Wednesday, May 25th 2022

SteelSeries Launches the Arctis Nova Pro-series of Headsets

SteelSeries has released a pair of new headsets that builds on its well known Arctis-series, but brings with it a much more modern and premium looking design. Besides the overhaul of the design, SteelSeries has added support for 360 degree spatial audio and the company has also updated its GameDac, which is built around the ESS Sabre 9218PQ40 Quad-DAC. Other new features include an "AI-powered" noise cancelling microphone and a new headband design that's meant to be more comfortable. The wired Arctis Nova Pro comes in a PC and Xbox version, both sporting multi-system connect with dual USB inputs, although 3.5 mm jack input is also supported. A nice touch is that the ear pads are attached with magnets and should as such be easy to replace.

The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless on the other hand comes in three different versions, with a dedicated Xbox and Playstation version, as well as a PC version. Here, SteelSeries has also added active noise cancelling, which is not a feature you find on many gaming headsets. The ANC is using a 4 microphone hybrid system and has support for transparency mode. SteelSeries has replaced the GameDac with a wireless base station for the three wireless versions, which also charges the batteries, as SteelSeries has gone for user swappable battery packs. A 15 minute charge gives you three hours of usage, and a fully charged battery is good for up to 44 hours. Interestingly there's also an eight second power buffer, which allows you to hot swap the batteries, if you're fast. The wireless side of things consists of a proprietary low latency 2.4 GHz radio, as often is the case for wireless gaming headsets, as well as Bluetooth 5.0 support. There's support for simultaneous use of both wireless standards, which is a nice touch and something we've seen from a couple of SteelSeries competitors. The Arctis Nova Pro has an MSRP of US$249.99, with the wireless version costing US$349.99.
Source: SteelSeries
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9 Comments on SteelSeries Launches the Arctis Nova Pro-series of Headsets

#1
DeathtoGnomes
"AI-powered" noise cancelling microphone
this is the first I heard of. Would love to try these out to see how well the AI works.
Posted on Reply
#3
Dammeron
DeathtoGnomesthis is the first I heard of. Would love to try these out to see how well the AI works.
You can check how Discord filters work, and they do really well. My old creaking chair (super loud btw) was completly removed from the audio path, even while I was talking. If these headphones do equally well, than there will be nothing else except people's voices.

I also like the design, very clean and elegant, reminds me of Ultrasone Pro series. Still, won't swap my K712 Pro + AT2035 set for these. :P
Posted on Reply
#5
bonehead123
I saw these somewhere else 2 days ago, and although the specs & design are nice, I don't think charging an extra $100 just for the wireless option will be acceptable to most normal folks who are looking for a nice set of cans....

People with moar $$ than brains (certain members of the "G" crowd), they will buy them just cause they can. And so-called "audiophiles" maybe, but otherwise I foresee a very limited success for these...
Posted on Reply
#6
oxrufiioxo
bonehead123I saw these somewhere else 2 days ago, and although the specs & design are nice, I don't think charging an extra $100 just for the wireless option will be acceptable to most normal folks who are looking for a nice set of cans....

People with moar $$ than brains (certain members of the "G" crowd), they will buy them just cause they can. And so-called "audiophiles" maybe, but otherwise I foresee a very limited success for these...
The previous wireless varient was also 100 usd more I owned both it and the wired version definitely worth every penny more.
Posted on Reply
#7
Zmon
bonehead123I saw these somewhere else 2 days ago, and although the specs & design are nice, I don't think charging an extra $100 just for the wireless option will be acceptable to most normal folks who are looking for a nice set of cans....

People with moar $$ than brains (certain members of the "G" crowd), they will buy them just cause they can. And so-called "audiophiles" maybe, but otherwise I foresee a very limited success for these...
The Arctis Pro Wireless costs $100 more than the wired version with the gamedac. Recent history showed they kept selling out, so I'm sure these will have a market.
Posted on Reply
#8
Tomorrow
As Arctis Pro Wireless owner im glad they are sticking with the two battery system. No one else has this. The power buffer is a nice addon too tho im not sure 8 seconds is enough for a battery swap. This would suggest they have some sort of internal battery that is not swappable.

Tbh im not a fan of the new design. Except for what looks like leather cushions. APW had fabric cushions. The new design is more round and flashy while i prefer more agressive lines and matte finish. Tho i suppose it does not matter much once it's on my head.
Posted on Reply
#9
Eskimonster
Audiophiles do not use headphones this cheap
Posted on Reply
Apr 25th, 2024 16:03 EDT change timezone

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