Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930 - Mini-Review

[IainB]

Original post date:	2012-08-06
Updated:	2016-07-08

Basic Info

Device Name	Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930
Thumbs-Up Rating
Device support URL	http://www.logitech....headsets-phones/7248 All drivers can be downloaded from an Index: ftp://ftp.logitech.com/pub/techsupport/headsets/
Device Version Reviewed	The G930 Headset - one of a range of Logitech audio devices. Headset kit consists of: (see diagrams below for explosion of out-the-box components) Headset, with mic armature and all controls (3 x programmable keys, mic mute button, volume wheel, Stereo/7.1 switch, ON/OFF press toggle) on the LH side earpiece. Base station with input USB cable, output small USB cable, USB slot (for USB Xmitter dongle). USB wireless Xmitter dongle (approx. 2.5" length).
Driver Specs.:	Driver/software: Comes with original purchase, on CD-ROM, but latest versions are downloaded from Logitech support site. Title: Logitech Gaming Software Software Version: I had been using LGS v8.53.154_x64, but it did not work well. Currently using G930_100275 (2011-08-05), though latest version seems to be: G930_100364b
Test System Specs	MS Win7-64 Home Premium, Win8-64, Win8.1-64 and PRO
Supported OSes	Compatible with Win 7, 8 and 8.1 64-bit/32-bit and Windows XP
Support Methods	Driver/software download and support via the above Logitech link. Has a very good FAQ, which also tells you how to use the headset without using the Logitech software. Handbook (US-Eng.) "Getting Started" is here.
Upgrade Policy	Driver/software upgradeable for FREE from above Logitech link. @tomicjr is probably right where he says in the discussion below "Updates seem to be mostly for [new] game compatibility.".
Pricing Scheme	When I initially reviewed the headset, pricing on Amazon varied at US$90 - $100, though people on DC forum have fed back that retail pricing was more typically US$130-$150. Because I wanted to try the headset out before buying, I chose a local NZ retail outlet who would let me do it "on approval", so here's a plug for the excellent folk at roctech.co.nz aka ExtremePC. Pricing on Amazon as at 2014-06-12 varies at US$90 - $160. Pricing at Logitech site on 2015-05-09 is US$188.

Here are some screenshots of the headset GUI: (click to enlarge image, click again to diminish)
Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930 - Mini-Review      Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930 - Mini-Review      Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930 - Mini-Review

Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930 - Mini-Review      Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930 - Mini-Review      Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930 - Mini-Review

Diagrams from the "Getting Started" handbook (see link above), showing the layout of the controls, and what's in the box:
Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930 - Mini-Review      Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930 - Mini-Review

Intro and Overview:
This review follows on from the DCF thread started on 2010-10-20 by @mouser:
 Glowing web review of Logitech G930 wireless headset
I did at first start to update that thread, but then realised that it was a bit old, so I have done this Mini-Review instead.

Becoming fed up with the leads into my laptop being yanked about whenever I stood up wearing my noise-cancelling headphones whilst forgetting that they were plugged in to my laptop, I decided that I really needed a decent wireless Hi-Fi headset - one that included a mic - and so I ended up deciding to trial and buy the G930 (at a reduced price). My decision was largely based on this PC Mag review: Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930.
(Review dated September 26, 2011.)

Short story: (follow the hyperlink for the full review)
Pros
Long range. High-quality audio output. Handy controls on the headset. Can be used while charging.

Cons
Bass isn't particularly powerful.

Bottom Line
The Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930 stands as one of the best wireless gaming headsets you can find, with high-quality audio output, smart design, and an impressive range.

In the above PCMag.com review it was given a great review and made the Editor's Choice.
Wanting to save (not spend) some money, I did try out the smaller Logitech Wireless Headset H600 first, but it was cr*p ( a technical term) and so I returned it to the store the next day and bought the G930 headset - and kept it.

After having used the G930 mic/headphone headset for a couple of months, I was able to say that it provides one of the nicest, most comfortable and good listening headphone experiences that I have ever come across - it has excellent sound, and I found the bass excellent too, contrary to the PCMag review. If you select/adjust the bass or other frequencies in the equaliser, you will be able to get what your ears like.
The switch between Stereo and Surround Sound seems to produce good stereo, and if you are listening to a 5.1 or 7.1 audio track (music or movie), then selecting the 7.1 switch produces an amazingly lifelike surround sound.
Some stereo sounds better (to me) in the 7.1 mode, though my daughter preferred stereo in the stereo mode. "Chip" music tracks seem to sound decidedly wrong in 7.1 and just fine in stereo.
(The headset's stereo function doesn't seem to be called "stereo" anywhere though - which I don't understand.)

The original software and drivers that came on the CD-ROM with the headset seemed a bit buggy, but there have been several online updates issued since I started using this headset, and it all now seems to run sweetly. However, the functionality of the three programmable keys - which were OK initially - does not always stick/persist (I have them set up for Winamp), and this seems to be caused by the driver software.

Operation:

• The headset functionality does not operate via USB cable, only via a USB wireless dongle.
  
  
• The headset is "smart" and detects transmission/reception activity. It automatically switches itself off after a continuous period of time (about 10 minutes) of inactivity in transmission/reception. This is to conserve the battery, which seems to last a long time anyway.
  
  
• The headset can only be switched ON manually. When you do switch it ON, it makes a discernible but faint soft tone, to let you know that it is working, and it makes the same tone when manually switched OFF.
  When it automatically switches itself OFF (no activity or battery going flat), it makes the same tone.
  
  
• The headset needs to be connected to a USB port for charging the battery. I usually connect it to the USB outlet in my laptop's power supply/charger, so charging can take place regardless of whether the laptop is on or off. Charging can take place whilst the headset wireless functionality is in use on the laptop.

Who this headset is designed for:
Seems to be aimed primarily at gamers who would like Dolby audio 7.1 Surround Sound for in-game realism,  and mutated microphone speech in a game (I have tried out but have not needed to use the mutated microphone speech functionality).
However, many music tracks and DVDs come with either Dolby 7.1 sound output as standard, or as a selectable output option. In such cases there is little doubt that Dolby 7.1 can add a whole new dimension to the listening experience. It may also give an edge to monaural recordings, though I have not experimented with this yet.
So this headset could have strong appeal to audiophiles (including me).

The Good:

• Very nice headset all round. Good listening experience. Mic works fine.
• Quality of headset design. Solidly built. Manufacture and functionality is first-rate.
• Good working range from the transmitter.
• High-quality audio output, switchable between normal Stereo and Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound.
• All the controls and the mic armature on the headset are located on the LEFT headphone, so there's no confusion.
• Very handy arrangement of controls on the headset - controls have thoughtful ergonomic design.
• Comfortable fit and can be worn for a long time without discomfort - good ergonomic design.
• Can be used whilst charging.

The needs improvement section:

• The software has "application aware" functionality, but the software/drivers seem to sometimes behave inconsistently between version releases - this is only as regards the 3 programmable function buttons. The functions are not always persistent. I think this may have been fixed in the latest software update.
• There is no slot in the headset to store the USB wireless network xmitter dongle (which is about 2.5" long), when it is not in use. I would have preferred one of those very small/micro USB wireless network xmitter dongles that are virtually unnoticeable.
  However, I have a fix for this: When not in use, the dongle can be stored snugly inside the lefthand headphone, by pushing it in lengthways between the edge of the red plastic casing and the soft ear cushioning pad.
  

Why I think you should use this product:
I think gamers would be very happy with the quality of the Stereo or the Dolby audio 7.1 Surround Sound, and the choice of plain or mutated microphone speech in a game.
Audiophiles could well be very happy with the sound.

How it compares to similar headsets
Though I do not have the experience to compare this headset with other "gamer" headsets, the published reviews on the Internet rate this headset pretty highly.

Conclusions:
I really like this headset.
A very nice headset all round.
After about two years of use:

• Verdict - still excellent headphones.
• Wear and tear: the shiny surface skin of the ear-cushions started to peel off where there had been friction between the cushion and my spectacle frames (which I always wear when using the laptop). By May 2015, it had all peeled off! This is a cosmetic effect rather than functional. In my experience it inevitably happens with my headphones - good and bad - sometimes sooner than two years elapsed time.
• UPDATE 2016-07-08: After quite a long period of being probably roughly handled by me and my kids, the mic boom broke at the "elbow" (a potential weak spot). Fortunately, the fine wires inside did not break, and I was able to fix it by means of some duct tape holding it together around the break. Seems to be quite a robust repair - apparently hasn't weakened after several months of use. I'm glad it's still intact and all working, though I actually seem to hardly ever use the mic now anyway.
  
  Playing Fallout3 and other RPG games with this headset - with the full mixer software and surround-sound switched on - is very realistic, and you can detect noises of movement behind you and to one side.
  
  The headset seems to have a new wear-and-tear problem - the volume thumbwheel on the headset seems to have have worn its friction face inside somewhere, so has little effect. I ended up using the laptop volume keys to adjust volume instead (which is a bit of a bind). I haven't figured out how to open up the headset without breaking it, to see if I can fix the thumbwheel.

Links to other info sources/reviews of this application:
See the PCMag hyperlink above.
                                            Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930 - Mini-Review

[KynloStephen66515]

This review has got me seriously thinking about buying a G930.

I am a huge sucker for headsets with great audio quality, and this one looks like it could be right up there with the best of them!

Thanks for the review!

[wraith808]

I have it also.  I use it for gaming, and it's pretty cool for that.  It has great isolation, bass, and the 7.1. works amazingly well.  I actually use it with my desktop, so I don't have any problems with the dongle, and do like that the charging cord also doubles as a wired solution when you have to use it but it needs charging.  My only complaint is that it's a bit heavy after prolonged use, and can become a bit stifling, but all of them at this level suffer from that kind of problem.

Also, IainB apparently got a good deal... it's usually about $110-130 on most outlets (Amazon's showing $113 right now for me, and newegg (where I got it from) is showing $124)

[lanux128]

this sounds like a fine product and a quick check showed that it retails here for about ~$130-$150. so IainB got it at a really good price.  

i couldn't tell from the review but does this headset come with the box thingy where one can adjust volume and such? something like this:

[4wd]

It uses what Logitech calls a "Wireless USB" dongle - just a small black thing that looks like a flash drive.  All controls are on the headset, (except for any extras provided by software, of course).

B&H have the G930 for $107.89 in the States.

[Renegade]

Logitech really makes some good stuff. I'm not surprised to hear a glowing review like this.

[wraith808]

this sounds like a fine product and a quick check showed that it retails here for about ~$130-$150. so IainB got it at a really good price. 

i couldn't tell from the review but does this headset come with the box thingy where one can adjust volume and such? something like this:
 (see attachment in previous post)

-lanux128 (August 08, 2012, 07:36 PM)

No.  It comes with the headset, a USB dongle (the normal kind -not the mini), and a spool that doubles as a cord organizer and a place to put the dongle if you don't want to reach around to the back of the computer.  The only controls are on the headset, and it doesn't have a separate DSP (which is what those usually are).

[IainB]

@wraith808: Thanks. I shall update the OP with a better description of the components.

EDIT 2012-08-09 2145hrs (NZT): Comprehensively updated. Still to add some dollar ($) values.

[davcom]

Been looking a number of years for a decent wireless gaming headset... wonder if my prayers have finally been answered because my knees are extremely worn. Will check this out.

[IainB]

2012-08-25: Updated the Opening Post with diagrams from the "Getting Started" handbook, showing the layout of the controls, and what's in the box.

[IainB]

2012-11-08: Updated the Opening Post with additional notes from my use of these headphones and following the latest Logitech driver/software release.

[tomicjr]

Nice review! 

I have been using this headset for over a year.  It has many advanced features for gamers, but I use it primarily from a home office with Skype and GoToMeeting.  The hardware quality and performance has met my expectations, and I would recommend this headset with a few caveats...

I am using the latest drivers 8.40.83

Pros:

• Quality hardware, still in perfect condition after extended daily use!
• Excellent, lag-free sound quality from mic / speakers.  Other party often comments on the clarity of sound.
• Comfort during multiple-hour sessions.  I was initially concerned with the size/weight, but it hasn't been an issue.
• Battery life - easily lasts 8+ hours, and can even be used while charging.
• Programmable controls on headset, which are application-aware.

Cons / Caveats:

• Initially, had many issues with Logitech drivers and Windows 7 64-bit.  Control panel would crash, lost connection to the device, etc.
• Drivers are flaky.  Updates seem to be mostly for game compatibility.
• With UAC enabled, must run control panel as Administrator.
• Audio levels reset themselves - Volume, Mic, AND Sidetone.
• Sound isolating, and it is weird to not hear your own voice normally during conference calls.  Sidetone helps, but randomly resets level or disables itself!  This has been an often reported problem for a long time...

http://forums.logite...Anything/td-p/474193
http://forums.logite...e-setting/m-p/886158

[IainB]

@tomicjr: Thanks. Useful input. I'll have to update the review re the latest drivers.

[IainB]

I have updated the review in the opening post to reflect the latest version of the Logitech Gaming Software: 8.40.83

[IainB]

2013-08-24: Updated software/driver version and operational details, and documented a fix re dongle storage.
The Logitech G930 is still one of the best headsets on the planet, IMO.   

[lanux128]

@IainB: thanks for the update. this is one headphone i keep coming back to..

[IainB]

2014-06-12: Updated software/driver version and some review notes, after having used these headphones for about two years now.
Software Version I have currently installed is: v8.53.154_x64.
I have migrated to Win8-64, and now Win8.1-64 with the software giving no problems.

[mouser]

Just wanted to say how great it is when reviews like this are updated to reflect new operating system compatibility and also just additional experience with the unit.  Makes a real difference for people who find this info long after the original review 

[IainB]

Oh thanks @mouser. I absolutely agree about the updating thing. When I started writing mini-reviews on DCF, it was with the intention of keeping them updated, because I had found that the usual time-stamped one-off reviews rapidly become dated/obsolete in the relatively fast-changing IT scene and then were of limited use, and I didn't wish to squander my energies duplicating that approach.

It takes a bit of effort to do a reasonably decent mini-review, but relatively little extra effort to perform the incremental updates necessary to keep the thing current, and that seems to me to be more useful/helpful and a much better use of my time. Takes a bit of discipline though, sometimes...    
(e.g., I still haven't got those correct $ values in...buried the receipt somewhere...)

[IainB]

2014-06-12 1631hrs: Added details about current Amazon pricing for this headset to the review, and made mention of my suppliers (who are pretty clued-up).

[lanux128]

I took advantage of the recent visit by Skwire to order a pair and they're exactly what I had expected from reading this thread.

even though I have been playing with it just over a week now, some things are instantly noticeably such as its superb range, reasonable battery life and comfortable cups.

[IainB]

@lanux128's comments reminded me to update the mini-review.
2015-05-09: Updated software/driver version and some review notes, after having used these headphones for about three years now.
You will notice that I am using a relatively old software/driver version compared to the latest version available. This is because the older version seems to work better than the newest version.

[lanux128]

what issues are you having with the newer version? i am currently using LGS v8.58.183_x64, that too after much ponderation, as most of the buttons worked right off the bat.

[IainB]

That's curious. The issues I had were with what was the "latest" version at the time, not the more recent version which you refer to. However, one thing I made a note of was that the versions prefixed "LGS" did not seem to work, whereas those prefixed "G930" did seem to work - albeit imperfectly.

One of the things I need is the control panel display for the headphones, and the newer software didn't seem to operate that properly or as well as the older versions.

[lanux128]

a small update: after further usage, i ditched the LGS driver-software totally and have gone with a custom AHK script to make use of the G1-G3 keys. the volume rocker and mute button worked out of the box so no problems there. the mic quality was quite pleasant, clear with no static, tried on both Mumble and Teamspeak 3.