The Arctis 7 is SteelSeries’ latest wireless gaming headset, featuring DTS Headphone X, lag-free audio up to 12m, and the clear-cast microphone, will this tempt you to lose the cables?
Product on Review: SteelSeries Arctis 7
Manufacturer: SteelSeries
Street Price: UK: £159.99, EU: €159.99, US: $169.99
Some time ago we had a look at the Arctis 3 headset, a headset that impressed us a lot.
Addressing some of our minor gripes, the Arctis 7 landed with us, ready to pound our eardrums into submission. There are some subtle changes between the Arctis 3/5 and the 7, one of which is that the 7 has a full wrapped ‘ski goggle’ band which not only promises superior comfort, but looks pretty damn cool. There is a selection of accessories available for the headsets too should you wish to change things up a little, and the Arctis 7 headset itself is available in black or white. Returning features include the impressive clear-cast microphone, the Chatmix dial allowing you to balance game/voice bias, as well as the 3.5mm audio share port, allowing a friend to… jack… your audio.
The main party piece of the Arctis 7 is that it features lag-free wireless connectivity of up to 12m, with a 15 hour battery life. Gaming headsets, especially of this calibre tend to have a 10-20hr battery life, which isn’t very long comparatively, though this tends to be entirely down to the size and quality of the drivers used. The SteelSeries S1 premium drivers, though 40mm, are rather weighty, and a larger battery used would exceed ~350g weight, compromising comfort. This is likely why RGB lighting as seen on the Arctis 5 didn’t make it onto the Arctis 7, giving users a sensible 15 hours of uptime.
Overview by SteelSeries
Arctis is not a gaming headset. It is a headset line for gamers,” said Ehtisham Rabbani, SteelSeries CEO. “That is how we approached the new audio line-up – with a fresh perspective as to who our customers really are and what they want. Brands have been distracting gamers for far too long with meaningless specification races and options that encourage spending more in order to get gaming-level quality. Arctis changes that.
Technical Specifications
Neodymium Drivers: 40mm
Effective Range: 12 m, 40 ft
Headphone Frequency Response: 20-20000 Hz
Headphone Sensitivity: 98db
Headphone Impedance: 32 Ohm
Headphone Total Harmonic Distortion: < 3%
Headphone Volume Control: On Ear Cup
Microphone Frequency Response: 100Hz – 6500Hz
Microphone Pattern: Bidirectional
Microphone Sensitivity: -48 db
Microphone Impedance: 2200 Ohm
Microphone Noise Cancellation: Yes
Microphone Location: Retractable
Microphone Mute Toggle: On Ear Cup
Connector Type: Wireless USB and Wired analog options Single 3.5mm, 4-pole plug when wired
Cable Length: 1.2m, 4ft
Cable Material: Rubber
Adapter: Single 3.5mm, 4-Pole Plug
Share Jack: Yes
Detachable Cable: Yes
Box Content
Product Information Guide
Arctis 7
Wireless Transmitter
Mobile/Console Cable
Micro-USB Charging Cable
Effective Range: 12 m, 40 ft
Headphone Frequency Response: 20-20000 Hz
Headphone Sensitivity: 98db
Headphone Impedance: 32 Ohm
Headphone Total Harmonic Distortion: < 3%
Headphone Volume Control: On Ear Cup
Microphone Frequency Response: 100Hz – 6500Hz
Microphone Pattern: Bidirectional
Microphone Sensitivity: -48 db
Microphone Impedance: 2200 Ohm
Microphone Noise Cancellation: Yes
Microphone Location: Retractable
Microphone Mute Toggle: On Ear Cup
Connector Type: Wireless USB and Wired analog options Single 3.5mm, 4-pole plug when wired
Cable Length: 1.2m, 4ft
Cable Material: Rubber
Adapter: Single 3.5mm, 4-Pole Plug
Share Jack: Yes
Detachable Cable: Yes
Box Content
Product Information Guide
Arctis 7
Wireless Transmitter
Mobile/Console Cable
Micro-USB Charging Cable
Packaging & First Look
The packaging features the tessellated artwork in burning orange with a grey background, rather iconic and easily identifiable as SteelSeries. There is a large image of the product itself as well as information about the type of product and the features it contains.
The reverse side gives a very minimalistic diagram of the headset with a list detailing the features and their locations.
On openining the box, there is an instant change with a fun, vibrant cyan offsetting the burning orange colour, reminiscent of the ‘ski google’ inspiration behind the ‘Arctis’ line-up.
Inside we get a fun and clear manual, a happy/sad warranty and feedback card, a USB-microUSB charging cable, an additional analogue cable for use with mobile devices and consoles, as well as the wireless transmitter.
The wireless transmitter also has a line-out and mic-in ports, which will activate automatically once it loses wireless signal from the headset. You could connect another headset, or stereo speakers to this.
The headset itself is minimalistic and sleek looking, with closed back earcups. The headband sets it apart from the Arctis 3/5 as the interesting design is more clearly visible by wrapping over the steel frame.
Closer Look
Top view of the Arctis 7 shows off the stylish headband. Inspired by the material used on ‘ski goggles’, it promises to help evenly distribute the weight, ensuring the most comfortable fit.
The inside of the frame is lined with a soft rubber cushion, giving a little extra support to the headband, as well as preventing any vibrations caused by the steel frame.
The headband itself is removable and washable. The included headband is rather neutral in colour but features an interesting design.
The plastic parts are high quality and feature a textured surface. The joint for the earcup allows it to rotate and swivel enough to have a good range of motion and fit.
The Arctis 7 can fold flat, convenient for storage as well as aiding us in showing off the earcups themselves. They are lined with SteelSeries’ Airweave fabric, which is soft, and airy, giving good ventilation to prevent a warm and sweaty build-up. Should you prefer different materials, they are removable, SteelSeries have a selection of leather or velour replacements.
The base of the headset features the power-on button, the retractable clear-cast microphone, microUSB charging port, audio share socket, and a proprietary socket for analogue connection.
Flipped over we find the volume dial and the chat mix dial, as well as a microphone mute button.
The side of the earcup has a rubberised coating, which looks good but holds on to dust like velcro.
The clear-cast microphone is retractable and features a mute LED indicator to remind you when you have muted it.
Software
The software for the Arctis 7 is automatically downloaded via the SteelSeries 3 Engine (SSE), and is much more accessible than the hoops you have to jump through to access the software for the Arctis 3.
The UI is very clearly laid out with all the features on one page. We find DTS Headphone: X 7.1 Surround mode toggle with various preset modes. An audio EQ, dynamic audio compression (to level audio volume), a microphone preview, mic side-tone volume, and master microphone volume. Surprisingly there are no additional microphone noise filtering options.
Performance Testing
Setup, Design & ObservationsTo get going, it would be standard practice to give the headset a little time to fully charge via the included microUSB cable. To get going, all you need to do is then plug the wireless transmitter in to any available USB 2.0 (or later) port, then hold the power button until the green light comes on. The headset is registered in Windows Audio setup, though to access the full features of the Arctis 7 headset we recommend installing the SSE software.
The construction of the Arctis 7 is top grade. High quality plastic, steel, and fabrics including the Airweave fabric on the earpads as well as the ‘ski-goggle’ headband. The Arctis 7 feels heavier than we recall the Arctis 3 being, though the overall weight distribution is very well balanced thanks to the headband. There was plenty of space in the earcups to fully enclose our ears, while the soft earpads again added to the comfort, preventing any excessive overheating. Though we did note that the clamp strength of the Arctis 7 was a little stronger than we thought necessary, though remained reasonable and comfortable for long periods.
The volume dial and mute button are easily accessible on the left side earcup, unlike the power button on the right side which is a little trickier to find.
Multimedia
There is little we can say on the audio prowess of the Arctis 7 other than it is exceptionally good. It gives a very well balanced audio signature that provides enjoyable, warm bass, emphasising powerful, deep sounds, along with crystal clear mids and highs. The DTS Headphone surround can take this to another level both in game and movies, enveloping you with rich, twinkling sounds where every detail is present, though we found that the actual directional audio wasn’t quite as clear as it could be, giving a more vague direction than a pinpoint perfect response.
We tested the wireless performance by wearing them throughout the house and to the end of the garden and it didn’t seem to want to stop working, very impressive wireless performance. It wasn’t until we put several solid walls between the headset and the transmitter that we finally got it to start dropping connection, but you would need to live in either a solid concrete apartment, or a very big house to really experience any issues within the stated 12m range.
Microphone
The clear-cast microphone picks up voice with impressive clarity and detail, receiving compliments via XBOX Live, and Skype conversations. It does a fantastic job cancelling most background noises to non-disruptive levels, though there was still some sound leakage from drivers, so you will want to avoid talking while listening to anything loud. Fortunately, the chat mix dial helps to balance the voice/media volume level, so you have complete control over what you are hearing.
Conclusion
SteelSeries redefined what it means to be a ‘gaming headset’ with the Siberia headset, and the Arctis 7 now embodies that legacy. The S1 drivers found in the Arctis series is extraordinary, giving top-quality gaming audio that responds well to any changes you throw at it, whether its via the EQ in the software, or by enabling the DTS Headphone: X7.1 setting. Beyond that we also ran it through the latest Dolby Atmos 7.1 for headsets via the Windows Marketplace which too gave a very convincing performance in regards to virtual 7.1 rendering. Then we tested the Arctis 7 via our soundcard using the included 4pole analogue cable. Again reproducing exceptional audio quality. This distinctive level of quality proves the competence of those drivers, and having them in a wireless medium is incredibly liberating, especially if you consider it can be delivered to any point within an average household.
Some may have liked to have seen RGB lighting on the Arctis 7, though its an understandable move by SteelSeries to not include it as to preserve the battery life. Speaking of which, we have yet to run the battery down after around 12 hours use, so users are likely to achieve the rated 15 hours life before needing to recharge.
Of the few things we can really nit-pick about the Arctis 7 would be its price. A few years ago, £100 would have been enough to buy a high quality wireless headset. Today, the Arctis 7 sits at £159, so the premium for wireless gaming headsets has jumped significantly, despite the technology itself being rather cheap. Its direct competitor would be the likes of the Razer ManO’War. Comparatively, the Arctis 7 certainly wins in most areas, specifically in terms of sleek design, comfort, and well balanced audio. Though it doesn’t quite reproduce the same pinpoint spatial awareness in its virtual 7.1 rendering. Though this shouldn’t put people off of the Arctis 7 as it has significantly higher versatility due to the inclusion of an analogue 4pole jack.
Again, the pricing may be enough to put some people off over wired alternatives. Even the Arctis 5 itself costs £50 less and it is almost the exact same headset, just wired (and has RGB lighting), there are other note worthy alternatives we have to consider too, including the Sound BlasterX H7, HyperX Cloud Revolver S, the Sennhesier GSP 350, or the even the ASUS STRIX Wireless, all of which are respectable alternatives that cost considerably less.
Despite the above, it is very difficult to deny the Arctic 7 the respect it deserves as a wireless gaming headset. So if you are looking to go cable free, there are few other choices which can match the same level of versatility, sleek aesthetics, and top tier audio performance.
The Arctis 7 sets the standard for gamers looking for great audio and a high quality microphone, in a sleek and comfortable wireless package.
Pros.
+ Attractive design
+ Quality construction
+ Premium S1 audio drivers
+ High quality clear-cast microphone
+ Well balanced, enjoyable audio
+ Removable/replaceable earpads and headband
+ Lag-free Wireless up to 12m
+ Versatile cabled connectivity (compatible with consoles/mobile devices)
+ Integrated volume dial, Chatmix dial, and microphone mute
+ Audio-share jack
+ Transmitter supports additional line out/mic in
+ 15 hour battery life
Medicore
+- DTS Headphone: 7.1 (gives clear widened audio, but vague spatial awareness)
Cons.
– Price
– Weight
+ Attractive design
+ Quality construction
+ Premium S1 audio drivers
+ High quality clear-cast microphone
+ Well balanced, enjoyable audio
+ Removable/replaceable earpads and headband
+ Lag-free Wireless up to 12m
+ Versatile cabled connectivity (compatible with consoles/mobile devices)
+ Integrated volume dial, Chatmix dial, and microphone mute
+ Audio-share jack
+ Transmitter supports additional line out/mic in
+ 15 hour battery life
Medicore
+- DTS Headphone: 7.1 (gives clear widened audio, but vague spatial awareness)
Cons.
– Price
– Weight
Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net.
