CM Storm Sirus 5.1 Review
Category : Headsets
Published by Luca Rocchi on 30.05.14
Designed to provide the ultimate in comfort and performance, the CM Storm Sirus 5.1 gaming headsets are true 5.1. The Sirus provide true surround sound with 8 speakers (4 on each side) and the practicle and comfortable "Tactical Mixing Console", a sort of remote station to control all volumes. Let's find out together in this new review.



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In the next couple of following pages we will show you the strengths and weaknesses of the new gaming headset from Cooler Master, the CM Storm Sirus 5.1.

Page 1 - Introduction Page 5 - Wearing comfort/ergonomics
Page 2 - Preview Page 6 - Acoustics
Page 3 - Specifications Page 7 - Software
Page 4 - Test conditions Page 8 - Conclusion
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Preview

   


   


   


Page 1 - Introduction Page 5 - Wearing comfort/ergonomics
Page 2 - Preview Page 6 - Acoustics
Page 3 - Specifications Page 7 - Software
Page 4 - Test conditions Page 8 - Conclusion
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Specifications

Headphones

Model number: SGH-6000-KK5R1
Frequency: 10 - 20'000 Hz
Impendance: Impedance: F/R/C: 32 Ohms
Ohms Sub: 16 Ohms
Cable length: 2.0 m
Driver size: Driver: F/R/C: 30mm
Sub: 40mm
Plug: 2x USB2.0 or audio jacks

Microphone

Frequency: 100 - 10'000 Hz

Remote control

Volume control: On wheel
Microphone control: On button

 





Page 1 - Introduction Page 5 - Wearing comfort/ergonomics
Page 2 - Preview Page 6 - Acoustics
Page 3 - Specifications Page 7 - Software
Page 4 - Test conditions Page 8 - Conclusion
[pagebreak]

Test conditions

Regarding our headset microphone tests we subjectively describe acoustics, microphone quality as well as ergonomics. The endresult therefore relies on the tester himself. We are doing our best to ensure comparable results if different reviewers are testing different products. We think that these review can be seen as a help if you like to buy a specific product and can therefore be seen as subjective consumer advice.

Music


Movies


Games



Page 1 - Introduction Page 5 - Wearing comfort/ergonomics
Page 2 - Preview Page 6 - Acoustics
Page 3 - Specifications Page 7 - Software
Page 4 - Test conditions Page 8 - Conclusion


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Wearing confort and ergonomics

   


The CM Storm Sirus 5.1, although not lightweight, is very comfortable and well balanced, mainly due to the used materials and the soft ear cushions. Even the rubber used for the headband is well made, rather soft and pleasant to the touch. The package includes two different pads for the ear-cups which will help you make the headset a bit more ergonomic. The headphones are made mainly of plastic but covered with a soft-touch film, without any mistakes or imperfections. The headband, made of metal, can be extended up to 40 millimeters on each side (total 80 mm) through ten well marked steps. The cable is not removable but with a high quality braid. The CM Storm Sirus 5.1 can be connected to your computer in two different modes, the first requires the presence of four input jacks and a USB 2.0 port while the second requires two USB 2.0 ports. This great demand for connectivity is tied to the nature of the headset, which, as the name suggests, is true 5.1 headset.
The "Tactical Mixing Console" is heavy and of excellent quality, while the controls for the audio volume and microphone are accessible and easy to use. As you can see from the pictures, on the both ear-cups there are company logos with red backlight.


Page 1 - Introduction Page 5 - Wearing comfort/ergonomics
Page 2 - Preview Page 6 - Acoustics
Page 3 - Specifications Page 7 - Software
Page 4 - Test conditions Page 8 - Conclusion
[pagebreak]

Acoustics

Headphone

Fine and good quality headphones, but how do they sound? To test the Sirus 5.1 we listened to different audio sources including games, music, streaming media and high-definition movies. CM Storm has chosen to use 60 mm ear cups with a big soft bolster that isolates your ears. Despite being a gaming headset, we were pleasantly surprised with the sound quality of the sample. During our tests we found an excellent overall reproduction of highs, mids and bass, which shows that Cooler Master's CM Storm team has done a fantastic job from this point of view.
The most interesting aspect of these headphones certainly concerns the presence of four independent drivers, three measuring 30 mm (front, center, rear) and one 40-millimeter, which acts as a sub-woofer. However, despite the fact that Sirus 5.1 headset are true 5.1, we can say that the sound is not near as immersive as a 5.1 speaker set . In some fields, we found slightly muffled tones or without depth. Like other gaming headset available on the market, even the Sirus 5.1 is able to emulate the virtual 7.1 mode. As for the virtual 7.1 mode, we must admit that the reproduction is good. The sound in Battlefield 4 is very distinct and clear.

   

Microphone

The microphone reflects the quality of the headphones and is definitely above the average, compared to the products tested so far. The support is quite flexible and with memory effect, you will be able to place it very close to your mouth. As noted above, the microphone can be disabled by pushing the button on Tactical Mixing Console or simply placing it back into its original position.

   


Page 1 - Introduction Page 5 - Wearing comfort/ergonomics
Page 2 - Preview Page 6 - Acoustics
Page 3 - Specifications Page 7 - Software
Page 4 - Test conditions Page 8 - Conclusion
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Software

The CM Storm software is not included in the bundle but only available on the official website. The application is simple to use and well designed, in line with CM Storm's style. With the application you can customize and adjust the mixer and various volumes, check the settings of the surround and, ultimately, alter your voice through a nice disrupting effects.

   


   


Page 1 - Introduction Page 5 - Wearing comfort/ergonomics
Page 2 - Preview Page 6 - Acoustics
Page 3 - Specifications Page 7 - Software
Page 4 - Test conditions Page 8 - Conclusion
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Conclusion

In conclusion we can say that the Sirus 5.1 from CM Storm is a good product. The build quality as well as the materials fully comply with the CM Storm's standards and any aspect or detail have not been left to chance. Despite the fact that the Sirus 5.1 may seem big and bulky, we found them very comfortable and well secured on our head mostly thanks to the soft cushions. We particularly enjoyed the presence of the two additional leather ear-cups. The sound quality is where it should be, the sound is balanced and the quality of the highs, mids and bass is very good. It is the first time that we used a headset with a true 5.1 output and the audio experience is pleasant and definitely works as long as the game is optimized for surround sound. Hovewer, the audio quality is not even close to a true 5.1 speaker set and these two technologies are simply worlds apart. The software part from CM Storm is very easy to use and in line with the excellent design of the headset. Using the application you can customize and adjust the mixer and much more. The only downside of this headset is the microphone, which is too sensible and able to record any sound.

According to the price search engine Geizhals.eu, the Sirus 5.1 start at a price of 100 Euro. The price is certainly very attractive for a product of this type. The CM Storm Sirus 5.1 receive 4.5 out of 5 stars.



Page 1 - Introduction Page 5 - Wearing comfort/ergonomics
Page 2 - Preview Page 6 - Acoustics
Page 3 - Specifications Page 7 - Software
Page 4 - Test conditions Page 8 - Conclusion