You can set the mic to be your recording device only while the output audio source to your headphones.

As for the Pulse, if you connect it just to your DAC via a cable and nothing else, then no the mic cannot be used. This is because the Pulse has to use its wireless USB dongle for any sort of mic fucntions.

Sorry, I don't remember if you could use both the USB dongle and an audio out at the same time. I don't think so though, because the USB dongle will take over whenever it is connected.

I'm pretty sure that yes, it will. I know the DT231pros has some decent soundstage but lacking in most other places especially the lows. If you're looking for something bassy, CALs are your best friends without breaking tearing a hole in your wallet.

Best thing is, the CALs don't need a lot of power to drive them to their full capacity.
So you're saying Superlux is too cheap yet you don't have the budget to spend more? That is something... well, it sounds contradicting.

I believe it goes for about RM200 isn't it? I've not heard the G230 but I've been hearing pretty good things about it.
So can't comment on this for now, sorry.

Only good thing I see from the G230 is that — Thank God, it doesn't use a USB connector. That's always a bonus point in my book right there.

The CAL is fairly easy to drive, it doesn't need a lot of power. What it needs is a clean source, which unfortunately for the Xonar DX... it isn't. The output impedance on the Xonar DX is something stupid like 100ohms.

It's a great sounding card, but it doesn't actually have a headphone amp on it. You might wanna get a cheap amp like a Topping TP-30 (RM260) - https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=2658260&

Doubles as a DAC too, but you don't have to use the DAC portion (USB). Just get a RCA to 3.5mm cable, line out from your Xonar DX into the RCA line-in on the TP30. You get a proper, clean amped source. As a bonus, you get to still use whatever DSP (Dolby Headphones if you want) and EQ you want on the Xonar DX.

The TP30's DAC is fairly decent but the Xonar DX fairs better IMO.

Alternatively, if you want something portable the FiiO E11 (same price too I think) isn't a bad choice either. You do need to charge it though as it operates on battery.
I'm running my CAL from a FiiO E09k currently.

Basically, output impedance is a resistance on its output signals (in this case, the TP 30 R&L output) to AC signals (the headphone).
You don't have to understand what it does and how it works, you just have to know that you'd want the output impedance of your amp to be 1/8th of the total impedance on the headphone.

So in this case, the CAL has an impedance rating of 32ohms (it fluctuates a little bit higher of course when hitting certian frequencies). Ideally, you'd want the amp to output no more than 4ohms (32÷8).
Having a little bit more (like for example there are amps with 10ohms output) is fine but having something ridiculous like 100ohms... that's just stupid.

The amp can be used with passive speakers if you want as it acts an amp + DAC (if you so desire) for them. Active speakers have amps in them.

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Though if you want to know about output impedance then~
What is the problem then? Simple. Think of output impedance from an amp as a restrictor on your water tap. Without a restrictor, what happens when you turn on your tap? Water would just explode out without control right? If you just want to wash your hands, how stupid would that be?

It's similar to output impedance, if it is too high you may run a risk of supplying over current into your headphones. Resulting in your headphones not sounding the way it should. A sudden bump in the low frequencies (the bass) which could create distortions if the drivers is already at its limit of bass limitation, your mids might suddenly sound softer or louder or even your treble suddenly shoots up to sound way too bright.

Some people don't mind high output impedance and as far as I know, most of them don't know what it is. Suddenly, they are complaining why they are hearing distortions or clicks for no apparent reason when their headphones are perfectly fine, the reason could simply be down to improper current input to the headphone.

Some private radio shows for fanclubs here and there from time to time. Used to do it more often.
This is the case of impedance mismatch. The DX line-out either from the front or back is just not good for headphone usage.

Also make sure your settings are set correctly too.

DSS will be available again early October

Not trying to sound snobbish, but that's an utter waste of money.
A common misconception, since when did audiophile headphones are only used for recording and for nothing else? The K612 will handedly beat any gaming headsets out there, on all aspects.

If you absolutely need an integrated mic and don't mind subpar to decent-at best sound quality, under RM500 I can only  recommend the Siberia V2. Otherwise if you care about sound quality at all, Creative Aurvana Live + cheap lapel mic from DX.com

Amazon.

Uhh... all in, $130 + shipping + tax not even the price of the A50 being sold in Malaysia yet. So if one is going to go for the A50, might as well go for the Plyr1 no?