Xbox 360 headset: "cheap," "painful," "horrible" sounding. Oh yeah, it eats babies too (Xbox 360 annoyance #015)

by Vladimir Cole { Mar 8th 2006 at 1:30AM }

The Xbox 360 headset has some issues. Some of these issues are clearly related to the software used to send voice back and forth on the Xbox 360. We figure that Microsoft is using some wonderful new compression technology that allocates less bandwidth to voice so that they can squeeze video data from the upcoming camera through the same pipes.

Some of the problems with the headset are clearly hardware related, however. That's why Xbox 360 user (PS3 fanboy? We can't verify) George Ogan has created the petition we link to here. The points made are solid, so that's why George's petition is getting the linklove.

Matter of fact, this thoughtful petition could very well be one of our Xbox 360 annoyances. Actually, it just became one. Nice work, George.

Other Xbox 360 annoyances: 001, 002, 003, 004, 005, 006, 007, 008, 009, 010, 011, 012, 013, 014

Xbox 360 delights: 001, 002, 003, 004, 005, 006, 007, 008, 009, 010, 011

Tags: 360annoy

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Andre @ Mar 8th 2006 1:46AM

You guys are really nit-picking. The headsets are fine, the sound is fine, and the hardware quality is fine. I remember how easy it was to break the old Xbox headsets; no problem with the current one I have. I have no problem hearing others as well. The only beef I have is that the headphone makes you look like a Mcdonalds employee.

Psygnosis2097 @ Mar 8th 2006 2:03AM

It sounds exactly like the 7+ years old and obviously broken 'Gamevoice' codec which they bought out from Shadowfactor who made the freeware application once called "BattleCom".

The only good thing about their gamevoice package back then really was the plantronics headset.

ill trooper @ Mar 8th 2006 2:15AM

This is not nit-picking when it sounds WORSE than the last-gen Xbox.
If you don't notice it, try playing with others using also using the 360, the old Xbox and they will sound fine; it's the 360's mic/sound in/codec that's poorer quality.

Jon Keegan @ Mar 8th 2006 2:17AM

Umm, George Ogan has just copied and pasted huge chunks of my brother Jeff Keegan's well thought out complaints from his review on Amazon. Ogan is claiming my brothers' words as his own, and should credit him...See his original review here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000B6MLU0/002-7720509-4183218?v=glance

Anonym @ Mar 8th 2006 2:18AM

He seems so think the headset is too small. I don't know in he have made it bigger because you can. if you look at the picture of this annoyance, where the whine and grey part meets can you manke the headset larger. Just pull the pices away from eachother.

I think the headset is fine (it is my first headset ever for a console), no problem at all with the sound either.

Sorry for my spelling. I live in Sweden.

Isagani @ Mar 8th 2006 2:21AM

I agree with the comments of #3 and his reasoning is probably right... The quality of the voice service on the 360 isn't as good. As for the actual hardware I think it's okay, but not as good as it could be - I think they make something better than the original xbox live headset, but the 360 could have came with a higher quality headset

Metacore @ Mar 8th 2006 2:36AM

You guys know there is a mod to use the old headset right?(mute/volume and all).

here is a link

http://www.keygoods.com/headset.html

Still though, it's not easy.

George Ogan @ Mar 8th 2006 2:41AM

Please give credit to Jeff Keegan, for I did get huge chunks from his review on Amazon. I wanted to start this petition and searched reviews and sites to get good solid complaints for ammo against Microsoft / Xbox for this garbage we put on our ears. I came across some good info and used it but mostly from Jeff Keegan's review since it was well thought out. Please give him made props for his hard work on that review. Give me props for starting the petition and hoping something will be done about these terrible headsets. Put his name on here as well if you will.

ill trooper @ Mar 8th 2006 3:19AM

Sorry for that wild 'babelfish' style post up there, I typed/cut and pasted that while I was playing some game on LIVE...

It's meant to read like this:

"This is not nit-picking when it sounds WORSE than the last-gen Xbox.
If you don't notice it, try playing with others who are also using the 360 - players using the old Xbox will sound fine, those on the 360 will sound muffled and dull; it's the 360's mic/sound in/codec that's poorer quality"

sogmasta @ Mar 8th 2006 3:46AM

why don't you just use another headset? It's a standard 2.5 jack (the kind you find on cellphones). which means you can use ANY headset that you can use on a cellphone. I'm currently using a plantronics over the head-type headset with a boom mic attached to it and it sounds a HELL of alot better and it even has separate controls for the mic volume and headset volume. Cost about the same as a 360 headset too.

p.s. you can use a bluetooth headset too as long as you have a non-bluetooth adapter that goes into the controller.

Debikul @ Mar 8th 2006 4:39AM

You bastards better bitch and complain and make a list of annoyances when the PS3 and Rev come out. I'll be damned if the PS3 isn't going to have a nice big fat pudding cup of defects for everyone to go around. It's kinda like Jesus when he fed an entire crowd from a basket that seemed to have an endless supply of bread until everyone had some. Except this time it's satan and he has a big fat loaf of shit to give everyone.

WTF did I just say? I need help.

Brian @ Mar 8th 2006 5:12AM

I have been threw 2 headsets...I wish they would have just made a good one from the start.

whiteguysamurai @ Mar 8th 2006 5:57AM

I use my cellphone headset and it works great.

JJ @ Mar 8th 2006 6:21AM

It's very important to me that I have the highest quality of sound when I listen to 13 year-olds call me "nigger", "bitch", and "fuckhead."
For that reason I too am a little disappointed with the 360 headset, which is clearly somewhat inferior to the XBox 1 headset.

Simian @ Mar 8th 2006 6:52AM

This looks like a pretty cool alternative: http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/gaming/products/x30_360/index.jhtml

No idea on release date though

Thryon @ Mar 8th 2006 7:14AM

OK..this has been building up since this list of �annoyances� and �delights� began. I will have to admit that most critics are right on one fact, gamer are mostly immature. Here is a site dedicated to gaming news, and they have nothing better to do than create list of �things� they are not happy about.

But lets look at this great list. Lets see what you have so far.

#1) Can�t tell who trash talked you in PGR3.
First this is a PG3 annoyance and not an Xbox 360 annoyance. Secondly, if you cannot handle the heat, stay out of the kitchen (works for me)

#2) Too lazy to recharge your wireless controller.
I have 16 rechargeable batteries at hand. I am always ready for action. There not expensive.

#3) Cannot do anything while the Xbox 360 is downloading.
While this could have been handled differently, as a Network Admin, I do understand the logic for it...but to indicate that you are stuck and must put your life on hold till the download is done...please. For example, I set �The Outfit� demo to download last night, and then went for a walk outside (you know the room that has no TV in it) and came back and it was done. I did not sit watching the percentage meter slowly creep upwards. I did not find this inconvenient or annoying in any way.

#4) Inability to Fast-Forward your Xbox 360 trailers.
Simple solution...do not download Xbox 360 trailers. Why bother if you are just skipping them anyways.

#5) Cannot eat your own console.
I am sure this was a joke, but do you realize that people do not always read every post, and may look at this list of �annoyances� being greater than �delights� and be influenced in thier buying decision. I think you have a greater responsability towards your potential readers. Post the joke, then take it down (unless this was not a joke, and are truely annoyed that you cannot eat your console...maybe Jared was right after all)

#6) Size of the Xbox 360 power supply
I failed to understand how this is annoying. Inconvenient maybe but annoying. My power supply is behind my entertainment center and I have not seen it once since setting up my Xbox 360. Does not annoy me it the least.

#7) Media Center Extender.
Again, if you do not like it, do not buy it. I use my Media Center capabilities of the Xbox 360. Now if I did not have a MCE PC, then I would not use it..end of story. It was nice of MS to even add it in the first place, as oposed to an add-on like the last Xbox.

#8) Game console scratches your disc
This only happens when you decide to move your console around while playing games. Try this with your home computer and let me know the results. If you want to continue your shaking the console ways, then may I suggest a Gameboy

#9) Lack of proper text input from a controller
OK. Maybe MS will release a controller with 101 buttons soon. Will that satisfy you. Actually the Xbox 360 does support a USB keyboard. FFXI even highly suggest that you use one to play.

#10)Childiss prank lost you your link between Gamertag and email account.
Morale of this story, play games on the Xbox 360, not on others. To the average user, this will never be a problem.

#11) Not pleasing to all.
Nothing is...what is your point. I like technology, my wife likes cars. I like games, she likes books. She does play hockey, but nothing more. Why is this a problem?

#12) Not enough explanation of troubleshooting red-lights.
Here I do agree with you. While I have not received any such problems, I am all for proper documentation (something becoming a thing of the past with todays companies)

#13) Non-trasferable game data.
Like #1, this is game specific. Most games will allow for you to transfer your save data. Should not be classified as a general Xbox 360 problem.

#14) Same as #3
...so why list it twice?

I am not indicating you have no rights to criticize the Xbox 360, I am indicating you should have written one article, indicating your opinion and concerns about the console, and not keep a running tab of your daily mood swings. But I do have a solution for all your Xbox 360 (or any other console) problems, give your Xbox 360 away to someone that will appreciate the console and not come off like a pampered pansy. Once the list of �delights� overcome the list of �annoyances� then you may purchase another. That way, you should be happy.
Can I start my own list?
To much complaining, not enough news (Joystiq annoyance #01)
Solution if simple, go elsewhere for gamin news.
PS/ And has an online petition ever resulted in anything? Online petitions are the equivalent of holding your breath when you where a child.

JPRacer @ Mar 8th 2006 7:37AM

"1. It�s over-the-top, instead of around-the-back..."

Good, I prefer over-the-top design.

"2. The wire from the adapter to the headset is very light, springy and cheap looking and is always getting in the way because it won�t lay flat."

Agree.

"3. The microphone doesn't go down far enough. It sits there in your field of vision, reminding you how much you hate to use the headset."

Don't agree, no problem here.

"4. It sounds HORRIBLE."

I have no problem. The original Xbox sound better, but this one is far from sounding horrible.

This petition is just BS.

Jim @ Mar 8th 2006 8:04AM

I like the X360 headset much better than the Xbox headset.

Fits much better on my head and is more comfortable.

/ooooh, I'm looking forward to the PS3 / REV annoyance lists from you.

Yeti @ Mar 8th 2006 8:24AM

MS changed the design from around the back of the head to over the top because people complained they couldn't lay back on their couch or chair while gaming. Now people are bitching they don't like the over the top design.

Personally I think the 360 headset it fine but typically I use the plantronics Halo2 headset because I think it's better quality. If you don't like the headset then switch it out (simple huh).

puh_fifer @ Mar 8th 2006 9:37AM

I really enjoyed the guy who rigged up the bluetooth headset, and think I may have to pick up a universal bluetooth adaptor at work. I dont like having the headset wire on my wireless controller, just feels like a pain. I often find myself wandering around the house chatting with friends and have to carry my controller with me. I wonder how hard it'll be to pair my BT Headset with a universal adaptor.....

Either that or make some super ugly belt holster for the control and bedazzle it.

Vicious_1ne @ Mar 8th 2006 9:54AM

You have to remember that the 360 was built to transmit your voice through a wireless controller so I'm guessing that had a hand in some of the "lower quality" for voice chat.

Just be glad that you can be on your 360 headset, walk to the fridge to get some kool-aid/beer/water, and still keep your conversation going with the people you're playing against without interruption.

Can we please make this the last 360 annoyance because we really should be talking about the games and not nitpicking the system.

portorikan @ Mar 8th 2006 9:59AM

I actually think it sounds fine overall when I've used it. People sound clear and loud.

The only problem I've run into is that when playing original xbox games on Live, the folks on the other end don't always come in loud and clear, but a lot of this could be due to their own crappy headsets or not positioning the mic well.

kuroshi @ Mar 8th 2006 10:34AM

I haven't had any problems with the headset. I was able to link a private chat with a friend while we waited to set up a game. I went to the back office in my home, he was able to go upstairs and outside in his home. All while continuing to carry on a conversation. After finishing our respective projects we were able to go into our game. Not too bad. I suppose they could have made a better headset. Crystal clear sound and how about making it surround sound. Question is would you have been willing to pay for it. A company can put anything in a console, but it a business compromise. You get what you pay for and I'm unwilling to pay more for a nicer headset.

horatio @ Mar 8th 2006 10:55AM

Fanboys rally to defend the Xbox!

Listen, folks, the sound quality DOES suck. To pretend that it doesn't is silly. The headset IS cheaply made. To pretend that it's anywhere near the quality of the Xbox 360 controller is also silly.

Guys, I understand you love your Xbox 360s. But it's still possible to love a product and be critical of it.

Tucker @ Mar 8th 2006 11:01AM

I, too, have had no problems with the headset. How on earth is it uncomfortable? I hardly notice it's there. How in the world does it obstruct one's view? What kind of crazy-shaped heads do you people have, or are you just straight-up wearing the thing wrong? Maybe that's why it hurts so much.

Sure, the voice quality isn't the hottest, but I'd rather them use the bandwidth to transmit things like game data. As someone pointed out before, what would better voice get us? Clearer "u r a fag hahahaha" comments? Sorry, I just don't see this as a "petition-worthy" cause. Why not use that time and energy to lobby for something actually worthwhile?

kuroshi @ Mar 8th 2006 11:12AM

I think the headset is what it is. A free headset that came with my console. If I had that much of a concern about it I would go buy a better one. Besides, it is much better than the one that came with my ps2 or gamecube. Oh wait, they didn't come with one and you had to pay for a ps2 one and the ps3 is not expected to have one included either. Stop whining about the headset. If you don't like it just buy a better one and pick up some monster cables while your at it. They are way better than the ones that came with your console. But stop expecting everything for free. The more that goes in a console the more it cost. $399 was enough for me, and I would have rather they spent that on hardware not a stupid headset. A larger, faster harddrive and no headset at all would have been great for me. I have cheap cell phone headsets all over the house I could have used.

GTgamer @ Mar 8th 2006 11:51AM

You guys are complaining about the lowest-cost-to-produce headsets that come with a mass market consumer electronics device? C'mon...seriously.

I don't think I've ever had any bundled headset/buds/whatever that are really terribly impressive. This is especially true when chic aesthetics is one of the major components of the products design recipe...some of the best-engineered (comfort/quality/durability) stuff doesn't look that great.

funkyflea @ Mar 8th 2006 11:59AM

It also has to depend on your NAT settings..open or strict.

The voice talk thing.

nick @ Mar 8th 2006 12:19PM

i personally have the psp and the headset for socom fireteam bravo and it works great. the sound is good and it is very comfortable and only $20.00. its better than the ps2 headset and i hope the ps3 headset will be like the one for psp.

ill trooper @ Mar 8th 2006 1:06PM

a) It's not a 'free' headset, unless you somehow scored your 360 for free. Would you be ok with a substandard controller because it shipped in the same box too, while 3rd-party aftermarket controllers are available? No. So expect the same from your microsoft-brand HEADSET; it's part of the controller, your control-experience, so to speak.

b) The quality is worse than the first Xbox. I play with the same people twice a week. Friends with consistant equipment set-ups, internet connections, headsets, and consistant headset-wearing habits for two years. Same games every week. I noticed a quality drop when I used my 360 for the first time. When I go back to my old Xbox, it's clearer and easier to understand people.

c) I don't need to hear kids more clearly when they scream 'hahahaha you a fag, son!' and that's why I really only play LIVE with my friends.

So the real problem here is when I can't clearly hear my FRIEND tell me where he is on the level we're playing in Splinter Cell or something. He might have to repeat himself - not something that had to happpen before. Especially when I got the sound system blasting, you need the best Microsoft has to offer, or at least what they USED to give you.

Again, I will use the controller analogy: Would you type "Do you really need a fire button that works consistantly just to frag some little kid that you're playing on LIVE?" No, you wouldn't think that. EVERY little thing adds up, and if you want to win your Halo2 match or whatever, you want to hear your teammates clearly, just like you want to have a great, responsive controller.

c)It's not the wireless controller. I have a 'wired' 360 controller as well, and the sound quality is consistant between the two: Worse than XBox.

d) I still like my 360. Don't get it twisted around. I'm just saying, IT SOUNDS WORSE than it did. Can you Microsoft-defending-fanboy nuts accept that things can and should get EVEN BETTER?

So what's the solution? I don't know. I don't expect a new headset, I was sort of hoping that it was a codec-change that could be handled with a LIVE update, but now I'm wondering if it's actually poorer-quality hardware. I like that link to that mod listed above; I have a long history of modding controllers, so I think I might try that this week.

I am always amazed when some little bitches on these forums defend a company instead of siding with fellow, paying-and-playing gamers that only want to see things improve.

ill trooper @ Mar 8th 2006 1:09PM

Faar @ Mar 8th 2006 1:14PM

The build quality of the MS headset is TERRIBLE. There's no way around that fact, it's just plain CHEAP, and TERRIBLE. The mic boom and earphone is held to the headclip thingy by ONE cheap-looking underdimensioned rivet with no washer to distribute the forces. The mute switch feels as if it'll break the next time I use it. As solid as the joypad feel, as cheap and dingy is the headset.

What a crappy lame-a�� thing to deliver with the system, or even to charge not insubstantial money for when bought separately. Shame on you, MS!

Spartacus @ Mar 8th 2006 2:17PM

COMPARISON:
I own an Xbox and a 360 and have had LIVE service for about 2 years. I really don't use the headsets unless the game calls for team strategy/communication simply because trash talk I feel detracts from the quality of the gameplay. That said, the 360 headset feels better than the Xbox one. Due to my hairstyle I would prefer to use an around the back style headset (lame reason, I know) however every headset I've ever tried in this style is uncomfortable after extended periods of time. The 360 headset, though certainly a "no frills" design, is quite comfortable and adequate for it's intended purpose. It could be a litle better, but it is a cheap (cost) piece of hardware. Mine came with my 360, as did a remote. I consider them both "freebies" as no other console I have ever bought has come with one. Therefore I find complaining about them quite ridiculous. However, if your 360 did NOT come with a headset, you can simply communicate your disgust to MS by purchasing a different headset. Any 2.5mm headset will do, and if you have to have those mute and volume features, there are plenty of cheap means of obtaining them. Radio Shack sells in-line versions or there are the fairly simple mods you can do that are mentioned on this site.

OPTIONS:
I am quite positive that the sound/voice quality are SOFTWARE and not HARDWARE related. As mentioned by joystiq in the article, less bandwidth is allocated to the headset for several reasons, the upcoming 360 cam is one of them. So if this compalint is the onlyone you have with the 360 headset, getting MS to recall them and issue you a redesigned one won't change a thing. If you simply don't like the cord, the over-the-top style or the fit of the headset, fear not, you have a plethora of headset options at your nearest electronics store. In fact, with a cheap adapter, you could use 1/4 or 1/8" jack headsets too. Many PC gaming headsets already have the in-line volume and mute functions built in, so just spend a couple bucks on a mini jack adapter and you're set. It's amazing how many options the comnsumer has when manufacturers use standard components...

CONCLUSION:
The only valid complaint here is the sound quality. It is indeed less than the original Xbox, but for a reason; they are using the bandwidth for other things. Every other complaint is easily fixed by simply using the headset of your choice. The only people who should be upset about the design or built quality of the the headset itself are the people who bought it separately from their 360 as it is not included in the price of the console itself. If you don't like mini jack adaptors and you aren't comfortable with modding, just wait a little while, may 3rd party alternatives will be available. I guess I should also be pissed that my free media remote doesn't have backlit buttons and is a lesser quality than other 3rd party remotes on the market...

JackkStraw @ Mar 8th 2006 2:23PM

I have no problems with the headset or audio quality. Sorry PS3 fanboys, but people who actually own the system really don't have a problem with it. Why the hate? And the annoyance for wireless controllers is pretty lame. It almost makes me feel like an idiot for reading this 'news'. Please, it's a headset.

Hamson @ Mar 8th 2006 5:52PM

THANK YOU JOYSTIQ for FINALLY making people AWARE of the problem.

This is NOT a headset issue folks. This is all about poor voice quality of the Live service. It's SOO much worse than the original Xbox's.

I could care less about having 32 people in a match- I'd much rather have 16 people whose voices I can actually DISTINGUISH from one another.

Microsoft took a HUGE step backwards with the voice quality of Live for the 360, and it's driving a lot of Xbox Live supporters absolutely nuts. Live is the whole reason why I support the Xbox right now. Online gaming is the key to this console. So why did they ruin the single most important factor and advantage of online play-- clear and easy communication--, who knows?

Maybe Microsoft will actually address this issue one day, and fully acknowledge it as a major (and 100% widespread) problem that they should be working on fixing. We aren't asking for the impossible here folk's--to roughly quote Woodsie of the Xbox Forums-- "They nailed it FOUR years ago". So where's the announcement that they�re working on a patch? Or better yet, where's the patch?

Anyone that would like to make some thoughtful, respectful comments, it would be greatly appreciated if you could help make some noise on this issue over at the Xbox Forums-
http://forums.xbox.com/1/2865200/ShowPost.aspx#2865200

Thank you.

Dirk Dorkelson @ Mar 8th 2006 6:36PM

While the quality of the voice isn't as good on this headset, I think the microphone is better. I've noticed far less weird garble coming through my earpiece when people I'm gaming with aren't talking. It seems to be better at picking up only the voice of people talking and not background stuff. When I'd play Halo 2 on my Xbox 1.0, I could often hear the sounds of the game and other background sounds coming through my opponents' mouthpieces, which has yet to happen while playing PDZ, PGR3, Hardwood Hearts or any other games I've played online. Also, the headset doesn't seem that uncomfortable to me. It's certainly adjustable, both in terms of head size and the position of the mic.

Dirk Dorkelson @ Mar 8th 2006 6:48PM

Now that I think about it, there has been a weird reverb problem that crops up now and then, where people's voices oddly echo through the headset. Sometimes I hear my own voice echo through the headset. That's annoying, though.

However, I still think the mic is a little better.

Nigel E @ Mar 8th 2006 7:14PM

just saw these wireless xbl / game cans....

http://www.turtlebeach.com/site/products/earforce/x2

nojok3 @ Mar 8th 2006 10:15PM

I think the headset is too small...the xbox1 headset fit fine, when you adjust this headset you need to tilt it on your head to fit. I don't even have a big head lol

Paul @ Mar 9th 2006 8:08AM

Look you know what you are doing and its wrong.

You can not make a broad statement like that.

You may have an issue with your headset.

But I, nor any of my friends have these problems.

And its kinda sad that you headlines aren't more responsible.

Blanket statements like this are and will probably affect Xbox 360 sales.

paul @ Mar 9th 2006 8:17AM

Its all BS. I have never had a problem.

And its sounds great.

I think like most stuff you hear is BS because these problem NEVER manifest itself with my 360. hmmm maybe I got a good one !!!!!!

You people need to get a clue.

oh and link my stuff because I have never had any problems at all.

paul @ Mar 9th 2006 8:23AM

Ok I'll admit one problem, the 360 headset is too little, there I said it.

The Xbox headset was/is perfect. I mostly use that one.

Cody Gaither @ Mar 9th 2006 9:29AM

I own a XBOX 360 and I swear by them. It's an awesome system and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a next gen system,(yeah I know its the only one out, but that fact won't change when the others are released.)

That being said, I agree that the sound quality on the headset is crap. What little sound that comes through is hard to understand which makes that whole team communication thing more of a liability than an asset.

And yes, my ego has been soring lately because no 8 year olds have cussed at me lately. At least I don't think the did. Who can tell. . .

A simple adapter with a mini plug would be great. I have been using the Hao 2 Plantronics headset, and it works reasonably well, but I miss the volume and sound buttons. The audio can be fixed with a software update I'm sure.

It may not be the best, but it still beats the crap out of the PS2 online content.

Vredig @ Mar 19th 2006 2:00AM

I had to laugh at the petition saying that "you've got this stick that presses into the temple on the other side of your head." Clearly somebody doesn't know how a headset is supposed to rest. It's supposed to go over the ear and not on near your face. This could also account for his inability to bring the mic down.

While I don't like the fact that they didn't add a washer to distribute the pressure on the rivet. However, to the person who seemed upset that there was only one rivet, you obviously don't understand that they couldn't add more. If they had, the mic wouldn't have been able to rotate which would've caused uneven pressure on the ear; this was partially the problem of the original Xbox headset.

I do have problems with the quality of the headset overall, though. When mine was working, there would be points where it would break up and no one could understand me. Eventually, the headset just stopped working. It would pick up mic activity, but wouldn't relay the sound to or from the system leaving me wondering what was going on. I don't know if this is a common problem, though.

dearthian @ Mar 27th 2006 2:23PM

The biggest problem I have with the 360 headset is that it isn't loud enough. I met a buddy of mine online. Just him and I were talking and I was asking him to repeat himself every other time. I NEVER had to do that on my regular Xbox. If I could just further boost the volume on the 360 headset (it's already maxed), I could forgive the less than wonderful mic quality. I really dig this console (even more than the original), but it irritates me quite a bit that something like this isn't as good as the orginial (when the got Live right the 1st time).