Steelseries Flux In-Ear & Flux In-Ear Pro IEM Earphones - Linus Tech Tips CES 2013

The Linus Tech Tips CES 2013 segment on the Steelseries Flux In-Ear and Flux In-Ear Pro IEM Earphones begins with an overview of SteelSeries as a gaming peripheral brand and frames the Flux line as a balance-amplifier style in-ear solution designed for comfort and long-wear usability. The hosts explain that the Flux In-Ear Pro emphasizes a distortion-free listening experience with a clear soundscape, which is important for first-person shooters where directional audio and situational awareness matter. They describe the design philosophy behind using hearing-aid inspired ergonomics, noting that the product is built to be comfortable for hours of use, a contrast to many in-ear designs that look fancy but feel awkward. A key feature highlighted is the eight-pin connector system, which supports different plug configurations for PC and mobile devices, making the Flux line versatile across platforms. The discussion moves to non-tangle cable design, where the team analyzes the thicker ribbon-like cable and its contribution to reduced tangling compared to other earphones, providing a practical demonstration that makes the audience understand the real-world benefit. Pricing is addressed, with the Flux In-Ear Pro positioned aggressively at $129, and the hosts claim it is among the best-sounding headsets under $200, which they emphasize through a strong recommendation. The segment closes with delays from an accompanying tester, Slick, who shares impressions on ergonomics, comfort, and sound quality, and Linus reiterates his general enthusiasm for SteelSeries audio products, hinting at future coverage of related Flux In-Ear models. The overall takeaway is that SteelSeries aims to combine comfort, sound quality, and price efficiency in the Flux In-Ear Pro, while the Flux In-Ear provides a more entry-level option with its own ergonomics and mic support for mobile use.

Topics · hardware · audio · consumer-technology · ces