Before I begin I need to mention that SADES sent me a review unit of this headset to test out for this review.
Today we are going to be looking at the updated 2016 version of the SADES SA917 USB Gaming Headset. As I'm sure you could guess from the name of this product, it is a USB gaming headset, meaning it has a single USB plug to power everything.
If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $33 on Amazon
What's In the Box
- Gaming Headset (mic & cable attached)
Specifications
Headphones
- Drivers: 40mm
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
- Sensitivity: 115 +/- 3dB at 1kHz
- Impedance: 32 Ohms at 1kHz
- Max Input Power: 15mW
Microphone
- Frequency Response: 50Hz - 10kHz
- Polar Pattern (Not Listed): Omnidirecitonal (based on test)
- Mic Sensitivity: -38dB +/- 3dB
Performance / Features
The build quality of this headset is decent. It is still an all plastic build, but it feels sturdier than other headsets in the same price range. The padding on the ear cups and the headband is pretty comfortable, however, it does not form a tight seal around your ears. The microphone's joint feels a little bit too loose for my liking, which makes me believe that after a decent amount of use it will not stay in the desired position.
The cable is a standard 1.5m rubber USB cable with an inline controller. The control panel has a headphone volume control, microphone mute button, and a button to switch between different EQ settings. There are 4 options: (1) Off, (2) Red, (3) Green, (4) Blue. I don't know what each of these settings is because they did not list each of them. Based on listening, Red boosts bass frequencies, Green boosts high frequencies, and Blue boosts mid frequencies.
The headphones are not the best sounding that you will find. They lack a little bit in the high end and the audio in the lower frequencies is a little loose. The sound is still better than other headsets I've tested at a similar price point.
The microphone flat out does not sound good. It is very dull sounding, almost as if you were speaking through a sheet. It lacks a LOT of high end and once you get above 50% on the gain you start to hear digital artifacts. It is also an omnidirectional microphone which means it picks up quite a bit of keyboard noise while you're gaming. You also are unable to articulate the mic to move it closer or farther away from your mouth.
Pros
- Cheap
- Decent headphone sound
- USB Headset for easy setup
- Inline Controls
- Comfortable
Cons
- Poor microphone quality
- Omni directional mic is not ideal for gaming
Conclusion
If you are on a tight budget and are looking for a headset that has decent audio quality from the headphones, this is a great option and I absolutely recommend it. On the other hand, if you are looking for a gaming headset that has great audio quality from the microphone, this is not the headset for you.
If you have any additional questions about this microphone, leave them on the youtube video, and I will try to reply ASAP.
Buy it on Amazon
US: http://amzn.to/2duUgup
UK: http://amzn.to/2cz6cOQ
