The SteelSeries Siberia V2 headset is hands-down one of the most comfortable gaming headsets money can buy. It may not offer a lot of extra features, but it’s a treat to wear and serves up quality audio.
Installation & features
The SteelSeries Siberia V2 actually comes in 2 versions. Our review unit is the standard version with 1/8" stereo and mic connectors. SteelSeries also offers a USB version with built-in 7.1 virtual surround sound for about $20 more. Both versions are equipped with 50mm drivers.
The two best features of the Siberia V2 are its flexible, retractable pull-out microphone, and its ultra lightweight headband suspension design.
The pull-out microphone is extremely durable, and can be retracted entirely back into the headset's left ear cup to keep it safe when it's not in use or if you’re traveling with it. And the suspension headband is part of what makes the Siberia V2 so comfortable.
Comfort & design
The Siberia V2’s crowning feature is its lightweight, headband suspension design. The headphones are already pretty light, but the suspension headband makes them feel even more so. Combined with soft, leather–lined ear cups, we can honestly say the Siberia V2 is the most comfortable full-sized headset we’ve tested.
Volume and microphone control for the unidirectional mic are contained in a small in-line module. Muting the Mic requires clicking a pretty stiff switch, so it would be very difficult to accidentally mute yourself. Volume control is handled by a simple analog roller.
The only real ergonomic flaw to an otherwise solid design is the rather unwieldy, sloppy cabling. The Siberia V2 uses a Y-type Mic and Stereo cable that plugs into the control module, which is in turn connect to another Y-shaped extension cable to the mic and stereo output on the PC.
One the plus side, this combination provides a generous length of 9 feet, so the cables are long enough to route them out of your way.
And for the fashion-conscious, you can get the SteelSeries Siberia V2 in a variety of colors: white, black, orange, red, and blue.
Audio quality
Audio quality is generally good across the board. The bass is solid, the highs are crisp, and the mid-range is generally good. The leather-lined ear cups strike a good balance between external noise suppression and comfort.
We also had a musician (Brance Pearson of local Seattle band, Follow1Path) check out the headset and offer his own assessment by his more ‘finely tuned’ musician ears. He thought the overall audio was good, although not 'all-encompassing' to use his words.
We both noticed some faint white-noise hiss, but it’s pretty minor and doesn’t ruin the sound. You’d be unlikely to notice it in a game at any rate.
Overall
The Siberia V2 is an excellent headset, and an enduring favorite for its comfort. Overall audio quality is good, and the travel-friendly retractable mic is durable and a nice touch. Neater, simpler cabling would have been appreciated.
SteelSeries Siberia Technical Specifications
Headset
- Frequency response: 10 - 28.000 Hz
- Impedance: 32 Ohm - SPL@1kHz, 1Vrms: 112 dB
- Cable length: 9 feet (with extension cord)
- Jack: 1/8"
Microphone
- Frequency response: 50 - 16.000 Hz
- Pick up pattern: Uni-directional
- Sensitivity: -38 dB
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