SteelSeries Siberia V3 Prism Review

Hello again everyone, today I have another peripheral review and it’s from one of my Favourite gaming companies that create some of the best gaming peripherals, SteelSeries. Today I will be taking a look at the SteelSeries Siberia V3 Prism, the 3^rd upgrade in the third generation of the Siberia franchise. You might be wondering what are the different version available, well they are as follows,

• Siberia Raw RRP 59.99
• Siberia V3 RRP 99.99
• Siberia V3 Prism RRP 139.99
• Siberia Elite Prism RRP 199.99

From the box to the contents

When you pop to your local electronic superstore, over in the UK it would be Currys and you are looking for this headset, this is what you will see on the front of the box. The headphones of coarse you numpty that’s what you will see in the box, depending on the version they have in stock, you will either have the black or white headset frame, showing off the Prism illumination.

In big letters, you cannot miss it, SIBERIA V3 PRiSM GAMING HEADSET in the top left (When looking at it) on the right in rather small letters, you can see what platforms the headset can be used with, which include Windows, Mac and Playstation 4. In the same area you will find out, that this headset is a USB connected headset, which also supports SteelSeries Multi -Colour Illumination.

In the bottom right corner SteelSeries has a quote to use, ‘Custom illumination and maximum comfort’. On the left hand side SteelSeries has opted to show off its retractable microphone, which they claim is flexible and crystal clear.

Turning to the back of the box you get a few discretion of the benefits you get, when owning this headset, and these would be the following

• Lightweight self-adjusting headband with new flexible and durable design, delivering hours of comfort.
• Incredible natural sound and powerful bass
• Noise-Reducing, memory foam ear cushions
• Retractable and flexible, crystal-clear microphone
• Built-in USB connection for use on PC, Mac and PS4
• Radiates with 16.8 million colours in various customizable modes
• Mute the microphone with the on-ear switch

SteelSeries engine is also mentioned on the back, which is something you will be using to control your new SteelSeries Siberia V3 Prism.

Now we move to opening the package, the outer package slides out to reveal in the box the contains the Headset itself, Instantly thinking back to all other SteelSeries headsets we have had, we straight away know that the headset will be well protected for transport. You do not get much more inside the box, SteelSeries Stickers, gone are the logos and finally a guide to using the headset.

So here is my guide to using the headset, “PLUG IN” and download this http://steelseries.com/engine… And then just enjoy your purchase.

The Software

You will be using the SteelSeries Engine V3 to control your headset to a degree, the engine controls the illumination, 16.8million colours to choose from, here is a challenge for you, create a YouTube video and show us every single colour. You also get an equalizer with presets, microphone volume and microphone auto optimization.

The Sound

This is where I compare my best headphones to the new ones that I have available, my best headset being the SteelSeries Elite V3 Prism with 7.1 Virtual DD Surround Sound. I also have the Standard Siberia V3 headset and the SteelSeries H Wireless, but which is the best, well this is what I personally think, in order. The Elite V3 Prism still kicks all contenders out of the window, just because of all the options and sound quality, the next would be the Steelseries H Wireless, it’s got more connections that you can shake a stick at, works with consoles, Mobiles PC and more,

The next is the Standard Siberia V3 Headset, does not come with a USB connection, just the 3.5mm jacks. Sound professionals stat the best way to listen to sound is via 3.5mm jacks over USB any day, so maybe that’s why the sound is so good. Then you have the Siberia V3 Prism in 4^th place, I have yet to check out the V3 Raw to give you my opinion on that, but I hope to one day.

The prism is not a bad headset in anyway, just because I rate it 4^th currently does not mean it’s no good, it just lacks connection options.

Personal usage

A few new games to test this headset with, Oddworld: New Tasty, Ori and the blind forest and Zombie Army Trilogy, so plenty of games to test it with.

There is no Virtual DD Surround Sound with this headset, but you can get RAZER’s Software to create it, if you wish, but I can tell you now ‘DO NOT’ its really bad with this headset for some reason. Each game I played, the headset provided a great audible experience, providing enough Highs and Lows within the frequency domain. Using the equalizer to provide and more varied experience from gaming to music to movies, each giving a totally different audible experience for your listening senses.

Siberia Challenge

Lets put the Siberia to the test with ‘Razer Kraken’ Vs ‘SteelSeries Siberia V3’ there is no way Razer can top this headset, its cheaper, ligher, more comfortable and sound is much better as well. Even putting Razer Kraken against a 7.1 Headset like the SteelSeries H Wireless or the SteelSeries Elite Prism, again the SteelSeries headsets wiped the floor clean after kicking Razer headsets to the curb.

Final Thoughts

With 4 headsets to use now, all of them from SteelSeries, three offering 3.5mm Jack and one only offering USB connectivity only, I have to think what’s the best and what’s not the best and why. Well the best is still the Elite V3 prism if offers 3.5mm jack, USB connection, 7.1 DD sound card and 16.8m colour illumination. Next would be the Standard Siberia V3 headset, just because it has great quality sound, great price and uses the standard 3.5mm jack which allows for the headset to be used with many devices.

The Siberia V3 Prism comes in next, Great Sound, 16.8m colour illumination, very comfortable and uses the SteelSeries Engine 3 to offer a better sound experience. The only downside would be, only using a USB connection, which limited the headset to USB devices only. The Microphones retracts well and never gets in the way, it’s never too loud and mutes out almost all the background sounds.

Ideas for an upgrade V4, use 3.5mm jack as well as USB, use a braided cable, not this thick untidy rubber cable that it currently uses (it feels heavy and clunky and just looks cheap).

My score for this is going to be 4/5 for these reasons

pros,

• Great Sound
• 16.8 million illumination – makes the headset look snazzy
• Conforatable
• Nice a light

Cons,

• Not much in the way of Connectivity – so you are limited to USB only
• Cable is rubber – just looks cheap and nasty

Disclaimer:All scores given within our reviews are based on the artist’s personal opinion; this should in no way impede your decision to purchase the game.