SteelSeries Spectrum 5XB - Reviews

(3.7)

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For SteelSeries Spectrum 5XB, 54 customer reviews collected from 1 e-commerce sites, and the average score is 3.7.

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9.11.2010

BACKSTORYOver the past years of using the default Xbox 360 Headset, I had become increasingly frustrated with the comfort and sound quality of the device. It's by no means awful, but I'm the sort of guy that likes to lose myself in the immersion of a game without having to constantly adjust or be bothered by tiny inconveniences. It became particularly apparent when Halo Reach was released and I could never hear my friends clearly over the sounds of explosions, and what I did hear was muffled and all sorts of different volumes. I'd had enough, I decided it was worth investing in an upgrade.My first choice was the Turtle Beach X11 headset, due to a generally positive review base and cheap price.I looked at the fancier wireless models but just couldn't justify spending that much money on a headset when I already have amazing speakers connected to my xbox. On first use, I wasn't amazingly impressed by them. They were of course better than the Microsoft model, and had more features and adjustments, but the sound quality was still far from great and there was just too many wires dangling all over the place. I had to return them, and my search continued.At this point I was a little stuffed for ideas. While doing my research, I discovered there isn't too many Xbox specific headsets available. Either the products were too crappy and cheap, or too expensive to be worthwhile. So this lead me into looking for Xbox adapters so I could buy a PC headset and use it for both. At this point, it's worth mentioning I use a lot of PC communication as well, such as MMO raids and Skype. Anyway, again, I found the adapters either seemed too cheap, or too expensive. Recurring story going on here. It was when I was browsing through SteelSeries' other PC headsets that I discovered the 5XB's and finally, I saw something that could have potential.THE ACTUAL REVIEWNeedless to say, before too long I was convinced this was the headset for me. They look sleek, have all the features of the Turtle Beach X11's and more. Upon receiving them, all my hopes and suspicions were met positively. I am pleased with every aspect of them, save for two minor annoyances that I'll get into briefly later on.Firstly, sound and microphone quality. I'd say these were the two main reasons I wanted to upgrade in the first place. I was not disappointed. I have a pair of rather yummy M-AUDIO monitor speakers connected to my PC and xbox. Their sound quality is brilliant and they are probably one of my favourite posessions. These headsets, unfortunately, do not compare and fall short on quality. But I'm not complaining. They still follow the same values of decent sound quality and accuracy over MORE BASS IS BETTER. The sound from these headsets is concise and accurate enough, yet still provides plenty of bass presence to keep your heart pounding in heavy action.On the voice communication side of things. It's impossible to get perfect voice quality on Xbox Live. Most people still use the default microphone, and the technology in place to stream voice over the internet is compressed noticeably so the sound quality is never going to be great. Needless to say however, the experience is far greater than the default headset. At the very least I could ALWAYS hear what my friends were saying, and they could hear me equally as clearly. What makes this twice as good is the addition of the LiveMix device you attach to the bottom of the controller. It really does do what it says on the tin. When your friends speak, it lowers the game volume enough so you can hear them clearly. It's a subtle and brilliant addition that I dare say I could never play without again. I love it. And what's brilliant is if I ever want to upgrade my headset again, I can now buy any pc headset and plug it straight into the LiveMix box and experience the same glorious effect with no hassle at all.Finally, I'll talk about the rest of the device. The little features they stick in just to add icing to the cake. First off, the look of the headset itself is great. Black and green may not be to everyones taste, but when I see this headset on my desk, I just want to put them on straight away. They just look like they're designed to get the job done.Comfort is also a major issue when considering headsets. I think it's important (as sad as it may be) to forget you're actually wearing the thing when it's on your head. They have to be light, comfortable and unobtrusive. The 5XB achieves this easily. I have to say I hate headsets where the cushion lies on your ear. It tends to ache after an hour or so and I hate that feeling. These however have cushions that go around the ear, and are nicely padded and ventilated so that wearing these feels very nice.I also love the microphone system that lets you coil it up inside the left earpiece when not in use. When it is out, the microphone is easily adjustable and picks up voice at all angles fine. The braided cable is a nice feature. It feels very strong and quality work. It's also far less irritating when it occasionally brushes across your arms, unlike the plastic/rubber cables. Last thing to mention is the fact the entire headset can be broken down into three pieces incredibly easily. I haven't needed to use this feature personally, but I tried it once and it was a piece of cake to do and I imagine is more useful for some.For the price I've paid for this device (I think it was around £75 at time of purchase) I think I've got the exact headset I was after. It's bang inbetween the crappy low level headsets and the expensive £100+ unnecessary ones and I'm very satisfied. I use it with nearly all my devices now, xbox, pc, tv, ds and my mp3 player (when I'm not outside, hah). The only thing that could possibly make this headset any better would be the inclusion of 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound, and/or wireless connectivity. Yet, I know this would substantially add to the cost, so I'm quite happy without.I nearly forgot about the two minor problems I mentioned earlier. They're that much of a none-issue! When I first used the headset I got noticeable squeaking noises, changing in volume depending on the angle the LiveMix device was connected to my controller. I soon discovered this was the controller port itself, and switching to another controller solved the problem. There is still a tiny tiny squeak sometimes, but I never notice it usually. The other small problem is the fact the cable for this device is really really short. I actually like this however as it means you haven't got a ton of cables on your lap connecting to your controller. It does mean though that connecting this headset to a pc is a pain if it's far away, making it literally impossible to use UNLESS you have some handy 3.5mm extension cables which I do, thus making the entire problem not a problem.Anyways, I hope this review helped to those who dared read the entire thing. Sorry it was so long, I wanted to cover everything, and express how much I love his headset despite it's few flaws.Thanks SteelSeries!

22.3.2014

Tyese headphones can be used independently of the xbox, For hooking up to your iPod. This is so useful. Compared to other xbox headsets you get double use and dont feel like you are dragging a lump of cable around (true whilst using the xbox also) even more useful when using with your ipod it has a nice lightweight short lead. Brilliant and very portable.Surprisingly too, the sound quality is really very good, and I am comparing it against hifi headphones. For those into their hifi they will find the stereo separation to be decent and instrument separation is surprisingly good too! There is a pretty even tonal balance with solid but never overpowering warmth and bass.The top end does sound quite thin and ocasionally crackly but this is more a point than a complaint!I have reviewed one of the lower end turtle beach headsets recently (15£ cheaper) and found the 5xn to be vastly superior in every department.It's leads and connections are arranged in a way which never feels like you are humming a great load of cables around, the cables are solidly made, the mixing unit/bit which connects to the controller is solid and on mine fits snugly and I won't worry about it coming out easily.The only minor niggle I have is the hiss which comes through the headset when all connected up. It's something to do with the amplification or powering. I figure this is common with devices of this type as it also happened with the turtle beach headset. Perhaps better shielding in the mixing unit or the USB cable (used for getting power to the device) would help? I read another review state that using a USB port on another device helps. And I can report that using my tvs USB port eliminated a whine that accompanied this hiss which may have become annoying, and it's closer to the phonograph connections on the back if the tv which is good for reducing cable clutter.Regarding the hiss. Of course there is a simple way to eliminate this entirely, when you are not chatting with friends. The headphone cable has two ends, one for the mic, one for the headphones sound in, simply connect the headphones sound in connector directly to your tv thus sidestepping the need for power and a connection to the mixing box. For an even better quality of sound ( but one you will have to control using xbox preferences and im game volume controls) hook it up to the sound output of your xbox using an RCA to headphone jack converter (a few pennies worth)To do all this you will need a headphone cable extension cord (a few pennies worth). You will definately hear the difference.I don't yet have a bad word to say about these headphones, Even the microphone is very good quality and you can get it sufficiently close to your mouth using the intelligently designed bendy hideaway mic boom system. I have broken a ridgid mic boom before when storing it in my messy cable and all things electrics box, so well done steelseries for that idea!These headphones were worth around 80£ when they first came out and you know, if I wanted to spend 80£ on a gaming headset, I think right now I would be pleasantly happy with them. I might like them to look a little less glossy, less plasticky but it would only be my huge ego saying that!So highly recommended.The review above I wrote a little while ago and only now got around to publishing. I don't game on my xbox much these days so these double up as pc gaming headphones. You will need a couple of short headphone cable extension leads if you wish to do this and it all works very well.One thing I forgot to mention in the above review is that these are definately not a fully hermetically sealed set of cans. Your neighbours will definately hear you playing games but I think they are designed on purpose like that as you can hear what you friends are saying when they are gaming on their chides when you are linked up. Perfect. :)

30.11.2011

Positives: - VERY comfortable. I sometimes play for 8+ hours at a time with absolutely no problems.- Good sound. I'm no audiophile, but you get immersed in the game, and more importantly, you can hear where enemies are!- Mic Quality. My voice comes through loud and clear, doesn't pick up background noise. No problems here.Negatives: - Independent voice volume doesn't work. Seems others have had this problem too. You can control game volume,but scrolling the 'Voice' volume wheel doesn't do anything.- Mixamp is flimsy/awkward. For one thing the faceplate broke off after 2 weeks (other reviewers have had this problem).Also, it wouldn't work with my wired controller, leaving the mic functioning only when you 'jiggle'

7.12.2010

Great sound quality on the headphones, very comfortable; the padding on the ears is cleanly designed to be worn for extended periods, It has a nice telescopic microphone that actually makes people sound like themselves. Bass is deep and the separation is good, footsteps are crisp and picking out if someone is calling out in front or behind is easy.The headphones are good but they are only half the package. The spectrum audio mixer is in the pack as well which enables the headset to be used for xbox live communication, its easy to set up and also works as a pre-amp making things very loud in a good way. It also works with other gaming headsets which is a nice touch.As great as the mixer is it needs to be treated with a bit of love,

24.2.2013

This may not be a 7.1 dolby surround sound headset, but i am happy with it. I like the fact that it connects to a 3.5mm jack, so you can play with HDMI without having a ton of cables everywhere. The xbox controller connecter is the best thing and allows you to connect any PC headset to your xbox, so if you have a good PC headset that uses 2x 3.5mm jacks - a mic jack and audio jack - i would buy the xbox connector on its own, which will allow you to connect you headset into your controller, and then get the audio form your TV via 3.5mm headphone jack. If your TV does not have a 3.5mm jack, it comes with a RCA adaptor (red and white pin thing).This headset may not be bassy or as mentioned earlier 7.1 surround sound,

7.5.2011

I have recently purchased this headset after a long debate on which headset to get. Now i have only been using for a day but already i can tell that the sond quality is extreamly good for its price and it is very comfortable to wear. Also one of the most important factors about a headset is can you "sound whore"? and in all honestly yes, already this has helped me out multiple times within the first day.Even though there are many positive factors about the headset there are only a few things that arn't as great. For example the headphone jack that you plug into you controller is a little bulky. This may weel get in the way of youe fingers, yet after about 30mins i was used to it.

3.8.2012

I bought this for my son and he is now writting this review: This headset is a brilliant product and a massive improvement from my old headphones which were falling apart! This pair is very sturdy and it is one of the strongest headsets out there. It is fully transportable as you can seperate the pieces for compact spaces, you can then put it back together with ease.The sound quality is brilliant and you will hear every detail!Rating:Comfort 9/10Quality 9/10mic 8/10xbox 10/10pc/laptop 9/10livemix 10/10looks 10/10overall 9.5/10This is built for the xbox but is compatible with a laptop and pc! If you are wondering about getting this, yes i recommend you get it.

25.7.2013

I bought the 7xb headset first. Basically the wireless edition of these.Trust me when I say don't bother. Don't get me wrong top notch quality but heavy.Sent them back and thought I'd try the 5xb's.WOW! What a differance! Fantastic quality just like the 7xb's but SO much lighter. Great sound, excellent build quality, I can wear them for 5,6,7 hours no problem what so ever. You'll hardly know you're wearing them, except for the great. Sound.Do not be put off by the price. People think at that kind of price, theyll be poor. Not so! It's the smartest money you'll ever spend.I cannot recommend these beauties enough. You won't regret it. 10/10

12.12.2014

This headset was top of the range when it came out about 5 years ago. At the time I couldn't afford the heavy price tag, around £80, so I bought the next ones down, the 4h for £35 second hand. The 4h have been brilliant but mic broke recently so when I came to replace them I looked the the 5xB. How happy was I when I got the 5xb brand new for £21, far superior to the 4h. At that price, these headsets are a total bargain even if you don't need the 360 mixer. As a stand alone headset with mic, you won't get near the quality for the price. If you have a 360, buy them before they are gone.

20.3.2011

GREAT headphones, brilliant audio quality but rather suspect build quality :(As with other buyers, after only 3 months of light use, the right side has stopped working - total fail :(Very annoying especially as the manufacturers have an awesome video showing just how TOUGH the cables are even after being tugged hard, and they actively SELL this headset on it's robustness! Very deceiving marketing? Or just Bad luck for a handful of users?Fair play to Amazon though, they have agreed to send out a replacement (so long as the refund goes through when the faulty headset is returned!).

21.1.2013

I do not own an XBox. I bought this because I was looking for a headset for my laptop. This unit fits the bill perfectly : shorter than conventional headsets for PCs therefore no trailing cable ! Also I wanted a headset that I could easily put away the mouthpiece when not in use; again this is the only headset that has that feature. It is lightweight and sooo comfortable you hardly feel its there. The sound quality is great but then I have an Asus G75 laptop. Perfect for when I am transformed into an MMORPG comfortably tucked cosily in bed !

24.7.2011

So I got these for christmas and was really impressed with the quality. That was until last night when I couldn't get any sound from the right hand headphone. This is roughly about 6 months after buying them. I wanted to write about this because of the brilliant and fast reaction from Amazon. I e-mailed them this morning about the fault and within 2 hours they had got back to me saying a new pair was on it's way. Excellent customer service, just hope the new set lasts longer.

10.9.2012

I'v had this headset before but it broke, after the mail service lost them when I sent them for repair, I then found this pair on Amazon for £20 brand new! The headset is extremely comfortable and the sound quality is great.I recommend getting this headset, but keep your order information because if it breaks SteelSeries will be more than happy to replace them. Their customer service is second to none.

22.11.2010

I agreed with the other reviewer this is slap bang in the middle between too expensive and too cheap. These are a vast improvement over the standard pair and perfect if you cant have your tv on loud when gaming/watching dvds. defiantly need some 3.5mm extensions if you want to use for PC. The only prob i found was that usimg wired controllers with this as the buzzing is unbearable.

3.1.2013

Fone muito bom,quem gosta de qualidade de som esse fone é perfeito.O áudio in game é ótimo e o chat in game também,o fone tem um controle de volume do jogo e volume de voz que se acopla a base do controle do Xbox 360,é meio desconfortável e o controle fica pesado,mais ainda é uma das melhores opções de compra de fones com fio.

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