Gunning for Version 2.

Tomorrow we will officially announce SteelSound 5H v2, an updated version of SteelSound 5H, the first headset from SteelSeries. Truth be told, SteelSound 5H was a learning experience for everyone at SteelSeries. In the beginning of 2006, we issued a press release recalling two production batches – almost 4% of the units from those two batches suffered from technical problems with microphones and ear cups. Since we had no way of pinpointing the problems (some of them would only become apparent after several months), we initiated a full return program.
We beefed up our internal quality control, went back to the drawing board and had a thorough look at the construction of SteelSound 5H. Work on an updated/improved version began in February 2006.

As a company we lost a lot of credibility when we had to recall close to 20.000 headsets. Even though we tried to make it up to our affected customers by offering them a free mouse pad, it was the most humbling experience in our history. Shamed by the problems we experienced with SteelSound 5H, it was important to us that we got it “just right” this time.
We figure there is some chance that gamers might forgive us for screwing up once, but we hold no illusions that we will be forgiven a second time.

Looking at the SteelSound 5H, it was pretty obvious that we could improve the product in a number of ways.

Changes on SteelSound 5H v2.

Most importantly we wanted to make sure that technical glitches with wiring and microphones wouldn’t happen again. We completely changed the microphone. The new version boasts better quality and improved circuitry. At the same time we decided to increase the length of the retractable microphone boom by 20mm (0.79”).

We decided to use a new braided cord to protect the wiring between the headset and the computer. We were surprised to discover just how many of our customers who broke their headsets, when they ran the wheels of their office chair over the cord (we naively assumed that people took greater care of an expensive electronic product). The new braided cord offers way more protection for the wiring, and is further boosted by a longer protective rubber base.

The first version of SteelSound 5H has been reviewed by various gaming/hardware/electronics publications 249 times, according to our review database (it might not be 100% complete, the world is a pretty large place to monitor). In average the headset scored 8,6 out of 10, an average score we’re really proud of. Out of the 249 reviews, 36 reviews mentioned that the headset could become uncomfortable after extended use. We decided to add bigger ear cushions to the headset to help remedy this. The new ear cushions are almost 50% thicker, while the base of the cushion is almost 40% smaller. This means the headset is more comfortable to use, even for extended periods of time (even for people with like REALLY big ears).

Comparison of new and old model.

The last thing we did was to change the retail box. The box itself was (like all other retail boxes) created to present the product in an appealing manner, but we made the “head shape” a bit too big. The headsets would slowly loose frame pressure in the box (especially noticeable after 12+ months), so we made the shape smaller.

We have some Alien-esque wallpapers to celebrate the upcomming release of our new headset - check this page to see them.

/Kim