At Speedlink, there are many headsets to choose from, from wireless clip-on headsets to hardcore gaming headsets. Today we’ll be looking at something in-between the two of those and focus on Speedlink’s latest release: the Fellow. For a budget, this headset is a fantastic choice with definitely more pros than cons. Come in and out why this headset gets a 4.5/5 from GeekSmack.
Packaging
The fellows packaging is a very bright, attractive box which easily draws attention to itself. On the front is a list of things the Fellow has and works with, a real size picture of the headset that flows into a window that shows the headset itself, a list of operating systems the Fellow works with and a multilingual line of statements that claim 3 strong points about the fellow. On the left of the packaging is basically the same list of features on the front along with a teamspeak certified sticker on it. On the right of the packaging is a couple of new different features along with some diagrams that show how the compact design works and how to pull out the flexible microphone. Finally on the back you can find those 3 statements on the front explained in greater detail in 14 different languages. Underneath that is some technical specifications that talk about the Independence, the Sensitivity, the Frequency response, System requirements, Package Contents, Cable Length and the Weight of the Headset.
The packaging is easily opened by ripping off two stickers and sliding out the necessary packaging. Inside is an instruction manual, a Soft Bag and the headset itself. In the quick install guide is instructions on how to plug the Headset into a Laptop and a Desktop, adjusting the volume, adjusting the size of the headset and pulling the microphone out the conveniently hidden spot of the left cup. The addition of the soft bag is definitely great for protecting the headset when not in use and it seems of good quality too, so it will probably last quite a while.
Features and Specifications
Straight from the Speedlink website, here is what they say the Fellow is:
“With balanced sound reproduction, from sumptuous bass to crystal clear trebles, its sound wont leave you asking for more. At the same time, its low weight, space-saving design and pull-out microphone deliver the highest level of comfort – whether youre on the move or at your next LAN party.“
Also from the Speedlink site is a list of Features:
- Space-saving stereo gaming headset
- Foldable headband
- In-line remote featuring microphone mute switch, volume and treble controls
- 3.5mm gold plated stereo jack plugs
- Padded earcups for maximum comfort
- Flexible pull-out microphone
- 2.3m cable
As there are no more details on the Speedlink website about the Fellow I’ve copied the Specifications on the box which are seen below:
Impedance: Phone: 32? at 1kHz | Micro: 2.2k? at 1kHz
Sensitivity: Phone: 106dB+/-3dB | Micro: -40dB+/-3dB
Frequency Response: Phone: 20Hz to 20kHz | Micro: 100Hz to 16kHz
System Requirements: PC or Mac® with Soundcard
Package Contains: Fellow Gaming Headset | Quick Install Guide
Cable Length: 2.3m
Weight: 135g
Prices*: £26/$40/29.99
*Prices may vary
The Headset
My impressions of this headset are mostly positive. The compact design is definitely a plus allowing the user to completely fold the headset in on itself when not in use. The only fault I can think of in this compact design is the cups being too small for my ears. Because of this they seem to push on certain areas of my ears making the headset slightly uncomfortable to wear at times. Its not an unbearable pain so dont let me put you off this headset because of this little problem. Apart from that after adjusting the Headset to the correct size the rest of it is very comfortable and sits on my head very nicely. Another thing I really like about this headset is the pullout flexible microphone. Its a great place to hide the microphone and I wish more companies would adopt this idea. As for sound, for the price this headset is amazing. The Fellow has a nice, rich sound with an adjustable tone control which I havent seen on many headsets before. I also found that the quality doesnt reduce when the volume goes up like Ive had on headsets before, meaning no matter what volume the Fellow is at, its always going to perform at its best.
Tests
For this headset I will do three tests. One will be a Microphone Quality Test, where you listen to a short clip recorded by the Fellow and a Music quality test where I listen to an album and comment on the quality of the headset. The final test will Be a Gaming sound quality test to find out what gaming sound is like. The same experiments in the Music quality test will be made in the Gaming sound quality test. Lets get started .
Microphone Quality Test:
For this Test I will talk whilst Playing Team Fortress 2. The Game only gives you something to look at really, but after the small clip Ill talk about the quality of the microphone. Watch the video in the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL6HXzzO6Hs
Yes that was me, aimlessly running around and trying to speak at the same time on TF2. (harder than it sounds!) But TF2 was not the thing to be concentrating on. After playing that clip back a couple of times, the Microphone quality still seems relatively good. There is some fuzz in the background which Im suspecting is coming from my PCs fans but as for the actual quality nothing seems muffled or horrible sounding. (assuming your watching the video in 720p of course)
Music Quality Test:
In this test I will be using Biffy Clyros “Only Revolutions” to listen to the sound quality of the Fellow headset. I will change the settings of the tone and volume controls to find any flaws I can in quality of the sound and I will check if the bass is at an optimal level as it is not adjustable. I listened to the album twice all the way through, experimenting with levels of volume and tone and really, all I can say is any setting its on the fellow sounds great. When adjusting the tone there is only a subtle difference and changing the volume level doesnt reduce the quality at all like on past headsets of mine. The bass did lack in some parts I admit, but for the average user Im sure a lack of bass at times will not bother them at all, especially for a headset of this price.
Gaming Sound Quality Test:
For this test I will be using Call of Duty: World at War. Yes theres much better games out there, but Its the only CoD I havent played all the way through so I thought I might as well use it. I thought the fellow did pretty well in-game, the bass came through well and every piece of dialog could be easily heard. I asked a few opinions while I was online too and accoding to a few players the microphone sounded good, and quite a few asked which headset I was using. I think thats a winner there.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great Quality Microphone
- Great Quality Speakers
- Microphone Nicely Hidden
- Clever Compact Design
- Soft Bag
- Great in Games
- The Price
Cons:
- Uncomfortable after long periods of usage
- Bass wears thin at times
Conclusion
If your looking for a compact, great sounding budget gaming headset then this is the product for you. At only £26 this headset is brilliant for people on a budget or for casual gamers that want a brilliant little space saving headset. I can honestly say that those little flaws are only noticeable by picky people (like me) and they should not put you off buying this headset at all. The Fellow gets a 4.5/5 from me.
