by Jayden Leggett, Editor
Looking for some new gear to enhance your gaming experience without breaking the bank? If so, the SteelSeries Siberia V2 Heat Orange Edition could be just what you need.
Upon first unboxing the Siberia V2 I made quite a few pleasant discoveries. Firstly, the package contains a simple yet handy quick-start guide giving concise information about the various functions for the headset. Also amongst the included literature was a leaflet providing a weblink to the downloads section of the SteelSeries website, in order to obtain the appropriate drivers for your version of Windows (sorry non-Microsoft users, looks like this device won’t be compatible for you).
So, why am I so excited about the need to download drivers? Well, although this device isn’t made for Mac operating systems, I happen to game on my iMac using Windows 7. Many headsets feature two separate connections (one for audio, and one for the microphone). As my iMac doesn’t feature a microphone input, I couldn’t have been happier to discover that the Siberia V2 connects via USB. Finally, I actually now have the ability to use a microphone whilst gaming!
The unit itself is comprised of a fixed-length headband with a moveable padded inner-band that is surprisingly comfortable, as are the ear cups, although I feel they could have perhaps been slightly bigger (I have tiny ears and the cups only seemed to just fit over mine). The microphone retracts from the left ear and is incredibly flexible yet firm, allowing for full adjustability, while the volume dial and microphone mute button are located further down the cord, locating it in a position that is well within reach from the keyboard (handy if you need to make a quick adjustment when playing online games).
Noise-cancelling features aren’t deliberately present, but this is fine with me, as there is nothing more distracting than not being able hear your own voice when you are talking. However, that being said, one of my friends did come in to my house and start loudly yelling out my name while I was gaming, and I was completely oblivious to this, so there is definitely some degree of noise cancellation (provided you have the headset cranked to full-volume like I did). Also, the ear cups intermittently glow bright orange, for no other reason apart from the fact that it looks cool, and I guess it lets you know that the headset is properly plugged in. Huzzah, confirmation! The glowing patterns can apparently be configured to respond differently based on your gameplay, but I didn’t really bother playing around with this feature.
In terms of audio quality, I feel the microphone deserves a special mention. While this headset feature is something I personally seldom use whilst gaming, I did do some recordings of my voice in order to hear the playback quality. In a nutshell, the microphone quality is great. Definitely not professional recording quality, but way more than adequate for shouting out tactics while gaming, with my voice coming through very crisp and clear. Podcasters and games commentators should also be very happy with the audio quality of the Siberia V2’s mic.
Now, for the real question: Exactly how good is the audio? Answer: Extremely good! Once more using Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon as my testing grounds, I put the Siberia V2 through its paces. Bass is super-impressive and powerful without being too dominant, and other sub woofer style low-end sounds really resonate through the headphones to incredible effect. Bass junkies should not be disappointed.
Whilst the bass and sub woofer effects are easily the standout features on this set, high pitched and treble sounds are also wonderfully reproduced. Plasma shots and knife stabs sound gloriously crisp. Even simple effects like a sword being sheathed in the Deadpool game sound wonderfully sharp (yep, that’s a pun folks). Thanks to all of the smaller sound effects being enhanced and easily isolated from the rest of the mix, the atmosphere of a game like Blood Dragon gets cranked right up to eleven. Playing with the Siberia V2 really puts you inside the game, as opposed to merely being in front of it, thanks to its amazing virtual reproduction of surround sound.
Whilst the SteelSeries Siberia V2 Heat Orange Edition is limited to a PC user-only audience, and the lack of a 3.5mm jack means that use on portable consoles or gaming devices is prohibited, those who are able to use the Siberia V2 will definitely find that they are getting top value for their dollar. My only regret is that I won’t be able to keep these bad boys all to myself… Sniff, you will be missed, dear friend…
Rating: 
ComicsOnline gives the SteelSeries Siberia V2 Heat Orange Edition 4.5 out of 5 thunderous rumbles through your eardrums.
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