CM Storm Sirus 5.1 Headset Review

👤by Richard Weatherstone Comments 📅28-11-11
Packaging & Accessories


Box Front

The front of the package is very well presented with a printed, matt black cardboard box which has to be said is both heavy and large. There is a nice plastic window showing the product itself with the product title found underneath coupled with the reddot design award winner 2011 emblem.


Box Rear

Flipping the box over we see a lengthy intro adjacent to the products main features in most of the world's popular languages.


Accessories

The accessory list is quite a bundle. For your money you get an instruction manual, product guide, an alternative set of leatherette ear cups and an analogue adapter. There is also dialogue informing us to download the latest software drivers from the CM Storm website as no driver CD is included. Perhaps the only other item missing here is some form of carry case which is a great shame as it would be tragic if this headset was damaged in transit to a LAN event.


Alternative Ear Cups

Here we see the alternative set of leather ear cups. A set of cloth cups are fitted as standard and as we will detail later in the review are perhaps the most comfortable. The faux leather option does however offer greater external noise reduction should you wish but in practice they are not as comfortable or practical for long gaming sessions due to retaining heat and therefore sweat/moisture.


Clip-on design

Changing the cups is a simple matter of giving the cup in-place a gentle tug which will release the plastic lugs holding the cup to the headphone speaker. I wouldn't however recommend repeated changes as the lugs are quite brittle and do not look as though they will stand regular changes without becoming worn and loose.


Analogue Connection

The Sirus is primarily a USB headset and to gain the most benefits from the products features, it will be coupled to the Tactical Mixing Console. It does however afford the capability to attach the headset to a soundcard via 4x 3.5mm plugs.


Din Plug

The method of switching between analogue and USB compatibility is through a 10-pin mini-DIN plug which along with all of the USB and 3.5 audio plugs is gold plated to ensure durability and the very best connection. It should also be noted at this point that the dual USB plugs used by the Tactical Mixing Console helps with improved signal quality.


Tactical Mixing Console

If you intend on using USB connections as opposed to your own 5.1 capable soundcard, CM Storm have provided an all-in-one unit which will allow on the fly configuration. There are essentially three buttons made from the same quality plastic as the headset itself. The central button switches through the channels: Rear, Front, Master, Center and Bass. To adjust the levels of each channel is a very well weighted dial. The two other buttons control mute for both the microphone and headset.


Weighted Control

The control station, it has to be said, is fairly heavy and robust and thanks to the rubberised, scored base ensures that it will not move around on the desktop. It is extremely well built yet compact enough to easily be accommodated and when lit up (red) looks fantastic.

Let's take a look at the main feature, the CM Storm Sirus 5.1 Headset...

9 pages « 2 3 4 5 > »

Comments