Pros
Works with a wide range of gadgets
Battery-powered audio amplification
Good construct high quality and design
Cons
Microphone isn’t detachable
Audio cable isn’t removable
Short headphone cable
What is the Gioteck HC-4?
There are a number of premium gaming headsets available on the market, with choices akin to encompass sound, noise cancellation and wi-fi connectivity demanding a premium worth. However, most avid gamers don’t really want such options – they’d be significantly better off with a fundamental headset, however one which drastically improves on the headsets that always include their consoles. This is the place the Gioteck HC-4 is available in. At £29.99, it’s considerably cheaper than most different gaming headsets such because the Turtle Beach Ear Force P12 (£44.99), though it’s not fairly as low-cost because the Tritton Kama (£24.99). Like these headsets, it’s focused at PS4 customers, but it surely works with something that has a 3.5mm audio enter, akin to mobiles, tablets, laptops and moveable gaming gadgets. The HC-4 is distinguished by its built-in rechargeable battery, which may optionally be used to amplify the quantity of the headset. It signifies that the headset can go actually loud, a lot so that you simply don’t actually miss having energetic noise cancellation. It fees utilizing the included micro-USB cable, but when the battery runs out, you may nonetheless preserve listening, simply at decrease volumes. What’s extra noteworthy, although, is the general high quality of the HC-4. Sure, it’s fairly fundamental relating to options, and it’s not as snug as different headsets made out of premium supplies akin to leatherette. However, it’s solidly constructed, the audio system and microphone are good, and it really works with just about each machine available on the market. If you’re seeking to get into the world of gaming headsets, the HC-4 is a good place to begin. See additionally: Best Gaming Headsets 2015
Gioteck HC-4: Design
Gioteck has lots of gaming equipment, together with stands, controllers, cables and headsets. It tends to focus on the worth finish of the market, with merchandise that always undercut official choices (akin to PlayStation controllers, for instance). The HC-4 is not any totally different – at £29.99, it’s one of many least expensive gaming headsets available on the market. The HC-4 is a comparatively easy headset, with just one cable main from the left earcup to no matter machine you wish to hook up with. This 3.5mm adaptor is used to transmit each audio and microphone indicators. The HC-4’s field clearly appears to be pitching the headset to PS4 homeowners (one thing the blue color scheme additionally reinforces), however it should work with something that has a headphone adaptor, akin to a pc, pill, cell phone or moveable video games console. It will even work with the Xbox One, though you have to purchase a separate adapter. Gioteck’s headset could also be low-cost, but it surely actually doesn’t look it. It’s effectively constructed; stable sufficient to face up to each being put in a backpack and dropped on a wood flooring. The padding across the ears and headband isn’t as gentle because the leatherette finishes on extra premium headsets, but it surely’s nonetheless gentle and cozy towards the pores and skin for lengthy intervals. It’s additionally a pleasant weight at 309g; not so heavy it weighs your head down throughout lengthy gaming intervals, and never so mild it feels flimsy. See additionally: PS4 vs Xbox OneThe HC-4 can be comparatively fashionable, a minimum of so far as gaming headsets go. The blue-and-black color scheme is comparatively cool, and the delicate Gioteck logos on the ear cups aren’t too obnoxious. The “Gioteck” model identify written throughout the scarf is the one factor that spoils the comparatively understated design. The most important function that may cease you carrying the HC-4 in public is that the microphone isn’t removable, though it does transfer right into a horizontal place that makes it much less protrudingly apparent. The quick 60cm headphone cable can be an annoyance for individuals who wish to take the HC-4 on the transfer, as that’s solely simply lengthy sufficient out of your head to your trouser pocket. The HC-4 has 4 buttons on the left earcup that are used when the headset is turned on and drawing energy from the batteries. One button turns the headset on and off, two buttons shift the quantity up and down, and a remaining button turns the mic on and off. The mic button performs totally different capabilities relying on what system you’re utilizing; on our Macbook, it paused and unpaused music, which was fairly helpful. These buttons are giant sufficient to your hand to seek out with no need to take the headset off, however not so large that you simply press them by accident. The solely different factor included within the HC-4 package deal is a micro-USB cable, which is used to recharge the headset’s inside battery. This battery amplifies the sound from the headset, though it’s not required for the headset to work. It’s nice that Gioteck included the micro-USB cable within the field, however because it’s the identical cable used to cost PS4 controllers, likelihood is you have already got one related to your console. See additionally: PS4 vs PS3
Gioteck HC-4: Audio Quality
The Gioteck HC-4 is an easy stereo headset – there are not any bells and whistles relating to encompass sound or noise cancellation. To be sincere, that’s most likely factor for most individuals; we love the Turtle Beach Elite 800 headset, however all of its varied presets and choices can truly be an annoyance. You shouldn’t purchase the HC-4 anticipating an sound as delicate and detailed as headsets that price twice this worth, however for the cash, they put in a wonderful efficiency. The 40mm drivers are greater than as much as producing deep bass for motion video games, whereas ample treble efficiency signifies that voices and musical devices additionally stay clear. If you play Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, for instance, then the HC-4’s work nice. The HC-4s actually excel in how loud they go. We’ve typically been disenchanted at simply how weak lots of gaming headsets are, particularly from Turtle Beach; they go loud, however not likely loud. With the battery-enhanced amplifier engaged, the HC-4s go so loud that you simply’ll do your ears some injury and annoy anybody else who occurs to be within the neighborhood. It’s essential to notice that the HC-4 isn’t a noise-cancelling headset, however in the event you’re eyeing up a pair of headphones to take with you on a flight, then they go loud sufficient to dam out most ambient sound. And if the battery runs out, you don’t have to recharge the battery instantly, because the HC-4 headset will work passively, simply at decrease volumes. In our checks, the battery lasted slightly below 8 hours from a full cost. See additionally: Xbox One vs Xbox 360The microphone on the HC-4 is effectively designed; the arm pivots about 90 levels across the left earcup, which lets you fold it upwards when not in use. The arm can be comparatively inflexible, so you may bend it in direction of or away out of your mouth relying on how loud your voice is. It’s only a disgrace that this part isn’t detachable, however that’s an excessive amount of to anticipate from a headset at this worth. Voice chat sounded good, and different gamers mentioned they may hear us clearly in on-line video games. There aren’t any superior mic options, akin to clever chat enhance to extend the voice quantity when in-game sounds are too loud, however once more, most gamers don’t really want this function. At this worth, the primary factor to notice is how significantly better the HC-4 is for speaking with different gamers on-line when in comparison with the headset that comes bundled with the PS4. See additionally: PS4 Tips and Tricks
Should I purchase the Gioteck HC-4?
If you’re simply utilizing the default headset that got here together with your video games console, then it’s effectively price spending £30 on the HC-4 for the standard leap it provides. It’s a snug, well-designed headset that noticeably improves the audio and voice chat expertise when enjoying your favorite on-line video games. Audio high quality is spectacular for a headset that’s so low-cost, particularly in how loud it goes as soon as amplification is engaged. It’s barely annoying that you have to recharge it for that reason, however because the headset nonetheless works when the battery is useless, there’s little purpose to complain. There are a few minor annoyances, primarily that the microphone isn’t removable, however it is a nice gaming headset for individuals who’ve by no means owned one earlier than. When most gaming headsets are overpriced, the HC-4 is a uncommon discount, and provides a considerable improve for individuals who’ve by no means tried a devoted gaming headset earlier than.
Verdict
The Gioteck HC-4 is affordable and cheerful, but it surely’s a well-made, sounds nice and works with most gaming platforms, which makes it a discount for beneath £30.