Razer Seiren V2 Pro review

Our Verdict

78%

A great set of features and solid sound quality that’s ideal for streaming, if not music recording.

The Razer Seiren V2 Pro sits at around the same price and feature set as other streaming/gaming microphones, such as the Elgato Wave 2, EPOS B20, Blue Yeti, and Shure MV7. However, it differs from these competitors in one crucial way. Where those are all condenser microphones, the Seiren V2 Pro is a dynamic microphone.

Razer Seiren V2 Pro sound quality

Traditionally, dynamic microphones are favoured for louder, more sonically varied environments where counteracting feedback is a priority. In other words, they’re favoured for live concert settings, with the Shure SM58 being the quintessential vocal mic for gigs. Condenser microphones are generally more sensitive, but a little more susceptible to feedback and are more delicate. That’s why they’re favoured for studio use.

So, which is better for a streaming and home recording setup? A condenser mic is generally the more obvious option, but the Razer Seiren V2 Pro holds its own sonically. There’s plenty of detail, with a full, warm sound that works very well for in-game voice comms and podcast recording. It also copes well with sudden loud noises, making it great for preventing your expletive-ridden cries from distorting as you get sniped from across the map.

However, we also tried using the Seiren V2 Pro to record some acoustic guitar and found it sounded a little boxier, and lacking the same sense of being in the room with the player, as compared to the Shure MV7, for instance. You also miss out on the multiple pickup patterns – such as stereo – that some multi-condenser capsule mics such as the Blue Yeti include.

Razer Seiren V2 Pro features

While it may not offer the absolute best bang for your buck for sheer clarity of recordings, though, the Seiren V2 Pro still has plenty going for it. For a start, it’s an attractive and quite compact unit that’s almost entirely built from solid metal, giving it a reassuring heft.

Its included stand is quite short, with an address position (height from desk) of just 18cm, so you’ll need to angle it up towards you if it’s mounted on a desk, but the base can be unscrewed from the pivot arm and the rest of the mic screwed onto a mic arm. Several other competitors don’t include a pivoting arm of this quality.

Unlike many competitors, the Seiren V2 Pro also has a windsock. It isn’t as effective as that of the Shure MV7, but it slightly reduces the whoosh and pops of breath and plosive syllables. Razer also claims the internals of the mic are on a shock-absorbing mount, but it isn’t very effective, with every knock of the mic or desk heard loud and clear.

On the front of the mic are controls for gain and headphone monitoring levels, with a headphone jack on the back providing monitoring and audio output from your PC. A mute button sits above the volume dials and will glow green for ‘go’ and red for ‘muted’, making it clear when you’re live. It connects via a USB Type-C socket round the back – there’s no XLR output here – and Razer provides a long (3m), thick braided cable as well.

Razer Seiren V2 Pro pros and cons

Pros

• Decent sound quality
• Stylish with lots of useful features
• Naturally reins in loud shouts

Cons

• Not the most sonic detail
• No XLR output
• Only one pickup pattern

Razer Seiren V2 Pro specs

The Razer Seiren V2 Pro spec list is:

Razer Seiren V2 Pro price

The Razer Seiren V2 Pro is $120 / £120, which is reasonably competitively priced for a streaming microphone.

Price: Expect to pay $120 / £120

Razer Seiren V2 Pro review conclusion

The Razer Seiren V2 Pro is ideal if you’re seeking a streaming-focused microphone. Its looks and feels great, its sound quality is decent and its natural ability to cope with loud outbursts will suit some gamers. Its included windsock, pivot arm and easy-to-use controls are all pluses too. It’s not the last word in fine sonic detail, though, so isn’t as well-suited to recording or ASMR streaming.

For more USB microphone options, check out our best USB microphone guide.