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As our gaming headset collection grows, we understand it may be difficult to discern between the older and newer models. You may have been eyeing our Arctis 7, but wasn't sure if you should get the Arctis 7+ instead. Furthermore, our latest release includes the newer Arctis Nova 7. The following test groups have been updated following TB 1.6: Wired Connection, Bluetooth Connection, and Wireless Connection (Dongle). There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the usages and product comparisons to match these results.
Most importantly, it gives you access to a parametric EQ. This means you can not only adjust the boost or cut of individual EQ bands but also change which frequencies you’re adjusting, as well as add more bands to play with. This is much deeper and more customizable than the usual five-band EQ that most headsets give you. Just be aware that these customizations are only available when you’re plugged into a PC and using the app. That being said, the ability to take phone calls while still enjoying game audio, chat with friends on Discord across multiple systems, or even just listening to music, a podcast, or an audiobook while gaming is something that can’t be understated. This is especially prevalent on systems like Nintendo Switch that don’t have any built-in support for music apps like Spotify or Apple Music. Users have reported connectivity issues like stuttering that affects audio quality and you can find more information on this in our Sound Profile test. We have also tested GG software's compatibility with consoles and you can read more about this in App Support. If you’re hoping to use this for anything else, it also comes with a 3.5mm port for wired connectivity. In essence, you can connect the Nova 7 Wireless to just about anything, though if you want wireless connectivity to an Xbox, you need to get the Nova 7x instead.One notable feature regarding the design of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro headset is its comfort during longer gaming sessions. I wear glasses when sitting in front of screens, and more often than not wearing a headset simultaneously will result in a dull ache or a feeling of abrasion behind my ears where the cups of the headset have been resting for too long, but the soft cups of the Arctis Nova 7P mean this problem is avoided entirely.
Update 02/25/2021: A user has reported experiencing bass distortion when using the SteelSeries Engine 3's 64Hz EQ band above 0dBs. We tried adjusting the 64Hz EQ band on the companion app to -0.1dB and played a 64Hz tone. This resulted in slight audible distortion. We also heard slight distortion when adjusting the EQ band to 0.1dBs. However, changing the tone to 180Hz and adjusting the EQ band in the app didn't produce distortion. We also repeated this with a 500Hz tone and couldn't hear distortion when adjusting the EQ band. It seems like this issue is only limited to the 64Hz band when adjusted on the SteelSeries Engine 3. However, we don't test for this and, as a result, our scoring and results haven't changed. We have corrected information regarding a comparison with these headphones and the SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless in Compared To Other Headphones. We've added a comparison between the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless and the Astro A30 Wireless in the Non-Bluetooth Wireless box.
Though not perfect, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless gets pretty close
As far as compatibility goes, the 2.4GHz wireless connection of the Arctis Nova 7 uses a USB-C dongle to connect with PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Android, and USB-C iPads with up to a 40-foot range. The Bluetooth side of things works with any Bluetooth-enabled device, of course. SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 – Software We have retested these headphones due to user reports of a hissing sound in Noise Isolation. We have also corrected the Firmware version in Test Settings. We know you look cool, so you need the gear to match. We made the headset light and stylish; we've made the mic neatly retract, all in a super-slim new design ID. We also added a cool PVD coating onto the super slim steel headband (Physical Vapor Deposit, also found on high-end watches). And if you really want to flex, tell your friends it took 50,000 lbs. of pressure to cold roll the steel into the shape of your noggin.
We have received user reports of a noise floor when using mic monitoring. We have updated Recording Quality, but the scoring of this test hasn't changed. In addition to the Bluetooth capabilities, as seen with the recent Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, the entire Arctis line of headsets have been redesigned to feature a slightly smaller form factor and decrease the overall weight by 14% when compared to last year’s Arctis 7+ line. The Nova 7 family features an all-new generation of speaker drivers which have been fully custom designed to create the best audio experience for gaming, and all your other music, movie, and podcast needs.The headset features support for 360 spatial audio, which makes in-game listening far more immersive and captivating. The Arctis Nova 7P is also compatible with the PS5’s Tempest 3D Audio. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 features audio output pretty close to our in-house target, with a handful of notable deviations. While the sub-bass is nicely emphasized, the bass comes through up to around 5dB louder than we generally like to see between 100-200Hz, and there’s a pretty significant dip around 400Hz. However, while bass and midrange sound have some definite foibles, the high range frequency response is considerably wonkier, with a huge dip at 5kHz and a big over-emphasis at 7kHz. Lows, mids, and highs We’re impressed with some of the software-related features that come with the Arctis, notably the new Sonar Audio Software Suite. It’s an add-on to the SteelSeries GG Engine and provides a ton more control. You can adjust mic volume, game volume, chat volume, chat mix, and much more. You can also turn on the ClearCast AI noise cancellation here. We've expanded this review to reflect the performance of each of the SteelSeries' Arctis Nova 7 lineup's variants: the 7, 7P, and 7X. Although we tested the 7X variant, we expect the other variants to perform similarly.
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