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We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.6 , which updates how we measure latency. We've updated and renamed the following test groups: Wired Connection, Bluetooth Connection, and Wireless Connection (Dongle). We've also added new codec latency measurements and provided an audio sample of recorded latency. 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. 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.
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. 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.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. The unique suspension headband found on the Arctis 7/7+ has been redesigned in the ComfortMAX System with more points of adjustment for improved fit options. The stretchy fabric band helps spread pressure evenly so it almost floats above your head, and new height adjustable, pivoting earcups provide more ways to adapt the headset to your individual head shape. 3. Dual Wireless, simultaneous listening One of the benefits of having that wide range of connectivity is the ability to connect to multiple devices at once, and SteelSeries has made that a feature here. Its multi-device, multi-platform support lets you connect to a wireless source and Bluetooth source simultaneously, so you can take that important call in the middle of a battle without having to grab your phone. Though the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is more than just a light refresh, you can still see the general outline of previous SteelSeries headsets in its design. The ear cups are oval where they meet the ear pads, and the headset still comes with replaceable ski goggle headbands and ear cup plates. It also uses similar materials, namely durable-feeling plastic for the earcups and metal for the headband (PVD-coated steel in the case of the Nova 7). That’s where most of the similarities end. The build quality is still fantastic – from the sturdy steel headband to the stretchy band that lets the headset literally float on top of your head during use. This time around, though, SteelSeries has also made the entire headset height-adjustable to ensure a more universal fit for just about everyone. I do miss the Ski Goggle headband that was used in the previous generation headsets, as the updated band isn’t quite as comfortable or bouncy. That being said, the headset is still incredibly lightweight, and the memory foam AirWeave ear cushions still provide comfort and breathability for long gaming sessions.
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. 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. Experience 360° Spatial Audio with our free Sonar Software for total immersion (other formats, including Tempest 3D on the PS5, are also supported). 2. ComfortMAX System I was pleased to find that many games actually had the audio settings customized by the developers, meaning you’re actually hearing the game audio as intended. One such example was the Destiny 2 preset which was created by Bungie’s sound designers to highlight the unique sounds heard throughout the solar system. This delivered an unparalleled audio experience that allowed me to hear things I had not heard in my more than 1,000 hours spent in the game. I was seriously impressed.
1. Nova Acoustic System
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.
We've added a comparison between the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless and the Astro A30 Wireless in the Non-Bluetooth Wireless box. 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. While the Arctis Nova 7 works just fine out of the box with PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and others, you can really customize the audio with the SteelSeries GG app on PC. The standout feature of this app is Sonar, a Parametric EQ dashboard that enables 360-degree spatial audio and allows you to dial-in your preferred audio settings on a game-by-game basis. If this all sounds too overwhelming, you can easily take advantage of more than 20 presets for specific games that automatically tailor the soundstage with the push of a button. The Arctis 7 and 7+ feature a revolutionary retractable mic design, so when you want to play solo, or aren’t interested in team chat, you can simply stow it neatly away. The Nova 7 takes this to the next level, bringing a microphone which now completely retracts into the headset when not being used for a super sleek design, and more on-the-go convenience if you want to listen to your music on the daily commute when a mic isn’t needed. 6. Improved battery
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. In addition, I've tested the headset during Discord calls to see how easy it was to connect and how clear the audio through its microphone sounded, and I've used it to listen to music which once again has made full use of the audio profile.
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 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.
Why is SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 better than SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P?
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 Imagine a world where you are listening to a podcast on your way home, then you want switch to Fortnite and teamchat, but you don’t want to miss the end of the podcast. With Dual Wireless, it’s as easy as simply pressing a button and connecting to your PC or console, and then you can hear both devices at once. Revolutionary right? 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. 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. Battery life is an essential consideration when it comes to the best wireless gaming headsets since you don't want to have to worry about charging mid-match, and you’re free to use the headset for hours on end with no tether to a charging cable. As someone who is constantly forgetting to charge their tech, the battery life of the Arctis Nova 7P was a relief when I was jumping in and out of multiplayer games and Discord calls and simply not having to deal with a depleting battery light or audio signifier.
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