The average gamer is typically the consumer of various portable gadgets. Many people today have at least one MP3 player, video player, or some other form of portable entertainment.
Some people may be content with buying a seperate device for a particular application, but headphones are not one of these. Why have a seperate pair of headphones for music listening, another for PC gaming, one for console gaming, another for XM radio… the list goes on. If only there was a headset that was stylish, had good audio, and didn’t make you look like a dork while jogging (as a protruding mic would definately do).
SteelSeries believes they have the answer to this common social delemma with their SteelSeries Siberia Neckband Headset. Not only do they look like “DJ” headphones, but are comfortable, has retractable microphone, and is compatible with your Xbox 360, iPod, and nearly every other audio device.
Like many of SteelSeries’ other products: they take direct feedback from professional gamers to design products with features they specifically ask for. Gamers said they wanted full coverage of their ears, and greater comfort and fidelity.
- Developed for gaming and music
- Retractable microphone
- Full-size neckband design
- Xbox 360 compatible
Headphone
- Fequency response: 18 – 28.000 Hz
- Impedance: 40 Ohm
- SPL 1 KHz, 1V rms: 104 dB
- Cable length: 1,2 m + 1,5 m = 2,7 m / 8,9 ft.
- Jack: 3,5 mm (6,3 mm converter included)
- Frequency response: 80 – 15.000 Hz
- Impedance: 2K Ohm
- Pick-up pattern: Uni-directional
- Sensitivity (1V/P@1 kHz): -38 dB
The new SteelSeries Siberia Neckband Headset features a similar eye-catching visual design, as well as the popular white theme, that made the original Siberia headset so popular. The comfort and soundscape in the SteelSeries Siberia Neckband Headset was fine-tuned with the help of professional gamers, electronic DJ’s and rock musicians.
The combined input and feedback from this broad range of picky audiophiles helped create a soundscape optimized for a multitude of uses. Final sound optimizations for gaming were done with the help of Abdisamad ‘SpawN’ Mohamed, one of the world’s most accomplished Counter-Strike players with 12 major international grand-slam championship titles and “Best of Class” awards by leading eSport sites in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
Q: What the difference between this headset and the H-line (5H v2, 4H and 3H) of SteelSeries headsets?
A: This headset was not only designed to be our first neckband headset, but also the very best neckband headset that we could possibly come up with. This means a highly stylized design, that when used, doesn’t destroy your hairdo, or even let’s you wear hats or other garments without problems.
With even better sound capabilities than previous headsets, this also makes for the perfect companion for your mp3 player or handheld consoles.
Q: What makes the headset Xbox 360 compatible?
A: Our techteam developed a proprietary technology, which we forced into a small box that fits perfectly with the Xbox 360 controller. This lets you connect the SteelSeries Siberia Neckband directly to the controller, while a 3 meter long cable connects to your TV, and lets you experience ingame sound in the headset too. In combination this means that you will get the full soundscape of your game, while not being limited to teamspeak.
The Siberia Neckband Headset has a design that makes it suitable for PC and console gaming, VOIP, as well as your iPod. The retractable microphone is cool beyond words, transforming this multi-function headset into a street-style neckband. The single cord for both stereo and microphone leads reduces tangle potential, but we wish there was a hook to put the mic input when not in use (like when listening to music).
The neckband is comfortable at first, but like most other neckbands has to grip your head to stay in place. This pressure on your head can get uncomfortable after a while if you’re standing up, and a jogger will have to adjust them frequently. If you’re a fan of neckband headphones, then this set is more versatile than your average set.
Audio-wise, the headset doesn’t produce the best sound in the world, but neither is it the worst. You won’t hear the deep bass punch that you get from “audiophile” headphones like Bose or JBL (reviewed here), but then again this set is priced in a different class. The highs and midrange sounds are clear, but become distorted at extremely high volume. The overall volume of the sound appears slightly lower than other headsets, meaning we had to turn up the source volume a little higher.
The design of this headset is phenominal. I just wish that there was a set with the same features as the Siberia Neckband, but with audiophile quality and active noise cancellation technology. This set tries to be everything to everyone, and it is when compared to other gaming headsets in its price range. Audiophiles with extreme audio expectations may be disappointed with this headset, and these users should continue on their quest for “The One Headset to Rule Them All”.
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