Sony launches new gaming headsets

Posted on 18 Aug 2010 at 14:27

Sony has unveiled a pair of new headsets designed to offer gamers premium sound quality and in-built microphones for voice chat.

The company's flagship release, the DR-GA500, features 7.1 digital surround sound via a Dolby Pro Logic IIx decoder and Sony's proprietary Virtual Phones Technology, integrated into a "compact external unit" which sits between the computer and the headphones.

The result is convincing positional audio which the company claims is "perfect for first person shooter games," and which gives full surround-sound performance without the need for multiple speakers.

The DR-GA500 also features a switchable compression mode to change the dynamic range of an audio source - the headphone equivalent of the 'Night' mode on many A/V receivers.

The DR-GA500 is joined by the DR-GA200, a cheaper edition which dispenses with the 7.1-channel surround sound and compressor but retains the other features of its bigger brother. Both headsets feature 40mm drive units, an in-built microphone with mute function, and Sony's triple-enfolding design which the company claims reduces pressure and increases ventilation - making the headsets significantly more comfortable for long periods of gaming.

The DR-GA500 connects to a source PC via multi-channel analogue connectors, or a single USB connection - while the DR-GA200 has a pair of 3.5mm jacks for audio input and microphone output.

In an attempt to woo gamers to its brand, Sony has announced a launch offer: when the headsets go on sale on October the 15th, anyone buying either model will receive a free copy of the new Medal of Honor single-player PC game.

So far Sony has not confirmed pricing on either version.

Author: Gareth Halfacree

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