Razer Seiren Mini was born, it must be said, from a gamer perspective, passing from YouTube to Twitch to Facebook but in a period in which Smart Working goes a lot, it is clear that the price (but above all the Price / Performance ratio) place in a much larger market.
We have used it a lot in the last few weeks (and we also show you how) and despite some compromises, we were very happy with it.
Razer Seiren Mini, the review
Small but not too much
The first thing you notice when you open the box is the size: the new Razer Seiren Mini is small, but at the same time intriguing: a condenser microphone ready to be placed on the desk.
The white model is elegant, suitable for a business environment, but it depends on the computer with which it is accompanied
The active part, that of the microphone itself, measures 11 centimeters by 5.5 in diameter, which become 17 with the mounted stand (present in the package): to connect it to the computer, just the cable supplied with USB-A / MicroUSB of the same colour.
No software is needed, on modern operating systems (and even a little old to tell the truth, since it works from macOS 10.8 and Windows 7 up) just plug it in for it to power up and start working.
Razer Seiren Mini can also be attached to a microphone arm, thanks to the standard screw.
The support base is assembled in a few seconds and includes a movable joint to correctly position the microphone (in the right angle) and a part in viscous rubber to not slip on the desk.
No sooner said than done, the Razer Seiren Mini has a standard screw mount at the base and nothing prevents you from connecting it to a movable arm (like this one). Unlike how we are used to Razer products (such as the new Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro), this Microphone follows a more discreet line (approaching that of the Razer Pro Click and the Razer Pro Type), with the only quirk an LED of operation located on the front, just below the Razer satin writing in the metal circle, of a different color depending on the chroma of the microphone.
Technology
Despite the size (and the price), the Razer Seiren Mini has a very accurate technology inside and thought a lot for speech. The 14 mm Supercardiodie condenser capsule is able to pick up the voice in its most detailed frequencies.
The result in our opinion is variable, but for the most part good, very good if we consider the market range given by the price. The voice offered is at times very slightly muffled (when compared with a higher-end microphone) but this can also depend on the position of the microphone with respect to the user.
We used it for the hilarious interview (streaming via Teams) with Massimiliano Loizzi, so that readers can hear real speech, not edited later.
If you want to sing maybe there is more, but for everyday speech the microphone has obviously proved more capable than any microphone integrated in laptops and has rivaled even more capable and expensive models, surrendering only to the quality offered by the microphone of the Razer BlackShark V2, which however have two obvious advantages: a microphone that follows the face by a few centimeters and an integrated USB sound card to moderate the input.
The complete Razer family: from left Seiren Elite, Seiren X, Seiren Emote and Seiren Mini
Lights, shadows and other colors
It is not an essential factor, but the writer liked Razer's offer to offer it in three different colors (Black, Quartz and Mercury which in Italian are Black, Pink and White), with the same identical characteristics and different only in color. .
The microphone on its side has the ability to be light, offers an automatic system for reducing accidental noises (like when we move it without thinking about it) and is perfectly portable in a bag, since it is small, light and, not requiring special drivers, yes install on the fly.
On the other hand, however, there are obviously some compromises: there is no possibility to adjust the microphone input (such as the volume, for example) and there is also a hardware Mute button which is usually convenient.
Connected to a Mac mini, Razer Seiren Mini was immediately seen by all the Apps (in the image, Microsoft Teams)
Considerations
The need for broadcasting has grown a lot in recent years, especially in 2020 where streaming is now the key for many users in Smart Working: the use of a headset is an interesting factor, but it is clear that a microphone and a system diffusion (we use this) is more interesting (and less tiring) if it becomes frequent all day.
In this perspective, the Razer Seiren Mini presents itself as a really interesting accessory on the one hand for performance, absolutely relevant both for the gaming market and for the business one, and absolutely superior to what a consumer user expects for private calls, from 'other for the affordable price that places it as one of the most delicious accessories for the Christmas market that is now upon us.
Add to this a discreet and pleasant design, which always looks good above the desk, whether you're doing a job interview or genocide at Starcraft.
Pro:
• Small and portable • Sober and pleasant design, in three colors • Excellent price / performance ratio • Audio that excels in the sector
Cons:
• Some controls are missing • The Mute button is missing
Price:
• 59.99 Euro (without shipping costs for those with Amazon Prime)
Razer Seiren Mini should be available in large retailers (where possible), but it is obviously also online on the parent company's website. The microphone is also available on Amazon.it in Black, Quartz and Mercury colors as a Prime product.
