INTRODUCTION

   At the time i was writing these lines Paul Walker the actor we all learned and loved from the Fast movies died at the age of 40 after a very tragic car crash involving a red Porsche GT driven by one of his friends. We are well aware that this is not something that has to do with a technology related site but we are all humans above all else so we would just like to extend our condolences to his family and close friends, he will be missed by millions around the world that's for certain. Moving back to today’s review i think we all know the importance of having a good quality headset when watching your favorite movies, playing your favorite games and listening to your favorite tunes. However most of the time really good headsets that deliver high audio clarity cost quite a bit but thanks to SteelSeries and their latest H line of headsets featuring their brand new tournament grade audio driver technology this may change for the best. Today on our test bench we have the 2nd best model in the new H line and more specifically the 5HV3 Gaming Headset.

   From day one, SteelSeries has been focused on making professional gaming gear that provide meaningful benefits to gamers of all skill-level, with the most demanding being those gamers whose lively hood depends on the performance of our products. We believe, as most gamers do, in winning, not trying! What originally began as a small two-person operation in Copenhagen back in 2001 has become a global leader in professional gaming products. SteelSeries recognized the need for superior, high-quality professional gaming gear that would give players a competitive edge. Fast-forward to today, and we've come a long way since our first glass mousepad. We have global offices in North America, Europe, and Asia, providing an integrated portfolio of products designed specifically for gaming. Fueling our growth is you, the gamer!

   It's been roughly 3 years since I’ve tested the previous 5Hv2 version of this particular line so i have very high hopes for the 5Hv3 since i can't believe that SteelSeries sat idly for all these years just to introduce something similar in performance. However based on the numbers both the 5Hv2 and the 5Hv3 share the same frequency response for their stereo drivers (16Hz-28KHz), the same impedance (40 Ohm), same sensitivity (110dB) and the same exact uni-directional microphone (75Hz-16KHz frequency response/-38dB sensitivity/2k Ohm Impendence). Both headsets can also be dismantled into 3 pieces making them ideal for LAN events. The only three differences are the 7.1 USB virtual surround soundcard that comes with the 5Hv2, the different driver size (50mm vs 40mm if I recall correctly) and the different swappable connectivity cables bundled with the 5Hv3. So basically the old 5Hv2 offered 7.1 virtual surround sound via two stereo drivers and a USB soundcard while the new one misses out on that feature something which i personally don't care much about. The only real question is just how good the new 5Hv3 is and whether or not SteelSeries actually improved on its predecessor so let's find out.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

As usual the headset arrived inside a black/orange box with a large product picture at the front right above its main features and next to the company logo.

On both sides of the box we see product pictures corresponding on the same sides.

At the top we see some of the professional gaming teams that have helped SteelSeries develop this product.

Moving at the rear of the box we see a large picture with the headset disassembled, the specifications table, drawings of the available cables and the features of the headset in 4 languages.

The box contains the 5Hv3 Gaming Headset, detachable cables, dual 3.5" extension cable, SteelSeries sticker, product safety notice and a paper showcasing the correct usage of the cables.

THE 5HV3

Just like its predecessor the 5Hv3 is a medium sized headset almost entirely made out of plastic.

Once again to showcase the size of the headset we placed it next to the portable REVO Wireless headset.

On the exterior of both earcups we see holes for the drivers inside.

SteelSeries has placed their logo over both earcups.

The retractable uni-directional microphone is pretty much the same we've seen with many other headsets by SteelSeries so it's very flexible.

L/R markings are placed on the interior of the earcups.

The headband extends a total of 35mm on both sides via 9 increments (visual markings on the interior).

The contrast between the orange cloth pieces used to dress the interior of the black leatherette earpads is very nice (only black/red looks better for me).

Unlike the earpads the leatherette dressed headpad is not very thick.

As expected the company logo is printed on the exterior of the headband.

You can detach both earcups from the headband by pushing the clips found over the L/R markings.

Separating the headset in 3 parts may not make it smaller but this way you can store them in separate compartments.

An in-line volume controller is present on the braided cable (you can also mute the headset from here).

SteelSeries has bundled two types of audio cables with the 5Hv3, the usual dual 3.5mm one for computer systems (microphone/headphones) and one 3 pole 3.5mm audio jack for mobile devices.

CONCLUSION

   Although SteelSeries was kind enough to send us the new 5Hv3 Gaming Headset at launch we just started testing it just 12 days ago with game titles like Call of Duty Ghosts, Battlefield 4, Batman Origins, Injustice League, X-Com Enemy Within and Need for Speed Rivals. Now i can't say that i recall how the 5Hv2 Headset performed roughly 3 years ago when i was testing it but the new 5Hv3 produced good audio clarity with good mids/highs while playing games especially when paired with the X-Fi Titanium HD soundcard. However much like with most gaming headsets around its price range it didn't manage to impress us with the amount of bass it dished out something which was particularly clear when listening to Jazz, Rock and Heavy Metal songs (or with large explosions in games and movies). Regarding its build quality some people may not like that most of it is made out of plastic but let's not forget that in order to use heavier materials you will have to sacrifice comfort and for a LAN event oriented gaming headset SteelSeries obviously couldn't do so. Personally I’ve been using many headsets made almost entirely out of plastic for many years now (including the Siberia Red again by SteelSeries which i always carry around with my Qosmio laptop) and not even once have i encountered an problem with them. Of course the 5Hv3 has more weak points due to the detachable design but unless you really punish your headsets you shouldn't have a problem with it. Finally we were positively impressed with the uni-directional microphone since it worked very well even when whispering but unfortunately since it's not a noise-cancelling microphone it records outside sounds as well.

   The new 5Hv3 Gaming Headset may not be a virtual surround one like its predecessor the 5Hv2 (thus no USB virtual surround soundcard in the bundle) but since it’s a brand new product it's actually more expensive and currently retails for USD79.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 77Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de). Of course at launch the 5Hv2 was quite more expensive but naturally 3 years later that's no longer the case (not in retail anyways). Overall with the 5Hv3 SteelSeries has once again introduced a good Stereo Gaming Headset and although it's not very strong in terms of bass levels the really negative thing about it is its price tag something which will most certainly change as time goes by. For now however due to its overall audio clarity, detachable and lightweight frame, retractable microphone and swappable cables the 5Hv3 Gaming Headset is certainly worth a look if you’re out for a new gaming headset.

PROS

- Audio Quality (Mids/Highs)
- 3 Pieces Separation (Suitable For LAN Events)
- Retractable Microphone
- Mute Button/Volume In-Line Controller
- Detachable Cable
- Compatible With Computers And Mobile Devices

CONS

- Bass Levels
- Price (For Some)
- Amount Of Plastic Used (For Some)