SteelSeries unveil two new headsets

To kick off the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, SteelSeries today announced two new headsets: The Spectrum 7xb and a refreshed Siberia Neckband.

First out is a new addition to SteelSeries' Spectrum line for Xbox 360, the 7xb. The headset is very similar to the 7H and boasts many of the same great features, but is also compatible with the Xbox 360 system.

The wireless headset has been created in cooperation with professional gaming teams to ensure that you achieve great sound for both ears, and is powered by the same 50mm drivers as the 7H, giving you a superior soundscape.

Most avid gamers tend to avoid wireless headsets as we all know the negative aspects they usually come wrapped in. This is, however, something SteelSeries have made sure you will not suffer from.

The Spectrum 7xb operates with wireless 4 MBit/s bandwith, ensuring true lossless digital audio. It was designed to avoid intereference from other devices, using intelligent frequency hopping up to 344 times per second to offer crystal clear audio.

Two more features SteelSeries have added is LiveMix and ExactSND. By activating the LiveMix feature, the levels between the Xbox LIVE chat and the in-game audio will be balanced as the game forms around you.

The ExactSND feature provides three different settings that have been pre-configured for different use. They are performance, immersion and entertainment.

Furthermore, the Spectrum 7xb comes with a transmitter which operates up to 9 meters! The transmitter connects the headset to your Xbox, and features a smart LED light to notify when the headset is connected.

The Spectrum 7xb will be available in the second quarter of 2011 for $149,99 / €149,99. Head over to the SteelSeries website to check out all of the features this baby comes with.

The refreshed SteelSeries Siberia Neckband

The second product out today is the award-winning SteelSeries Siberia Neckband, which has been given a refreshed design for music, mobile and gaming. The new version has been designed to fully support iPod, iPhone and iPad devices.

The Neckband comes with thick, cloth-covered foam earcups, an optimized soundscape, and a retractable microphone system that can be used while answering calls or stored in the left earcup while enjoying music.

SteelSeries are very well known for their cooperation with professional gamers when it comes to developing new products, and this is no exception for the Neckband. In addition, they have cooperated with disc-jockeys and rock musicians to fine-tune it.

"We believe that gamers are some of the most demanding consumers and as competitors they require well designed peripherals that reproduce high-quality sound and clear voice communication, which ultimately can mean the difference between a tournament prize purse and going home empty handed," said Bruce Hawver, SteelSeries CEO.

"We knew that if our audio products can meet and exceed expectations for gamers, that our designs would also be appealing to a broader music and entertainment audience. Now iPod, iPhone and iPad users who want an audio solution for entertainment on their mobile device have a new, high-quality headset option."

The SteelSeries Siberia Neckband will cost $79,99 / €79,99 MSRP. Make sure to follow SteelSeries on Facebook and Twitter to receive details on product availability and retail locations first.