Machineeto: Cheap Gaming Headset: Somic E-95 WCG 2009 5.1

Nice box

I was always looking for a 5.1 headset the past few months. While I was getting a replacement power supply for my system, I went browsing for a headset too.

After shortlisting a few headsets, it really just came down to what was available at the local shops.

Was thinking of roccats or saitek headsets. Razer's? The price on these headsets were very high.

So browsing around at the shops I came across a lot of china brand headsets. One brand in particular was Somic. As usual, some brand research and model research to make informed decisions. :)

There doesn't seem to be a lot of reviews of Somic products online. You might find some youtube videos and sparse written reviews but that's about it.

Well I ended up buying this particular model of Somic headset. The E-95 WCG 2009 5.1 version for around 45 dollars (USD).

This video is an unboxing of the 2010 model. This was among the first music I heard thru the headset and the impression was awesome,  especially the bass.

In Metro 2033, the part in the tunnels with Khan and the glowing floating thing coming, the sound and vibration makes the hair at the back of my neck stand, outstanding!!

The driver on the cd doesn't work properly, you need to download working drivers from Somic website.

E-95 driver 8th august 2012 (latest)

There is also a driver from windows update, version.2150.

Inside, the headset uses a C-media cm106 chip-set.

Other features include.

8 units speakers
Vibration
Mic on/off switch with individual volume control for center, rear, sub-woofer, front and main.
Voice changer

This chip set is used in other branded headsets like turtlebeach and Tritton Audio Xtreme (121usd), of course at a higher price. The headset only comes with a 3 month warranty, which kind of sucks.

Microphone didn't work with BF3. Only switching to 2speakers or 4speakers than the mic would work but not in 5.1. After a while of digging around the net, it was a simple fix by just switching to a different usb port. Tried a usb 3.0 port and voila the mic works at 5.1 settings. Usb bandwidth issues?

Product page at Somic site

Pros

Good sound

Good Bass

Remote Volume control

Comfy cloth?

Clear microphone

Nice vibration

Price (Almost half the price of branded headsets.)

Cons

Its a bit tight on the head ( gets a while to get use to although adjustable.)

Short Warranty