SteelSeries is probably one of the most recognized names in PC gaming, and are well known for their headsets, mice, and keyboards. I’ve been a fan of many of the company’s products, especially their mice and keyboards. I’ve had some experience with their headsets as well, and most recently, their SteelSeries 9H, which continues to be one of my favourite gaming oriented headsets for it’s fit, sound quality, tasteful design. But when I had a chance to review their flaghship headset, the SteelSeries Siberia Elite, against Sennheiser’s flagship gaming headst, the G4ME ZERo, I was anything but pleased with the performance. However, a company’s ability to take feedback and improve is an extremely important part of a company’s DNA.
When I released that review, which hurt me more than it did them, because I do like their products, they didn’t whine or complain, but they did take notes. And those notes made it into their new SteelSeries Siberia Elite Prism headset (shown above), which takes my comments on sound quality and comfort, and has addressed both of these issues, without raising the already premium price of $199.99 US. Although you do get a choice or white or black this time for the same price.
The new SteelSeries Siberia Elite Prism features an upgraded USB sound card, redesigned ear cups with larger openings for long term comfort, and a slimmer microphone which also improves how you are heard. Pretty much everything I asked for, plus an upgraded set of drivers that solve the low volume issues (originally released in their World of Warcraft Edition). This is extremely important if you choose to use the headset with your mobile devices. The comfort was a “sore point” with me because there’s really no point in any headset that hurts your ears after extended gaming, so I’m glad they addressed as well.
With the exception of the changes above, the new SteelSeries Siberia Elite Prism look almost identical to the original Siberia Elites. SteelSeries has assured me that I’ll love them this time, so I really can’t wait to hear them, and see if it passes the “wearing it without feeling it” test.
The company doesn’t stop there with the refresh. We also get a new Siberia V3 ($99.99), a Siberia V3 Prism ($139.99), which basically ads the 16.8 million color display to the V3, and a Siberia RAW Prism ($59.99 shown above), which adds that 16.8 million splashes of color to the original RAW. All the new headsets now support PCs, Macs, Consoles, and mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
For more information on the new headsets, you can check out the official press release below, and find more photos in the gallery.
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STEELSERIES INTRODUCES THE NEW SIBERIA HEADSET FAMILY
The Acclaimed Siberia Brand Unlocks New Solutions in Audio For All; Each Headset, Unique in Design, Features Best-in-Class Comfort and Sound
COPENHAGEN, Sept. 30, 2014 – Today, SteelSeries, the leading global manufacturer of gaming peripherals, announced the all new Siberia headset family. With the introduction of these six new Siberia headsets, SteelSeries now delivers the most comprehensive suite of gaming audio solutions to fit the needs of any gamer. Each Siberia headset is built on SteelSeries world-leading standards for amazing comfort, great audio and breakthrough design. But the breadth of this new range allows each and every gamer to unlock amazing new experiences tailored to exactly what the gamer is looking for in a gaming headset.
“For us, Siberia is the definition of what gaming audio looks, feels and sounds like. When it was first introduced, Siberia delivered a sense of style that was unique to what was typically expected from gaming audio. It produced exactly what was, and is necessary – ‘forget-that-you’re-wearing-it’ comfort and great sound,” said Tino Soelberg, SteelSeries CTO. “The new Siberia family takes this foundation and extends it into a full product range that delivers an incredibly awesome audio experience for the gamer in everyone”
SteelSeries Siberia v3 – $99.99 / €99,99
At the heart of the family, the Siberia v3 Gaming Headset leads the line-up with its iconic and insanely comfortable Siberia suspension design. The audioscape has been competely redesigned with next generation SteelSeries audio drivers. These drivers deliver rich, detailed sound with powerful bass, and a wholly unique headset construction, including noise-reducing memory foam ear cushions that provide more sound isolation than ever before. The headset has a single-plug cable along with a dual-jack extension for use on all types of gaming devices from PCs to laptops, mobile devices and consoles. Available in black or white, the new Siberia v3 truly advances the features that have set this brand apart.
SteelSeries Siberia v3 Prism – $139.99 / €139,99
Radiating any of the 16.8 million color choices from its outer mesh-pattern earcups, the Siberia v3 Prism joins the family and presents gamers with all of the comfort, features and style found in the Siberia v3, but adds the personalized performance and style features that SteelSeries Engine offers, including:
- Unlimited profile settings that can be saved and accessed from anywhere via SteelSeries CloudSync
- Microphone Noise Suppression and Microphone Auto Compression technologies optimize voice communication automatically
- Digital audio quality with custom EQ
- ColorShift illumination effects and modes that can be set by the user, or triggered by game sounds and events
Siberia Elite Prism – $199.99 / €199,99
We have upgraded our Siberia Elite to make the Siberia brand an even more compelling choice for the most selective gamer. An entirely new, slimmer microphone and an upgraded sound card improve the clarity of what you hear – and how you are heard. Ear cushion fine-tuning makes the headset even more comfortable, for longer gaming sessions than the original. The Siberia Elite Prism still delivers Dolby Headphone® and Dolby Pro Logic IIx® technologies for up to a virtual 7.1-channel surround soundscape, customizable illumination and audio settings, a swappable cable system for use across PC, Mac®, PS4™ and mobile devices, all of which were a part of the Siberia Elite platform launched last year. This upgrade represents our commitment to never stop innovating, on even our top-of-the-line, fully loaded products.
Siberia RAW Prism – $59.99 / €59,99
Lastly, we are proud to introduce an entirely new product designed to make the Siberia brand even more accessible – to unlock great gaming audio for a wider set of gamers than ever before. The new Siberia RAW Prism is an economical gaming headset with a lightweight design and comfort level worthy of the Siberia brand. Its SteelSeries speaker drivers push out a full range of sound with crisp detail. Powered by SteelSeries Engine software, gamers can customize and back up audio profiles, while the illuminated ring on each earcup can be customized with 16.8 million color options. A built-in microphone with Mic Auto Optimization technology for clear voice communication resides on the left earcup, along with an easily accessible microphone mute button. A USB connection powers the Siberia RAW Prism, making it compatible with PC, Mac, PS4 and more.
In this full lineup, there truly is a Siberia for the gamer in everyone. For even more detailed information about each headset in the Siberia family and the availability of each, please visit http://steelseries.com/siberia. To join the conversation and stay up to date about new products, contests and giveaways, find us on our social media channels at http://facebook.com/steelseries and http://twitter.com/steelseries.
About SteelSeries
SteelSeries is a leading manufacturer of top quality gaming peripherals from headsets, keyboards and mice to controllers, surfaces and software. For more than a decade, SteelSeries has been on the forefront of designing and creating gear for gamers. The company’s continued innovation also comes in collaboration with the world’s leading professional gaming teams and partners. SteelSeries is a global brand that continues to support the growth of competitive gaming tournaments and electronic sports leagues through professional team sponsorships, partnerships and community support. Partnerships with some of world’s most respected and recognized brands in the technology, mobile, computer, science and telecom markets are the key drivers in evolving and growing the SteelSeries brand and innovations in gaming peripherals. For more information, please visit http://steelseries.com.
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