The $350 worth tag on SteelSeries’ new Arctis Nova Professional Wi-fi supplies the form of sticker shock that calls for a proof. Fortuitously, these headphones have a solution.
With a wide selection of machine compatibility—and a model you need to use with each your Xbox and PlayStation—impeccable audio high quality, and a number of swappable batteries, they’re a luxurious powerhouse for individuals who spend hours within the chair.
Construct & Audio High quality
{Photograph}: SteelSeries
The Arctis Nova Professional Wi-fi are understated black over-ears with a headscarf that retains your head comfortably suspended between the earcups. Magnetic plates on the surface of every headphone look simply sufficient like brushed steel (regardless of being plastic) to catch the sunshine, whereas many of the physique is roofed in unobtrusive matte black plastic.
One of many options SteelSeries appears most happy with on these headphones is the retractable mic. When withheld, the mic is sort of completely flush with the remainder of the earcup. It’s a minor factor, nevertheless it’s indicative of the eye to element discovered all through the remainder of the design.
The earcups have an opulent, fake leather-based overlaying that’s gentle and doesn’t get too sweaty, even after sporting it for some time. The adjustable headband and cushion assist it sit very comfortably on prime of my head. It doesn’t squeeze the perimeters of my head too a lot, although after just a few hours, I can begin to really feel it.
Audio high quality on these headphones is crisp, with booming wealthy bass that doesn’t muddy the vocals. The corporate’s PC-only Sonar software program provides a ton of customizable EQ instruments that may be tailor-made to particular recreation modes, and even particular person video games. You may additional steadiness the sound ranges between video games and chat apps so you may nonetheless hear your staff, even if you happen to’ve EQ’d your recreation to emphasise the most important explosions.
The spatial audio—as soon as once more enabled within the Sonar software program, that means it’s PC-only—is a helpful increase in fast-paced video games the place situational consciousness is vital. Whereas I used to be taking part in Doom: Everlasting, it made it a lot simpler to inform what path a very troublesome demon was coming from.
The one main draw back is the mic high quality. It’s not nice—even by gaming headset microphone requirements. In truth, it’s form of just like the impact in a film when the director needs to make it sound like someone is talking through a headset. It’s not horrible, and it will get the job achieved. However for as well-engineered as the remainder of the headset is, it’s a little bit of a letdown.