For a while, tf2's had a hell of a time trying to launch, usually at least a minute and a half. When it finally does launch, joining a server would take another 4-5 minutes, hanging at the loading screen until it finally decides to unfreeze and send client info. Joining a subsequent server takes a little less time, but it's still pretty unreasonable. I was dealing with this for a while, but it's getting pretty ridiculous at this point.

My hardware is not the problem, I get great fps in-game. Is there any fix I can try to do that doesn't involve getting an SSD?

So I use a Zalman clip-on mic, and I've always thought its performance was a bit average. I know I get what I pay for, but I've heard other people (including streamers, I think rays had one for a while) with the same mic and they can sound pretty good. Maybe my deeper voice is harder to handle with it too, but the main problem I have is with background noise/fuzz.

Interestingly enough, it apparently doesn't have this in mumble, but when I stream, the noise is so noticeable and obnoxious that I have to use push to talk. I'd really like to improve this if possible. Are there any software filters or anything of the sort for this purpose, or is it purely a hardware issue (mic goes to the motherboard, I don't have a sound card)? I don't know a great deal on the subject as you may have noticed.

EDIT: Stream is twitch.tv/thejesterthejester if you want to see what I'm talking about, I should have some vods from yesterday still up. Hopefully they don't get muted.

This work for anyone else? Still seems to be happening for me even with an fps cap.

It is, but setting it to 1 doesn't seem to fix the problem unfortunately. :(

Glad I'm not the only one, it's definitely as a result of the update today. I've yet to find a remedy.

I deny everything.

Been a metalhead since I was 9. Some good mentions so far, Opeth is always great. Recently though I've been really into Vektor, they're definitely my favorite band as of late. Imagine combining the speed and ferocity of Metallica, the atmosphere of something like Emperor, and the themes of Asimov, since their lyrical content is based on deep space/science fiction. Incredible stuff.

Both their studio albums can be found full-length on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FADd5rAznOc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZeltyIhaw0

It's hard to pick a favorite to present, but if you just want a taste maybe just check out this song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSzKxOdxVJ4

I disagree about the sound quality, I've used both good and bad headphones in the gym and it's definitely more enjoyable with a good soundstage.

But thanks for the suggestions so far guys. Never heard of woot.com, I might take a look at that.

So my old pair of headphones that I use for working out broke not too long ago, and I really need a replacement. I strongly dislike earbuds, traditionally I've used a neckband style and I'm fairly used to and comfortable with that. Anything that has decent audio quality would be appreciated. Anyone have any suggestions?

With a cursory look on amazon I found these, any feedback on this? I do definitely like a good bass in my music, but that's not a requirement if someone can suggest a different pair. My budget is ideally around $20 or less.

I always preferred the cbear + bloodsire combo, definitely felt like they had really strong chemistry.

^not paid, but cyzer is and cozen left. Looks like cyzer on scout and deadbolt on demo. Gonna miss the matching scout pair. :(

Not tf2, but close enough.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nyngD14fTw

So my Zalman clip-on mic broke today (this), and I'll be needing a replacement. As long as it gets the job done and lasts a decent amount of time, I don't really have a preference. My voice is a bit deep, so mics I've had before haven't really been able to transmit the bass too great, if there's a good mic for that that would be nice.

I was looking around on amazon and found this, does anyone have any experience with it? From what I see it seems like a similar mic to the Zalman, though a bit cheaper.

Alternatively, could anyone recommend a webcam with a good mic instead of a dedicated mic? I was looking to get a webcam at some point since I don't have one, if I could knock out 2 things at once that would be nice.

Budget is around $20 max probably.

kalkin doesn't work for esea anymore haha

About goddamn time