Product Description

This open-eared headset with 5.1 Dolby headphone technology gives you an unparalleled audio advantage that lets you hear your opponents before you see them. Connect with the Dolby USB sound card for a true 5.1 experience. But if needed, an analog connection is also provided. Stay comfortable with a lightweight frame and specially designed ear pods that redistribute pressure. When you're ready to fire off orders, unveil the hidden, noise-canceling microphone boom to strategize clearly with team members. Responses coming in? Adjust audio levels using in-line volume and mic-mute controls.

Product Details

• Brand: Plantronics
• Model: GameCom 777
• Platform: PlayStation2
• Dimensions: .15 pounds

Features

• Gaming headset with 5-channel Dolby Surround Sound
• 5.1 Dolby Headphone technology for a true 5.1 surround sound experience
• Integrated boom mic with noise-canceling technology
• Comfortable, lightweight frame; military-grade design and extra-strength cables for durability
• Backed by a one-year warranty

From the Manufacturer
Hear your opponents before you actually see them, and fire off crisp, clear orders during your next line of attack, with the Plantronics GameCom 777 Surround Sound Gaming Headset. Bringing true 5-channel Dolby Surround Sound to all your gaming and PC audio experiences, this lightweight and comfortable gaming headset keeps you on your game with a wide range of features, including powerful 40mm speakers, a hidden, noise-canceling mic boom, and in-line volume and mic-mute controls.

The Plantronics GameCom 777 offers: Dolby Headphone for true 5.1 surround sound. A built-in, concealed boom mic for communications. In-line volume adjustment and mic mute.

The headset's lightweight but durable construction keeps you comfortable even after extended wear. View larger.

Enjoy true 5.1 surround sound by plugging the jacks into the included Dolby USB sound card. View larger.

Hear Your Enemies Before You See Them
Today's games are more cinematic than ever, and having the right audio experience is critical. Using the GameCom 777 Surround Sound Gaming Headset featuring Dolby Headphone Technology allows you to play the game they way the developers intended for it to be experienced.

5.1 Dolby Headphone technology gives you the surround effects of a five speaker setup by using digital signal processing and electronically simulating five virtual speakers in a virtual room. What this means for you is that you'll experience true surround sound that feels more natural and "out of head." And what this means for your opponents is that they'd better watch out because with this headset, you'll know exactly where they're lurking at every moment.

To experience the full Dolby Surround Sound experience, simply plug the GameCom 777's microphone and headphone jacks into the Dolby USB sound card. But if necessary, you also have the option of listening in full stereo (non-surround) using the analog connection.

Comfort for Your All-Night Gaming Sessions
Even during an all-night gaming session, the GameCom 777 will stay comfortable, thanks to a lightweight frame that redistributes pressure and prevents fatigue. Specially designed earpods help redistribute pressure for maximum comfort, and the headset's open-ear design lets sound in, so you can still stay connected to your surroundings during your gameplay.

But don't let the lightweight design fool you. Plantronics developed the GameCom 777 with a military-grade design and extra-strength cables, so even if you take out your gaming frustrations on it, it'll keep on performing.

Concealed, Noise-Canceling Microphone
A hidden mic boom swings down when you need to communicate with others, whether it is to coordinate a midnight raid on a town or simply to talk trash. Featuring noise-canceling technology, you'll be heard loud and clear no matter what is going on around you. As an added benefit, the hidden boom doesn't get in the way of your food or drink while you're gaming, and with it hidden you won't look like you're a call center operator.

For the ultimate in convenience, the headset also has in-line volume adjustment and mic-mute controls, so you can make adjustments on the fly without having to fiddle with your computer's on-screen controls, saving you time.

About Dolby Headphone Technology
Dolby Headphone technology creates an immersive gameplay environment, allowing listeners to hear every window smash, feel every explosion, and experience every wipeout as if it's really happening. Dolby Headphone technology also improves listening comfort, preventing "listener fatigue" that often accompanies the typical 2-channel stereo headphone experience.

The Plantronics GameCom 777 Surround Sound Gaming Headset is backed by a one-year warranty.

What's in the Box
Headset with microphone, Dolby 5.1 USB adapter.

The open-ear design lets outside sounds in.

Customer Reviews

A big step back
I was expecting an awful lot, getting my hands and ears on Plantronics new 777 Gaming Headset. I still, to this day, absolutely love Plantronics 3D Surround Sound Gaming Headset (USB Full Range Stereo) (Audio 770), which you can find my review for here at Amazon. That headset is probably the most comfortable I've ever owned, had great sound quality and was just an all around good headset, minus a few annoyances.

So, when I had the opportunity of trying the new GameCom 777 Surround Sound Gaming Headset, I was hoping for huge improvements. Instead, I'm finding myself liking it but putting it aside for the 770.

First, the good. My biggest complaint with the previous 770 model was the USB connector that stood out a few inches. It's easy to knock into and I've had a friend break his on accident, basically ruining it. The 777 model comes with a similar dongle, but, as you can see from the pictures, it's a small square that hangs from the USB connector on your PC. This makes it a lot less easy to break and works fine. Another step up is the fact that the mic actually stays in place (my 770's mic started drooping and won't stay in place now) and also has an extender. I also like the fact that it's difficult to accidentally mute yourself since it's an actual sliding switch as opposed to an easily-pressed button.

So that's the good stuff. Unfortunately, everything else feels like a step back. I don't know why they changed the actual design of the headset. It envelopes my ears like the other one, which is nice, but I find the bottom of the earphones snaps shut like jaws on my jaw, pressing hard and eventually giving me headaches. Likewise, the top of the headset has a nice cushion, but it's nowhere as comfortable as the previous design which might have looked like a torture device but felt like air. The comfort factor of this one is better than some of the Logitech's I've had the displeasure of wearing, but it's nowhere near the comfort level of the 770.

Then there's the sound quality which is decent but it isn't surround sound, don't let it fool you. The previous model also promised surround sound and didn't deliver, but when you have the product page telling you it's 5.1 dolby surround I expected something more than I got. The sound doesn't feel as full as the 770 and voices if you use a VoIP like Ventrilo don't sound as nice; they sound a bit on the tinny side.

Finally, there's the biggest offense. I'm not a tech newbie, but it took me forever to set up this device (which comes with no directions, mind you). When I plugged it in, my PC discovered three different audio choices (speakers, headset and some other sound device). Thinking the obvious choice was headset, I spent forever trying to get them to register sound. After they wouldn't, I eventually migrated to the other choices and discovered that speakers was the one you're supposed to use. But the problems didn't stop there. Every time I turn on my PC it's a crapshoot whether the PC will register the headset. I've had to unplug and replug the USB dongle in more than a few times just so it'll register, sometimes necessitating me working with the audio settings again since they sometimes reset. I've never had that problem before and I don't have it with any other device, audio or no.

The 770 was a five star product that had a few design flaws that brought the rating down. The 777 is many steps below that previous product and I'm feeling a tad generous giving it a three star rating. It's a decent headset with okay sound quality and a nice mic with great mic quality for everyone else. But there's even more design flaws and technical problems than the previous headset and I can't recommend it as much as I thought I would. For my money, I'd purchase the cheaper and much better 770.

The Python of Headsets
I've been through dozens of headsets in my MMO gaming career. Cords get worn from rubbing on the edges of desks, chairs and hoodie zippers. Mics are always flimsy and in the way when not in direct use. So many have poor sound quality even in the $50+ range. So finding a good headset is like trying to find the lost city of Atlantis.

Reading all of the features on this one though... you'd think it may just be the perfect one. The easy-to-adjust with one hand volume controls are a personal favorite. Any gamer knows you need both hands free the majority of the time. The ability to tuck the mic away in a safe place when not in use was actually what sold me on the headset and so far I LOVE it. I was worried it would be a right-side mic but it is a lefty (which I need) so if you prefer a right-sider this one won't work well for you. The sound quality is excellent and the fact that these are made so I can hear the phone ring or my kids calling for me while I play is very much a bonus. No more listening to people gripe because I didn't hear them talking to me.

BUT... after several weeks of using this headset and hoping that breaking it in would help... it's just way too tight. My head is average in size and while it sits comfortably on top with the well cushioned padding, the sides pinch so bad they give me a headache after only a couple of hours. If they were just an inch or so less tight or perhaps just a little less rounded in plastic structure they'd be an excellent set for the money.

Unfortunately I think I'm gonna offer these to one of my kids who have a smaller noggin' to cram into them and look for something similar without the brainsquishing tension. If you have a tiny head these may be perfect for you but I highly doubt anyone can wear these comfortably for more than a couple of hours.

GameCom 777 Headset - Can Be Broken-In and Adjusted To Relieve Tightness, Non-Dolby Sound is Average, Dolby Sound Is Better

The Plantronics GameCom 777 Surround Sound Gaming Headset with Dolby Technology exceeded my expectations regarding comfort, which were admittedly quite low. I was really prepared for the worst because of all of the negative reviews of this product describing it like a "vice-grip" in the discomfort department. I had been in the market for a gaming set for PC gaming (think FPS) but I was reluctant to pull the trigger. I primarily buy headsets for music or general use. I knew I didn't want to spend the dollars that most high end gaming sets would require. I got to try these out and am glad to say that I now have a pair of my own.

COMFORT

I find the cushions on the ear-pieces and the head-band to be nice and soft. They have a velvet cloth covering them. Whatever the reason, these are definitely more comfortable than many headphones I use regularly. So there is a possibility that because I have spent so much time testing and using entry level headsets that these feel comfortable by comparison. Either way, I cannot report the pinching tightness that others here have written about.

I originally wondered if those complaining about excessive tightness had actually adjusted the headset arms out from the center band. They are adjustable, and mine seemed to adjust on their own when I put them on. But after reconsidering it, I actually shortened the band all the way and noticed that it seemed to relieve the pressure on the bottom of the earpads instead of increasing it. That was my first clue that my case was unique. Luckily these never felt tight on my head. I used to think I had an average sized to slightly large head. Perhaps my head is just smaller than the average. So as far as tightness goes, I think the adjustable bands may only help a little. If these feel too tight, you really need to stretch out the band by opening this pair over something to relieve the tightness. Opening them over a few books and leaving them for a day or two would probably work well for that purpose. Try to expand out the earphones as far as you can, and if that doesn't work I recommend having a friend with a larger head wear them for a while before you do. :)

SOUND

Sound quality is a subjective area. I tried these both with and without the Dolby digital USB dongle. Without the USB dongle, it's hard for me not to notice that the sound quality was very average. Even my cheap pair of standby music headphones, the Sennheiser HD201 Headphones sound louder and clearer at the same volume settings. So for multi-media use, these are underwhelming using standard connections.

However, with the Dolby USB dongle the sound quality really does come alive for gaming. I was half expecting that dongle to have no impact, because it looks somewhat like a gimmick. Originally, I noticed that the sound didn't improve on one of my laptops while it was noticably better on another. My first assumption was that the dongle required input from a system with a Dolby capable sound-card. Most new systems are Dolby capable, but you have to make sure it is activated. Now it seems like people are implying that the dongle itself has a Dolby processor in it. That surprises me because of the limited power output of USB2.0, but the truth is I am not exactly sure why the Dolby sound was so much better on the one system verus the other. I will have to look into this a little more.

It may depend what kind of game you are playing, but for FPS it seemed to make a noticeable difference. I still use a different set of headphones for music, but for gaming you almost have to use the Dolby in order to justify this purchase. So if you don't notice a difference between the standard stereo sound and the sound with the USB dongle, rest assured that something needs to be adjusted because it should sound better.

MICROPHONE

The microphone worked fine for me. Once again, I was definitely sensitive to reports that the microphone was not very well situated for voice. I don't use the mic often, but I have a recording application on my PC that I used to test the mic. It sounded good. I would make sure that there are no software issues distoring your mic if you have problems. If that is not it, you may want to replace your set as you likely just got a dud.

CONCLUSION

I have suffered the head-pinching feeling with other headsets before, so I don't know why these didn't bother me as much. All the warnings had me hyper sensitive to that aspect, but these headphones definitely were more comfortable than I expected. The sound quality is only average when plugging in with the standard connections, but once you use the Dolby USB dongle this headset will add a lot of dimension to gaming. I can't comment on how they sound on consoles yet because I haven't tried them yet for that purpose. But for PC gaming, these perform well given the price.

Give these a try and make sure you have broken in the headband and adjusted the arms if you feel discomfort.

Enjoy.