It’s not every day we tested receives a microphone to review - one that is currently making waves in the recording scene at that. How big a splash has it made? Well, for being known as a gaming peripheral maker to a brand that jumped into the studio recording scene, it is no wonder why most have raised eyebrows. Yes, I’m referring to Razer’s uncharted attempts into a new space with its Razer Seirēn.
NEW VENTURE
While Razer does have some experience in the microphone space, it is mostly with the inline mic. With the Razer Seirēn, it’s a whole different ballgame as the gaming peripheral maker now has to consider the deeper aspects of microphone performance.
PACKED INSIDES
To show it means business, Razer has made sure to equip the Razer Seirēn with the best gear and intuitive functions that studios would expect to see on a mix of sound recording equipment. This includes the shock mount, pop filter (both accessories not included), and three 14mm custom-tuned condenser caps array.
VARIED MODES
While the physical materials help to improve overall recording performance, with improved noise reduction and hissing reduction, the condenser caps array is the more important aspect as it offers four recording options: Cardoid, Stereo, Omnidirectional, and Bidirectional, the core offerings for the Razer Seirēn. These recording variances allow Razer’s first professional mic to stand out among the market entries that are currently available.
OUTSPOKEN PERFORMANCE
Admittedly, I don’t work on many recording jobs, if at all. However, I did give the Razer Seirēn a unique run as I used it for in-game chats and interview recordings. I also passed it on to a pair of powerful vocalists for a recording or two. With its intuitive user controls (mode change and mic gain customisation) and master volume output knob, it’s an easy call to label it as ultra user-friendly. Its core competencies are awesome as well with general vocal performance pick-up is excellent with near zero noise and hisses. If anything, this is the closest anyone can get to own a studio recording mic.
VERDICT
A microphone like no other. Indeed, Razer has done it again.
SPECS
Microphone
Power Required / Consumption 5V 500mA (USB)
Sample Rate 192kHz
Bit rate 24bit
Capsules Three 14mm Condenser Capsules
Polar Patterns Cardioid, Stereo, Omnidirectional, Bidirectional
Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity 4.5mV/Pa (1kHz)
Max SPL 120dB (THD: 0.5% 1kHz)
Headphone Amplifier
Impedance > 16ohms
Power Output (RMS) 130mW
THD 0.009%
Frequency Response 15Hz - 22kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio 114dB