Microsoft LiveChat LX-3000 Review

I have got at least four different headsets lumped in a pile -- all expensive, all promising to deliver...all tossed. Where playback ranked well, recording stunk and vice-versa. Some fit as a complete headset, both ears crunched between a tight fitting headband, paper-thin sponge and hard plastic speaker components that left me feeling beat-up, sore and claustrophobic. Others were a single, over-the-ear arm with a plug for the ear canal and a short, inadequate microphone. The Microsoft LiveChat LX-3000 is a well fitting, very comfortable complete headset with both ears cupped by soft, cushiony speakers. The microphone is long and flexible with a full-size boom that stays where you put it.

You are probably wondering what I use headsets for, right? Dictation, transcription, video narration and VoIP; trust me when I say, I've been there and done that.

Here are just a few examples of the difference between the Microsoft LiveChat LX-3000 and other leading headsets.

1. I initially listened to an audio recording of a focus group with a top-of-the line single, over-the-ear arm and an earplug speaker. The microphone was long enough to reach my mouth, but moved quite a bit because the arm did not stay secured and actually wavered as my mouth opened and closed...Comical really! I had a hard time differentiating sounds and could not really hear what the people were saying. There was a point in the recording that the moderator left the room to allow the group to write some information down and talk amongst themselves. I originally thought the recording was stopped because I could not hear anything for several minutes, but could see that the tape did not actually skip. Eventually I got frustrated and turned the recording off. I listened to the same recording again in the same exact location on the tape with the Microsoft LiveChat LX-3000. I was amazed and delighted to hear the group members' pencils moving on paper as they wrote and their talking amongst themselves was actually quite caddy.

2. Part of the process of installing a new recording device is adjusting the noise and recording level by reading text into the microphone. The higher the device's quality, the higher number rating the computer indicates. The highest rating I received with the most expensive headset I had was 18, which is passing "acceptable." By the way, a rating of 15 is failing "unacceptable." The Microsoft LiveChat LX-3000 repeatedly rated a 23.

3. And finally, the true deciding factor: I picked up the Microsoft LiveChat LX-3000 at Best Buy for $43 and some change out the door! Ding, Ding, Ding, Ding!

You can probably buy it online at Amazon or Ebay for a little less, if you can wait for shipping turn-around. Either way, do yourself a favor: do not waste your time, money and patience on anything else.

Oh, and just in case you are wondering, I am not receiving remuneration from any of the entities listed above. I'm just a happy work-at-home Mom who found a true gem and want to help others. The picture is courtesy of Amazon.

Best of luck to you!