The newly released Cyber Snipa Sonar Championship 5.1 gaming headset proves it can hold its own in the gaming headset arena with quality audio, a wealth of customization options, memory-foam comfort and a reasonable price.
Features and technical specifications
The Cyber Snipa Sonar Championship 5.1 headset is a USB headset equipped with a total of 8 individual drivers (4 in each ear cup) to produce its 5.1 directional audio. In addition, it comes with an inline controller with separate volume adjustments for its Bass, Front, Center, and Rear Drivers (along with Mic mute). [View Pictures]
Combined with the Sonar 5.1 software, which provides an 11-channel equalizer and acoustic effects, the Sonar 5.1 offers plenty of customization options for those that like fine control over their audio and the ability to adjust it to suit different types of content (games, music, movies, etc.).
Here’s a quick rundown of the Cyber Snipa Sonar Championship 5.1 technical specifications:
- Connection: USB Cord Length:3.0m
- Microphone: Unidirectional, Sensitivity:-39dB±3dB , Impedance:2.2KΩ
- Speakers(front & rear)): Drivers: 30mm, Impedance: 32Ω, Frequency Response: 20~20KHz, Output: 200mW, Signal to Noise ratio: >50dB, Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.4%, Sensitivity (S.P.L.): 108dB
- Speakers (center): Drivers: 40mm, Impedance: 32Ω, Frequency Response: 18~20KHz, Output: 400mW, Signal to Noise ratio: >50dB, Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.1%, Sensitivity (S.P.L.): 100dB
- Subwoofer: Drivers: 27mm, Impedance: 8Ω, Frequency Response: 10~400Hz, Output: 600mW, Signal to Noise ratio: >50dB, Total Harmonic Distortion: 1%
The headband is plastic construction with memory foam-lined ear cups and head band. The microphone is long and very flexible, easy to position for optimal reception or out of the way when not in use. It does its job well.
The Sonar 5.1 also includes a very nice, sturdy travel bag complete with velcro strap organizers. It will certainly help protect the headset, but it's pretty large and not something you'd want to take if you were trying to travel lightly.
Ergonomics, design, and comfort
The Sonar 5.1 ear cups and head band are lined with a soft, comfortable memory foam that stays cool even after extended wear--the Sonar 5.1 doesn't seem as prone to give you 'hot head' after a couple hours, which isn't uncommon in leather-lined or standard cloth ear cups.
The Sonar 5.1 is reasonably light and generally quite comfortable, although it feels like it could (or should) be a little tighter, even when adjusted to optimal size for the wearer. The headphones provide virtually no external noise suppression, but they can get plenty loud enough to compensate.
The lighted inline controller includes separate volume adjustments for the Front, Rear, Center, and Bass drivers. This is a welcomed feature, not to mention the first time I've seen it in any of the headsets I've reviewed. It would be nice if the controller were better lighted though. A single orange stripe lights the inline controller so it’s easy to find in the dark. Unfortunately, you can’t see the controller well enough to see what you’re adjusting, so you better memorize its layout.
The only other minor (potential) weakness in the Sonar 5.1 is its all-plastic construction, which feels a little cheap and includes its headband. It should hold up well enough to typical PC gaming, but it’s probably just one overzealous Rottweiler or preschooler away from a plastic-strewn headset apocalypse.
Performance
The Cyber Snipa Sonar 5.1 Championship headset promises a lot on paper and it generally delivers. The directional audio proved reliable in helping to detect special infected in games of Left 4 Dead 2 and avoid an unfortunate ‘Booming’ or a pouncing by a Hunter. (Unfortunately, the Sonar 5.1's directional audio prowess isn't always enough to compensate for user suckage.)
For other applications (casual music and movies) the Sonar 5.1’s audio is quite good, though not on par with the likes of Creative Labs’ THX-powered Tactic 3D headsets. The Sonar 5.1's biggest weakness seems to be bass, which feels a little underwhelming and tinny. Tweaking it through the control panel and inline controller helps offset this weakness, but the Sonar 5.1 could definitely benefit from a little more thump (bigger bass drivers).
Overall
The Cyber Snipa Sonar 5.1 Championship headset sports a strong feature set, above average directional audio and comfort, and a wealth of audio customization options all for a very reasonable street price of around $80. If you're in the market (and this price range), definitely check them out.
The Cyber Snipa Sonar 5.1 Championship edition headset is now available through Cyber Snipa's web site, and they should be increasingly available at e-tailers such as Amazon.com and others.
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