| Steelseries Siberia v2 Review |
| Date |
27.02.2010 |
| Author |
Adz |
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Page 1 of 1 |
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The SteelSeries Sibera V2 Headset doesn't offer a lot of extra features, but it is probably the most comfortable full-sized PC gaming headset you could buy.
The SteelSeries Siberia V2 full-size headset is an updated version of the SteelSeries Siberia full size headset..
The V2 features larger (50mm) drivers than its predecessor for 'bigger' sound than the Siberia V1. In addition, the Siberia V2 features a flexible, pull-out microphone that can be retracted back into the headset's left earcup to keep the Mic safe when it's not in use. This is a particularly handy feature if you travel with your headset.
The SteelSeries Siberia V2 comes in 2 versions -- a standard stereo version with 1/8" stereo and Mic connectors, and a USB version that includes virtual 7.1 surround sound and costs about £15 more.
Both versions of the Siberia V2 feature the same headband suspended fit, which is arguably the best feature. The suspended headband makes the Siberia V2 lighter and more comfortable than any other full-sized headsets around, including the Logitech G35, Razer Megalodon, and Razer Carcharias.
In addition to the comfortable headband, the Siberia V2 features soft, leather earcups that strike a good balance between external noise suppression and comfort. In other words, they suppress external noise and don't 'heat up your ears' much after extended use. -- and you can still hear just enough to stay out of trouble with your wife -- say, for example, when she's about ten feet behind you in your office and asks you a question (you know, before the yelling starts).
Volume and Mic control for the adequate uni-directional Mic are contained in a small in-line module. Muting the Mic requires clicking an actual switch, which is actually pretty nice -- it would be nigh impossible to accidentally mute your Mic by accidentally bumping the control module.
The only real ergonomic flaw to an otherwise solid design is the cabling. The Siberia V2 uses a Y-type Mic and Stereo cable that plugs into the control module, which is in turn plugged into another Y-shaped extension cable to your Mic and stereo output on your PC.
On the plus side, installation is easy (no drivers required). And this combination provides a generous total length of 9 feet and the cables are long enough to route out of your way. However, the cables are also fairly thin and tangle easily. It's a relatively minor annoyance, and specific to the non-USB Siberia V2.
Audio proved to be adequate to good with solid Bass and generally crisp sound. I even had a musician friend of mine check out the headset and offer his own assessment from his more delicately attuned musician ears.
In a nutshell, he thought the overall audio was good, although not 'all-encompassing' to use his words. He and I also agreed that the faint white-noise hiss we noticed was pretty minor and didn't ruin the sound -- you would probably be unlikely to notice it in the heat of a game anyway.
Overall
The Siberia V2 is an excellent all-around headset and pretty reasonably priced at about £60. Aside from the sloppy cabling, the Mic and audio are decent and external noise suppression is good. But it's the Siberia V2's comfort that makes them truly exceptional and especially well-suited to long gaming sessions. The travel-friendly retractable Mic is also a nice touch.If surround sound is important, check out the Siberia V2 USB, which costs about £10 more but includes integrated 7.1 virtual surround sound (and helps eliminate the sloppy cabling problem). SteelSeries Siberia V2 full size headset features- Closed type headphones
- Pull-out microphone
- 50mm driver units
- Lightweight suspension construction
- Integrated in-line volume control
Technical SpecificationsHeadset - Frequency response: 10 - 28.000 Hz
- Impedance: 32 Ohm - SPL@1kHz, 1Vrms: 112 dB
- Cable length: 9 feet (with extension cord)
- Jack: 1/8"
Microphone - Frequency response: 50 - 16.000 Hz
- Pick up pattern: Uni-directional
- Sensitivity: -38 dB
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