Plantronics look set to make a pretty strong run at the South African market with their remarkable headsets. Last month we took a look at their RIG 500, a fully modular headset that allows the user to customise to their heart’s content. But if you’re in the market for something more conventional, they also have the Gamecom series of headsets. And those who want something versatile – read as “usable with virtually everything”) they have the Gamecom 388. Unlike the Gamecom 788, which we also looked at last month, the 388 is a stereo headset fitted with 3.5mm jacks for audio input and mic output. While the 788 may offer 7.1 surround sound, its USB plug means that it’s use with devices is limited to those that can handle a USB plug (PCs, basically) while the 388’s stereo can be enjoyed over a wide array of devices.
Based on Plantronics’ many years of experience in fields like military and aviation audio, the Gamecom 388 presents an excellent package. The sturdy yet lightweight construction is designed for maximised comfort For example, the large, generously padded ear-cup are designed to redistribute weight evenly around the ear, leading to less pressure discomfort after long periods of use. Additionally, the fairly broad headband is also well padded, and the ear cups offer 90 degrees of rotation for the best possible fit.
The construction, like the 788, is fairly Spartan, with supports bars made of a pair of metal bars, rather than full, solid looking arms. The left ear cup offers volume controls and a mic mute function built into the rear edge of the housing, as well as a swing-up, positionable mic boom.
Aesthetically, quite frankly, the Gamecom 388 looks like less than what it really is. It lacks the orange trim of the 788, making it look like a fairly nondescript black and grey headset. But judging this particular book by its cover is a really bad idea, because the 388 delivers a really great level of stereo audio. This is thanks to precision engineering of the 388’s 40mm neodymium drivers, which produce rich audio across the entire sound spectrum. The noise cancelling microphone also delivers great chat audio, with crisp clarity being the order of the day.
While the Gamecom 388 may not offer the 788’s 7.1 surround, or the RIG 500’s modularity, it delivers exactly what it should – great stereo audio. It can, thanks to the 3.5mm jacks, be used with anything from computers to game consoles and mobile devices, making it a high quality, sturdy option for those that want a single personal audio solution across a wide range of applications. The great sound and excellent comfort combine to make the Gamecom 388 a fantastic option for those wanting a new headset.
A versatile stereo headset, the Gamecom 388 is well built and delivers excellent audio quality.