Accessories

Why the SteelSeries Alias Pro is a steal

Perfect for streamers, voice actors and podcasters

Published

January 12, 2024

I have to say, I am completely new to XLR microphones. I dabbled in podcasting, directed voice overs, and streamed games to friends… all while using USB microphones. Aside from the price range, USB microphones are easier to set-up. Plus, they are more portable.

One of my multi-hyphenated friends, who loves streaming on Twitch and recording voice overs for content, introduced me to XLR microphones. I was at his place one time for a content shoot when I used his gaming set-up.

I played Genshin Impact on his PC and streamed it for fun while catching up with some of my friends on Discord. My friends quickly noticed my improved audio compared to the usual.

I also tried doing audio samples for some of my projects using my friend’s microphone, and I loved the sound quality. He lured me into purchasing one, and he explained the benefits of investing in a high-end XLR microphone with the words: “when you experience it, there is no turning back.”

To be quite honest, I was unbelievably convinced to make the switch.

For a time, I was checking out XLR microphones in tech stores to check the perfect fit for me. I’ve seen some mics with such complicated set-ups, and I am not a fan of those. I just need a quality one.

Thankfully, I met the guys from SteelSeries at last year’s Electronic Sports and Gaming Summit, and they offered me their latest audio rig — the Alias Pro.

SteelSeries has a reputation in the gaming community so I was ecstatic to have my first-ever device from the brand. Most of my friends own Steelseries headsets and they’re pretty satisfied.

Their product prices are quite reasonable, although I think the Steelseries Alias Pro is really on the hefty side.

Classy and high quality design

The thing about the Steelseries Alias Pro is that it’s not just any XLR microphone. Upon opening the big orange box, I immediately saw the two main components: the mixer and, of course, the mic with stand. It looks uncomplicated compared to the others I’ve seen, so it’s a plus for me as someone who lacks patience with setting-up my devices.

While unboxing the whole thing, it’s noticeable that the Steelseries Alias Pro is made of high quality material. The microphone itself looks premium and elegant with its black matte body which would neatly blend in a black PC set-up. I know a lot of friends who would dig this aesthetic.

However, I am a fan of mics with RGB lights, so this one looks quite boring to my liking. The mixer has RGB lights, though, so that may be a compromise.

Seamless set-up

Since I am used to USB microphones, it took a while for me to figure out the set-up.

Thankfully, the instructions aren’t hard to follow and Steelseries has lots of resources –from the manual to online video guides.

The mixer has no fuss and just easy to use. There’s a gain knob on the left which gives a green light signal when the pick-up audio is good, then it changes from to red when the pick-up is bad.

On the right is the volume knob. I liked that it has a bigger size than the gain knob because when I’m in-game, I know which is which even if my eyes are glued to the screen.

Below the knobs are two buttons: one for muting and unmuting the mic, and the other is for the speakers.

For the ports, the Steelseries Alias Pro has two USB-C ports at the back of the mixer for connecting to up to two PCs (helpful for those with a two PC set-up).

The main con with having XLR microphones – and probably the reason why most people hesitate to switch – is the complicated set-up. But honestly, the Steelseries Alias Pro is easy to install.

A streamer’s dream

After a few weeks of using this device, I really feel that it’s a good steal for hardcore streamers and gamers.

The audio output is very crisp and clear, and the bass sounds are good. I am biased to devices that puts emphasis on bass sounds.

The Steelseries Alias Pro comes with Sonar, a free software which allows users to easily customize their audio experience with presets for the most popular games today.

Whether you’re playing Valorant or League of Legends, Sonar has different presets tailored-fit to the requirements of each game. You can also create your own depending on your preferred settings.

Streamers can easily adjust their game audio so the background music won’t overpower their voice. This is especially useful when you’re talking to co-players in-game. Of course, it would be a pleasant watch to your viewers as well.

One of my favorite features is the spatial audio, which gives an effect that is similar to a surround sound. This is also customizable via Sonar, so you can control the distance or the loudness of sound depending to your liking for every game.

More customizations

Sonar also has tools for mixing sounds for several audio inputs and remixing them in one audio output. This is good because there is no need to run/install OBS — Sonar can do it for you.

I did a test stream on both Discord and Facebook, and it works well. My friend, who convinced me to switch to XLR, was very impressed with the audio output as well.

The Sonar software also features Clearcast AI noise cancellation, which brings more focus to the speaking voice. This is a very helpful feature in omitting extra unnecessary noises (e.g electric fan sounds, motorcycle riders from afar).

Below is a raw audio record with enabled Clearcast AI noise cancellation:

On the other hand, here is a sample audio when I disabled this feature:

I find this feature very useful for recording audios I need for my corporate work, since I don’t need to use another app to clean the background noise.

However, there are instances that I don’t quite like it, but of course this is subjective. For example, I still want to hear the sound of my keyboard while playing a game. The Clearcast AI somehow omits the sound of mechanical keyboards, so I turn this feature off sometimes.

Bonus feature: ASMR recording

I love consuming ASMR content, so now that I’ve upgraded my microphone, I sometimes create some ASMR audios for fun. I do it when I’m bored, or when I’d just want to flex how good my new mic is to my friends.

The sound is rich and very detailed, so I figured Alias Pro is also something voice actors would want to use. However, remember to turn off the Clearcast AI noise cancellation when recording an ASMR, because it omits “whisper” sounds.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

While the device is quite pricey, it’s a great investment for streamers, especially those with additional hobbies and careers that require high-definition audio.

For casual gamers and the general public, though, I honestly think the Alias USB microphone would suffice. But if you have more cash to shell out, then why not.

I also recommend the Alias Pro to professional voice actors, since the additional features (especially the noise cancellation and Sonar software) would help reduce editing time. The voice quality is topnotch,

The Steelseries Alias Pro XLR microphone retails for PhP 19,555, while the Alias USB microphone costs Php 11,000.

Accessories

70mai launches the A900 series with 4K front, rear recording

Two new 4K dual-channel dash cams, both with 4G

Published

September 22, 2026

MJ Jucutan

70mai has launched the A900 Series, led by the flagship 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900 Ultra, with the 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900 joining it in the lineup.

Both models record in 4K from the front and rear cameras, and both support 4G, so your footage stays reachable from your phone even when you’re away from the car.

4K recording from both cameras

The A900 Ultra uses dual Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 sensors to capture clear 4K footage from both directions. As a result, details like license plates and road signs remain sharp.

Smart HDR balances bright and dark areas under shifting light. Users can also adjust color tones and contrast. To keep feeds synced, the rear camera uses LVDS digital transmission. This tech sends a lossless 4K feed with just 20ms of latency.

Handling changing light

Driving into a tunnel or under the shadow of a tall building changes the lighting quickly, and 70mai built three imaging technologies into the A900 Ultra to deal with it.

MaiColor Vivid+ Solution 2.0 is meant to give more natural colors and finer detail, along with smarter scene adaptation. Night Owl Vision 2.0 reduces noise and glare to help with nighttime clarity.

Lumi Vision is made for parking surveillance in near-total darkness, where it automatically adjusts exposure and gain and applies noise reduction. 70mai says this produces clear, full-color footage in extremely low light.

Parking mode and remote access

Smart Parking Guardian Mode 2.0 protects your vehicle while parked. It combines AI motion detection, dual-channel collision detection with pre-recording, and time-lapse options.

The system draws just 5mA on standby to prevent battery drain. For extended coverage, the optional 70mai Battery Pack Mini powers surveillance for up to 30 days.

In photo: A900

Pairing the camera with the 4G Hardwire Kit unlocks 70mai 4G Cloud+ 2.0 features on the app. Enhanced Buffered Emergency Recording saves up to 190 seconds before an incident and 30 seconds after.

It automatically uploads this footage to the cloud for immediate remote viewing.

The 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900

In photo: A900

The A900 sits alongside the Ultra as the more accessible option. It records True 4K HDR at 30FPS from both the front and rear cameras, and Smart HDR can be scheduled to turn on at set times.

Its f/1.55 aperture is meant to help in low light, and 4G Cloud+ 2.0 keeps the dash cam connected to the 70mai App. It’s the model for drivers who want dual-channel recording and 4G connectivity at a lower price.

The 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900 Ultra retails for US$ 300, available for pre-order at US$ 240. Meanwhile, the A900 is priced at US$ 200, currently 20% off at US$ 170.

Accessories

Manila turns up the volume at COVE

Sony Philippines launched its ULT TOWER lineup at Beyond the Beat, with SB19 joining the ULT Squad.

Published

September 21, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Sound and style shared the floor at COVE Manila in Okada Manila. Sony Philippines opened its doors for Beyond the Beat: The Next-Level ULT POWER SOUND Experience.

The event marked the company’s biggest ULT POWER SOUND launch in the country, and Sony paced the program like an exclusive night out.

Stacked ULT Towers filled the space. Guests styled themselves with designer pieces from Alser Lumawag, and SB19 closed the evening as the newest Sony ULT Squad members.

MySony members from every tier joined industry guests while the new ULT TOWER lineup set the tempo.

The towers take center stage

Shuhei Sugihara, Sony Philippines’ President and Managing Director, opened the program.

Product Marketing Specialist Keira Ambubuyog then introduced the newest additions to the lineup.

Arbie Bandiling of Personal Audio Systems unveiled the latest ULT Squad video. The clip introduced the artists and personalities fronting the campaign.

The lineup features the ULT TOWER 5, ULT TOWER 7, and ULT TOWER MAX. The new series pairs large circular woofers and high-capacity cabinets with ULT DUCT technology.

This design delivers stronger low-frequency bass than earlier models. The ULT TOWER MAX leads the series, described as Sony’s most powerful bass speaker yet.

On another note, Sony pitches the ULT TOWER 7 as stage-worthy sound in a portable frame. Meanwhile, the compact ULT TOWER 5 targets smaller gatherings and features karaoke and DJ capabilities.

Experiential zones bring the sound to life

Guests explored the lineup across several interactive event zones. Step into the Beat paired an arcade-inspired setup with stacked ULT Towers and a dance pad. ULT Selfie Club handled photo ops.

Nearby, ULT Cover Star let guests style ULT Field speakers alongside designer pieces from Alser Lumawag. Here, the speakers served as chic fashion accessories.

The Bass District gave VIPs and influencers a private, nightlife-inspired lounge. Karaoke Lounges invited everyone else to grab a mic and test the party-ready towers firsthand.

The ULT Squad shows up

Fashion influencer and ULT Squad member Angelique Manto-Guison hosted the night.

A-Team opened the show with a high-energy routine before Carlos Serrano III took the stage. David Guison and Jacqueline Jala walked the stage with ULT Models in elevated fashion, and Jeremy G followed with a dynamic musical performance.

KAIA brought a youthful pop sound, while Maki delivered a set in his signature style.

SB19 closed the night, making their debut as the newest Sony ULT Squad members. Sony pairs its sound technology with the group’s influence in Filipino music. This collaboration positions the Squad as a platform for artists shaping contemporary music culture.

The ULT TOWER MAX, ULT TOWER 7, and ULT TOWER 5 are now available at Sony Centres and authorized dealers nationwide.

Accessories

Jackery Explorer 300D: Power and portability in one

Uninterrupted workflows for digital nomads, freelance creatives, more

Published

September 18, 2026

Manila Connoisseur

For digital nomads, freelance creatives, and even work-from-home professionals, staying productive on the move means carrying around multiple gadgets, cords, adapters, and power banks to survive the day.

Having to carry such weight, quite literally, is vital for maintaining workflow continuity.

For a more seamless experience and to have just one extra portable device to power all working parts, there’s the Jackery Explorer 300D.

Launched just last month, this grab-and-go offering from Jackery is designed for the modern lifestyle.

It moves away from Jackery’s traditional aesthetic with a sleek, speaker-like form factor. It weighs just 2.5 kilograms and is 64% smaller than standard 300W units in the market.

This ultra-compact size was made possible by a smart engineering choice of swapping bulky traditional AC wall outlets for highly efficient DC-only and USB-C ports — which also helps eliminate idle power loss.

With a 288Wh capacity, the Jackery Explorer 300D holds enough juice for up to nine power banks.

It can keep a Type-C fast-charging laptop for up to three to four full cycles, a Wi-Fi router alive for hours, and recharge cameras or drone batteries up to five times for a lengthy production day.

For smaller gadgets like smartphones and portable fans, the power station can juice them up for up to 22 times.