Provides: stereo headphones with microphone

Developer: SteelSeries

Minimum Requirements: 1/8" mini audio out for headphone, 1/8" mini audio in for microphone

Retail Price: $99.00

Availability: Out now

SteelSeries is making it quite clear to shoppers that the SteelSound 5H v2 headset is an "...optimized version of the original SteelSound 5H headset," featuring "...improved microphone quality, a longer microphone cord, bigger (and more comfortable) ear cushions, additional frame pressure and numerous other technical design improvements." Fair enough, I suppose. I never tried the previous version, but if it took SteelSeries the mistakes of v1 to get here, then it was worth it. For gaming purposes, this is one of the best headsets I've ever used.

Note my use of the term "gaming" in that comment. There's good reason for that, as the SteelSound 5H v2 (5H2) is designed specifically for gaming audio, making sound such as footsteps, alerts and gunfire especially clear. I don't pretend to understand the science of sound, but that didn't stop me from questioning this claim. How could headphones enhance in-game footsteps? After evaluating the 5H2, I still don't see how headphones could do that, but they have. What a difference between these and the previous headphones I'd been using (standard audio headphones) and even my trusty Harman/Kardon SoundSticks.

The drawback here is that the 5H2 is not good for regular audio, and is a mixed bag when it comes to movies. Music seems unbalanced, and although this initially provides for a unique listening experience (I heard bits I'd never noticed before in some songs), the headphones don't deliver music in the manner it's meant to be heard. I won't hold that against the 5H2, however, because music is not what they're meant for. The developers state quite clearly that this headset is meant for hard core gamers who want the best audio experience they can get from their games.

I tried these headphones out in Call of Duty 2 and Quake 4, and the difference was immediately apparent. In games such as this, a lot of the audio gets jumbled up in the action. The 5H2 not only makes it easier to hear individual elements, but often to also hear from where those elements are coming. Sniper shots, for example, are easier to pinpoint, so you don't have to actually get hit to determine from where the bullets are coming.

I'm not sure what else I can say about the sound, since it's really something you have to hear to understand. I can talk about the microphone, though, which hides well in the left earphone when not in use, but slides out to a comfortable length when needed. It's also very easy to position, and stays right where you want no matter how intense your gaming session becomes.

The design of the headset itself is also very good, which I guess is the result of this being the second iteration. The cord is nearly four feet long, but comes with an extension cable that'll take that out to 10 feet if you need it. The design and make of the cord also prevents that annoying scraping sound you often get when using less expensive headphones. The volume control selector located on the initial part of the cord contains a clip for attachment to your person, keeping it within easy reach. The headphones can be easily dismantled for easy transportation and storage, which in this era of LAN gaming, is more important than you'd think.

But the best part of the design is the comfort. The cushioning is soft enough to wear for a long gaming session, and wide enough to fit well around your ear. And because the speakers pivot over your head and are lifted away from the ear instead of resting against it like most headphones do, they give you a much better field of sound. The headband is padded as well, which may put a dent in your hairdo, but won't make you want to rip them off during battle.

In fact, the only real drawback to the 5H2 is the price. $99.00 is a lot to play for headphones that can only really be used for games. But if you're the type to lay down the extra money for a game specific mouse and mouse pad, a joystick, rudder pedals, etc., than what's another $100? The SteelSound 5H v2 may not improve your game, but it will make the gaming experience that much more fun.

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