Introducing the new SteelSeries H-Series of Headsets
The maker of some of the best peripherals on the market is showing off their newest one. The SteelSeries H-Series Headset lineup is being introduced to us right before E3 kicks off on June 11th, 2013. With this new lineup of headsets you will have three options to kick off the line, the 9H, 5Hv3, and 3Hv2. SteelSeries H-Series is hitting a very broad range in its pricing with the 3Hv2 at $39.99, 5Hv3 at $79.99, and the 9H at $159.99.
SteelSeries H-Series Headsets
Now lets go over the different headsets.
SteelSeries H-Series 3Hv3 Headset
SteelSeries 3Hv2 Headset
The SteelSeries 3Hv2 were built for people that have not tried SteelSeries and looking for a new headset at a low cost. While the 3Hv2 does not have all the features of the other two headsets, it does come packed with a lot of features. Basic features of the 3Hv2 are a retractable mic, inline controls, folds up for portability, all leather comfortably, and noise reduction technology.
Specifications:
Headphones
- Freq. response: 10 – 27000 Hz
- Impedance: 50 Ohm
- SPL@1kHz, 1Vrms: 102 dB
- Cable: 1.2m
- Jacks: 2 x 3.5mm for PC
- + 4-pole 3.5mm Mac®, Mobile and Tablets
Microphone
- Freq. response: 50 – 18000 Hz
- Pick-up pattern: Uni-directional
- Sensitivity: -40 dB
- Impedance: 2.2K Ohm
SteelSeries 5Hv3 Headset
SteelSeries 5Hv3 Headset
The SteelSeries 5Hv3 is the mid grade version in the H-series line of headsets. Its predecessor has been a workhorse in the tournament circuit and the v3 does a fine job of upgrading a previously successful headset. It features a few more thing than the 3Hv2 such as swappable cable system for compatibility with PC, Macs, phones, and tablets. The 5Hv3 also has a double braided cord for extra durability.
Specifications:
Headphones
- Frequency response: 16 – 28000 Hz
- Impedance: 40 Ohm
- SPL@ 1kHz, 1 Vrms: 110 dB
- Cable length: 1.2 + 2 = 3.2m
- Jacks: 2 x 3.5mm for PC
- + 4-pole 3.5mm Mac®, Mobile and Tablets
Microphone
- Frequency response: 75 – 16000 Hz
- Pick up pattern: Uni-directional
- Sensitivity: -38 dB
- Impedance: 2K Ohm
SteelSeries 9H Headset
SteelSeries 9H Headset
The crown jewel of the SteelSeries H-Series is the 9H 7.1 Dolby Digital headset. With a price tag of $159.99 it has a lot of features that justify that price tag. It features everything the 3Hv2 and 5Hv3 does but adds in the ability to personalize settings for you personally, double enclosure design, and smart noise cancelling mic. The only thing SteelSeries says the 9H lacks is the the portability they built into the other two headsets.
Specifications:
Headphones
- Frequency response: 20 – 22000 Hz
- Impedance: 29 Ohm
- SPL@ 1kHz, 1 Vrms: 110 dB
- Cable length: 1.2 + 2 = 3.2m
- Jacks: 2 x 3.5mm for PC
- + 4-pole 3.5mm Mac®, Mobile and Tablets
Microphone
- Frequency response: 80 – 10000 Hz
- Pick up pattern: Uni-directional
- Sensitivity: -37 +/- 3 dB
- Impedance: 2K Ohm
Below is a generalized comparison chart from SteelSeries:
| FEATURES | 3HV2 | 5HV3 | 9H |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drivers | Next-generation SteelSeries audio drivers | Next-generation SteelSeries audio drivers | Next-generation SteelSeries audio drivers |
| Swappable Cable System for Cross-platform Support | Adapter included | ✓ | ✓ |
| Retractable Microphone | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| In-line Controls | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Portability | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Comfort | All-leather, extra padding | All-leather, extra padding | All-leather, extra padding |
| Double braided nylon cable | ✓ | ✓ | |
| SteelSeries Engine | ✓ | ||
| Dolby® Technology | Dolby Headphone Dolby Prologic IIx |
||
| Recommended price | $39.99/€39.99 | $79.99/€79.99 | $159.99/€159.99 |
SteelSeries has always made quality products and we should be able to except the same from the H-series of headsets. While the 9H might be pricey, you can pick up the 3Hv2 for pretty cheap and have a quality headset. Currently none of these will be available but you can sign up to be notified when they are which I would suspect will be when they are shown at E3.
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