SteelSound 5H Headset (USB Version)
Review by: Steve
Edited by: Ji4m
Provided by: SteelSeries
Price: $135 Canadian

Introduction:
You probably know SteelSeries from the many gaming mouse surfaces we have reviewed from them in the past. The SteelPad series of mouse surfaces has proved to be a nearly flawless product line in terms of performance. SteelSeries has also been moving into the audio sector of gaming as well. Today we'll be looking at the USB version of the 5H headset from them. Will this product carry on the good performance trend set by this company?

  
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In The Box:
(1) Steel Sound 5H Headset
(1) USB Sound Card
(1) Installation CD
(1) Installation Manual

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Specs:
Headphones
Freq. Response: 16 - 28 000 Hz
Impedance: 40 Ohm
SPL@1kHZ, 1Vrms: 110dB
Cable: 1 + 2 = 3m / 10 ft.
Microphone
Freq. Response: 75 - 16 000 Hz
Pick up patter: Uni-directional
Sensitivity: -38dB
Impedance: 2K Ohm

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Features:
The 5H headset, although this is the "USB Version", it is not a USB headset itself. A very small USB soundcard is included and tweaked to work perfectly in companion with the 5H headset. This soundcard is simply a USB connector at one end, and the small box at the other end has a headphone output and microphone input plug. The headset itself is just standard 1/8" mic and headphone plugs. The software included with the card is called Xear 3D™. It gives you total control over both your listening experience and microphone levels. The built in EQ and virtual 7.1 surround will let you tweak the headset for an awesome gaming and music experience.

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The cable on the headset itself is 1m long, this makes it really handy if you're using it for stuff such as an MP3 player in your pocket. Those are uses where a really long cable would simply get in the way. However, a 2m extension cable is included, it has plugs for both the headphones and mic. This is more for when using it with your computer, as chances are it will be more than 1m away from you.

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Now to touch briefly on the design elements of the headset itself. The headphones actually detach from the top band, so you can have each "cup" separated from the top. If you're transporting the headset a lot, this is a great way to keep it protected. See the pictures below for a better understanding of just how it comes apart. Additionally, the mic I've been talking about actually slides out of the left speaker cup. Most full headsets like this do not have a mic attached as it's simply harder to work into the design. I love the way SteelSeries has conquered this and made a physical mic built into the headset. Making it even better is how you can just retract the mic out of sight if you're not using it.

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