SteelSeries puts the world of gaming
headphones in a state of Flux
SteelSeries makes a very large range of
gaming headsets, targeting both console and PC players. The new Flux design
covers bot and is also designed for those who like to listen to their mobile
phone or tablet in some comfort.
The original Flux models cost around $114,
and offered an easily transportable headset with a good acoustic specification
and a detachable cable system.
SteelSeries
Flux Luxury Edition Gaming Headphones
That last feature is an exceptionally nice
one, because jack sockets are provided on both sides, allowing for the more
convenient placing of the cable.
Having two inputs also has another benefit,
in that once you've plugged an audio generating device into one side you can
chain another headset off the other. This is nice for some communal listening.
In all, three cables are provided: a short
mobile phone cable with a mute switch in-line, a PC/console cable with a
microphone in it, and finally a long extension cable that allows the PC to be
3.2 meters away and still connected.
In terms of the headphone function, the
Luxury Edition is identical to the standard Flux headset. That consists of 40
mm drivers, with a quoted frequency response to 18-2800 Hz, and an impedance of
29 Ohms and a 118 dB dynamic range. I don't possess the expensive equipment to
confirm any of those numbers, but they do sound good to my ancient lugs,
especially the low frequency ranges.
I'd easily compare these with anything
Monster makes for twice this price, and anything else I've heard in this
specific cost bracket.
So what does 'Luxury' net you for the extra
$48 above the ordinary Flux design? Well, you get leather ear cushions not
fabric ones and some alternative glossy black side plates (which I prefer) to
alter the appearance.
You also get a soft carry bag, and some
excessively orange cables. Of these, the leather cushions are probably the
items that are most desirable, though the side plates are a nice addition too.
Justification for them over the base design isn't huge, because acoustically
they remain unchanged.
SteelSeries is promising a range of wildly colored
side plates - which attach magnetically, incidentally and cables, so you can customize
your pair for a bold visual statement. With different combinations of cushions,
side plates and cables, Steelseries claims to be offering 1,152 unique color
combinations.
SteelSeries
Flux Luxury Edition Gaming Headphones
How could these be better? Well, the joints
on the headset don't actually allow it to fold completely flat, though they do
get small enough to fit in the supplied bag. Also, the PC connection line with
the microphone has an on/off switch but no volume control, so you'll need to
monkey with the input levels to get that set.
Even with those slight irritations, these
are very good gaming cans that work effectively for smartphone use, and the
chained input feature is a great idea.
SteelSeries yet again demonstrates that it
can make some high-quality gear without making it stupidly expensive.
If you can't stretch to these, I'd
certainly consider the standard Flux design, as they're exceptionally nice for
the money.
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Details
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Price: $154-162
·
Manufacturer: SteelSeries
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Website: www.steelseries.com
Verdict
·
Quality: 8
·
Value: 7
·
Overall: 8
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