SteelSeries augments Siberia V2 lineup with new Frost Blue headset

Famed gaming peripheral maker SteelSeries has recently welcomed a burbling bundle of joy to their Siberia V2 line of headsets.

Dubbed the “Frost Blue Edition,” these open-back circumaural cans come tricked out with an army of 16 blue LEDs designed to help the sides of your head find their way in the dark. Meanwhile, the Siberia V2 Series’ over-the-head suspension design keeps the leather-clad earcups firmly in place, so the dynamic duo of a noise-cancelling mic and 50mm drivers can do the voodoo that they do.  The whole shebang is connected to an integrated USB soundcard that SteelSeries equips with “customizable equalizer settings and upgradable firmware for future expanded audio and illumination settings.”

So what does it all mean? Here’s the straight skinny: the 50mm drivers in the Siberia V2 are, dimensionally, on par with what you can find with headsets in a higher segment—the Beyerdynamic DT 880s are 53mm, for example. When it comes to the quality of the drivers, however, it’s hit or miss as your needs demand. It’s reported that the bass can be somewhat muddy and the highs can be somewhat bright, but let’s temper that tart treatment with the understanding that the V2s are true to their calling: mid-range and vocal reproduction, which is perfect for Ventrilo or spewing spinfuzors. The quality of the microphone aims even higher, and fights above its weight class with an unbeatably slick retraction mechanism and robust noise canceling. The clarity of the mic is widely reported to be of particular note as well.

Finally, we would be remiss if we did not discuss pricing, which puts the Siberia V2 into contention with the Logitechs and Corsairs of the world. At $119 on these cans, you have certain expectations about the fidelity of the experience waiting in the box. Still, as a winner of the coveted Golden Fedora for their other peripherals, not to mention a fancy of the pro gaming scene, SteelSeries has a reputation for quality that should put this lineup on your radar if you’re looking to trade a crisp Benjamin and change for a new headset.