If you’re a gamer, you know that a great gaming experience requires the best gaming gear. That’s why many gamers use a gaming headset when playing. But can you mix your preferred audio experience with a gaming headset? By understanding the benefits and drawbacks, you can decide if this is the right option for you.
No. You cannot mix with a gaming headset since they are preferred for gaming and not for other purposes like mixing. Usually, when you want to mix audio, you should get studio headphones. The studio headphones have been designed to make things sound flat, not exaggerated. With that ability, the studio headphones stand out since they will make the sound amazing when played on your speakers.
Why You Can’t Mix with a Gaming Headset
Should you mix audio with headphones? Definitely not. Here are ten reasons why you should not mix on headphones.
1. Brings a Different Soundstage
Usually, the audio stage is what matters in the audio. When you mix with headphones, the sound stage may be off. However, the soundstage tends to become different since the sound will be coming from the side of your head, not the front. As a result, there will be variations that will make that sound different.
2. Can Lead to Ear Loss
Your health matters in any activity you are conducting. In this case, the health of your ears matters a lot. When using a gaming headset to mix, you may be tempted to increase the volume to get better audio.
This is harmful since you will have the headsets over a long period of time. And your ears will also be close to the drivers. So, it would be best to consider listening at a more reasonable volume.
3. Causes Ear Fatigue
Unlike studio headphones with ear-enhancing features to reduce fatigue, gaming headphones do not. Mixing audio requires a lot of repetition of the same audio until you feel it is at the correct tuning.
When you repeatedly listen to music using gaming headsets, you are more likely to develop ear fatigue.
4. Difficult to Play Loud Audio
While mixing, you may require higher volumes to achieve that musical feeling. Unlike studio monitors, which have the ability to play both low and high-volume music, gaming headsets do not.
That, in turn, becomes a disadvantage since you may not get the type of sound you want. So, the difficulty is also a reason that makes it difficult to mix with gaming headphones.
5. Produces an Exaggerated Sound
Gaming headsets are designed for gaming. This means that they have been made with some sounds to suit gaming and not any other purpose. For instance, you may find that it is fitted with a high bass, which may not be required for mixing.
While mixing, there is a need for a more natural sound and not a modified one. That, in turn, makes gaming headsets not good for mixing.
6. Audio Quality
When mixing, you will always be looking forward to getting the best quality sound. Quality cannot be achieved when you are using gaming headsets to mix. Usually, they are designed for gaming.
The bass exaggeration and other small things will make it difficult to produce the required quality. So, yes, using a gaming headset for mixing is not recommended.
7. Connection
Most gaming headsets are wireless in terms of design. However, for mixing and music production, a wired headset is required. The one that is connected directly to the audio interface.
This direct connection is what produces clear results. For instance, the connection may limit the use of gaming headsets for mixing.
8. The Microphone Feature
Usually, gaming headphones come with microphones. The microphones aim to communicate with team players during a multi-player session.
However, in mixing audio, the microphone feature is unnecessary. This means that the gaming headsets are good for gaming and, therefore, not necessary for mixing audio.
9. Coloration
When you look closely, each manufacturer designs different gaming headsets with different frequency responses. This feature becomes a disadvantage if you tend to mix audio with the gaming headset.
The headphones you used to mix may be OK with you. However, the other person listening to the same audio with a different headset may not get the result that you wanted to achieve before.
10. Decreased Durability
The padding on the ear cups of the gaming headsets may not be that durable. When mixing audio, you may want to be almost present each time. The low-quality padded cups may, however, not favor you. That, in turn, makes it difficult to use a gaming headset to mix audio.
Can You Mix Professionally with Headphones?
No. You cannot mix professionally with headphones. This is because they are not designed to mix but to make you listen to the audio. It is recommended that you get an audio monitor for mixing.
Usually, there are headphones for music production. They are, however, not meant for mixing audio. The headphones are always there to make the listening experience better. So, it would be best if you got the best headphones for music production.
Gaming Headsets vs Music Headsets
Each of these headsets functions well depending on the activity they are subjected to. For instance, gaming headsets immerse users in the game and provide the most incredible experience.
Music headsets, on the other hand, are highly recommended for music production. They are very suitable, and their functionality is also stunning.
Are gaming headphones good for music? Yes, gaming headphones are good for music. When you listen to music with them, you will have an awesome experience.
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