computer headset for HF audio

[N5YPJ]

Before I plunk down $150 or so on a AR headset for my rig I wonder -

Is anyone using a computer headset and a computer to generate their HF audio?

My TS-590 has provisions for doing such via USB cable. Just wondering if anyone had satisfactory results and if so what headset were they using?

[KJ4VTH]

Yamaha CM-500. Costs 1/3 your choice and works fine as far as my contacts are concerned.

[KA9MOT]

Yamaha CM-500 for me as well on Both of my Kenwoods, 2 Yeasus and 1 Icom. Works wonderfully. Lot's of good reports. And if your not up to building an adapter for your TS-590, let me know and I'll hook you up with a guy who will make one for you.

[KB5UBI]

I have one set that picks up RFI, so it's not usable but most of the cheap PC headsets I've tried work fine. In fact, I prefer their tinny frequency response over my studio headphones. For $7 to $10 they are worth a try.

KB5UBI

[WB2WIK]

I have the CM-500 and in a very quiet room it's not bad at all. However, it does pick up "breath" noises and some background noise (if there is any).

The difference between that and a "real" communications headset is rejection of breathing noises, background noise and other stuff. Nothing like a cardiod pattern dynamic mike to minimize breathing sounds and background noise and maximize intelligibility.

On the air I can tell in two seconds when someone's using a CM-500 or similar.