What Headset Does Nickmercs Use? A Complete Guide

Jack

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Category: Headsets, Pro Streamer Setups

what headset does nickmercs use

Nickmercs is not a new name in the gaming industry. With several Fortnite world records to his name, it's not surprising that you'd be curious about his gaming desk setup. So, if you are curious what headset does Nickmercs use, you've come to the right place.

This article will help you learn more about gaming headsets and why choosing the right one is important. You will also learn more about Nickmercs gaming setup if you wish to invest in quality gaming gear.

Who Is Nickmercs?

If you are getting into the amazing gaming world, chances are some of the biggest names are still new to you. Nick Kolcheff, also known as Nickmercs, is an American Twitch streamer popularly known for playing Fortnite on Twitch Stream.

Nickmercs started his career playing Call of Duty and competing in various tournaments. Over the years, the FPS gamer has amassed a big online presence, thanks to his Fortnite world record. In addition, his use of a controller rather than a mouse and keyboard has attracted many gamers, most curious to find out more about his streaming setup.

What Headset Does Nickmercs Use?

You will find Nickmercs using the Astro Gaming A40 TR Headset when live streaming on his Twitch TV or playing for the FaZe Clan. This pair of headsets come in either black or white color. In addition, we will look at the Astro Gaming A50 wireless headset, which was Nickmercs' old pair. These headsets are durable, comfortable and meet all the required gaming audio standards.

Astro Gaming A40 TR Headset

ASTRO Gaming A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro TR for PlayStation 4 (2017 Model)
2,075 Reviews
ASTRO Gaming A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro TR for PlayStation 4 (2017 Model)
  • Pro Audio Quality
  • Superior Fit & Finish
  • Swappable Precision Microphone
  • Mod Kit Ready

Astro is well known for its quality wired and wireless gaming headsets, the same reason why Nickmercs has been rocking his Astro headsets since 2006.

The Astro A40 headset is made from premium and lightweight materials, making it comfortable for gaming. The wired open-backed stereo headset is compatible with MAC and PC. In addition, you can connect it to your Xbox One and PS4 so long as the version you have uses a 3.5mm jack connector.

The open-back design of the headset filters in the background noise during gameplay. The Astro A40 TR gaming headset has synthetic leather earcups, easily switching out for a noise-canceling mod set. In addition, some gamers will also go for a MixAmp to enhance the audio quality.

Another exciting thing about this headset is the 20 – 20,000Hz audio frequency. Nickmercs loves that the Astro gaming A40 TR headset allows him to enjoy different sound effects with no distortions. He can also hear gunfire, enemy footsteps and communicate with teammates, which has helped him beat a world record.

This headset also comes with a 6.0mm unidirectional microphone attachable on either side of the headset. However, you can switch it out for an omnidirectional one that is more sound-sensitive and cancels out the background noise for better transmission.

  • Pros
  • The earcup design is swappable from open to closed
  • The microphone goes on the right or left side of the headset
  • You can swap out the microphone for an omnidirectional sound
  • The speaker tag is customizable
  • The background noise is reduced for both the microphone and headphone
  • Cons
  • You need a MixAmp to get the surround sound
  • The cable wears out after continued use

Astro Gaming A50 Wireless Headset

ASTRO Gaming A50 Wireless Headset + Base Station Gen 4 - Compatible With PS5,...
2,714 Reviews
ASTRO Gaming A50 Wireless Headset + Base Station Gen 4 - Compatible With PS5,...
  • Astro Audio V2: Immersive Audio and sound experience that delivers dialogue,...
  • Dolby Audio: Dolby Audio delivers a cinematic, high resolution gaming audio...
  • Battery life: 15 plus hour rechargeable lithium ion battery
  • Game: Voice balance: Gives the user total control over the mix of the game and...

Sound highly affects your gaming performance. The Astro A50 headset offers high-quality surround sound to help you know exactly where a particular sound is coming from. In turn, you can make accurate moves and beat your enemies like Nickmercs.

This headset is compatible with Dolby Pro to improve your audio experience during gameplay. Although it is large, the pair of headsets is light and sleek to ensure that you are comfortable at all times. The ear cups feature a thick foam padding which ensures your ears don't sweat when you have them on. In addition, the headset is flexible to fit different people.

This wireless Astro gaming A50 headset uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a battery life of about 6 hours. Since it's wireless, it has a charging base, so all you have to do is place it on the base and leave it to charge.

Another selling feature of this headset is the 5.8 GHz signal. This means you have a movement range of 35 feet without disconnecting from the game. Just like Nickmercs, you will love that the microphone easily bends and can be locked by pointing it upwards.

  • Pros
  • High-quality surround sound
  • Compatible with various gaming consoles
  • Decent battery life
  • Ear cups have foam padding for long gaming hours
  • The microphone has a locking ability
  • Cons
  • Takes time to get used to the charging base
  • Signal occasionally drops

Why Are Gaming Headsets Important?

1. Better Sound Quality

Gaming headsets offer you a sound quality that can't be compared to speakers or regular earphones. They pick up even the slightest sounds, making you aware of far-off footsteps when gaming.

Unlike any headphones, gaming headsets pickup surround sound. This immerses you into your gaming environment, making it feel like a real-life experience. In addition, you get to enjoy the rich bass from songs in the game.

2. Noise-Cancelling Ability

Noise from a person or an activity outside the game is irritating and distracting. Be it other people speaking in the room, kids playing outside or a car passing, this noise affects your gaming concentration and overall performance.

A high-quality gaming headset will have noise cancellation abilities to ensure your focus is fully on the game. Some will do this by having a seal on the ear cups that block the external noise. On the other hand, some gaming headsets release counter signals that cancel out any noise picked up by microphones listening to external sounds.

3. Reduced Disturbance

A gaming headset minimizes disturbance from people or noise around you, especially if blasting the game through your speakers. If you are anything like most gamers, you want to play at a maximum sound to hear every little detail in the game. Therefore, rather than having people ask you to turn down the volume, opt for a gaming headset to immerse yourself in the game fully.

4. Team Connection

When playing video games online, the chances are that some of your teammates are in Asia or Australia. Constant communication ensures that you can plan strategies and coordinate them seamlessly. Regardless of the physical distance between you, having a good pair of gaming headsets makes it feel like you and your teammates are in the same room.

What Are the Gaming Headsets Must-Haves?

Having looked at the benefits of a gaming headset, you might be thinking of getting yourself a pair. However, since this will be quite an investment, your gaming headset should have a few of the features mentioned below.

i). Sound Quality

The overall quality of the sound determines whether you will or lose a game. For this reason, gaming experts recommend you go for a headset with at least a 40mm driver. Alternatively, the bass quality may inform you if the headset's audio quality is good. The higher the bass quality, the better the audio output.

ii). Noise-Cancellation

A good-quality headset should also have noise cancellation features. This could either be active or passive noise cancellation.

Active noise canceling occurs when background and high-pitched noise are filtered out of the game's audio to give you a clean and clear sound. Conversely, a passive noise cancellation headset will have the outer part of the ear cups closed. In addition, you will find the headband to be tight fitting to block out external noise from ettin into the headset.

iii). Microphone

The primary function of a microphone is to provide speaking and listening capabilities. Ideally, you want your voice clearly transmitted to the person on the other end. Therefore, go for a headset with good noise cancellation to avoid noise around you being transmitted while gaming.

Check for the mute feature in the microphone as it helps you pay attention to things and people physically around you, say talk to someone in the room, without being distracting. Additionally, check for boom enhancement to enhance your voice quality in long-range transmissions.

iv). Surround Sound

The surround sound feature lets you know where the sound is coming from, improving your gaming accuracy. Unlike a virtual surround headset, 3D headsets map the exact location of the sound in the gaming environment.

v). Platform Compatibility

There are a lot of video gaming platforms, from PlayStation to Nintendo. Of course, you can also enjoy playing games from your Apple or Windows laptop or computer. Nonetheless, whichever gaming platform or console you use will ultimately affect your headset choice.

While a 3.5mm connection headset works across multiple platforms, some consoles are not compatible with such headsets. Therefore, be sure to confirm the headset requirements of your computer or console before buying.

vi). Comfort

Comfort is key when gaming. Since you will be spending countless hours glued to your gaming setup, you must get a comfortable gaming headset.

You want to get a headset with a cushioned material like foam. Also, check that the headband stretches along the arc of your head. Sometimes thick cushioning may be uncomfortable, so go for a headset that strikes a balance between comfort and functionality.

Another tip is to pay attention to the ear cups. Memory foam padded earcups are comfortable and breathable hence preventing your ears from sweating through the headset. Finally, ensure that the headset is light as you'll be playing for hours. The last thing you want is a headache during gameplay.

vii). Durability

Gaming headsets are not cheap, so ensure to get high quality and durable pair. The material often determines its durability. For example, although high quality and stretchy plastic are used to make headsets, plastic breaks easily.

On the other hand, metal lasts longer, making it a good material for headsets. The ear cups material is also worth considering, from leather to pleather or velour. Leather is very durable but expensive. Pleather is in the middle, while velour offers the right balance of affordability, breathability, comfort and durability.

viii). Spare Parts

Headsets often break, or you'll end up losing some parts. Be sure to check that spare parts are available on the market before purchasing. Also, confirm if the manufacturer sells these parts to get original replacements.

ix). Wired or Wireless

Although wireless headsets are new in the market, having either option has advantages and downsides. For example, wireless headsets connect via Bluetooth hence compatible with almost any gaming platform. They also don't limit your movement, unlike wired ones. However, wireless headsets are more expensive and you'll need to recharge them regularly.

On the other hand, wired headsets use USB ports or old-fashioned jacks to connect to your gaming platform. They are more affordable and popular, meaning that you'll get a variety of high-quality wired headsets on the market. Unfortunately, they tether you and restrict your movement within a certain diameter. In addition, the wires are prone to damage over time.

Other Features in Nickmercs Gaming Setup

What Monitor Does Nickmercs Use?

The display quality is just as important as the sound and Nickmercs understands this. His setup includes 3 Alienware AW2518H monitors, each 24.5". These screens offer a 1920 x 1080 resolution and a refresh rate of 240Hz. In addition, the response time is 1ms, making this PC ideal for fast-paced games.

When deciding on a gaming monitor for your setup, keep in mind the refresh rate more than anything else. Ideally, go for a refresh rate of above 144Hz and ensure that your hardware is compatible for optimal performance.

What Graphics Card Does NickMercs Use?

The best graphics card will work seamlessly with your monitor to ensure high gaming performance. Nickmercs uses a GeForce RTX 2080 TI graphics card for his setup as it is reliable and handles heavy games. In addition, the GeForce RTX 2080 TI is perfect for Twitch streams and Fortnite streams.

What Controller Does Nickmercs Use?

Nickmercs uses a SCUF Infinity4PS Pro MFAM controller in his streaming setup. Unfortunately, most gamers don't like gaming on PC using a controller due to the limited buttons and navigation. Fortunately, Scuf controllers have customizable buttons that make gaming a breeze.

Nickmercs partnered with Scuff Gaming to make this specific controller suitable for PS4 or PC gaming. You can connect it via Bluetooth or use it as a wired controller. You can find Scuf controllers on their website.

What Mouse Does Nickmercs Use?

Nickmercs uses a Logitech G Pro Wireless Mouse in his Fortnite streams. Many gamers prefer this mouse because it has a 1ms response time and a 200-16000 DPI in its Hero sensor range. In addition, the Logitech G wireless mouse has a built-in battery with 63 hours of battery life to ensure that gaming never stops. Additionally, you can use it while it charges.

Conclusion

Gaming headsets are important for optimal sound quality, noise cancellation, surround sound and microphone, among other benefits. Nickmercs has built his gaming career over a decade using the best gaming setup shared in this article. From the Logitech G mouse to the graphics card, you can borrow a thing or two from Nickmercs setup and invest in your own.

Image Source: essentiallysports.com/

Jack