CM Storm Ceres-400 Gaming Headset Review

Using the CM Storm Ceres-400 Headphones

Using the CM Storm Ceres-400 headset is a no-brainer. Theres no software to install and configure so setup is as simple as plugging your audio jack to your audio out jack on your PC or other device and plugging in the microphone jack to your microphone in port on your PC or other device.

The volume knob is easy to rotate and has a slight bit of grab to it to keep it from getting unintentionally bumped, although being an in-line control its possible (and probable) that youll bump it on something. The same does not go for the microphone on/off switch. Its notched to keep it on or off and its fairly easy to move, but the switch itself is beveled which should help keep it from getting caught on anything so unintended switching shouldnt be a problem here. The control module sits about 15 or so from the left hand earmuff which puts it right about on your lap for most people.

The first thing I noticed when I started using the Ceres-400 is the sound quality. The sound is crisp and clean no matter the volume level. I played Battlefield 3 and Dirt Showdown to test the Ceres-400s gaming performance and it passed with flying colors. In both games all of the sounds came through with stunning clarity and reproduction. I listened to a wide variety of music through the Ceres-400 as well, from not only my PC by my iPod Touch and also my home-theater receiver for a really wide range of devices. Im pleased to say that independent of the device the music sounded clear. Being that the Ceres-400s connection is a standard 3.5mm audio jack means you can use this headset with any device that has audio out via a 3.5mm audio jack.

The Ceres-400s earmuffs are large and comfortable. They fit my ears very well and were not at all uncomfortable even during hours-long gaming sessions. The earmuffs are not noise-canceling but theyre pretty close. Most normal noises are muffled greatly by the Ceres-400 enabling you to keep focus on your listening experience.

The microphone on the Ceres-400 is easy to setup and use. It swivels up or down and stays where you put it. The boom itself is flexible and semi-rigid. It doesnt stay exactly where you put it but that doesnt seem to affect the pickup of the mic at all. Not once did I have any teammates complain that my voice was coming through distorted or with static. The mic also did a wonderful job of only transmitting my voice. The active cancellation thats built into the mic does a wonderful job at keeping (most) stray noises from making it through.