Steel Series is known for their PC gaming accessories. These new models mark their foray into console gaming. The Spectrum XB series is their new headset for use with the Xbox 360. The Spectrum 4XB is the entry level headset, while the 5XB is a more robust model. I got a chance to take both of these out for some raucous Xbox Live action.
The 4XB and 5XB have the same basic tech specs, which I will get to later. The main differences between the two, other than color, is that the black 5XB has increased padding in the headband, detachable cans for portability, and a braided, heavy-duty, single cable. The white 4XB model has two lighter gauge cables on each can. For the rest of the review, all comments will refer to both sets unless stated otherwise.
The Spectrum XB's feature a hidden mic system that is very cool. The unidirectional mic retracts into the left ear cap. The stalk is made of flexible metal and seems very durable.
Mic retracted.
Mic extended.
At their core, the XB's are basically adapted PC gaming headsets. You can plug them straight into your tower or laptop. Fair warning, the cord is about three feet long, so your tower better be close. The headsets can also be plugged into an Xbox 360 controller. Here is where the included Steel Series Spectrum AudioMixer comes into play.
This little device is quite handy. The Steel Series Spectrum AudioMixer is what sets these apart from the pack. There are four features on the AudioMixer, and they all work very well. There is a mic mute switch, which does exactly what you think it would. There are also separate dials for voice and game volume. These are very useful for balancing game chatter.
So you're playing Halo: Reach and you may have already muted 'N00BP00P3R 69', but 'Infinite Socrates' is expounding Confucius-ian game advice. With two flicks of the dials, the game noise can be raised or lowered to where you want it, and you can clearly hear your teammate politely say: "Rocket launchers are not appropriate for close quarters combat. Please stop using them in hallways."
The last AudioMixer feature is the Steel Series self proclaimed 'secret sauce:' the LiveMix. When this feature is on the little elves inside take control of the audio mixing, increasing the volume of voice chatter while decreasing game sound effects volume automatically. It actually works quite well.
I did have a few issues with the AudioMixer. First off, it has a very tight fit to the Xbox 360 controller. When I first used the headset I couldn't hear voice chat. So I He-Manned it on and it worked fine. After detaching and reattaching it a few times the fit feels better. The toggles for the mic mute and LiveMix could have been hardier. They don't feel like they're going to break, but they don't feel super durable either.
Here is the make-it or break-it for these headsets: You have to be tethered to your Xbox 360 and your TV for them to work. There are 3 meters of cable, or almost ten feet for those of you who only speak American. This might not be an issue to some, but for those of us who have palatial game rooms, servants, and harems of careless women; or those of you who have dogs, children, or Roombas, extra wires traveling down the center of your main living area might not be the best idea. For an in-depth description of just how the Spectrum XB's hook up to your system in I hired a professional film maker to shoot this video depicting exactly what it takes to make these cans sing.
For added authenticity I added 'crying baby noise' in the background and lowered the light level to make it look as amateurish as possible. I then had Morgan Freeman do the narration, but for some reason he sounded a little off that day. I also threw in a giant pug. You guys like pugs, right?
For those of you who don't take the time to watch videos, the cans plug into the AudioMixer on the controller, which then plugs into the Xbox 360 USB port, as well as your TV's audio out ports. Single output or RCA red/white jacks are supported.
Boy, those of you who didn't watch the video sure missed out! Of course Rocky is not impressed! He hasn't heard the awesome, awesome sound. And the sound is very good, indeed. If you can get past the 'wired' part of the Spectrum XB in this wireless age, you are in for a real treat. While working on another story with Jim, we got to playing Red Dead Redemption. The sound was amazing. I almost wanted to duck at times. A few Firefights in Halo: Reach showed just what the LiveMix could do, as sounds faded for voice chat evenly. I got a chance to put them on for a Fall Out: New Vegas session. It brought a smile to my face when I fired off a few rounds and heard shell casings dropping over my right shoulder, just like at the range.
I decided to try out a movie to see how they held up for some home theatre use. I popped in 300, because try as it might, that film still hasn't made me gay yet. After watching from the part where they throw that spear at that guy, to the part where they shield themselves from those arrows, I was still straight, and impressed with the headset, too. ( I would like to note that I have nothing against homosexuals, Zach Snyder, or the abuse of slow motion.)
I even decided to Frankenstein my TV a little bit for some dual headset action. The RCA plugs are built for piggy backing.
Like so.
I simply plugged the second set into the other Xbox 360 front USB port. Now my wife and I can ignore each other while gaming or watching a movie on the same couch! Actually, that's not true. The cans are vented 'hear-through' with some comfy cloth cushions. That means they don't block outside noise. This is a pro or con depending entirely on the gamer. If you want total immersion because your harem girls giggle too much, these are not right for you. If you want to hear your couch co-op partner, a phone call, or maybe a baby crying for a bottle, then these are great.