Article Index
SteelSeries Siberia Full-Size Headset
Features and Specifications
Pictures
Testing and Conclusion
All Pages

Introduction

Audio is one of least appreciated aspects of gaming. Many people see a headset as simply a way to hear what is going on and talk to other people. What most people don’t realize is, having a good headset can actually improve your skill and your game experience. With a good headset you will hear more, and you will be able to pinpoint those sounds better. SteelSeries was kind enough to hook us up with their Siberia Full-Size headset to see if it has what it takes!

 

 

About SteelSeries

SteelSeries is all about gaming. Our mission is to create performance enhancing gaming gear, created for and by leading professional gamers. We continuously strive to better ourselves, and work with leading professional gamers from 3 different continents to create our products. 

Our staff is distributed throughout the world, working from offices in Europe, North America and Asia.  

The SteelSeries headquarters are located in Europe (Copenhagen, Denmark), and host the primary office facilities for the company. The headquarters handle all planning, production and partner coordination.  

For logistical reasons we also have sales offices in Asia (Taipei, Taiwan) and USA (Los Angeles, California). From Taipei we can reach the entire Asian market, as well as New Zealand and Australia. From Los Angeles we can reach North America, Canada and South America. All manufacturing is done by sub-suppliers from Europe and Asia, and then delivered to one of our warehouses for final processing.

General Information

 

The SteelSeries Siberia full-size headset was developed in cooperation with professional gamers to ensure that the soundscape, specifications and comfort is suitable for long gaming sessions. But the SteelSeries Siberia full-size headset is also designed for multi-functionality. Apart from using the headset for PC-gaming, this product has been designed so gamers can use it with their favorite MP3-player, handheld gaming device or practically any other kind of portable digital device.

 

And that is why the headset features a separate microphone, so users can enjoy music on the road without having to bring carrying unneccesary gear. The cord length has been optimized for use with MP3-players and similar products, and comes with an additional extra long cord for use with stationary computers.

The Siberia Full-Size headset is available in black and white, though pink and red versions are also listed on the site (limited editions).

 

Specifications

Headphones:

-          Frequency response: 18 - 28.000 Hz

-          Impedance: 40 Ohm

-          SPL@1kHz, 1V rms: 99 - 104 dB

-          Cable length: 9 feet (with extension cord)

-          Jack: 1/8" (1/4" converter included)

Microphone

-          Frequency response: 80 - 15.000 Hz

-          Impedance: 2K Ohm

-          Pick-up pattern: Uni-directional

-          Sensitivity (1V/P@1 kHz): -38 dB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Features

-          Designed for gaming + MP3-players

-          Extremely comfortable

-          Separate microphone

The separate microphone has very good reception, and because it is unidirectional it cuts out quite a bit of extra noise. Using the including mounting system (a plastic piece and velco) makes it easy to attach the microphone to your monitor or anything else.

 

Click on the pictures for a better view!

This is the front of the package. You can clearly see the headset, microphone attachment, and volume control.

Here you can see the back of the box. The many features and specifications are outlined, as well as other info about the headset.

 Here you can see everything included in the package. In the center is the headset, with the clip microphone. On the right is a SteelSeries sticker, a mounting bracket to connect the microphone to your monitor, and a SteelSeries information booklet. On the left is a user manual, and a warning about hearing damage.

 

 Here you can see the headset by itself. The black headband moves to fit your head, making this a very comfortable headset. You can also see the air vents on the backside of the headphones. These offer great ventilation to keep you cool and comfortable.

 

Here you can see an overhead view of the headset. The black, SteelSeries banner looks cool, and keeps you comfortable.

 

Testing

I have used this  headset for over a week now and I am thoroughly impressed. My testing consisted primarily of gaming, but I did listen to many varieties of music and part of a movie. The in-game performance of this headset is astonishing. The audio quality is very good, and I could definitely hear more in game. Of course it's important to note; my previous headset was a very cheap one. The microphone quality is one of the best I have used, it's great for Vent/TeamSpeak, and any other VOIP you use.  Music sounds great with this headset, and movies seem to have more dramatic sound as well. The only problem I have with the sound is bass. The bass is good, but it doesn’t seem to keep up with the rest of the audio range.

 

Another important note about this headset, it is comfortable. I have said it before but I feel like it needs reiterated. The unique, moveable headband design creates a very low clamp force; making this headset great for prolonged use. Appearance wise this headset is also very appealing. The headset itself looks unique, interesting, and pretty cool. However, you will look dumb wearing this (and most) headsets. Just keep that in mind.

Conclusion

Pros:

• ·         Comfortable
• ·         Looks cool
• ·         Great sound overall
• ·         Great for all-around use
• ·         Separated microphone w/mounting bracket

Cons:

• ·         Needs a little more bass
• ·         Price ($79.99)

This is by far the best headset I have ever tried, SteelSeries really knows what they are doing with audio. The positives definitely outweigh the negatives, but it would be nice to have a little more base. Despite the two problems listed, I still feel this headset has earned a solid 9.5/10 and the Tech Arkade Golden Ghost award!