In today's world where gaming audio and background scores are as awesome as movie soundtracks, enthusiasts can opt for discrete soundcard over onboard chips. The SteelSeries Siberia is meant just for them. It's encased in a hard plastic shell and resembles a USB flash drive. The top has buttons for volume, mute and mic on/off. It has a mini USB port in front and comes bundled with a USB cable. Jacks for microphone input and line out are present on the other end. The line out doubles as S/PDIF out for digital audio.

It also features a virtual 7.1-channel surround mode plus an equalizer with presets that can be stored. Setting up the device was quite simple with the entire process taking about 35 seconds. We first played test tones to evaluate the frequency response after which we fired up COD Modern Warfare. Bombs soundecr like they should, heavy and gritty, due to the good bass response. We wish the volume control had more levels, so that one could get a perfect level.

VERDICT: Sounds a lot better than onboard chips; recommended for gamers.

FOR: Reasonable price, easy to setup, virtual surround works very well.

AGAINST: The buttons are hard to press, crude volume gradation.

Name: STEELSERIES-SIBERIA-U-R52558.jpg Views: 630 Size: 23.9 KB