SteelSeries have a pretty good track record when it comes to gaming headsets. The SteelSeries Arctis, the previous flagship, made it onto a few top ten lists. It isn’t a stretch to expect more of the same, but better from the new Arctis Nova Pro.
The company has completely overhauled the Arctis with a new design, an updated GameDAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter), and added some nifty features. That means you can probably expect to pay more than the previous version.
Listen, do you smell something?
The new headset is available in wired or wireless options and is compatible with PC, Mac, Xbox, Switch, and PlayStation. You will need to be sure you’re buying the right one. The product page boasts that the Arctis Nova Pro has a new multi-system connect feature with dual USB ports that are compatible with Windows, Mac, PS, Switch, and Xbox. But there are specific models for each platform. Better make sure you click the right one.
The redesign is welcome to see. The previous Arctis Pro was starting to look a little long in the teeth. In this case, it wasn’t only for aesthetics. The Arctis Nova Pro’s redesign also has comfort in mind. There are four adjustment points, the flexible tension band, pivoting hangers, and rotating, height-adjustable earcups.
As for audio, SteelSeries cans tend to be liberal with the lower frequencies and these are claiming to have a new dual-diaphragm design. We’ll need some on our heads before we can pass judgement but at this price, we’re expecting a lot.
Purer signal, what every gamer needs
The included Game DAC has been updated as well. This one comes with a Hi-Res certification and delivers “78% purer signal”. Because that’s what everyone really wants. We sure hope the difference is audible.
SteelSeries has also included what it is touting as the world’s first pro-grade parametric EQ for gamers. We’re sure it’s a world-first, in that nobody has called it that before. But if cutting or boosting certain frequencies is your thing, you’ll be able to do that here.
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Other notable features include the company’s new 360-degree spatial audio engine that will use your content’s 5.1 or 7.1 audio track to make sound effects and noises… sound better. You also get a retractable mic and Active Noice Cancellation. You’ll be able to connect to two different sources using Bluetooth and the wireless receiver and the wireless versions support a hot-swappable dual-battery system.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is available now overseas but will probably take a few months to reach SA shores. Abroad, a wireless pair will set you back $350 (R5,500) while a wired set will cost $250 (R4,000). As usual, you can expect that to be higher priced here.
Source: Engadget
