biglipzit
08-19-2008, 08:37 PM
Sonar 5.1 Review
First Impressions
The Cyber Snipa Sonar 5.1 surround Sound headphones are one of the newest tools used to enhance any (and every) gamers experience. With all the new 5.1 headsets out there it’s hard to decide which is best for you. So let’s start by looking at the package this theater system comes in.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb243/biglipzit/cybersnipa%20sonar/picture1.jpg
As soon as you plug in the single USB cable you will feel this truly is without a doubt the right headset for you. That is one of the many perks this state of the art piece of equipment utilizes.
This unit utilizes only a single USB port on your computer. This allows you to free up that sound card for use with "regular" surround sound systems. But with this headset you probably won't be getting much use out of a "regular" surround sound system.
Go Xtreme and get yourself a Cyber Snipa SONAR 5.1 Pro Surround Sound Headset.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb243/biglipzit/cybersnipa%20sonar/picture2.jpg
Follow the USB cable up toward the headset almost nine feet and you will see a stylish in-line volume controller and a microphone on/off switch complete with power and microphone LED’s.
On the back of the controller there is an alligator clip for if you would like to clip it to your shirt or whatever else that’s within your reach.
The cord that connects the controller to the left headphone is a foot and a half. This really is the perfect length. It’s not so short that you feel the weight of the controller hanging from your head as it sits in your lap. But it’s not so long that if it falls out of your lap you have to pull up what seems like miles of cable.
When you first pick up the headset it has a good solid feel to it. It is almost heavy but not so. The ear cups cushions are covered in velour, this is very soft material. It is comparable to velvet.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb243/biglipzit/cybersnipa%20sonar/picture3.jpg
When I finally got it on and around my ears, it was as if I wasn’t wearing them at all. The weight is perfectly balanced and the band across the top of your scalp doesn't get hot and sweaty, even after hours of gaming. Then I noticed yet another great performance perk. The ear cups block out a lot of the sound coming from around the room from entering your ears. This translates into not having to have your volume way up in order to hear even the faintest sounds from across the map.
The outside of the ear cups are fashioned with red mesh. So those of you with full mesh front panels on your case, the red mesh on these headphones will compliment your rig.
The boom mic is of true premium quality. Over ventrilo a very common VOIP program, this boom mic gives a 200$ headset that another [cTx] member has, a run for its money.
The two ear cups can even fold in and can also be turned back. This is great for the LAN party Gamer. Fold it flat and slide it into a laptop bag. Even fold the ear cups in and stuff it in a bag or suitcase. It folds up as small as a CD.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb243/biglipzit/cybersnipa%20sonar/picture4.jpg
Performance
Now for the performance of this 5.1 surround sound headphones. I have got to admit I was skeptical of the idea of having theater quality surround sound in such a small package. I first started out with a little music to test the clarity of the speakers. I first played classical piano, my favorites by Beethoven - Fur Elise and Moonlight Sonata. You might expect me to say that it is as if the piano is right here in front of me. But the sound quality is better, because of the ability that headphones can block out the sounds that are not coming from the headphone it self. Such as noise from air conditioning vents and fans.
The next item on the list is to test the ability to produce clean and clear bass. After just a few seconds with the volume at 70% I had to stop the music because I was afraid my brain would rattle out of my head. But I wanted to make sure there was no distortion, so I took the headphones off and ramped the volume way up. I held the headphones up to my ears and before I went deaf noted that there was no distortion.
Now the test I have been waiting for, in game. I loaded up Unreal Tournament 2004. I instantly noticed how much of an advantage it is to have 5.1 headphones. Shots fired are clearly located around the map and steps heard in any direction can easily be located. For the first time I was able to tell the differences between two opponents locations simultaneously, by listening for their soft footsteps.
Specifications
Connection: USB
Cord Length: 3.0m
MICROPHONE
Sensitivity: -39dB±dB
Mic Dimensions: Ø9.7mmx5.0mm
Directivity: Unidirectional
Impedance: 2.2KO
SPEAKERS
Front Center Rear Subwoofer
Drive Diameter Ø30mm Ø40mm Ø30mm Ø27mm
Impedance 32O 32O 32O 8O
Frequency Response 20~20 KHz 18~20 KHz 20~20 KHz 10~400Hz
Output power 200mW 400mW 200mW 600mW
Signal to noise ratio >50dB >50dB >50dB >50dB
T.H.D 0.4% 0.1% 0.4% 1%
Sensitivity (S.P.L) 108dB 100dB 108dB
Package Size: 215 x 290 x 105mm
Product Size: 190 x 215 x 90mm
Package Contents: Cyber Snipa Sonar 5.1 Surround Headset
Instruction manual
Software / Driver CD
Overview
Price: 10 out of 10 frags - These headphones run along side the leaders of the pack, but at a fraction of the cost at $69.95. And other competitors don't even have 5.1 surround sound capabilities.
Style: 8 out of 10 frags - They really do look hot... Bright red, but what if you don’t particularly like red? They should come in an assortment of colors.
Construction: 9 out of 10 frags - Very Solid, built to last. But could be a little tighter, to keep from falling off.
Software features: 9 out of 10 frags - simply put, if you want to lower the volume of any single speaker, click it and drag it away from your virtual head.
Comfort: 9 of 10 frags - I could barley feel the headphones on my head. But when I look up at my ceiling they slowly slip off my head. They could be a little tighter so they don’t fall off, but then you would feel them a little more. And who is looking at the ceiling while gaming anyways?
The Sonar 5.1 gets a total of 9 out of 10 frags
Which earns Clan Team Xtreme Approved
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb243/biglipzit/cybersnipa%20sonar/infectedtagcentred.png (www.clanteamxtreme.com) http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb243/biglipzit/cybersnipa%20sonar/cybersnipatag.png (http://www.cybersnipa.com/us/products/sonar-5.1-gaming-headset.php)
First Impressions
The Cyber Snipa Sonar 5.1 surround Sound headphones are one of the newest tools used to enhance any (and every) gamers experience. With all the new 5.1 headsets out there it’s hard to decide which is best for you. So let’s start by looking at the package this theater system comes in.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb243/biglipzit/cybersnipa%20sonar/picture1.jpg
As soon as you plug in the single USB cable you will feel this truly is without a doubt the right headset for you. That is one of the many perks this state of the art piece of equipment utilizes.
This unit utilizes only a single USB port on your computer. This allows you to free up that sound card for use with "regular" surround sound systems. But with this headset you probably won't be getting much use out of a "regular" surround sound system.
Go Xtreme and get yourself a Cyber Snipa SONAR 5.1 Pro Surround Sound Headset.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb243/biglipzit/cybersnipa%20sonar/picture2.jpg
Follow the USB cable up toward the headset almost nine feet and you will see a stylish in-line volume controller and a microphone on/off switch complete with power and microphone LED’s.
On the back of the controller there is an alligator clip for if you would like to clip it to your shirt or whatever else that’s within your reach.
The cord that connects the controller to the left headphone is a foot and a half. This really is the perfect length. It’s not so short that you feel the weight of the controller hanging from your head as it sits in your lap. But it’s not so long that if it falls out of your lap you have to pull up what seems like miles of cable.
When you first pick up the headset it has a good solid feel to it. It is almost heavy but not so. The ear cups cushions are covered in velour, this is very soft material. It is comparable to velvet.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb243/biglipzit/cybersnipa%20sonar/picture3.jpg
When I finally got it on and around my ears, it was as if I wasn’t wearing them at all. The weight is perfectly balanced and the band across the top of your scalp doesn't get hot and sweaty, even after hours of gaming. Then I noticed yet another great performance perk. The ear cups block out a lot of the sound coming from around the room from entering your ears. This translates into not having to have your volume way up in order to hear even the faintest sounds from across the map.
The outside of the ear cups are fashioned with red mesh. So those of you with full mesh front panels on your case, the red mesh on these headphones will compliment your rig.
The boom mic is of true premium quality. Over ventrilo a very common VOIP program, this boom mic gives a 200$ headset that another [cTx] member has, a run for its money.
The two ear cups can even fold in and can also be turned back. This is great for the LAN party Gamer. Fold it flat and slide it into a laptop bag. Even fold the ear cups in and stuff it in a bag or suitcase. It folds up as small as a CD.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb243/biglipzit/cybersnipa%20sonar/picture4.jpg
Performance
Now for the performance of this 5.1 surround sound headphones. I have got to admit I was skeptical of the idea of having theater quality surround sound in such a small package. I first started out with a little music to test the clarity of the speakers. I first played classical piano, my favorites by Beethoven - Fur Elise and Moonlight Sonata. You might expect me to say that it is as if the piano is right here in front of me. But the sound quality is better, because of the ability that headphones can block out the sounds that are not coming from the headphone it self. Such as noise from air conditioning vents and fans.
The next item on the list is to test the ability to produce clean and clear bass. After just a few seconds with the volume at 70% I had to stop the music because I was afraid my brain would rattle out of my head. But I wanted to make sure there was no distortion, so I took the headphones off and ramped the volume way up. I held the headphones up to my ears and before I went deaf noted that there was no distortion.
Now the test I have been waiting for, in game. I loaded up Unreal Tournament 2004. I instantly noticed how much of an advantage it is to have 5.1 headphones. Shots fired are clearly located around the map and steps heard in any direction can easily be located. For the first time I was able to tell the differences between two opponents locations simultaneously, by listening for their soft footsteps.
Specifications
Connection: USB
Cord Length: 3.0m
MICROPHONE
Sensitivity: -39dB±dB
Mic Dimensions: Ø9.7mmx5.0mm
Directivity: Unidirectional
Impedance: 2.2KO
SPEAKERS
Front Center Rear Subwoofer
Drive Diameter Ø30mm Ø40mm Ø30mm Ø27mm
Impedance 32O 32O 32O 8O
Frequency Response 20~20 KHz 18~20 KHz 20~20 KHz 10~400Hz
Output power 200mW 400mW 200mW 600mW
Signal to noise ratio >50dB >50dB >50dB >50dB
T.H.D 0.4% 0.1% 0.4% 1%
Sensitivity (S.P.L) 108dB 100dB 108dB
Package Size: 215 x 290 x 105mm
Product Size: 190 x 215 x 90mm
Package Contents: Cyber Snipa Sonar 5.1 Surround Headset
Instruction manual
Software / Driver CD
Overview
Price: 10 out of 10 frags - These headphones run along side the leaders of the pack, but at a fraction of the cost at $69.95. And other competitors don't even have 5.1 surround sound capabilities.
Style: 8 out of 10 frags - They really do look hot... Bright red, but what if you don’t particularly like red? They should come in an assortment of colors.
Construction: 9 out of 10 frags - Very Solid, built to last. But could be a little tighter, to keep from falling off.
Software features: 9 out of 10 frags - simply put, if you want to lower the volume of any single speaker, click it and drag it away from your virtual head.
Comfort: 9 of 10 frags - I could barley feel the headphones on my head. But when I look up at my ceiling they slowly slip off my head. They could be a little tighter so they don’t fall off, but then you would feel them a little more. And who is looking at the ceiling while gaming anyways?
The Sonar 5.1 gets a total of 9 out of 10 frags
Which earns Clan Team Xtreme Approved
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb243/biglipzit/cybersnipa%20sonar/infectedtagcentred.png (www.clanteamxtreme.com) http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb243/biglipzit/cybersnipa%20sonar/cybersnipatag.png (http://www.cybersnipa.com/us/products/sonar-5.1-gaming-headset.php)