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Product:
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Icemat Siberia Headset |
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Price:
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$94 (CAN) / $79 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Icemat
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Author:
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Mantis
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Date:
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March 20th, 2005
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Rating:
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Included for optional usage is a bundled cord which features a volume control module and integrated
microphone. The volume control module can be directly connected to the headphones for easy adjustment.
A small intergated microphone will hold merit to those users who compete in online games or use IP
Telephony. The integrated microphone is based upon a uni-directional pick up pattern with a frequency
response rate of 80 to 15 000 Hz. A small clip is attached to allow for easy usage. Both the volume
control module and microphone use standard 3.5mm stereo jacks to allow easy connectivity to home audio
or computers.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Both sides of the Icemat Siberia Headset are clearly labeled and feature the Icemat Audio logo. As
previously stated, the Icemat Siberia Headset is based upon an open ear concept; this can be seen in
the slight separation of the earpiece from the bracket. Being targeted towards gamers and home media
usage, a closed ear concept would of been much more practical and provide better isolation of outside
noises.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The head band portion of headphones has been branded with the Icemat Audio logo and is thick in design.
Both the inner portion of the headband and rim around the earpieces has been lined with a soft velvet
type material to allow for maximum comfort. Two small wires allow for the Icemat Siberia Headset to
easily form to the head without the need for manual adjustment.
Testing:
In order to test out the performance of the Icemat Siberia Headset, I connected the unit to a Sound Blaster
Audigy Platinum running on a Shuttle SB65G2 machine. Over the course of a week, the Icemat Siberia
Headset was run through a variety of tests such as MP3 audio playback, DVD, Games and Voice Chat. The
overall audio playback matches the performance of my much smaller Sony MDR G7X headphones. I experienced
slightly better levels while during game play of UT2k3 and DVD playback via Windows Media Center 2005.
Using the included microphone I was easily able to conduct a voice chat by simply attaching the unit to
my shirt collar.
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Conclusion:
The Icemat Siberia Headset represents a versatile product paired with great aesthetics. The overall
build quality of the unit is satisfactory and consumers will appreciate the attention to detail in order
to provide a very comfortably fitting headset. Overall sound quality is comparable to similar budget
headphones and will leave audiophiles unsatisfied. The bundled microphone, despite its size works quite
well and adds an additional level of functionality to the product. I did encounter some minor negative
aspects during the evaluation period. I would have liked to see a closed ear concept design in order to
achieve better isolation. A constant wire gauge through out would also enhanced this product along with
the removal of the white plastic strips running along the headband portion. Aside from a few minor
issues, I'm rating the Icemat Siberia Headset a final rating of
8 out of 10. If you have any questions
regarding this review be sure to visit the Icemat
website for more information or discuss them in our forums.
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Pros:
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Great for gaming applications
- Very comfortable
- Good sound
- Detachable microphone
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Cons:
- Closed ear concept would achive better isolation
- No removable wire strips
- Price
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