Refreshing the popular Cerberus headset, the Cerberus V2 now features a new steel frame, improved ear cushions, and has been equipped with exclusive 53mm ASUS Essence drivers.
Product on Review: ASUS Cerberus V2
Manufacturer & Sponsor: ASUS
Street Price: £59.99 GBP / $69 USD
The Cerberus headset originally served ASUS as their entry-to-mid range offering which was effectively a ‘Siberia’ clone packed with 60mm drivers. The recipe was inherently pleasing for many people as it gave powerful gaming audio, solid construction and good comfort. However, as time went on, there were some flaws that became more apparent, flaws that some readers may have experienced if they have used a product sporting low-grade PU leather which ends up cracking and flaking away.
ASUS have addressed these issues, and implemented them in the Cerberus V2. Unlike the original Cerberus headset, it now features a bouncy steel frame, a stitched headband for additional protection, as well as improved ear cushions that provide 30% extra coverage for improved comfort and sound isolation. ASUS have also have changed the drivers, rather than shipping with the unnecessarily large 60mm drivers, they have implemented exclusive 53mm ASUS Essence drivers. This means that there is more space inside the earcup, allowing the drivers to deliver a powerful and rich sound.
ASUS on the Cerberus V2
The award-winning ASUS Cerberus gaming headset just got even better. With exclusive ASUS Essence drivers, a brand-new stainless-steel headband, and wrap-around ear cushions, Cerberus V2 offers improved audio performance with richer, stronger bass, and a tougher, more comfortable design. In addition to gaming, its stylish looks and dual microphones make Cerberus V2 the perfect companion for listening to music on the go.
Technical Specifications
Headphones
Driver diameter: 53 mm
Driver material: Neodymium magnet
Impedance: 32 Ohm
Frequency Response (headphones): 20 ~ 20000 Hz
Microphone
Pick-up Pattern
Microphone boom: Uni-directional
In-line Microphone: Omni-directional
Frequency Response
Microphone boom: 50 ~ 10000 Hz
In-line Microphone: 50 ~ 10000 Hz
Sensitivity
Microphone boom: -40 dB ± 3 dB
In-line Microphone: -45 dB ± 3 dB
Connector: 3.5 mm(1/8”) connector Audio/mic combo
Platform: PC, MAC, Mobile device, PlayStation® 4, Xbox One®
Braided headset cable 1.2m + audio/mic splitter cable
Dimensions: 224.84 x 198.4 x 10.33
Weight: 344 g
Accessories
Audio/mic splitter cable
Detachable microphone
User guide
Driver diameter: 53 mm
Driver material: Neodymium magnet
Impedance: 32 Ohm
Frequency Response (headphones): 20 ~ 20000 Hz
Microphone
Pick-up Pattern
Microphone boom: Uni-directional
In-line Microphone: Omni-directional
Frequency Response
Microphone boom: 50 ~ 10000 Hz
In-line Microphone: 50 ~ 10000 Hz
Sensitivity
Microphone boom: -40 dB ± 3 dB
In-line Microphone: -45 dB ± 3 dB
Connector: 3.5 mm(1/8”) connector Audio/mic combo
Platform: PC, MAC, Mobile device, PlayStation® 4, Xbox One®
Braided headset cable 1.2m + audio/mic splitter cable
Dimensions: 224.84 x 198.4 x 10.33
Weight: 344 g
Accessories
Audio/mic splitter cable
Detachable microphone
User guide
Packaging & First Look
The Cerberus V2 is presented in clear plastic packaging, providing full view of the contained product. The headset is set against an artistic representation of the three headed beast after which is is named.
The rear side gives information about the product as well giving note that it features dual microphones for use in game or on the go.
The main microphone boom is removable and adjustable for convenience, the end features a foam windbreak to reduce puffy dental sounds.
Included with the Cerberus V2 is a braided audio/microphone splitter for use with a PC or any compatible device.
If you have removed the boom microphone, there is an additional microphone built into the in-remote, which of course includes volume and mute functions also.
The Cerberus V2 headset features coloured trims, while the steel on the green and blue versions is also coloured.
Closer Look
Across the attractive stitched headband there are 5x squishy cushions to help keep things cool and comfortable.
The headband is a suspension style with plastic strap running through to protect the cable running through.
The earcups are huge and are surrounded with thick foam. The interior of the earcup is coloured with the accent, in this case it is red.
Near the bass of the left side earcup there is a port for the microphone boom to connect to.
The complete Cerberus V2 headset with boom microphone. There is a large steel frame holding it together and the overall design is bold and attractive. ASUS have even designed a neat little three-headed dog logo.
Performance Testing
Setup, Design & ObservationsOn opening the box we find the Cerberus V2 headset has a fixed 1.2m long braided cable with an in-line remote attached. The in-line remote features a mute switch, a volume dial and an integrated microphone. On the end of the fixed cable is a 4 pole jack which will ensure compatibility with most devices and games consoles currently on the market. Included with the headset is also a audio/microphone splitter which can be used to connect the headset to your PC.
The headset itself is rather large and is of average weight (344g) but some would prefer it to be a touch lighter. The construction quality is very good and is made from robust plastics and steel. On wearing the headset, the soft headband gives way effortlessly, and the large earpads easily cover the ears. The foam padding used feels a little firmer than what some would like, but it remains comfortable and the clamping force is relatively mild, so the Cerberus V2 remains comfortable for long hours of gaming.
Multimedia
We listened to various music tracks that we are familiar with for a subjective, comparison. The Cerberus V2 revealed a deep and rich bass which was enveloping and warm, fortunately the bass didn’t completely dominate the audio signature as the middle tones and treble cut through clearly enough to enjoy various types of other music. Sometimes we found the treble to be a little raspy, specifically surrounding ‘S’ and ‘T’ sounds in songs, though it wasn’t distracting enough to be a problem. At maximum volume, the Cerberus V2 growls rather loudly with no noticeable distortion.
In game the Cerberus V2 really came alive as it has a relatively wide soundstage for a closed back headset, enabling you to discern between different sounds, their direction and in some cases, distance. In CS:GO, footsteps were clearly pronounced, as is the tinkling of a grenade landing beside you. Throughout our repertoire of games, we found that this headset added emphasis and immersion without letting any tiny detail slip, something that is essential for an awesome gaming experience.
Microphone
The boom microphone by default did a great job reducing background noise, though we found that it didn’t pick up our voice too loudly, only on adjusting the sensitivity and by positioning the microphone as close as we could to our mouth did it then transmit loud and clear. Fortunately the microphone is easily adjustable and removable.
The second microphone integrated into the in-line remote is deactivated when the boom microphone is in use, however, should you not need the boom microphone, for example, while listening to music through a mobile device, you will still be able to answer calls and talk without needing to run off and find the boom again. This makes for added convenience and the integrated microphone is of decent enough quality for clear conversation, though if you use it via PC it will sound rather tinny and muted in comparison to the boom.
Conclusion
After spending some time listening to music and playing games, we came to enjoy the Cerberus V2. Those 53mm ASUS Essence drivers deliver rich and powerful bass without muddying the mid or high tones, making it highly competitive against the leaders in this price range. Its solid construction and use of good quality materials accents the attractive design, something we came to really appreciate. ASUS did a fantastic job in regards to the use of bold colours, using just enough without detracting from the overall aesthetic.
Thinking critically about the Cerberus V2, there isn’t a huge deal we can complain about for the £59.99 price tag; at least nothing major without any foresight. Of the minor things, we felt that the most important to mention is the relatively quiet boom microphone. This mostly seemed like a pick-up problem as its range seemed rather limited. On another note, we could argue that if ASUS added in a USB soundcard featuring v7.1 surround for the same price, it would significantly improve its stance in the market against the competition.
Overall, the Cerberus V2 is a solid, all-round headset that many people will enjoy using. It has long lasting comfort, powerful audio, and the added convenience of dual microphones, so you will always be able to answer that call.
ASUS drag the Cerberus V2 from the underworld to provide gamers with a rich and powerful audio experience.
Pros.
+ Solid construction
+ Attractive design (available in 3x colours)
+ Rich audio with deep bass
+ Comfortable over long periods
+ Versatile (cross platform support)
+ Dual microphones (Boom and in-line)
Cons.
– Boom microphone seemed a little quiet
+ Solid construction
+ Attractive design (available in 3x colours)
+ Rich audio with deep bass
+ Comfortable over long periods
+ Versatile (cross platform support)
+ Dual microphones (Boom and in-line)
Cons.
– Boom microphone seemed a little quiet
Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net.
