SteelSeries SteelSound 4H - Testing and conclusion
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We've now compared the SteelSeries SteelSound 4H to the 5H v2, and seen the obvious differences. However, a fair review would not be complete without testing the performance of the headset.
When I test headphones and headsets, I put them through a number of audio exercises to determine their high and low frequency responses. I listen to the audio quality, and listen for any hissing or popping that normally accompanies lower-end products.
I started with a bit of music, ranging from classical to heavy rock. I even took the time to revisit some old school dance music. To be honest, I was quite impressed with the audio clarity both at low and high volumes. The highs are crisp, the mids are solid, and the lows resound nicely.
Next I fired up some games. I played some Unreal Tournament, FEAR, and even a little DOOM3. As with the music, the audio was excellent. Even nearby explosions, which cause a static-like sound in most headsets, sounded nice and smooth. The depth perception was decent as well, as I could quickly determine the general direction of footsteps. The depth perception was, admittedly, a little better on the 5H v2, but nonetheless acceptable.
Finally, I ran a series of tests with the built-in, retractable microphone. I did these tests with simple record and playback using a sound recorder, as well as in-game talking with team members as we shot our opponents into oblivion. In all tests, the microphone provided clear audio as I spoke. As with the 5H, I found that I had the microphone positioned a little too close at first, and had to move it a little further away from my mouth as I spoke. Luckily, the microphone is FULLY posable.
With the testing concluded, it's now time for the pros and cons of this product:
Pros:
- Comfortable feel
- Excellent sound quality
- Retractable microphone
- Small "remote" for volume and microphone sensitivity
Cons:
- Kind of expensive for the casual user, at $69.
I found the same issue with the 4H as I did with the 5H v2. Both are a little expensive for the casual user. Yeah, the 4H, with its simpler construction, is $30 cheaper than the 5H v2, but $70 is still a decent chunk of change for a headset. Am I saying it's not WORTH the money? Absolutely not. I'm just saying it's a little out of reach for most people.
That being said, for being a simpler design of the 5H v2, while not compromising its excellent audio quality, I award the SteelSeries SteelSound 4H a rating of 9 out of 10, and Dev Hardware's GOLD award. If you demand quality, but don't need the extra bells and whistles of the SteelSound 5H v2, then the SteelSound 4H is definitely worth checking out.
I'd like to thank SteelSeries for sending us the SteelSound 4H for review. If you'd like more information on this product, please visit SteelSeries website at http://www.steelseries.com/products/steel_sound/steelsound_4h/information.
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