Technology X Tomorrow's Technology Today!
FINAL WORDS AND CONCLUSION
Cooler Master released the Storm Sirus 5.1 headset a while ago, but since then they have come a long way in developing their CM Storm Series gaming products. At CES 2013, we got a first-hand glimpse of their offerings, so their recent eSport acquisitions come as no surprise. New headsets, new keyboards, new peripherals – we saw many prototype builds of what Cooler Master was thinking for the ultimate pro-gamer experience:
Much of this relates to how well the CM Storm series has done thus far, especially so in the case of the Sirus 5.1 headset. We still believe this package to be the best available in every sense – cost, aesthetics, functionality, and performance.
Of course that does not mean it is completely flawless, as there were a few things Cooler Master could have done better. The microphone for example is a bit lackluster compared to headset, which typically is the case with most gaming headsets/headsets in general. The recording quality could certainly be better, but it is still more than adequate when matching the Sirus with other headsets. The conversion cables as well being an awesome add-on would have looked cleaner with braided cabling, but that is more of a personal preference.
The length of the cabling spanning the entire array however is a bit puzzling, and definitely a downside if you require more than 7 or 8 feet between the Tactical Mixing Console/PC input and the Sirus headset, as the mixer cable length is for some reason a lot longer than that of the headset. A combined span of over 20+ feet is still pretty long, but prioritized more on the mixer rather than the headset itself The last little nitpick is the software, as there is no indication of advanced features plainly visible at the menu, and instead requires right-clicking on each respective option button.
As you can see, there is virtually nothing wrong with the headset aside from a few personal qualms, which is not only surprising but also a testament to how well Cooler Master understands market needs. Audio, as stated prior, is a heavily subjective area of debate as people hear things differently than others. To deliver a debut product of this value is brilliant, but keep in mind that for $100 you cannot expect pure audiophile headphones from a headset. Again sound quality is preference-based, but the Sirus does do a valiant job of producing solid sound quality, especially so with the software and mixer; just remember to limit expectations for a device that is meant to be used as a headset rather than a pair of headphones.
Now comparing the Sirus to the new Sirus S…let us just say we think Cooler Master undervalued the Tactical Mixing Console big time. The Sirus S comes with an all-black exterior, but with an in-line remote rather than the Tactical Mixing Console, and is valued at $80. The Sirus on the other hand is $100. To us the mixer is worth way more than $20, and because of it the Sirus 5.1 gaming headset gets the ‘Technology X ‘Top Value’ award for an amazingly affordable and high-performing complete package. Furthermore, the CM Storm Sirus 5.1 gaming headset also gets our ‘Gold Seal’ and ‘Editors Choice’ awards:
The heavy recommendations and accolades come due to a solid software suite for the CM Storm Sirus, which coupled with the Tactical Mixing Console makes it a killer deal with the plethora of options, customization, adaptability and flexibility the entire package offers. Add the headset itself into the mix and we are left with an amazing trifecta. If you are scheming for a new gaming headset with all the features one could desire, it is difficult to recommend anything other than the Cooler Master Storm Sirus 5.1 headset.
Thanks for the review!
It’s nice to know someone is not that skeptical about it’s microphone.
Though, I think there’s a typo in:
“100Hz-10Hz frequency response”
, it should be “-10KHz”
Thanks for the kind words and keen eye. The fix has been made 🙂
You’re right. The microphone is pretty darn good. No background noise or static, and a clear, crisp output. When you know historically not to expect studio-quality microphones on headsets, it allows for more objective thinking and hence less skepticism.
Thanks again!
Thanks for the kind words and keen eye. The fix has been made
You’re right. The microphone is pretty darn good. No background noise or static, and a clear, crisp output. When you know historically not to expect studio-quality microphones on headsets, it allows for more objective thinking and hence less skepticism.
Thanks again!
Cool, thanks for the fix!
I have used this headset for over a year. Previously owned Razer Tiamat 7.1, and a pair of Turtle Beaches these are without a doubt the best surround sound headset on the market. The directional audio is just amazing for a pair of headphones. It is honestly every bit as good as my Klipsh Quintet 5.1 true surround sound system. Only issue vs. a true surround sound system is some games will put directional audio all in one speaker. This isn’t a problem with a true surround sound system where the sound bounces around the room and you still pick it up with both ears, while still hearing the direction it came from. In a headset though when all the sound comes from the left and then you pan to the right and suddenly the sound is coming just from the right and can only be heard in one ear, it is a bit jarring and just doesn’t sound right. Fortunately this seems to be the exception rather than the rule and most games seem to use a more intelligent surround sound algorithm. Again this ins’t a fault of the headset just of headsets in general vs. true surround sound. Front and rear directional audio is superb. Sound quality is great and bass really knocks. Only other issue is that you may have some trouble if you like to listen at really high volumes. I have my equalizer set to +10 to make up for lack of volume and that works good for me. I tried pushing the equalizer all the way to +20, but this would occasional result in distortion. Just be sure to max out the windows volume, the individual driver volumes, and up the equalizer a little and then you should have plenty of volume range just adjusting with the puck on the fly.