Introduction:
Audio is a big thing these days. With the existing ipod, competitors, and other audio devices there has always been the struggle for good ear buds. Whether the ones that came with the device were cheap, sounded terrible, or just happened to break replacements have always been an issue. You need to consider comfort, design, and sound of coarse. Many people pay outrageous prices for replacement stock ear buds from the supplier, when they could get a much better product for just about the same price. Today at NippyChips I have a pair of Icemat Siberia In:Ear ear buds to review along with a microphone. All of this is included in the Headset package available through Icemat.

Specifications
Headphone
-Frequency response: 30 - 24.000 Hz
-Impedance: 16 Ohm
-SPL@1kHz, 1V rms: 90 dB
-Cable length: 1.0 m + 1.8 m = 2.8 m / 9 ft.
-Jack: 3.5 mm

Microphone
-Frequency response: 80 - 15.000 Hz
-Impedance: 2K Ohm
-Pick-up pattern: Uni-directional
-Sensitivity (1V/P@1 kHz): -38 dB

In the Box :
-Siberia In:Ear Headset (Earbuds, and Microphone)
-Mic/Headphone extension cable
-Pairs of earphone tips (3)
-Carrying pouch

Contents:
The box is comprised of everything needed to support your digital life. Including a great pair of ear buds, a microphone two different types of inserts, an extender cable, and a carrying pouch. All this for under $60 is great, but in the end is it really worth it. Are you sacrificing sound quality for money? Well of coarse there are better more expensive ear buds out there and for the price these ear buds are quite decent. And on top of that a microphone is included, and an extender cable... Below are images of the packaging including the front of the box, the side, and the back. The packaging is very stylish and is content rich with plenty of information about the ear buds, and microphone.

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Examination:
To fully examine the ear buds I tested them with 320kbs .mp3 files in Winamp, and my muvo n200 mp3 player. At first the output from Winamp was terrible, the sound had no depth and I thought that the ear buds were terrible and that it showed you couldn't get a decent pair of ear buds for $50. But with DFX for Winamp my problem was fixed and the sound input rocked. The treble and bass response were great. With the Muvo n200 there was no need for tweaking, I plugged them in and viola they worked beautifully. The response was just about the same. There was also minimal sound entering from my surroundings. I tried both sets of ear bud tips and was unhappy with both. The first ones that come on the ear buds were itchy after some time using them. This was because they didn't fit my ears well and were just uncomfortable. The other tips pictured below were comfortable to a degree. There slightly too big and it took a little while to get used to them. One suggestion for improvement would be smaller ear buds that would be more comfortable in your ear. Another feature of the ear buds is a wrap around approach to wiring. Instead of the common Ipod like ear buds that have equal length wires for each ear the Icemat In:Ear ear buds have one ear bud that goes in your left ear, and one that wraps around the back of your neck to your right ear. I prefer this over the other type of ear buds due to the ability to run, and move with them more easily. Also it makes it easier to route the wires down the inside of your shirt to prevent the cable from snatching anything when you bend over, or go to do something that could catch the cable.

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The microphone had no problems whatsoever. It's a great quality microphone with plenty of features. As like the ear buds the microphone also has a 3.5mm plug. The microphone clips onto any article of clothing and holds fast with a great clip. I guess a drawback to the clip design is that you can't play WOW naked and talk on ventrillo, but I don't know anyone that would in the first place? In addition to the strong clip there is an on off switch. This is nice when you need to take a break, or talk to someone next to you. All you have to do is switch and your microphone is muted. All of this is packed in a stylist black package with an Icemat logo at the top of the microphone.

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Along with the ear buds and the microphone there is a plethora of extras that are included in the package. Seen below are the extras, including a long extension cable that provides that extra length you need to reach from the back of your computer to the front if you are not privileged to have front panel access to your audio equipment. Also are two sets of replacement tips for the ear buds, and a nice little carrying pouch for it all. The pouch is nice, but I think that it needs a restriction button to keep it closed. The only problem with it is when you pull the drawstring it just pulls back out and wont stay closed which isn't that big of a deal, but is important to some people.

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Conclusion:
The Icemat Siberia In:ear Headset proved to be a great addition to any budget music enthusiast. I would highly recommend these ear buds to anyone that is on a budget and needs decent ear buds and microphone. The sound quality is great, high response on both ends of the sound spectrum. The only drawback was the uncomfortable fit with the earbuds. I would reccomend that you go out and buy replacement sure tips from sure. They are very decently priced, and much more comfortable. All in all this is a great package and enjoyed reviewing them.

Pros:
-Stylish
-Long wire to reach far, included extension cable
-Included alot for the price
-Sound quality is great

Cons:
-Uncomfortable earbud tips
-Drawstring on the carrying pouch sould be enginered a little better to allow permanent closing

For a great quality product with minimal flaws and great performance I give the Icemat Siberia In:Ear Headset a 9/10

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