SteelSeries Flux Headset Review

Testing the Flux

Since the Flux is a versatile headset, the test went beyond just plugging it in and playing some games and music. At first, we tested its mobility, walking around the city listening to music and making calls. The cables were the main thing here – no more annoying knots inside a backpack or pocket. In busier environments, the omni-directional microphone had to be lifted near the mouth to better register our voice. (The gesture in itself ensured that we were not some crazy person talking to him or herself.) Listening to music was excellent; it performed wonderfully when we tuned in on Digitally Imported’s electronic music channels. The Flux became the official headset for our cellphone.

When we played games at home, we missed the sound immersion that a 5.1 surround sound headset delivers. However, there are those who claim that a 5.1 headset only simulates a surround sound environment, and nothing more. Be that as it may, it’s advisable to configure the setting of any game to a 2.0 sound mix (if available) to avoid cacophony. Even without the spatial nuances of a 5.1 surround sound mix, the explosions, the gunfire and overall action sounded great on the Flux.

Figure 9: Microphone distance

Another minor issue concerned the in-line microphone. Lifting it to our mouths while walking down the street was perfectly normal, but we couldn’t do the same while playing games, when our hands rested on the keyboard and mouse. Playing alone at home, we didn’
t need to do it, but we missed a regular microphone when we had a fellow gamer playing in the same room and making too much noise. Of course the inclusion of an in-line microphone made the product sleeker and less weird to be used on the streets, without making the user look like Madonna or a telemarketer.

Despite resting on the ears and not over them, the Flux is very comfortable. The regular model comes with cloth-wrapped ear cups; the luxury edition features leather covering. Since the user can change the ear cups, here goes the tip to buy an extra pair just to work out and sweat on it. We played for hours on end, and also crossed the city by subway listening to music, and we felt no discomfort.