The headphones were delivered in a box that can easily be recognized as being from Steelseries, as the box closely follows the current style of the company. The headphones can be seen through the clear plastic on the box and the important specs are also found on the backside of the box.
The bundle includes the separate microphone
, the volume control extension cord, an 6.3mm-adapter plug for the headphones,a support for the microphone and the common users manual and commercials in addition to the headset themselves. The bundle really has everything that one might expect from a normal headset bundle. The only real surprise is the attachable support for the microphone that can be attached to, for example, you screen etc. This way the microphone can be setup in such a way that it's not in the way.
The Headphones
Specifications for SteelSeries Siberia Fullsize:
Headphones
- Frequency response: 18 - 28.000 Hz
- Impedance: 40 Ohm
- SPL@1kHz, 1V RMS: 99 - 104 dB
- Cable length: 1,0 m + 1,8 m = 2,8 m / 9,2 ft.
- Jack: 3,5 mm (6,3 mm converter included)
Microphone
- Frequency response: 80 - 15.000 Hz
- Impedance: 2K Ohm
- Pick-up pattern: Uni-directional
- Sensitivity (1V/P@1 kHz): -38 dB
The headphones are available in both white and black.
Design
The headset really looks light and comfortable. The headphones follow the same simple style that can be witnessed in the newer Neckband-version of the headset. The simple and light style really has proven popular, which can be witnessed at lan-parties where this headset really has become a common sight.
When comparing the structure of the headset to the neckband version, the original ones do feel a bit more flimsy. This however is expected as the headphones light structure. This headset model has had some problems with cracking as the structure is so light and the hard plastic doesn't like bending that much. I really do feel more comfortable packing the Neckband-version to lan-parties as it feels alot more sturdy and their structure is a bit more robust.
The wiring on headsets is all too often overlooked. In this case however the headphone's wire is surprisingly thick, which gives a good impression of the build quality. The thicker wire also can take more of a beating before it breaks. This really is a crucial factor in a headset that has been designed for gamers that carry them around lan-parties.
The microphone is separate in this headset version, and it can be attached somewhere else than on the wire of the headphones. The microphone has a clip that can be attached onto the edge of your shirt or for example the attachable support that is included in the bundle. The microphone also features an on-off-switch that allows the user to mute the microphone when its not in use.
The separate microphone has both its ups and downs. I really loved how the microphone was integrated into the design of the Siberia Neckband headset, as the microphone could be hidded inside the headphones when it's not in use. The separate microphone does make the microphone more "flexible" as it can be positioned freely and it doesn't add any bulk to the headphone design. The negative side of the separate microphone is the added wires.
Sound Quality
When comparing the specs of the two Siberia headsets the resemblance can clearly be seen. The specs are identical between the two. It seems like Steelseries uses the same drivers and microphone in both versions, which seems like a smart decision as this cuts manufacturing costs. Besides why wouldn't one use the same drivers in the newer version of the headphones, especially if the original ones have been a hit. The open-design of the headset allows sounds to be heard through which can be annoying at loud LAN/Demo events such as ASMO8. On the other hand this allows you to hear if someone is speaking next to you and there is less distortion in the sound with the open-design.
These headphones sound every bit as good as the Neckband version. The whole frequency range seems to playback without a hitch. Just like the Neckband version, I tested the headphones while listening to music while at home and on the go, both on the computer and an iPod. Just about every music genre can be found on my playlists so the headphones were used in a variety of different conditions. Gamingwise the headset held their own really nicely. The sounds were just as crisp as with the Neckband-version.
The microphone was tested by using Ventrilo while just chatting around and to communicate while gaming. I have no real complaints sound qualitywise of the microphone.
Comfort
The headphones cushions are large enough to fit around the ears. This makes them comfortable even during longer sessions. The light weight and the good support from the adjustable band also improve the experience and the traditional style of the headphones makes the fit of the headset more consistent over different people. The open design also makes the headset fairly cool and it lets your ears "breathe".
The only real complaints that I have about the Siberia Full-Size headset comfortwise is the fact that the cushions are a bit hard. The Siberia Neckband headset has better cushions, but the sit is a bit uncertain, because of the neckband design.
The Accessories
As the wire on the headset is fairly short so that it's not too long for music player use, the extension cord with the volume control comes in handy when using the headset with a computer. The extension cord increases the wire length from 1.0 m to 2.8 m, which is enough for the wire to reach the computer's back, even if the computer is a bit further away from the seat. The volume control really is pretty handy as it allows you to control the volume quickly, without touching any settings on the computer. It really comes in handy as you need to turn down the volume to hear something.
The microphone supports are a great idea in all their simplicity. They make the microphone much more versatile as this way it's easy to attach the microphone to your screen etc.
Conclusion
PROS 
Sound quality
The looks
Comfort
The relatively low price
CONS 
The light construction |
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After using this headset for a couple of weeks I can see why it has gained its massive popularity. The great looks bundled with great sound quality for a decent price make this headset a great bargain.
There are just a few things that I would want to improve on this headset. First of all, I'd make the structure a bit more robust. The headsets really should be able to take a beating so they don't break during transport. The unfoldable structure adds to the problem as the headphones can't be folded up to take less space. Secondly the cushions could be a tad softer.
However, the reasonable price, combined with the good performance and great looks really make this headset a |
