By Rashmi Goel
In introducing the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, SteelSeries has taken the biggest risk in years. SteelSeries made only slight changes to the winning formula since we tested the Arctis 7 wireless gaming headset. While the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless comes with an entirely new design: new chassis, new headband, new switch layout, new digital audio converter (DAC) as well as new software features. With the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, you can enjoy a great sound, feel comfortable, and take advantage of fun extra features. It has a lot of features that the Arctis 7 didn't, including Bluetooth connectivity and active noise cancellation. Some are useful, but others are indispensable. The headset's staggering price of $350 and the innovative DAC make this a high-end option for moderately serious audiophiles. The headset doesn't move seamlessly between systems and the ANC isn't as effective as claimed. Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, on the whole, is a promising redesign for a beloved headset. Here is our comprehensive review of SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.
Configuration
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Here are a few configurations of SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. Wireless isn't required for the $250 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. A DAC is included in the headset, just like on the wireless model, but a cable must be connected to the DAC. It has Hi-Res Audio Certification, unlike the wireless version. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Xbox) compatibility is also available. Each version of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless costs $350. Below is our review of the standard model. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (PlayStation) edition has a PlayStation-centric color scheme, almost identical to the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (PlayStation). It has a special input that allows it to function wirelessly with Xbox wireless protocols. In terms of function, all three products are similar. For an entertainment center with an Xbox console, I recommend the Xbox version; for PS5 or Switch, you can use the other input.
Design
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Compared with previous Arctis models, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a bit of a departure - but not by much. Arctis Nova Pro has a metal/plastic chassis with leatherette earcups in addition to an elastic headband, similar to the Arctis 7. There is much to appreciate about the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless design, as it never feels congested. There are a number of controls on the left earcup, including a power switch, a microphone mute button, a volume dial, a retractable microphone, and a USB-C charging port, hidden discreetly under a SteelSeries logo. It is equipped with a Bluetooth button and a slot for the battery pack on the right earcup. Except when operating in Bluetooth mode, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless requires another component in order to function: the Digital to Analog Converter. DAC's appearance consists of a 4.5-inch black box with rounded sides, a dial, two buttons and a battery compartment. It features two USB-C ports, a Line In 3.5 mm audio jack, and a Line Out 3.5 mm audio jack on the back. From an aesthetic perspective, it looks equally at home in an entertainment center or on a desk.
Comfort
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In comparison to previous SteelSeries Arctis peripherals, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless provides a slightly different approach to the ski goggles headband that has defined the entire Arctis line. Arctis' headband is one of the most reliable parts of the product line, ensuring a perfect fit every time, without the user having to adjust. This is why I have somewhat mixed feelings about two small adjustments to the headbands. The first distinction is that rather than tightening the headband with a Velcro strap, it can be moved up and down using a system of holes and pegs. It's not so bad here, especially since the headband is not as stretchy as before. Despite the fact that it appears to be more durable, it does not seem any less comfortable. It has adjustable ear cups, so you can move them up and down. The lack of markers on the arms, however, makes it difficult to determine which position is optimal for you without a great deal of experimentation. It's also a problem if you share the headset with family or roommates. However, I was still able to find a comfortable fit with the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless and wear it for several hours at a time. A firm seal was created by the earcups, but they were never too tight, and the headband allowed the device to sit comfortably on my head. It can get a little warm in the leatherette earcups, so you might not be able to handle any sweating. The headphones weigh just about 11 ounces.
Performance
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Although previous Arctis headsets possess stunning design, their sound quality has always been on the “good enough” end of the spectrum. It may not possess the absolute richest soundscape of any gaming headset available, but it is now much closer to acoustic standouts such as Logitech G Pro X Wireless, Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT, and Razer Blackshark V2. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless was tested on a variety of platforms with an eclectic assortment of games. Among my recent experiences are Fortnight, Battlefield, Nioh Remastered, and Assassin's Creed Valhalla on PS5, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 on Switch, and Cyberpunk 2077 on PC. Among all of these games, there is only one thing in common-the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless made them sound amazing.
I felt completely immersed no matter where I was in the game, whether I was navigating the futuristic streets of Night City, fighting brutal foes in Sengoku Japan, assembling the Avengers to fight Dr. Doom or directing villagers in a medieval French village. It is exceptional at balancing music, voice acting, and sound effects, even with the default soundscape. Fireworks and explosions sound immediate and impactful, of course. Nonetheless, I was also quite impressed with how well the headset coped with music, whether a soothing background soundtrack in Age of Empires or a fast-paced rap beat in Cyberpunk 2077. The headset was also able to handle music better than most gaming headsets. There were songs from Flogging Molly, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Rolling Stones, and G.F. Handel, and the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless system provided superb sound across all genres. It was evident that the bass was more robust than I would normally expect from a gaming headset, whether it was an upright bluegrass bass or the bass part of a choir. To obtain optimal gaming and audio performance, you will have to fiddle with the equalization settings, however. Herein lies an area of concern for the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.
Features
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Without addressing the DAC, it is impossible to discuss the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. The SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC - or even the SteelSeries Siberia 800 - should be familiar to those who have used them. The DAC comes standard with an OLED screen that shows your headset's battery life and volume. With a USB-C cable, you connect the DAC to the PC or console, and the DAC transmits the audio signal to the headset. The DAC is fairly simple to use. There are several features available for switching audio inputs, such as initiating USB or Bluetooth pairing, adjusting microphone options, and rerouting audio to speakers. One of the most interesting features of the DAC is its ability to change audio options in real-time. In lieu of the need to use a PC program to adjust equalization settings, you can do so directly on the DAC. You can select from a variety of presets (flat, bass boost, focus) or even create your own.
You can place your DAC on your computer desk, setting it up is very straightforward. In contrast, it is much less convenient if you place it in your entertainment center. From the headset, you cannot control most DAC features, and even if you could, the screen is far too small to be able to see from a distance of ten feet. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless uses a DAC to route audio, which means that it is not easily portable from a computer desk to an entertainment center. Separating your PC from your consoles is basically going to mean deciding which devices get the Nova Pro Wireless. Comparatively, a device like the SteelSeries Arctis 7X is a tiny, easy-to-move dongle. When playing on the PC, SteelSeries also offers the Sonar program. A new addition to SteelSeries' GG software suite, SteelSeries Sonar enables you to adjust the equalization levels, microphone settings, and surround sound options for the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. The program is still in beta and lacks a few features (such as linking individual profiles with specific games), but it is easier to manipulate than the DAC.
The headset also includes SteelSeries' unique ANC technology. Activating ANC will substantially reduce background noise, but you may also want to activate a "transparency" mode if you still want to hear a little bit of sound. During my testing, the ANC was well-suited to blocking background hums but did almost nothing for blocking discrete sounds. It was as if I could hear nearby voices, distant sirens, and even my own typing. In a noisy household, this feature wouldn't help you focus on gaming. "Wireless gaming headsets" work fairly well as a whole. A good microphone filters out background noise and sounds clear. It's easy to pair with Bluetooth, and I particularly like the ability to activate it alongside the USB wireless, or independently. DAC houses a second 22-hour battery that can be hot-swapped, which lasts for longer than the battery in the device.
Conclusion
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As much as I enjoyed testing the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, it's tough to recommend it to the general public. For audiophiles, the DAC's complexity may be appealing, and the price may be worth it. A SteelSeries Arctis 7+ or an Arctis 7X seems to make far more sense for the majority of console and PC gamers. Arctis Nova Pro Wireless offers a lot to like if you accept it on its own terms. There are a lot of cool things to do with this DAC, and the sound quality of the whole lineup is a cut above the rest of SteelSeries products - although it can only be used with two systems at once. Sincerely, I am pleased with the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, but I am more interested in how the Arctis lineup may evolve from here on out. Following the refresh of SteelSeries' appearance, we may see many less expensive headsets follow in its footsteps - or the premium design could remain at a premium price.