SteelSeries unveils Siberia 840 Bluetooth Gaming Headset for PC, Mac, consoles, and mobile
Gaming headsets are rather curious products. As the name implies, they are designed for chatting during gaming, but in reality, they are so much more. Actually, many of them can be used for non-gaming communication, such as on Skype, plus listening to music or watching movies. Just because they have a microphone, doesn't mean they can't be used as headphones too. Am I right?
Today, SteelSeries announces a new gaming headset. Dubbed "Siberia 840", it builds on the company's existing Siberia 800 with the addition of Bluetooth. This means the headset should work brilliantly for PC, Mac, consoles (Xbox One and PlayStation 4), and mobile.
"The Siberia 840 combines the same heralded features of the Siberia 800, including two swappable batteries that ensures non-stop performance, cross-platform compatibility for universal use, and Dolby 7.1 surround sound technology for total immersion; but elevates it with a set of new elements, including Bluetooth connectivity and software customization", says SteelSeries.
The popular gaming accessory-maker further explains that the headset "guarantees a lag-free wireless gaming experience through a unique technology that continuously hops between frequencies, avoiding interference and delays. Similar to its awarded predecessor, the Siberia 840 delivers exceptionally immersive and crisp 7.1 surround sound through three different Dolby technologies to maximize performance: Dolby Headphone, Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic IIx".
I absolutely adore the included mini-receiver transmitter box (seen above). It is not required for use, but it does allow the user to change settings without the need of software. In other words, Linux gamers should be able to leverage all of the features without being left in the cold. Keep in mind, Linux support is not officially listed, but should work.
SteelSeries shares some of the technical specifications below.
SPEAKER DRIVERS
- 40mm Neodymium Drivers
- Effective Range: 10 m, 30 ft
- Headphone Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20000KHz
- Weight with Battery: 318g, 11oz
- Weight without Battery: 297g, 10oz
- Max Volume: 100dB SPL @ 1kHz
- Ports: Wired Mode / Share Port,
- Chat port, mini USB FW update port
MICROPHONE
- Frequency Response: 100Hz - 10000Hz
- Mic Pattern: Unidirectional
- Microphone Sensitivity -44 dB
- Microphone Impedance 2200 Ohm
- Indication: Red LED on mute
TRANSMITTER
- Wireless Range: 12m, 40ft straight line
- Latency: <16ms, fixed
- Ports: Analog In, Analog Out, mini USB,
- Optical In, Optical Out, Power
- Battery Type: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 1000mAh
- Battery Life: 20 hours per pack, typical usage
If you want to buy the beautiful SteelSeries Siberia 840 Bluetooth Gaming Headset with its comfortable-looking memory foam ear pads, you can get it immediately. All of these notable features mean they are not inexpensive, however. The current MSRP is $329.99, and you can order them here.
While that seems like a lot of money, and it is, keep in mind it will work with your gaming PC, mobile devices, and consoles. You can even use them as headphones for music and movies (the mic is retractable), making them very diverse. Overall, you could get a lot of use from the Siberia 840, which may justify the cost. Not to mention, SteelSeries products have historically been built to last.
Will you buy them? Tell me in the comments.