Why do gamers wear two headsets?

Gamers wearing two headsets is actually not a common practice for most, but there are a few specific reasons why some gamers might do this. Here are the primary scenarios where you might see gamers using two headsets:

1. Voice Chat and Game Audio Separation

• Why? Some gamers use two headsets to separate game audio and voice chat audio more effectively. This setup might be used by streamers or professional gamers who need to hear both their teammates’ communication clearly and the in-game sounds without overlap or interference.
• How it works: For example, one headset might be used for game audio (like footsteps or gunfire) while the second headset is used solely for voice chat through a separate communication system (like Discord or a private team channel).
• Benefit: This helps players hear the game sounds more clearly without the chat audio competing with in-game noise, ensuring both are audible and balanced. It can also help reduce distractions from chat when focusing on critical gameplay elements.

2. Streamers and Content Creators

• Why? Streamers often wear two headsets to manage audio monitoring while broadcasting. This helps them ensure their game audio, microphone input, and stream audio are all functioning properly and at the right levels.
• How it works: One headset might be connected to the computer to listen to the stream and game audio (so the streamer can hear what the audience is hearing), while the other headset might be used for personal comfort or to hear the game’s sound directly without delay or feedback.
• Benefit: Wearing two headsets helps streamers monitor their audio setup in real-time without causing an echo or feedback loop for their audience. It’s a technical setup for ensuring high-quality sound for both the streamer and their audience.

3. Eliminating Audio Feedback

• Why? In some cases, players wear two headsets to avoid audio feedback or echo issues when using microphones and speakers simultaneously.
• How it works: This is common in setups where players might be using external microphones (instead of the built-in mic on the headset) while still needing to hear game audio. If they don’t use headphones, the microphone will pick up the sound from their speakers, causing echo or feedback.
• Benefit: The second headset acts as a backup to prevent feedback by ensuring that only the second headset picks up the game audio, while the mic remains unaffected.

4. Comfort and Personal Preferences

• Why? Some players have comfort preferences and wear two headsets simply because they feel more comfortable with different types of audio setups. For example, one headset might be more lightweight, but a second, bulkier headset might offer better sound quality.
• How it works: A gamer might wear a more comfortable, lightweight headset for extended gaming sessions, but use a secondary headset with superior sound quality or a more noise-cancelling design when they need better immersion.
• Benefit: This setup allows for adjustable comfort depending on the context, without sacrificing the need for sound quality when necessary.

5. Gaming and Streaming Audio Control

• Why? In cases where players are involved in gaming and streaming simultaneously, they might need to wear two headsets for audio control. This is more common with streamers who need to hear their in-game sounds, game music, and chat audio at the same time without interference or lag.
• How it works: One headset may be used to hear the game sound in full, while another headset, which might be more comfortable or ergonomic, could be used to monitor audio from the stream (like audience chat or alerts).
• Benefit: Wearing two headsets allows for seamless management of both gaming and stream audio to ensure everything is functioning properly.

6. Sound Isolation or Noise Cancelling

• Why? Gamers, particularly in competitive gaming or eSports, may use noise-cancelling headsets in addition to a regular gaming headset for better sound isolation.
• How it works: One headset could be designed for noise isolation (blocking out external sounds) to keep the gamer focused on the game, while the second headset might provide high-quality audio for clearer communication.
• Benefit: This setup allows gamers to stay focused on the game without being distracted by outside noises, while also ensuring they can hear and communicate effectively with teammates.

Conclusion

In most cases, wearing two headsets is a specialized solution to specific technical needs like improving audio separation, avoiding feedback, monitoring streaming audio, or improving comfort. While it's not a common practice for casual gamers, it is useful for certain types of gamers like streamers, competitive players, or those who work with complex audio setups.