The Ultimate Gaming Headset Choice of Nickmercs Revealed!
Discover the gaming headset that empowers Nickmercs to dominate competitive shooters and stream effortlessly Unveiling his new setup and partnership with Corsair, Nickmercs shows why he's no keyboard warrior Elevate your gaming rig like him FAQ: Are gaming headsets worth it? Why do pros wear two headsets? Wireless or wired for a gaming headset?
Quick Links
Who Is Nickmercs?What Headset Does Nickmercs Use?
A New Setup for Nickmercs
Partnership with Corsair
Nickmercs is No Keyboard Warrior
Level Up Your Gaming Rig Like Nickmercs
Content: Balancing competitive gaming and streaming presents a challenge for Nickmercs, a controversial personality on Twitch and YouTube. Nick Kolcheff, 32, has achieved significant success in Esports, winning three Major League Gaming (MLG) tournaments and a National Championship. Despite this, Nickmercs manages to maintain his competitive edge while also nurturing a dedicated community of viewers.
Aspiring Esports participants keenly observe the equipment preferences of top pro gamers like keyboards, mice, and headsets, in the hopes of gaining a competitive advantage. For game streamers, a gaming headset is an integral component as it serves multiple functions. Not only is it essential for communicating with teammates during multiplayer gaming, but it also allows streamers to monitor their stream and interact with viewers. The ideal gaming headset for streamers, like Nickmercs, is both durable and versatile enough to support gaming, streaming, and content recording simultaneously. So, which headset does Nickmercs use, and how can it enhance gamers' skills to the next level?
Who Is Nickmercs?
Gamers who frequent Twitch would likely be familiar with the name Nickmercs, as he is a prominent figure in the industry. He has achieved success through various competitive shooting games and is known for playing popular Battle Royale releases such as Apex Legends, Fortnite, and Warzone. Additionally, he has explored other games like League of Legends and Friday The 13th: The Game, and has even entertained his audience with single-player games like God of War and Marvel's Spider-Man.
The majority of Nickmercs' streaming content revolves around shooters, particularly those with competitive multiplayer modes. He has a natural talent for this genre and has excelled in it. As a matter of fact, he is a co-owner of the competitive team FaZe Clan and was previously a member of the pro team 100 Thieves. Nickmercs has built a close-knit community of followers and regularly hosts MFAM events, ranging from gaming competitions to barbecues, for his loyal fanbase.
What Headset Does Nickmercs Use?
Nickmercs gained notoriety through his impressive gameplay in Call of Duty, although he has experienced a tumultuous relationship with the game. Previously, Nickmercs voiced discontent with Call of Duty: Warzone 2, specifically criticizing the challenging aspect of identifying AI enemies, which often appeared similar to human opponents. More recently, controversy arose when Nickmercs made contentious remarks regarding the LGBTQ+ community, resulting in the removal of his skin bundles from Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone by the developers of Call of Duty. Since then, Kolcheff has taken a step back from the game and redirected his attention towards other titles such as Apex Legends. Nevertheless, Nickmercs can always rely on the unwavering support of his loyal MFAM community, who continue to stand by him and enjoy his entertaining content.
In 2019, Nickmercs partnered with Astro Gaming as his exclusive supplier of gaming peripherals. Previously using an Astro A40 wired headset, Kolcheff soon upgraded to the sleek wireless A50 model. This top-tier headset offers exceptional performance and is available in two versions - one for PS4/PS5 and PC gaming, and another for Xbox One/Xbox S/X and PC. While the A50 is a significant investment for some, it's worth noting that it is also considered one of the best gaming headsets for the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Besides its gaming capabilities, users can also enjoy high-quality Dolby Audio and Atmos support, making it a versatile option for music and other audio-related activities.
Introducing the Astro A50 Wireless Headset
Crafted with gamers in mind, the Astro A50 Wireless Headset combines sleek design with optimal performance. Immerse yourself in the game with Astro Audio V2, delivering impeccably balanced and crystal clear sound for unprecedented in-game audio precision. Designed to take your gaming experience to new heights, the A50 wireless headset supports an array of surround sound and spatial audio formats, including the revolutionary Dolby Atmos, enabling you to accurately detect the imminent approach of your adversaries.
With the A50 wireless base station, you can conveniently connect multiple sources thanks to its USB, optical, and analog audio inputs. No need to worry about running out of power during intense gaming sessions, as this exceptional wireless gaming headset boasts an impressive 15-hour battery life. Available in two versions, compatible with either PS5/PS4/PC or Xbox Series X & S/PC, the Astro A50 Wireless Headset ensures superior performance across multiple platforms.
Content Fragment: The Microphone is adjustable and compatible with PS5/PS4/PC or Xbox Series X & S/PC. It includes a Basestation, Micro USB cable, and Optical cable. The brand is Astro. It has surround sound but no noise cancellation. The battery life is 15 hours. It is priced at $292 on Amazon and $300 at Best Buy.
The A50 Wireless Headset is designed with specialized Astro Audio V2 for an immersive sound experience, emphasizing clear in-game sound. It provides exceptional quality for dialogue and music. This tuning enables players to easily hear footsteps and other sound effects, giving them an immediate awareness of nearby enemies. This advantage is especially important for Nickmercs, who frequently competes in multiplayer matches. Knowing the enemy's location allows players to strategize and remain alert to potential danger.
Another notable feature of the Astro A50 is its exceptional mixing capabilities. This enables players to personalize their audio experience by exerting complete control over the levels of different sound elements. By adjusting the independent volumes of game and voice chat, players have the flexibility to obtain the perfect balance that suits their preferences. Further enhancing this functionality, the Astro Command Center software takes audio control to the next level with the inclusion of preset and custom sound profiles.
The Astro A50 is equipped with wireless charging capabilities, offering an impressive 15+ hours of battery life. Additionally, users have the option to purchase a bundle that includes a charging dock for convenient recharging and a stylish headset hanger. While the A50 comes with cables designed for console controllers, it also features USB connectivity, allowing PC gamers to easily connect without relying on optical cables. This feature can significantly enhance audio quality. The A50 is considered the top gaming headset from Astro, offering modular options such as leather ear cups and components for a more luxurious experience. Its sleek design, flip-up mic, and durable frame make it a trusted choice for gamers like Nickmercs who value its action-heavy sound tuning and the competitive advantage it provides.
A New Setup for Nickmercs
Nickkmercs, known for his daring attitude, recently decided to shake things up by making a significant change to his usual setup. To everyone's surprise, the popular streamer and competitive gamer, Kolcheff, made an appearance on camera sporting a set of Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones, coupled with an external microphone. While the DT 990 Pro may not be your typical gaming headset, it is favored by numerous content creators who rely on open-backed headphones to ensure superior audio quality for their productions.
Introducing the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones. These headphones are designed for content creators who are passionate about recording and editing their own productions. Offering audiophile-quality sound, the DT 990 Pro provides a transparent listening experience with exceptional balance across low, mid, and high tones. Featuring stylish gray velour earpads, these headphones ensure hours of comfortable and pain-free listening. The adjustable steel headband adds to the overall durability and lightweight construction of the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro.
Beyerdynamic, a German brand known for its expertise in audio equipment since 1924, offers the DT 990 Pro headphones. These headphones are particularly favored by streamers like Nickmercs, enabling them to edit videos with superb audio quality and well-balanced sound. Unlike closed-back alternatives, the open-backed design of the DT 990 Pro delivers a spacious and natural audio output. However, it's important to note that these headphones are more suitable for use in soundproof studios as they do not possess noise-cancelling capabilities like the top-rated headsets.
(Note: While retaining the main points of the original content, the revised version has been modified to improve readability and clarity.)
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is made with high-quality materials, including a comfortable steel headband and velour earpads that provide irritation-free listening even after long periods of use. Prominent streamers like Ninja also prefer Beyerdynamic headphones for their exceptional sound reproduction and durable construction. Nickmercs, a popular streamer, can wear these headphones without adding extra stress to his competitive gaming streams, which are viewed by thousands of people.
While gaming headsets with built-in microphones are convenient, they often can't match the audio quality of a separate headphone and external mic setup. In the past, Nickmercs has used the highly regarded Shure SM7B microphone, which is favored by many gamers and streamers due to its ability to capture the most lifelike representation of the human voice. Some of Nickmercs' viewers initially expressed disappointment when he switched from Astro headsets to a separate microphone, as it noticeably changed the sound of his voice during streams. However, over time, the fans of Nickmercs (known as MFAM) embraced the Beyerdynamic headphones, as they do with any changes their favorite streamer makes.
Partnership with Corsair
Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT
The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT gaming headset is equipped with Slipstream Wireless Technology, providing an impressive range of up to 60 feet and the ability to connect to up to 3 wireless devices simultaneously. Additionally, it offers versatile connectivity options, including USB, 3.5 mm analog, and Bluetooth, allowing for seamless connections to PCs and consoles. With its high-density 50 mm drivers, this headset delivers a frequency range of 20,000 Hz to 40,000 Hz, surpassing the performance of most gaming headsets. Its lightweight construction, coupled with memory foam earpads, ensures comfort for extended gaming sessions. Also, featuring a detachable microphone with noise-cancellation technology, it is compatible with PC, Mac, Xbox, PS4, and PS5. The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT is available for purchase at $269 on Amazon, $270 at Best Buy, and $270 at Walmart, offering a battery life of 15 hours.
Nickmercs may soon replace his Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones as Corsair announced a partnership with him in late April. In a promotional image, Kolcheff can be seen wearing what appears to be a Corsair Virtuoso model with MFAM branding on the earcups. Currently, there are no MFAM-inspired Corsair products available for purchase, and Nickmercs continues to use his Beyerdynamic headset during his recent streams.
Considering that other popular content creators like MrBeast also endorse it, it wouldn't be surprising if Nickmercs starts using Corsair's flagship Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT headset. This headset features 50mm neodymium speaker drivers with an impressively wide frequency range, allowing for clear identification of high, low, and mid-tones. While Nickmercs might choose to use a separate external microphone, the 9.5-inch omni-directional mic on the Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT could entice some broadcasters to simplify their setups.
Kolcheff, a streamer who enjoys playing a variety of games, doesn't have to worry about the platform he's on when using the Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT. While it may not be the best choice for Xbox gamers due to its wired 3.5 mm analog audio cable connection, PC and PlayStation players can enjoy its dual wireless connectivity with Bluetooth. This allows them to easily monitor activity on their mobile devices while gaming.
For streamers or professional Esports players who spend long hours gaming, the Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT provides exceptional comfort. With memory foam earcups and a lightweight aluminum construction, the headset is both comfortable to wear and easy to carry around. Check out our review of the more affordable Corsair Virtuoso RGB for more details.
Nickmercs is No Keyboard Warrior
Scuf Reflex Pro
The Scuf Reflex Pro outperforms the DualSense controller by offering superior control, build quality, and experience. Its impressive features make it a standout option among PS5 controllers. Compatible with PC, PS5, and mobile devices, it provides up to 8 hours of battery life and can be connected via wireless Bluetooth or wired USB-C. With headset support, programmability, and extra buttons, the Scuf Reflex Pro is priced at $240 on Scuf's website.
Most competitive Esports pros typically use mice and keyboards, but Nickmercs, being rooted in Call of Duty, prefers a controller. However, the wireless Scuf Reflex Pro is anything but ordinary, as it offers a higher level of customization compared to the standard DualSense controller. Kolcheff, with his excitement for the controller, even has his own Nickmercs edition released by Scuf, featuring the MFAM logo.
It comes as no surprise that Nickmercs would endorse both brands' products, considering Corsair acquired Scuf a few years ago. One of the standout advantages of the Reflex Pro is its 4 removable back paddles, which can be programmed for various commands. Given the importance of reaction time in FPS games, these additional back paddles allow Nickmercs to access controls more quickly than reaching for the top triggers on a controller. Furthermore, the Reflex Pro retains many of the innovative features found in the standard DualSense controller, such as adaptive triggers that provide more accurate response to in-game events like collisions and weapon firing.
The stock configuration of the Scuf Reflex Pro controller, Nickmercs version, is highly customizable. When making a purchase, gamers have the option to choose the color of the faceplate and the size and shape of the thumbsticks. This pro-grade controller connects wirelessly to both the PS5 and PC via Bluetooth. For more information about this controller, you can read Game Rant's review.
Level Up Your Gaming Rig Like Nickmercs
Undoubtedly, Nickmercs' larger-than-life persona has been a major factor in his success as a competitive gamer and streamer. However, when it comes to games like Call of Duty or Apex Legends, it's crucial to enter the battlefield armed with the right tools. In team-based first-person shooter games, effective communication is essential, and the combination of the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones and the Shure SM7B external microphone delivers exceptional sound clarity. While many gamers prefer using headsets with built-in microphones, Nickmercs has also found great value in the simplicity of the Astro A50 Wireless for his gaming setup.
Console users often face criticism in the competitive gaming world. However, Nickmercs showcases the true potential of controllers with the Scuf Reflex Pro. This enhanced DualSense controller allows gamers to personalize various aspects and includes additional paddles that can be remapped on the back.
Although seasoned gamers usually stick with their devices for years, Nickmercs is open to regularly changing his headset and controller. What may be suitable for a gamer at one point may not be the optimal choice later on, making it worthwhile to stay updated on the newest gaming equipment available.
FAQ
Q: Are gaming headsets worth it?
Q: Why do some esports pros wear two headsets?
Enhance your gaming experience by choosing the perfect headset for your rig. Whether you're seeking an immersive environment or the ability to block out surrounding distractions, headsets offer advanced noise-cancelling features and in-game notifications that alert you to approaching enemies.
During LAN tournaments, professional esports players often wear two headsets simultaneously – one over their ears and another around their neck – as a way to promote products sponsored by their sponsors. However, they rely on the headset provided by the tournament organizers in order to reduce any disturbance caused by external noises.
Q: Should I go wireless or wired for a gaming headset?
Wired headsets are more budget-friendly, require no recharging, and are not affected by latency issues typically experienced with modern devices. Additionally, they offer extensive compatibility for the majority of users.
On the other hand, wireless headsets provide the advantage of wire-free operation and enable gaming over much greater distances compared to most wired options, although at an additional expense.
