SteelSeries Alias USB Mic Review: Is It Worth It? (61601)
Table of Contents
Introduction
The SteelSeries Alias USB Mic is a promising contender in the world of USB microphones, aimed at gamers, streamers, and podcasters. With its sleek design, impressive features, and advanced AI noise cancellation, it’s a microphone that promises to elevate your audio quality. In this review, we’ll put the Alias to the test, exploring its capabilities, performance, and overall value.
Features
The SteelSeries Alias is packed with features that cater to both casual and professional users. Let’s delve into the highlights:
- Large 1″ Capsule: The Alias boasts a 1″ ClearCast condenser capsule, significantly larger than most USB mics. This translates to improved sound capture, especially for voices, making your recordings sound more natural and detailed.
- AI Noise Cancellation: SteelSeries has integrated AI noise cancellation into the Alias, effectively reducing background noise and creating a cleaner, more professional audio experience. Whether you’re gaming in a noisy environment or recording your podcast in a busy coffee shop, the AI noise cancellation works wonders.
- Customizable RGB Lighting: The Alias comes with SteelSeries’ signature Prism RGB lighting system, allowing you to customize the lighting effects to match your setup and style.
- LED Level Monitoring: The five-stage LED display on the microphone clearly indicates the microphone’s input level, preventing clipping and ensuring optimal recording levels.
- Convenient Controls: The Alias features a microphone gain dial, a mute button, and a headphone gain dial, providing quick access to important audio settings.
- Detachable Desk Stand: The Alias comes with a detachable desk stand that incorporates an anti-vibration shock mount. This helps isolate the microphone from vibrations, reducing unwanted noise and ensuring stable audio recording.
- Boom Arm Compatibility: The microphone is compatible with both 3/8″ and 5/8″ thread boom arms, allowing you to mount it on your desk setup for greater flexibility and control.
Performance
The SteelSeries Alias performed exceptionally well in our testing. The audio quality was crisp and clear, with excellent vocal pickup and a wide frequency response. The AI noise cancellation effectively reduced background noise, making recordings sound remarkably clean and professional.
We tested the microphone in a variety of scenarios, including:
- Gaming: In games like CS:GO, Call of Duty, and Valorant, the Alias delivered clear and precise communication. My teammates could clearly hear my commands, and the noise cancellation effectively reduced the ambient noise from my gaming setup.
- Streaming: For streaming on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, the Alias performed admirably. The audio quality was impressive, allowing my viewers to hear my voice with clarity and detail.
- Podcasting: The Alias also proved to be a great choice for podcasting. Its wide frequency response captured the nuances of my voice, and the noise cancellation ensured a clean and professional audio experience.
The microphone’s impressive performance was largely attributed to the combination of the large 1″ capsule, the advanced AI noise cancellation, and the well-designed desk stand.
Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Condenser |
| Capsule | 1″/25mm ClearCast |
| Connection | USB-C (Plug & Play) |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Resolution/ Sample Rate | 24 bit/48 KHz |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz – 20 KHz |
| Max SPL | 120 dB |
| RGB Lighting | Prism |
| LED Input Indicator | 5 Stage LED and Mute Icon |
| Mic Monitoring | 3.5 mm Headphone Port |
| Quick Controls | Microphone Gain Dial, Mute Button, Headphone Gain Dial |
| Detachable Desk Stand | Anti-Vibration Shock Mount |
| Boom Arm Adapter | 3/8″ and 5/8″ thread (Boom Arm not included) |
| Dimensions | W 110 x D 130 x H 230mm (Stand mounted) |
| Weight | 750g (with stand) / 205g (without stand) |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent audio quality with clear and detailed sound capture.
- Effective AI noise cancellation for a cleaner audio experience.
- Customizable RGB lighting for a personalized touch.
- LED level monitoring for easy adjustment of recording levels.
- Convenient quick controls for microphone gain, mute, and headphone gain.
- Detachable desk stand with anti-vibration shock mount for stable recording.
- Compatibility with boom arms for greater flexibility.
Cons
- The microphone can be a bit heavy when mounted on the stand.
- No pop filter included, so you might need to purchase one separately.
Final Verdict
The SteelSeries Alias USB Mic is a top-notch microphone that excels in several key areas. Its impressive audio quality, effective noise cancellation, and user-friendly features make it a great choice for gamers, streamers, and podcasters alike. While it’s slightly on the heavier side and lacks a pop filter, these are minor drawbacks that can be easily addressed. Overall, the SteelSeries Alias is a highly recommended microphone that delivers exceptional performance and value.