INTRODUCTION

   Audio may not progress as fast and as much as graphics do and it's certainly not as important to most people (let’s face it the first thing most of us choose is the TV/Monitor and then the speaker system) but owning a good headset for use with your personal computer is never a bad idea, especially if you're not living alone. However choosing the right headset for you is certainly not the easiest thing nowadays due to the extremely large number of manufacturers and all the different designs and types available (stereo, virtual surround, surround) but in the end you can never go wrong if you choose to trust one of the well-known manufacturers. SteelSeries may not be a name you'd pick when going out to buy an general purpose headset but when it comes to PC peripherals (headsets included) they are without doubt one of the best manufacturers currently in the market and today with us we have their latest USB headset the Siberia V2 Frost Blue.

   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!

   As revealed from both its name and design the new Frost Blue USB headset is based on the Siberia V2 line of headsets released by SteelSeries almost two years ago (which was also based on the original Siberia line) so right from the start we didn't expect to see (or better hear) anything new in audio quality while the build quality remains top notch just like with the previous models of the same line. However SteelSeries has also equipped the Frost Blue with 16 super bright blue LEDs placed on the exterior of each of the two earcups so it looks quite a bit different than anything they have launched to date. But since pictures speak louder than words let's move forward and see just what the new Siberia V2 Frost Blue Headset is all about.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

The Siberia V2 Frost Blue is packed inside a new type of box with a large product image at the front, the SteelSeries logo and a sticker informing the buyer that this is a special illuminated edition.

A large picture of the Siberia V2 Frost Blue headset along with a smaller one showing off the pull-out (retractable) microphone is present on the left side.

The usual list of professional gaming teams that assisted SteelSeries in the making of the Siberia V2 Frost Blue is present on the top of the box.

The various features and specifications of the unit along with some pictures are present at the rear of the box.

This time over the front of the box opens to reveal a clear plastic window from where you can see the headset.

Inside the box SteelSeries has placed the Siberia V2 Frost Blue headset, the typical SteelSeries case sticker, user's manual, product catalog, software download paper and a 2m long USB extension cord.

THE SIBERIA V2 FROST BLUE

At first glance the Siberia V2 Frost Blue headset looks exactly the same as the rest of the Siberia 2 product family (minus the color).

The frost Blue is a closed design headset and features 50mm drivers which offer very good audio clarity with good bass.

The rear opening on each earcup offers better ventilation of both the ears and the drivers of the unit.

One of the most interesting features of the Siberia V2 line always was the active noise canceling retractable (pull-out) microphone.

The length of the microphone is quite long and as you can see it's very flexible.

Both earpads are made by white leather while the inside is covered by soft material providing maximum comfort for your ears even after long periods of use.

The headband may be quite thin as with all of the Siberia V2 models but it's very soft and thus extremely comfortable.

Another cool feature of the Siberia V2 line has always been the two length adjustable metal wires found on both ends of the headband which adjust to the size of your head just by wearing it.

The SteelSeries logo is once again placed ontop of the headband.

The Siberia V2 Frost Blue headset comes with an in-line volume controller from where you can mute the microphone and adjust the audio levels.

Unfortunately the Siberia V2 Frost Blue headset comes with an USB soundcard attached (it does however have a gold plated USB plug) so it can only be used with computer systems.

USING THE SIBERIA V2 FROST BLUE

Since the headset comes without drivers you should first head over to the official SteelSeries support page to download the latest ones along with the latest firmware update.

As usual the firmware update program is unified meaning that it's not only ment for a specific product update but for a large range of peripherals by SteelSeries.

Once you finish installing the drivers the 16 bright blue LEDs will light up on both earcups.

From the SteelSeries Engine you can adjust the audio EQ (equalizer) and set both the illumination intensity and pulsation of the LEDs.

CONCLUSION

   As mentioned before the new Frost Blue USB headset is based on the already award winning Siberia V2 like of headsets by SteelSeries and so it still excels as an lightweight stereo headset (which you can use for many ours without issue) with very good audio clarity (clear mid/highs) and plenty of bass, however that also means that if you expect accurate positioning/surround audio in games and movies along with plenty of features then this is clearly not the right headset for you. On the other hand the Siberia V2 Frost Blue is a unique headset not only because of its design (which is still quite unique) but also thanks to the all-white theme coupled with the 16 bright blue LEDs placed on the exterior of each earcup. It would be even more unique if SteelSeries had made it possible for people to use it with MP3 players (perhaps with an internal rechargeable battery?) and smartphones while on the go but i guess I’m asking for too much (still i hope one day that's possible).

   With a current retail price tag set at USD113.70 inside the USA (Amazon) and at around 120Euros inside the EU the Siberia V2 Frost Blue USB Headset by SteelSeries is certainly not cheap especially since it lacks surround audio (offered by other almost similarly priced solutions) but it's a great looking light weight headset with an integrated USB soundcard, plenty of bass and crystal clear stereo sound. Still if you want the best possible experience with surround compatible games and movies then an true surround sound headset like the Tritton AX Pro is obviously a better choice overall (although it costs more and it's not as comfortable). On the other hand if you care not about surround sound then the Siberia V2 Frost Blue USB Headset is a very good solution and that's why it gets our Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Design (All White/16 Bright Blue LEDs)
- Audio Clarity
- Good Bass
- Extremely Comfortable
- Retractable Active Noise-Cancelling Microphone
- Mute Button/Volume In-Line Controller
- USB Soundcard
- 3m Cable

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Can Only Be Used With Personal Computers