.pcgamer.com/2014/07/09/free-steam-key/

[Phobia]

Re: OS Steam and Computer Gaming Thread

So guys, got a interesting one for you all.

I'm attempting to make a Mic so I can use my Sennheiser HD 280 Pro's. The sound quality is just top notch and be able to just add a detachable mic would be fantastic.

So I was looking at two options, the Zalman Mic1 and the Antlion Mod Mic. The mod mic is more of what I am looking for because a boom extension will provide much better audio quality. So I looked at ways to make the Modmic for cheaper.

Zalman Mic1 (Mic obviously)


Neodymium Magnets 1/2 x 1/8 inch Disc N48 (Attachment/detachment point)


Nite Ize 12" gear tie (flexible boom)


I know this would work great from the sound test I've seen of the Zalman in this type of configuration.

Then it hit me, I have the cheap PS4 mic that comes with the system plus it has a mute switch. So my question, which I can't find online while I'm stuck at work and wanted to see if any of you know.

Will the PS4 cheap mic work in the 3.5mm microphone jack on a PC??

If it does then this will save me time on having to order parts.

[Burns11]

Re: OS Steam and Computer Gaming Thread

I don't think so, not without an adapter. PS4 mic is a mono headset, not just a mic, so it uses a different connector. You can get an adapter cheaper than all that setup though.

[Phobia]

Re: OS Steam and Computer Gaming Thread

I don't think so, not without an adapter. PS4 mic is a mono headset, not just a mic, so it uses a different connector. You can get an adapter cheaper than all that setup though.

The headset does work but even with mic boost it is still to low for my liking. I went home for lunch and tested it out.

Which kind of adapter would be needed?

The entire setup runs little more than $10 bucks. I've look all over and can't find a mic of any decent quality as the Zalman Mic1 for under say $30 like the Mod Mic is priced. If you know of such a product please let me know.

[Burns11]

Re: OS Steam and Computer Gaming Thread

Reason it was so low is because it was bridging contacts, feeding the mic signal into the ground and earbud connector before making it the mic. On a headset connector the arrangement from wire to tip is mic|ground|right|left, a mic connector is ground|mic, so you can see if you plug a headset into a mic jack the mic signal will have to bridge through the ground and earbud connections to hit the mic connection.

Anyway, options:

1. A headset converter for the PS4 headset. Cost about $3, downside is the PS4 headset likely won't live long, not a boom mic.

2. Your setup. Downside I can see, to be removable cables will have to be loose and separate making it a little messy.

3. Labtec 7330, modded with a magnet if you want removable. This is a decent noise canceling boom mic on a cheap headband, take mic off headband and attach to headphones. This is where modmic came from, basically making it easier and cleaner.

4. Buy a headphone extension cable and a cheap headset with removable boom mic with a 3.5mm connector (like Creative Fatal1ty). This one you (mostly) permanently attach the extension cable, and use boom mic like a removable mic. Bad here is the HD280 doesn't have a good spot to easily adhere the extension cable, also if mic breaks you are left searching for another that might be scarce (really nice setup though).

What I would do, buy a Labtec or similar boom mic, attach a magnet to headphone and one on boom mic, cleanly run the cables in paralel with some sort of shrink wrap, fabric wrap, or just little zip ties, tread mic as permanent but you can swivel it up out of the way.

[Phobia]

Re: OS Steam and Computer Gaming Thread

Killer info burns!

I looked at bunch of different mic options, even the labtec 7330 and only reason I was leaning away is because I knew the sound quality on the Zalman was at least decent from the test I've seen. The labtec I glossed over and never seen it mentioned for good voice quality that I didn't consider it. Now if it does have good quality then I'll surely go that route.

I was also considering a Blue snowball mic or a Yeti, but I run a old PS2 mechanical keyboard (for numerous reasons, like unlimited N-key combos basically). So steered away from the desk mics, knowing they would pick up way to much background noise, even with push to talk.

For the build I have bunch of shrink tubing and what have you when I did solder and created my own free track. It came out clean so I figured I could do same with this.

This is what I was thinking, let me know what you think.


Start inner design first.

Black = Flex cable, wrapped around magnet
White = Tip Zalman mic
Blue = Wire laid along flex tie
Red = Black shrink tubing holding it all together, plus magnet in position.
Green = Two magnets, one on detachable mic. Other on HD 280s
Orange = 3m Tape to adhere hd 280 magnet.

[Burns11]

Re: OS Steam and Computer Gaming Thread

Only thing that worries me about that design, those magnets are thin and you're going to have trouble getting the flexible boom to hold onto it. Might be able to permanently connect the magnets to make a base to hold onto.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/534479/mad-lust-envys-headphone-gaming-guide-update-7-9-2014-ultrasone-hfi-15g-added/

Now, I personally purchased this one and can attest to it's sound quality. It sounds almost as good as the built in mic on the Sennheiser PC360, with just a bright, and thinner sound, but still very clear.

The problem with the LVA7330 is that it's not very versatile in that to attach to a headphone, you have to commit to it by sanding off the headband portion (the mic has a perfect area on it to let you know exactly where to sand it off to), and attaching the mic to the headphone permanently, or with double sided velcro. I personally went with the velcro option, and it wasn't pretty, and the mic was too heavy for the velcro and would somewhat come off a bit. While it is a great mic, it's more for DIY-ers, and pretty much has to be permanently attached to your headphones for the cleanest looking setup.

This is a well known mic and popular mic for head-fiers of yesteryear. I'd personally save up the extra cash for the Antlion modmic if you want a full-sized microphone, as it's not permanent, and easier to attach/detach.

Here is them comparing the mics to the Zalman:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/534479/mad-lust-envys-headphone-gaming-guide-update-7-9-2014-ultrasone-hfi-15g-added/23760#post_10559245

The cheap DX mics are cheap, but kind of flimsy, it was pretty clear and sensitive though.

[Phobia]

Re: OS Steam and Computer Gaming Thread

Only thing that worries me about that design, those magnets are thin and you're going to have trouble getting the flexible boom to hold onto it. Might be able to permanently connect the magnets to make a base to hold onto.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/534479/mad-lust-envys-headphone-gaming-guide-update-7-9-2014-ultrasone-hfi-15g-added/

Here is them comparing the mics to the Zalman:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/534479/mad-lust-envys-headphone-gaming-guide-update-7-9-2014-ultrasone-hfi-15g-added/23760#post_10559245

The cheap DX mics are cheap, but kind of flimsy, it was pretty clear and sensitive though.

Well I looked into the hold power of the magnets and the 1/2" ones have 6lbs of pull force, with people complaining they couldn't get them off their refrigerator. I was more worried they would be to strong and I'd have to slide them apart.

With that said, the 7330 is most likely what I'll go with because most the work is done already. I just have to create the attach point.

[Burns11]

Re: OS Steam and Computer Gaming Thread

I'm not talking about the two holding together, I'm talking getting the flexible tie to stick to one of these little magnets. you have it kind of wrapped around, but even two of them are only going to be 1/4 inch thick.

[Phobia]

Re: OS Steam and Computer Gaming Thread

I'm not talking about the two holding together, I'm talking getting the flexible tie to stick to one of these little magnets. you have it kind of wrapped around, but even two of them are only going to be 1/4 inch thick.

Yea that would be a total pain in the ***, but I had couple ideas that might of worked or failed miserably lol

Plastic welding them to little plastic bases would be best bet for sure.

[DELUS1ONAL]

Re: OS Steam and Computer Gaming Thread

Has anyone played Don't Starve? Is it worth fifteen bucks?

[Sandman42]

Re: OS Steam and Computer Gaming Thread

Has anyone played Don't Starve? Is it worth fifteen bucks?

It goes on sale so often you might as well just wait for it to be $5.