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CM Storm Ceres 400
With the latest Starcraft 2 expansion pack
just released on the PC, Heart of the Swarm, I was eager to take
my starcrafting online. Of course what better way to engage in
some good old fashioned trash talk than with Cooler Master's new
Ceres 400, an ultra portable headset that not only offers bang for
your money but some decent quality at that. An entry level headset? Bah!
This is pure quality!
Features
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Large
high quality 40mm drivers deliver great sound quality
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Swivel
Noise-Cancelling Microphone
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Adjustable headband for a perfect fit
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In-line volume control and microphone on/off switch
The first
thing that I noticed about the Ceres 400 was the overall build quality.
This was not some mass produced "unnamed" headset but rather it feels
like a headset made by gamers for gamers. Even though this may sound
clichéd, there's something remotely cool and more importantly
comfortable while wearing the Ceres 400. It's even quite light to wear!
The ear
cushions of the Ceres 400 are also extremely comfortable to wear and
they cup your ears fine and almost give you a sense of noise
cancellation. I also like how the cushioning, including head rest is
made from material opposed to plastic or rubber which does sweat. As per
all good headsets, the Ceres 400 can be adjusted with the ear cups
locking into place which is ideal when the action heats up.
On the
left outside ear cup, there is swivel microphone which can easily be
moved up or down. The developers also boast noise cancelling technology
with the microphone ensuring that it reduces background sound. I'm
always a little dubious with noise cancelling for microphones but while
engaging in Starcraft II Heart of the Swarm over the internet
with a colleague, he actually noted that the microphone did quite a
decent job at minimising background sound that included keyboard strokes
and music.
Specifications
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Headphone |
- Driver diameter: φ40mm x
7.5 mm(H)
- Frequency range: 20 -
20,000 Hz
- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Sensitivities(@1kHz): 108
dB ± 4 dB
- input: 100mW
- Connector: 3.5 mm headphone
jack
- Inner Ear Cup Diameter: 90
mm
- Cable Length: 2.5m
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Microphone |
- Directivity:
Omni-Directional
- Frequency range: 100 –
10,000 Hz
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 50dB
- Sensitivities(@1kHz): -30 ±
3 dB (0dB=1V/pa.1KHz)
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Hardware Requirements |
- Audio Usage: Devices with
3.5mm audio jack
- Audio + Microphone Usage:
Devices with 3.5mm audio + microphone jack(smartphones)
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Sound
Quality? Boasting 40mm drivers, the Ceres 400 produce some decent audio
range in both speakers. I was impressed with the levels of the speakers
that produced crystal clear dialogue, well balanced sound and some
decent use of bass. Whether listening to music, playing games or
watching movies, the Ceres are definitely an all-rounded headset.
However
when my Zerg Swarmers were taking down those Dominion Battlecruisers in
Starcraft II, the sound quality was quite amazing. But best of all, the
sound quality doesn't just merge the audio together as each sound feels
like it has its own separate channel.
Audio can
also be controlled via the in-line volume control which is perfect for
adjusting your audio when playing a game. The microphone can also be
turned off from this control unit. My only gripe which is really a moot
point is that the headset is not wireless but given that it comes with a
2.5metre cable, there's plenty of room to move.
Final Thoughts?
The CM
Storm Ceres 400 offers gamers a very affordable alternative when it
comes to a quality gaming headset. With almost non-existent
installation, just plug it into your 3.5mm audio jack and some great
audio quality, the CM Storm Ceres 400 is a must have piece of hardware
for gamers wanting that extra edge when playing. With that said, it's
time to return to Starcraft II Heart of the Swarm!
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