The SteelSeries Siberia is arguably one of the most iconic gaming headsets ever, so we were all too pleased to take a look at the latest refresh, the Sibera V3.
Product on Review: SteelSeries Siberia V3
Manufacturer & Sponsor: SteelSeries
Street Price: £75-85 GBP
Since the release of the SteelSeries Siberia (V1), which changed the gaming audio market a little over 10 years ago now, the Siberia family has become one of the most iconic gaming products. The V2 really pulled out the stops and recieved worldwide acclaim extending this legacy. Over time, since its release in November 2009 there has been many editions and variations of the V2 to target specific audiences and following in the gaming and eSport scene, making the V2 headset itself become a baseline, the norm, and the one to beat. Not to be caught out, SteelSeries refresh their line of Siberia headsets and the first in our hands is the Siberia V3.
The design is definitively ‘Siberia’ and has been crafted with expert precision. They have improved the retractable microphone, upgraded the drivers to the latest generation of SteelSeries speaker drivers that have been refined to give a ‘tournament grade’ soundscape tailored for gaming. Meaning better situational awareness and separation of sound effects in game. The most noticeable change is that the V3 features no inline remote and has moved the microphone mute switch on the left side earcup. This makes the setup process significantly simpler, and easier to use for the end user who are often faced with various stages of volume management with todays devices.
Overview by SteelSeries
The Siberia Sound Legacy
For the past 10 years the Siberia brand has been synonymous with quality gaming audio. We set the bar for comfort and performance with the original Siberia (v1). The critically acclaimed Siberia v2 went on to become the number one PC gaming headset in the world.
Not ones to rest on past success, we knew the Siberia v3 would have to be an incredible headset. We delivered. ]
For the past 10 years the Siberia brand has been synonymous with quality gaming audio. We set the bar for comfort and performance with the original Siberia (v1). The critically acclaimed Siberia v2 went on to become the number one PC gaming headset in the world.
Not ones to rest on past success, we knew the Siberia v3 would have to be an incredible headset. We delivered. ]
Specifications & Features
Headphones
– Frequency Response: 20 – 20000 Hz
– Impedance: 35 Ohm
– Sensitivity: 80 dB
– Cable Length: 1.2 m (3 ft)
– Connectors: 3.5 mm & dual 3.5 mm PC Adapter
Microphone
– Frequency Response: 100 – 10000 Hz
– Pick Up Pattern: Unidirectional
– Sensitivity: -42 dB
Compatibility
– Any Device With Single Or Dual 3.5mm Audio Ports
– Frequency Response: 20 – 20000 Hz
– Impedance: 35 Ohm
– Sensitivity: 80 dB
– Cable Length: 1.2 m (3 ft)
– Connectors: 3.5 mm & dual 3.5 mm PC Adapter
Microphone
– Frequency Response: 100 – 10000 Hz
– Pick Up Pattern: Unidirectional
– Sensitivity: -42 dB
Compatibility
– Any Device With Single Or Dual 3.5mm Audio Ports
Premium Comfort
Whether you game for a half hour here and there, or you play for hours on end, we want you to be comfortable.
The Siberia line’s unique and incredibly comfortable design is one of the reasons it has become a go-to choice for pro gamers around the world. The v3 continues the trend of exceptional comfort, with a lighter weight and softer feel than previous models
Improved Ear Cups
The new ear cups on the Siberia v3 are filled with noise-reducing memory foam. Memory foam conforms to your ears and head for a better fit than typical foam padding. A better fit leads to improved comfort during those long gaming sessions.
Another bonus of the memory foam is that the improved seal around your ears gives you better noise isolation for an overall improved audio experience.
Classic Suspension System
Siberia v3 offers a relaxed fit thanks to our iconic suspension design from the Siberia line. The headband is self-adjusting so getting just the right fit is effortless.
The critically-acclaimed design is super lightweight making it a perfect match for those long gaming sessions. So much so, that you might even forget you are wearing it.
Rich Features
Convenience and durability are key components of the Siberia v3. We want the v3 to be convenient to use wherever you need it. In addition, we increased its durability making it an even better asset for a fast-paced, on-the-go gaming lifestyle.
Multiplatform
Siberia v3 is a multiplatform headset, and it works with virtually everything, making it truly the only headset you need.
It works on the PC, Mac®, mobile devices, PlayStation 4®. An Xbox One® version is coming soon. Simply put, it will work with any device with single or dual 3.5mm audio ports.
Durability
Siberia v3 was engineered to hold up to the most rigorous of demands. The new reinforced design is both flexible and durable. In fact, we made the cable twice as durable as the cable in our previous models.
Mute Switch
Instead of fumbling with cords or a keyboard we made an easily accessible mute switch for the microphone. Just reach up to the left earcup and slide the switch on the back to mute all outgoing voice communication.
Packaging & Accessories
Siberia V3 packaging
The Siberia V3 is packaged in a lively orange box with a quality printed sleeve picturing the product inside. There is a check list for compatibility in the top right while the SteelSeries logo is tucked away at the bottom. The impression is good quality, fun, and professional.
Rear side
At the back we see a diagram pointing out all the features in various languages. At the bottom right you see an indiaction to the eSports teams SteelSeries are in association with.
After removing the sleeve.
Once you slide the sleeve off you are greeted with a glossy orange ‘chest’ style box.
Opened up
It is always interesting to see how things are packaged inside, as this would tend to give an indication to how protected the item is. Here we find a moulded plastic form encapsulating the headset and accessories.
Included accessories
Inside the matt black envelope is a simple quick start guide with some transparent SteelSeries stickers alongside a female 4 pole 3.5mm to 3.5mm headphone and microphone extension/splitter for use with a PC.
Closer Look
The SteelSeries Siberia V3
Visually, at first glance the V3 looks identical to a V2, then you start noticing a few things, the suspension bars are mounted differently, the headband is thinner and softer. It appears that there is a short (1.3m) hardlined cable with a 4 pole 3.5mm jack on the end which suited for mobile devices directly. This is a solution we have seen used on other premium headsets and is a step up from a 3m long hardlined cable, however it is a shame that it isn’t removable, but certainly nothing to complain about.
From the side
We no longer have a mesh covering the sides of the headset as seen on the V2, instead we get a systematically perforated disc of plastic, this would be where you will find the illumination on the ‘Prism’ variants.
Closer look at the side
The metal rods used to hold the earcups together have a reinforced housing that is both durable and flexible. Visually it is much more pronounced than the V2, and gives a much more agile aesthetic.
Microphone mute switch
Adding in the microphone mute switch into the earcup allows to do away with the inline remote. Many may enjoy using their inline remotes, however, inline remotes often become a weakpoint in headsets and only add another layer of volume control over that provided by other, more accessible options. By removing the inline remote, SteelSeries have steamlined user interaction and improved the durability of the product in one fell swoop.
Suspension design
The suspension design is flexible and lightweight and uses stronger cables over the V3.
Large earcups
The earcups now use memory foam which is covered by a very soft PU leather providing great comfort for your (legomen) ears. This will give better noise isolation, reducing noise leakage.
The retractable microphone
The microphone is said to be slightly improved, and is physically slimmer than the barrel found on the V2.
SteelSeries logo on top
The headband is lightweight and soft, with a slightly firmer core. This will reduce the weight over the use of the solid leather strap found on the V2.
Performance Testing
Setup, Design & Observations
The first major thing I noticed was how light the V3 is, even the V2 is a lightweight headset as it is, however the V3 does seem to be lighter. Going to the scales, the V3 came in at mere 212g! The plastic used for the V3 is strong with a textured surface, giving a nice visual appeal over the glossy plastic found on other headsets. On wearing, the suspension design easily adjusts to your headsize and the clamp strength is slight. The earcup padding is very soft and just about surrounds my ears. The memory foam is certainly doing its thing as it makes wearing the Siberia V3 blissful and non-fatiguing. Though the clamp strength is slight, due to the memory foam you still get a good seal around your ears for noise isolation and remains comfortable even when wearing glasses. As they are very light, they are highly suited to long gaming sessions.
The microphone pulls out and retracts smoothly and fully without resistence, and the microphone mute switch tactily clicks into its on and off positions. Taking a good look at the cables, SteelSeries have swapped the braiding from the V2 for a soft, flexible non-tangle cable that look and feel classy enough for those who wish to use this with their smartphones and portable devices.
Multimedia
The first thing I noticed when listening to music, was that the tone generally feels a little deeper than I am used to. Listening through the various bassy tracks such as Sabrepulse – Flux and GRAVES – Empty, I realised that the Siberia V3 has good audio separation between the frequency ranges allowing for deep, creamy bass and has decent frequency separation to provide clear mids and highs. However, listening through to Alestorm’s ‘Black Sails at Midnight’, the bass verged on being overpowering, like how one would imagine what a bass filter would sound like if it were done by Instagram. The soundstage is quite wide for a gaming headset, giving a sense of physical depth to the audio. This may work wonders when paired with a virtual surround mode in your audio software (if available) and may be what enhances the ‘Soundscape’ in games, giving more spatial and situational awareness.
When testing audio, I always disable all audio processing and equalising, testing at their ‘flat’ state, to which I will test with the equaliser to see if any improvements can be made (if needed). The Siberia V3 responded well to equalisation from all frequency ranges without sounding messy. This means people can customise the audio to suit their preference very well, to which I preferred to lower the 125Hz a little to neuter the bass, mostly because after a while of listening, it started to feel like there was buttery bass spread everywhere and can be a little overwhelming for those who prefer a more balanced audio like myself.
In games the Siberia sounded natural and immersive with the wide soundstage placing you right in the thick of the action. This is quite exceptional considering this is from stereo channels alone. The Siberia V3 is quite apt at providing you with clear sounds when a lot is going on, enabling you to pick out the circumstances in whichever game you are playing and respond that little faster. Playing around in Assassins Creed 4 sounded awesome, the Siberia V3 really opened up the dynamic audio between crowds of people and your crew, in hand to hand combat and hearing the satisfying boom of the canon volleys in the naval combat, so the work SteelSeries put into refining the ‘soundscape’ has really paid off.
Microphone
The microphone is flexible and retractable which is great for on the go. In skype, voice quality was described as natural sounding and very clear with little background noise picked up. There was some audio leakage picked up by others I was talking to while playing music. However, enabling any noise cancelling software you may have in your audio drivers eliminated this issue.
Conclusion
The Siberia V3 takes its place in the SteelSeries stable and is sure to be a hit with gamers. The smooth bass with clear mids and highs supported by a wide soundstage delivers a natural sounding audio in games, transporting you into that world, whether it is slow and peaceful or frantic and explosive, the Siberia V3 didn’t miss a beat. Improving upon the V2, the comfort of the V3 is quite staggering, even after long hours I experienced no fatigue, discomfort or any overheating of the head and ears. The lightweight V3 and its memory foam padding make for one of the most comfortable headsets I have used.
Everything about the V3 is distinctly ‘Siberia’, the aethetic is stylish and modern yet the construct and comfort has been noticeably improved over the V2. There are various oversights to consider, such as not being fully modular or the other distinctly ‘Siberia’ feature of the sound leaking to the retractable microphone. It is, understandably, difficult to isolate the microphone from the vibrations of the drivers considering the placement. This results in the people who you may be talking with to be able to hear anything you may be playing/watching at the same time. However, I found that employing noise reduction features on my soundcard blocked this completely. I think the primary concern to mention is that some may find it a little too bass centric. To discuss this further, some will find that there is little bass ‘impact’, instead the bass is more of a thick, warm ooze that washes in and out without being muddy, which is quite a feat. However, if you listen to a lot of music you will find that the bass can turn everything into something quite repetitive and monotone. Even though the bass is distinct and precise, over time your ears just get accustomed to it, and it makes everything just ‘WUUUMMM’. The audio quality compared to some competition, doesn’t quite take the huge step one could expect, making it feel like the V3 obsessed too much about wading its feet in gloopy bass rather than offering a more clear and balanced performance; if it did that, it could potentially be too perfect.
In consideration to the price segment, the market for gaming headsets has become fraught with ‘mediocrity’, compromise or plain outlandish solutions to what should be simple. There are a few shining examples of things well done, to which the construction, comfort and refinement of the Siberia V3 certainly stands out. All things considered, the Siberia V3 has a lot to like and will make many gamers happy.
The Siberia V3 takes everything we love about the V2 and refines them almost to perfection. Gamers will lose track of their sessions due to the ridiculously comfortable design and they may fall in love with the natural warm sounding audio.
Pros.
+ Warm natural sounding audio
+ Excellent immersion in game
+ Very light
+ Very comfortable
+ Quality construction
Cons.
– Some may find the bass overpowering
– Noise leakage to the microphone
+ Warm natural sounding audio
+ Excellent immersion in game
+ Very light
+ Very comfortable
+ Quality construction
Cons.
– Some may find the bass overpowering
– Noise leakage to the microphone
Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net. Thanks to SteelSeries for providing today’s review sample.
