The SuperBeam headsets are currently available in two forms: the SuperBeam 405 which is an over the ear headphone set and the SuperBeam 205 which is an earbud set.  The SuperBeam headsets serve as all-purpose headsets that you can wear in public without looking ridiculous.  From a technical standpoint both headsets are very similar as the specs are nearly identical.

Before using the headsets be sure to install the AudioCommander software which is free and currently supported on Windows XP, Vista, and 7 as well as Apple’s Mac OSX 10.5 or Higher.  The installation only takes about 2 minutes, and I recommend watching their tutorial before using the software.

As you can see in the image above the software will only recognize Andrea Electronics devices as the features are exclusive to these headsets.  The first time I plugged in my SuperBeam headsets, however, it did not recognize them.  The same thing happened on my girlfriend’s laptop as well.  This is easily fixable.  All you need to do is unplug it and plug it back in, and it should recognize the device this time.

As pictured above I set my microphone to noise cancellation and light beam forming.  Beam forming provides directional array noise cancellation. If you play in a loud area I suggest checking aggressive beam forming.  I’ve set my graphic equalizer to metal as I found that provided the best sound in my opinion.  There are a few other features that I did not utilize to their full potential as well, such as Echostop and Microphone Boost.

The dual microphones allows for true 3D surround sound recording allowing you to relive the experience.  For example, if you record with a standard boom mic it picks up a flat sound.  The high quality recording allows you to hear moments, such as concerts or family dinners,  from the exact location you were at initially.

The headsets were very easy to setup and use as was the software.  The AudioCommander software allows for updates to be applied to the headsets without a need for a new line to be manufactured.  I’m not an audio professional by any means, but the software was easily figured out.  For those who are more tech savvy the software had more in-depth features to satisfy that market.

I’ve been using these headsets for nearly two months and during this timeframe they have been used for a wide array of tasks.  The majority of my testing came through Skype and gaming, specifically OnLive’s PC client.  The headsets provided great sound and mic quality while using Skype, and enabling the headsets for Skype takes mere seconds.

As far as OnLive gaming goes, the headsets worked well.  The initial setup for OnLive was easy as well.  All you need to do is select Voice Chat Beta and set your Output and Input as Andrea Electronics SuperBeam USB Headset.  The Output requires you to simply select the headset, whereas the Input requires you to record a brief clip to test quality.  After initial setup I tested the headset out on a few different titles including Red Faction: Armageddon and Borderlands.  Both headsets provided great mic quality, and the sound quality was solid as well.  For the most part everything my teammates were saying was clear even with the constant explosions and gunfire.

Aside from gaming and Skype, I used the headset to list to my music and talk on my phone. The sound was great whether I was listening to something as heavy as Under and Over It by Five Finger Death Punch or as soft as the Firefly theme by Joss Whedon.  The music wuality was great, but could be bettered if they decide to add true surround sound in the future.

The headsets feature a 3.5mm stereo jack which is common on today’s market.  Unfortunately, my smartphone uses 2.5mm so I was unable to test this feature out with my Motorola Bravo. However, the headphones and earbuds both worked well with my brother’s iPhone.  Call quality was clear on both sides of the conversation.  This requires the mobile adapter which is available for an additional $9.95 and works with most any headset.

I have been using these SuperBeam headsets for nearly two months, and they are some of the best headsets I have ever used.  The boom-free technology really does live up to their slogan of “Freedom of Voice”.  I was able to drink and eat freely while still having my mic ready.  The AudioCommander software is a nice addition as well, and the sound is good after the initial setup process.

However, the headsets have two flaws that are noticeable immediately.  SuperBeam 405s don’t fit tight around the ear like many gaming headsets.  Instead they sit on the ears which allows for noise to escape lowering the sound quality slightly.  Although this makes the headsets very comfortable.  If they can add surround sound which is currently a possibility, these headsets will be a great all around headset.  The SuperBeam line does not excel solely as a gaming headset just yet, but as of now it is the best all around headset I have ever owned.

Ultimately, if you are looking for a professional level gaming headset then this is not the ideal headset for you, but if you are seeking an all around great headset that can still be used in public then this is the headset line I recommend.  The SuperBeam 405s are available for $149.95 and come in Black and White whereas the SuperBeam 205s are available for $129.95 and come in Black and White as well.  However, rumor has it that a price drop will be put into effect soon.