Surround sound is a tricky business when it comes to USB headsets. With a siren's call that promises unadulterated sound and 7.1 performance without the need to dish out for an expensive sound card, these headsets can are often sought after by budget and laptop gamers alike, only to be plagued with in-game compatibility problems. Will Creative's Sound Blaster Arena Surround be the sub-$100 white knight to free us from our stereo confines? Read my in-depth review of this virtual 7.1 gaming headset to find out.

The Verdict:
A lightweight contender with excellent sound quality and spatialization for native 5.1/7.1 sources, the Creative Sound Blaster Arena Surround's game compatibility unfortunately suffers from what can only be described as a stupid oversight in the Windows Speaker Configuration panel.

The Good:
+ Relatively inexpensive
+ Lightweight and flexible
+ Stereo music sounds remarkably LOUD and clear
+ Detachable microphone features impressive quality and noise canceling
+ Earcups swivel flat for storage / transport
+ Circumaural leatherette earpads filter ambient sound
+ In-line remote offers mic mute and digital volume controls
+ Supports EAX 5 for older games that make use of it, maybe
+ Crystalizer audio enhancement works well for most music

The Bad:
- Appears as a Stereo-only device to Windows 7, limiting surround sound compatibility to roughly 60% of titles tested
- CMSS-3D stereo upmixing doesn't suit most music
- Windows 7 drivers and auto-update required an installation workaround
- Plastic construction feels cheap
- Detachable microphone is too springy
- Thin headband can become uncomfortable
- Creative phone support contacts are obscured from view