PROS
- Full, clear audio
- Good microphone
- Strong noise cancellation
- Clever base station with hot-swappable batteries and two USB ports
- Powerful software with extensive audio adjustments and effective simulated surround
CONS
- Audio profile requires some tweaking with EQ to get the best experience
- No optical audio input for the base
STEELSERIES ARCTIS NOVA PRO WIRELESS SPECS
| Bluetooth | |
| Frequency Range | 10Hz–40kHz (music), 100Hz-6.5kHz (voice) |
| Battery Life | Up to 36 hours |
Design: New Headset, New Base
The headset comes in black or white color options and is designed to offer a premium gaming experience without reaching the levels of extreme audiophile gear, such as the $900 Audeze LCD-GX. It features a metal headband, complemented by plastic and rubber components underneath for added support, connecting the durable matte plastic earcups. Additionally, an adjustable ski goggle-style suspension strap ensures that the band remains elevated above your head. The earcups are also adjustable, allowing for customization options not typically found in ski-goggle headsets.
The earcups, covered in faux leather and generously padded with memory foam, are not removable. The metal panels and suspension strap can be replaced with accessory kits in seven colors for but the faux leather earpads cannot be swapped for fabric pads. Nevertheless, this headset is comfortable and provides a pleasant feel similar to headphones of the same price range.
1. The majority of controls and connections are located on the left earcup, such as the power button, mic mute button, volume wheel, 3.5mm port for wired listening, and the discreet boom microphone. The microphone is housed in a plastic capsule at the end of a flexible arm, fitting seamlessly inside a cut-out on the earcup to remain hidden when not in use. On the right earcup, you will find a Bluetooth pairing button along with Bluetooth/power indicator LEDs.
The earcups are equipped with magnetic back panels, allowing for easy removal. The right panel conveniently conceals the removable battery slot, ensuring practicality. Similar to its predecessor, the Nova Pro Wireless comes with two batteries, eliminating the need to worry about downtime during charging. On the other hand, the left panel discreetly hides a USB-C port, enabling you to charge the headset while on the move, especially when the transmitter’s battery slot is inaccessible.
The transmitter has undergone a complete redesign, resulting in a more streamlined appearance and enhanced connectivity choices. The plastic device now boasts sleek, curved edges, eliminating its previous square and bulky audio component look. Positioned on the right side of the transmitter’s front panel, you’ll find a versatile knob accompanied by a monochrome OLED display. While the previous version had optical audio input and output on its rear panel, these have been replaced with two USB-C ports, allowing for the simultaneous connection of two USB devices such as a PC and console. Additionally, the back panel still retains the 3.5mm line-in and line-out connections.
The battery slot on the right side of the transmitter is both unique and practical. SteelSeries claims that each of the headset’s two batteries can have a maximum battery life of 36 hours when connected through the 2.4GHz transmitter (or 18 to 22 hours when using both 2.4GHz or Bluetooth). Additionally, it is worth noting that a quick 15-minute charge can provide three hours of usage from the batteries.
SteelSeries Software
The primary purpose of the headset is to be used with a PC or Mac via USB. Depending on the model, it also supports either PlayStation or Xbox. Regardless of whether you use a PC or Mac, you have the option to install the SteelSeries GG software in order to maximize the potential of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. This program is responsible for managing and updating the firmware of all connected SteelSeries devices, and it offers various beneficial features for audio devices through its Sonar tab.
Sonar provides a comprehensive parametric equalizer for game (and media) audio, allowing for much more detailed adjustments compared to the typical 5- or 10-band EQ. Additionally, there is a traditional 10-band EQ available for chat audio, as well as a separate EQ for the microphone. Multiple presets are available for each equalizer in case you prefer not to make extensive adjustments.
Sonar technology also supports audio functionalities, such as spatial audio mixing with seven directional channels. In addition to the virtual surround sound, users have the option to activate Smart Volume to prevent abrupt changes in audio levels. Both the chat audio and microphone input benefit from a Smart Voice feature akin to Smart Volume; ClearCast AI noise cancellation technology that eliminates background noise; and manual noise reduction and noise gate functions for those who prefer not to utilize ClearCast.
1. Adjustments made in Sonar do not take effect when the headset is connected via Bluetooth, however, alternative SteelSeries GG software tools can be utilized to make the necessary tweaks. One such tool is the Engine tab, which offers a distinct EQ specifically for the headset.
A Clear, Tweakable Mic
The microphone of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless delivers exceptional sound quality, particularly when utilizing its features within Sonar. The ClearCast AI Noise Cancellation effectively minimizes external noise, while the Smart Voice feature helps maintain a consistent volume level. I found that both features performed admirably, with the AI Noise Cancellation successfully eliminating distractions such as laptop fan noise and bird chirping, and the Smart Voice ensuring that my voice remained clear and audible.
You might want to play with the mic EQ presets in Sonar, because the default flat setting isn’t the best; it made my voice sound rough and slightly sibilant. Oddly, the Balanced setting is sculpted, and cuts out the lowest frequency band, as does the Less Nasal setting. Both made my voice sound crisp and clear. In fact, the Less Nasal setting slightly reduced my normal speech’s congested sinus sound.
The microphone quality improved significantly once I adjusted the settings to ClearCast and Smart Voice enabled, with the EQ set to Less Nasal. While a dedicated USB microphone typically offers superior sound for professional content creation and streaming, the mic on the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless can still deliver satisfactory results with the appropriate adjustments.
Strong Noise Cancellation
The prevalence of this characteristic has grown significantly in top-tier gaming headsets. Currently, Apple, Bose, and Sony possess the most advanced ANC technology; however, their finest noise-cancelling headphones do not offer the same level of connectivity and gaming functionalities as the Arctis.
The noise-cancelling technology of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is remarkably powerful and outperforms the Razer Barracuda Pro. It successfully blocked the noise produced by my laptop’s fans, although it couldn’t completely eliminate the humming sound of a nearby air conditioner. Additionally, it didn’t fully suppress the rumbling noise of the subway. In comparison, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM5 are more efficient in reducing various noises across different frequency ranges.
Sounds Best With Adjustments
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless delivers remarkable low-frequency sound, demonstrated by our bass test track, The Knife’s “Silent Shout.” Even at the highest and potentially harmful volume settings, the impact of the kick drum hits and bass synth notes was tangible and nearly uncomfortable, yet free from any distortion.
Version 1: The initial acoustic guitar notes in Yes’ “Roundabout” were rich in low-mid tones, emphasizing the string texture. As the song progressed, the bassline took a prominent position, yet the guitar strums, drums, and vocals remained equally present. These observations were made using the standard EQ settings. Switching to the Music: Bright preset notably enhanced the high-mids and highs. However, the high end was slightly overpowering, but through trial and error, a balanced middle ground can be achieved.
The underlying rhythm in The Crystal Method’s “Born Too Slow” resonated profoundly enough to effectively propel the song, despite the fact that the guitar melodies and vocals may seem somewhat muffled in the upper ranges when using the default EQ configuration. Utilizing the Music: Bright option notably enhanced the overall harmony, yet achieving the desired audio quality from the headphones can be accomplished by adjusting the settings through the software interface.
Gaming and Spatial Audio
The SteelEngine software’s virtual surround sound feature is truly remarkable. While playing Satisfactory, I experienced a distinct sense of orientation as the sounds of machinery surrounded me, seamlessly moving between my ears to create a convincing left-right and front-back audio experience. The industrial noises were rich and crisp, capturing the clatter of construction, the whoosh of hypertubes, and the calming ambient music in a well-blended and precise manner.
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless provides an excellent audio experience for Fortnite, offering a satisfying simulated surround sound. I was able to accurately identify the direction of nearby footsteps and shots, thanks to its impressive directional sense. The Fortnite EQ preset further enhances the game’s sound effects, emphasizing loud weapons fire and subtle ambient sounds with frequency spikes.
Verdict: A Top-Tier Wireless Gaming Headset
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless may come with a higher price tag of $329.99, but it boasts exceptional performance and a wide range of connectivity options. Its optimal performance is achieved when paired with a PC, utilizing the SteelSeries GG software to deliver remarkably immersive spatial audio and customizable preset adjustments that enhance sound quality. Additionally, the active noise cancellation feature is highly effective, and the dual-battery configuration allows for uninterrupted gameplay without the need to constantly recharge the headset. Due to these impressive features, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless has been awarded our Editors’ Choice accolade. For a more budget-friendly option without compromising on performance, the $249.99 Razer Barracuda Pro offers simulated surround sound, although its noise cancellation and microphone quality fall short compared to the Arctis.