Otto Multimedia Headphones - Goodies

Model: OT-6

Speakers:

- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz-

- Headphone Sensitivity: 102dB

- Impedance: 32 Ohms

Microphone:

- Sensitivity (at 1KHZ): -40dB

- Signal to Noise Ratio: Better than 58dB@1KHz

Available from:

OTTO

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Otto Multimedia Headphones

otto multimedia headphones

Plugging in Otto’s OT-6 Multimedia Stereo Headsets I experienced a feeling which can only be described as “Old Man Syndrome.” Instead of plugging into a traditional headphone plug-in, the OT-6 plugs into a USB port. I’ve been away from playing with PC peripherals for too long – it was like waking up seven or eight years in the future and finding out engineers finally delivered the promise of flying cars.

“Back in my day, we plugged our headphones into a damn jack! None of this fancy USB baloney!”

It’s fortunate then that the OT-6 is so easy to setup. Simply plug it into a USB port and it configures itself in a process that takes all of about three minutes. But the

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truth is, no one buys a set of headphones because they’re easy to get working. The proof is in the audio delivery.

Though it wasn’t used exclusively with these games, the titles that I played to test out the OT-6 were Half-Life 2: Episode One (to get ready for Episode Two), Sam & Max Season 1, and Company of Heroes. I also listened to many an MP3s while

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In all cases, the audio delivered was exceptional and I found that with a game like Half-Life 2: Episode One I heard a lot more this time around (my fifth time through the game). Though I’m sure the fancy neodymium speakers may have had something to do with it, I’m thinking it had more to do with the snugness of the ear cups. In fact, they were almost too snug. After a particularly long play session I took the headphones off and my ears actually hurt. I spent some time adjusting the width of the set because my head is notoriously big, but anything over a couple of hours and my ears took a little while to feel normal again. If the ear cups were slightly larger the OT-6 would fit right over the ear to eliminate this “fatigue” but then again, it may just be the configuration of my own head. Regardless of that, outside noise is effectively blocked out.

I’ve been working on the Armchair Empire test podcast for approximately forever so I welcomed the chance to use equipment more advanced than I was using (which I will not show here, because it’s embarrassing). The noise-canceling mic (on the end of a bendy arm) swings down from the left ear cup and when I talk I can actually hear myself through the headphones. This eliminates the embarrassing problem of shouting during multiplayer games because you can’t hear yourself. The noise-canceling mic performs pretty well – it’s not a professional setup but it certain lends itself well to podcasting.

Some of the other features of the OT-6 are volume control buttons on the left cup and an SRS button which essentially “enriches” the audio to bring a bit more bass and detail to the audio.

Maybe the most amazing part the OT-6 is that it has an MSRP of $30US. As one of Otto’s “mid-range” headsets, this is practically a bargain, especially when I remember that I paid more than $20US for the last plain Jane, headphones I got, which featured an antiquated stereo plug-in and a nine foot cord which always managed to get tangled with everything. For a PC gamer living in close quarters with other people, the OT-6 is a purchase you don’t need to feel bad about – for $30US you’re getting a good deal. Plus, it’s easy to use and setup.

- Omni

(October 2, 2007)


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