They say it's the BEST gaming headset...
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ค. 2024
- In this video DMS reviews the Steelseries Arctic nova pro! A lot of publications have called this the "best" gaming headset, but is it? Let's talk about it and find out!
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Okay I am impressed that someone’s finally making these things with removable batteries, and not just expecting you to throw the whole thing out when the battery dies.
Logitech has at least one model which do the same thing but yeah, a great feature
@@SKY11211213 no they dont. what they have user replaceable batteries with visible screws on the insde of the earcups once the cushions are off. still far better than most wireless headsets and headphones, but still not as easily replaceable as this
Thye have another model too that Can do that
The fact you can swap batteries on the go and never have to worry about plugging the thing in is excellent as well.
ive been using steelseries headsets for 3+ years
i've had TONS of problems with both of the arctis pro's i bought. both of them broke after about 1-2 years of usage, the left part of the headset and the part thats connecting it to the top has a huge design flaw where it breaks after about 2 years
this isnt bc of me too. i've seen thousands of people with the same problem and this problem is for ALL headsets with similar design (except the models like 7 or lower, somehow those headsets dont suffer from this issue)
also warranty doesnt cover the headset literally breaking even when you take care of it extremely well so its basically a scam. some people even said their headset broke after Only 6 months of usage.
from my experience, steelseries headsets are the BEST in everything. its 7.1 combined with dolby atmos literally gives me wallhacks ingame, sound quality is EXTREMELY good and overall its just really comfortable. i just wish they would listen to their customers and fix the design issue that causes the headset to break.
“Hold up guys, I’m gonna have to mute myself-I’m making a smoothie” -DMS, Destiny 2 Raider
Shouldn't be a problem with Maxwell if Andrew's mic test was any indication
Ive used these for a few months. Its a very solid jack of all trades headset. The value really comes from its connectivity.
I have this headset along with the Wicked Cushions pads. I have never had any of the issues with the base station DMS mentioned. I set it up when I bought it and I forgot it. It's been rock solid. I only use this on my PS5. It sounds great for games but I do not rec it for music.
Same I haven’t had any issues, but i use mine between two PCs.
This is a great direction for the channel, your taking on gaming gear I think would be very popular. But I think it’s worth reviewing this area agaist it’s peers instead of comparing against headfi gear
I was able to change my cushions out easily. I heard that Bang and Olufsen help with the style aesthetics. Both are from Denmark. I have Bang and Olufsen Portal and I noticed similar styling cues.
I've been using these on my Pc with GG software and Sonar EQ and its absolutely amazing! Horror games like Callisto Protocol and Dead Space with these phones and the righ EQ elevates the experience to another level.
If DMS sees this, I'd maybe recommend pads from wicked cushions, they have one's specific for the new mounting system on steelseries headsets. That is of course if you still even use these
For the software issues with Discord, did you try changing the default communications device in Windows? I’ve had my HyperX II Wireless show up but I can’t hear or talk to anyone, it’s set as the default device but Windows changed the default communications device to something random.
Hi. I have been using the headphones for about a year. I spent most of my time with it using the 2.4 connection. But recently I bought a DAC and connected the headphones with it through a cable that came with a pack, and I noticed sound improvement when listening to music. Have you tested it through wired mode with one of your DACs? What do you think about the headphones's drivers?
I was super impressed with the sound and functionality. But my unit had an excessive hiss with bluetooth on and also got pretty constant connection problems. If they can hone the hardware to actually work constantly to next generation it would be a killer. At this state I just cannot justify the horrendous cost.
Interesting about the software problems. I use Sonar as a lightweight manager for my audio setup. It let's me do stuff like EQ IE300s for music separately from their balance for gaming, when I want. I never have a problem. Pretty awkward that if flagship headset is the problem.
Yeah same. I have the Nova 7 (non pro) and have had sonar crash maybe a couple of times in the 4ish months I've has it so far. Certainly not enough times for it to be noteworthy.
Hello!
What about HarmonicDyne Zeus VS raptgo hook x HBB (iems)
I’m really undecided if it’s better those buy those or the maxwells, I’m coming from monolith 1060, do you guys have any advice?
Is the Ananda stealth magnets worth it?
Or should I commit to the Arya stealths?
You can get Wicked Cushions for this model now btw. My biggest gripe was the Chat Mix has basically never worked correctly and I loved that on my last SS headset. The dedicated Chatmix button worked perfectly and they made it complicated and not functional for no good reason on this
I have these, and use the chat feature a lot, and never had issues with it, but I'm also using a loupedeck that can control the mixer without opening the software
I had issues at first as well until I found out chatmixer is driven by software. Just open steelseries software on pc and that feature should work
Wicked Cushions are trash. I mean, aftermarket earpads are almost always bad... but Dekoni and Yaxi have their merits. WC and BW are no better than generic Aliexpress pads.
I've had these since Christmas and while I do love them the little speakers that sit on top of the main speakers are causing me a lot of discomfort pressing against my ears
It would be great to see a review of the Heavys headphones
This or PC38X for gaming and music? Regardless of connectivity concern.
I have these things and although the audio is better than the first gen of these things (Arctis Pro Wireless) were more comfortable and had a better dac.
I prefer the sound of my Drop Pandas but the battery swapping makes these things essential. It's kinda frustrating, I wish more companies could do the swappable batteries. A big part of wireless headsets loses its novelty if it has to be plugged in to charge. Cable management loses its purpose at that point.
I use my drop pandas for my phone and this for my desktop. But thinking about getting a good wired set and a dac for my phone.
Can anyone confirm if these sound better than the Arctis Nova 7 wireless non pro version? I just got them and dont like the sound on them, do these sound better?
I agree with all of your points, except honestly the comfort was a no for me. I have very thin glasses and the way the clamp worked on my ears pushed it down into the notch and caused me quite a bit of pain with not too much use. I realise this is a problem that is probably quite limited to me, and other than that I had absolutely no issues but for a gaming headset that comfort is paramount. Real shame to not be able to use it with all the features
I owned the wired version would like your review on that. I assume its similar to the wireless but better sounding.
What's about the new audeze gaming headset
that box had so many different icons and such on it, that i thought it was a magazene cover lol
How is the default Frequency Response? Realistically if I'm recommending it to friends or customers they're prob not gonna touch the EQ at all
Can you compare these with the turtle beach pro headsets
I have this headset. When playing call of duty it always transmits noise even if I'm not talking. Wish there was a way to fix that
What EQ settings did you land on for single player immersion titles?
Great review! Made up my mind about the headphones because of this video and its a solid no. My current razer headphones have the problem of not picking up mic in discord exactly how you described and im not about to go through that again. Thank you for saving me lots of $$
are you planning to check new TurtleBeach Stealth Pro?
Would the wired version of these be better than the PC38X?
I don't think I've had a single one of the UX issues you've experienced. The audio I have more issues with though, it's a bit flat, the level of detail really isn't great and the sound stage is rather narrow. You can definitely improve some of that with the EQ but I think you get a much more pleasant sound out of something like the Maxwell.
Did you guys see the Audeze MM-100? It just dropped, and I'd love you hear your opinion if you guys have the chance to test it 😊
I just bought these to replace a Razer thresher ultimate. To me the Razers were the best for gaming and hearing your enemies direction. I have tried everything to get this with the steels. I just cannot get anything remotely close to sound positional audio. I just might send these back.
I had to return these recently. Every once in a while, I would get this high pitch sound. Enough to annoy me. My other wireless headset would have static once in a while also. I’ve gone back to wired headphones. But these did sound good to me. Wicked Cushions make great pads for these. Going to sell them, got them right before I returned them.
Just knowing how content creation works, DMS likely reviewed this before the Maxwell was readily available. Most of the comments hit the nail on the head, though. The Maxwell is superior in almost every way. My current top three ranking list of the best high-end sets are 1) Maxwell 2) VZR Model One 3) Master & Dynamic MG20. The Nova Pro wireless is further down that list, and unfortunately for many it is unusable (myself included) without Wicked Cushions, as the "nub" makes them uncomfortable for long term use.
never have issues play with them, i made a custom set up in the DAc best headset
Maxwell aren't high end mate.
@@yarbles66 note the specificity: “High end gaming headsets.” And in that category, they most certainly are on the high end; counting out the Audeze LCD-GX, which is in a category of its own, the $300-$400+ category is on the higher end of the headset market. No one’s claiming the Maxwell is competing with high end cans. I’m also not going to spend more than $500 on wireless gaming headsets, whereas that’s at the lower end of what I’d spend for a pair of critical listening headphones.
I have three pairs I rotate for gaming. Sennheiser 800 (if you love sound/music & use daily, 2000 USD is fuck all & I know a lot of gamers who use them). Maxwell. Arctis Nova Pro (wired - unless you're playing on a console from your couch there is absolutely no justification to buy wireless - lesser sound quality, a fucking nub rubbing on my ear - all for more money. Fuck off.). I think the Maxwell's are good value for the money (despite being slightly disappointed on my first listen - I expected more) but I will strongly disagree that there is this fucking huge ocean of difference between them and the wired Novas. They're both great for the price. They both have pros and cons. Id score the Maxwell's maybe 10% better overall? But this camp of people who think the Maxwell's are so far superior is hilarious. I put a lot of it down to the 'Audeze' placebo effect. And the functionality I've lost does matter, both through the sound itself not being as good for competitive play & through the lack of not having the GameDac. If I'm going to recommend someone on a budget a pair of headphones purely for competitive gaming - Novas. And it's not even close. And in general they sound pretty bloody good. If someone isn't a competitive gamer and wants something more for rounded use - Maxwell's. They're great but they're really not the second fucking coming like so many people are jizzing over.
@@yarbles66 Sounds like you're barking up the wrong tree. I've been an audio engineer for nearly 25 years; worked in the music industry for a good portion of my career, and music is still my first love. But again, we're discussing "gaming headsets" here. My daily drivers in the studio are HD600s, or DT1990 Pros; my recreational sets are the Stellias and Bathys, Sundaras, and the 6XX with the custom-cans mods. I also own many IEMs from the Dunu SA6 Ultras, all the way down to the Aful Performer5, and further down to the Wan'er. I give absolutely zero F's what something costs if it meets my needs. You have a chip on your shoulder because someone disagreed with your take, and you've soapboxed a bit, and that's fine, but you've made a metric ton of baseless assumptions because our preferences differ, which is a slippery slope because now you sound like a preachy, snobby dick. The reason I'm buying wireless cans is EXACTLY the use case you outlined above; I'm gaming from my couch, sitting across my living room. I'm in my 40s; I'm not running cables across my living room like a sweaty college kid who still hangs anime posters on the wall. And as I said above, I can't use the Steelseries, despite enjoying the sound. Even with the Wicked Cushions, they're damn near intolerable after 10 mins and I prefer the profile of the Maxwell. You're over here arguing about why someone enjoys the sound of X instead of Y, like sound is objective and empirical. Take that amateur nonsense somewhere else.
I did have the not working issue, but worked out something removed it from default audio device in the old windows audio settings, even though it was still listed as default in the new Windows 11 audio settings. So in my case it's actually a Microsoft issue
Extremely accurate review, I love the headset but the software if definitely lacking.
I have these, and use them for work in an office. I can tell you the ANC is barely noticeable, and nowhere clos eto teh Sony MX series or Apple Airpod Max. Both of which I own personally or at work. Mic sounds good, and audio quality is good in my context.
I honestly had very low expectations when buying Arctis Nova Pro Wireless due to the gaming-headsets-are-bad trope (Maxwell is from an "audiophile" company, so it's not the same), but I just can't mine another goddam ore deposit or chop more goddam wood in Valheim without having something else to listen to, so I needed headphones that allowed me to mix audio from two different sound sources, and I needed the headphones to be wireless and noise isolating.
Using mainly K371, DT1770, WH1000XM5, and Maxwell for closed-back, and mainly OG Clear, OG Auteur, HD800S, and HE6 for open-back, I'm extremely impressed by Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. Good tonality, fairly neutral timbre, good clarity, good dynamics/punch, above-average soundstage (spatial audio disabled), cohesive imaging for music, and accurate imaging for gaming. I'd say detail retrieval is the biggest flaw. And I haven't EQ'd it yet. The active noise cancellation is also good (not great like WH1000XM5). Comfort feels great. I haven't had connectivity or software problems aside from Bluetooth noise when ANC is enabled, and popping and crackling when my bitrate was set to 24.
I own a set. I do not experience the hardware issues you experience. I do however experience the software issues. Like you, I have opted go forgo the software entirely and use the base station.
Prefer the Audeze Maxwell just to have the option of a 90mm planar for the high end. I’m not sure what the maxwell quality is like objectively , but it doesn’t seem as flimsy so far and it’s very adequate to good for headphones.
The audio issues tend to be related to windows itself when the device is detected and updated/synced. It has problems with the reset and device priority which are difficult to debug. I have a few different DAC/headphone outputs, so I’ve experienced a fair few more issues in this area. I also have EqualizerAPO and HeSuVi for Dolby Atmos, which gives a good bit more flexibility when it comes to tweaking and resetting audio glitches than relying on the windows 10/11 mixer and audio subsystem.
EarTrumpet is also useful for device switching and volume management too.
This can be tricky because of the headset vs audio subsystem. I tend to use nvidia broadcast noise reduction which is a more stable device than the headset device which can break due to wireless reset/restarting. Discord tends to have trouble with wireless because it can appear to work, or go robotic , or stop entirely until you quit discord and force quit to restart discord. It’s rare, but it’s infrequent.
I don’t have a strategy to fix discord easily, but I usually don’t have to restart windows, since that tends to break everything. Especially device priority when installing graphics drivers etc.
The maxwell are okay. It is probably a really good sounding WL-HS but directionality, Impact and lacking soundstage is my reason to give them back.
What I like the most about this thing is swap able batteries it could lasts for many years if you take a good care of it
I was trying to make up my mind between these and the Maxwells… but I remembered i dont like cans for gaming because of the hair dent and it gets hot for me (Arizona resident) after 1 hour of use. Plus, they’re heavy in comparison to iems.
My solution has been the audio technical ath series. Very light and breathable. Sound is OK
Please review the Audeze Maxwell
Have u ever tried asus rog theta 7.1?
hey please review the new oneplus nord buds 2
You know you can navigate the menu via the headphones you don't have to use the base station. Plus I have never had any issues with these headphones. Great for gaming and TH-cam music. Bluetooth via music on Android base abit weak. Over all great headphones. Bought these last year in Oct 22.
The only issue i have faced is the uncomfort in my ear due to the ANC knob. Other than that its perfect.
Thanks for an excellent video review, DMS. Yeah, the Arctis Nova Pro is not the best gaming headset at all, IMO. The price is a reflection of the features it offers and not the sound or mic quality.
Changing priority of steel series app can fix voice cracking issue.
Get wicked cushions, they make a heck of a difference for comfort
These headphones are great for gamers, meh for audiophiles but *godtier* for live streamers needing a line/output and the ability to connect up the three devices and be able to listen to those 3 simultaneously as well. Very useful for dual streaming PC setups do to the nature of there complexity AND the fact Bluetooth works with wireless at the same time so you can listen to your phone ring while playing a game etc.
This is exactly why I love them!
Thanks, a little message to support
i've been using it for almost a year, there was probably a bad version of the software AT MOST for a week until patched, it wasn't so bad. love the headset, the software is fine
I've had this headset for about 4 months and I haven't had any issues at all with it. In fact, I was coming from logitech G935 (which obviously are not in the same category) because I was having a lot of the same issues you're talking about with that headset after it working perfectly for years and years. This headset has been fine though.
As for the random loud beep, I think you're hitting the back button (circle low left next to the volume knob) with one of your fingers as you turn the dial. That makes a beep when you press it.
I had zero issues with Sonar using the wired verison. Not really sure why anyone except console gamers would use the wireless.
I own the Maxwell's also. Both devices have theur pros and cons. I switch between both depending on use case.
@Silver Fox they're very far from dogshit, kiddo. Do you think you're an 'audiophile' now you bought some Maxwells? 🤣
I would get loud buzzing sounds and would have to reset the transmitter every so often
Ironically enough the sound on these was so underwhelming for the price that I turned to audiophile headphone (never had touched anything but AirPods and beats before). Got an hd560s and a boom mic, and the sound is just worlds better and I now get to enjoy the 560s for music also. Now obviously, it’s wired. But I was able to grab steelseries’ wired dac for Xbox and use that with the line in port to gain dual audio input mixing. I thought I needed the noise cancelation. I thought I needed the wireless. However, I really don’t in my setup (at a desk). I should have EQ’ed the steelseries, for sure, but I didn’t know what to EQ. Ultimately, the 560s fits my needs perfectly. If I need something closed back down the line, I’ll look back into it. But for now, I’m absolutely thrilled with the 560s audio
These or audeze maxwell?
Aftermarket ear pads are a must for these. I bought some along with the headset and have never had any issues
It's not.
20 hours of run time - provided you remeember to turn off both the headset and the bluetooth side. It is cool you can have one or the other, but most of the time you forget and it kills the battery.
Any chance of reviewing the maxwell yourself on your own channel?
I bought this headset because I needed a upgrade from my old crappie turtle beach headset I loved it alot I’m probably going to use it until I upgrade to a microphone and pc setup
You must have had a faulty unit. I have been using my headset for months and had no single issues you described. Great feature is being able to use Bluetooth and wireless at the same time - you can have a call and play at the same time, at least until the other person understands you pay no attention to what they are saying...
yes they are🔥🔥🔥
I have a set on my Xbox and I love them😊
No measurements?
It is the best Wireless Gaming Headset. If you need Higher Level CODEC going with the Corded Version of Headset.. Most Versatile and being able to swap out battery on the fly is huge. Mic is Average and good enough for gaming and Cell Calls.
I would just stick with the ZMF Auteur Classic if I were you!
Wish they were as loud as the wired headaets
Bought these and now I miss my old razer blackshark headest...the sound is better at razer. ;/
Mine works fine
are the maxwell better?
out of the box sound wise? yeaaa, HELL YEA. But maxwell can't swap battery, can't EQ the microphone, no ANC & transparency mode, and don't have a base station. imo, you can tweak the sound signature via Sonar or Peace, so even if SS loses out of the box, you can always close the gap for free. But hardware? you get what you get, and that's it.
So yeah, unless you aren't so hell-bent about having THE BEST sound signature with a planar driver, I say nova is better.... assuming you don't hit software snag like DMS.
in many ways yes
@Silver Fox Wait what? Maxwell is BT 5.3 only? I mean, is the latency good? I've seen so many TWS in phones just fell flat in latency department with SBC codecs slowing them down. I'd really love to see a test with various BT versions though.
And for PC users, USB BT 5.3 adapters are... hard to find. Sure, you can find 5.3 adapters out there, but 99% of them uses the infamous ATS 2851 chip which doesn't have a driver and is bad with windows stock driver. BT 5.2 adapters is basically non-existent, and 5.1 adapters mostly is using that Barrot chip which is also hella jank (it being masquerading as CSR chip in device manager). The only decent USB BT adapter is only that realtek RTL 8671BUV, which is a BT 5.0 chip. So unless you have a free PCIe slot, and are willing to do some DIY slotting a card inside your PC, BT 5.3 is still kinda suck
Also, swappable battery. I cannot live without that anymore, but that's just me lol.
Edit: there's a latency test in rtings already. Maxwell scored a whopping 172ms latency with BT 5.0 SBC, while Nova scored 28ms via 2.4ghz connection with the dock. So yeah, superior sound quality out of the box, but MUCH higher latency. imo, for gaming, maybe you should prioritize latency.
really hard to find this review just searching the headset name. you should use some tags with the headset name or something. I couldn't find it not even writing the headphone show on the search box.
We get unfinished games and now unfinished products, this is the world we live in.
Thanks DMS! It sounds like these headphones are making you do some very strange things while you wear them. Truth be told, they may be at their best when they are locked in a drawer.
tbf Maxwell wasnt there when reviewers called nova 'best'
right now? Maxwell >>>> nova I think.
lol , why did you endure this for 6 months man :p
I've had these. I thought they sounded so bad that I returned for another pair. They still sucked arse. Even with the eq. My wired headphones ruined wireless gaming headphones for me. Can't believe this guy said they are good. Can't trust him anymore. Wonder how much he got paid 🥴
It can't be the best gaming headset if the software that runs on the PC is complete trash. When I searched for Audeze maxwell this video came up and I moused over the thumbnail and was interested by the nice battery switch. I think that it so cool that this headset has a little control box that can charge the batteries. For the record on my workstation PC I do work and play games, so the software having trouble when you are just trying to game is a let down. I'm trying to get a pair of Audeze maxwell just so I can have a reference for when the Sony takeover announced on August 23, 2023 takes full effect with their next headphone release. I should have grabbed the Maxwells back then, but I had just purchased my xm5s a little while before I knew the Maxwells. I'd want to get the steelseries if the software fix didn't require a hardware RMA... I hope in the future Steelseries Arctic nova pro can reach the Audeze Maxwell's level of quality from 2023.
Very clear answer in 2023, only get Razer if you have to absolutely have gaming centric brand, or go true audiophile and get headphones not wireless headsets. This has been proven, clearly. Just facts at this point
Clamp force for fat head people like me means I only get an hour or two before I need to take some tylonol.
The best gaming headset imo is the Audeze Maxwell and the best headphone that may be used for gaming is the Sennheiser 800 S. This nova 'pro' is frankly a plastic gimmick. I returned mine for a full refund. No regrets.
Here is a headphone looking for a much better user experience. Anything software this headphone will let you down. So much wanted this to be a win. So I will pass on this one. I hate glitches. I deal with those everyday, last thing I want is a headphone that glitches.
Who's they? Did they test every single headphone ever made? And what defines the best?
Maxwell's are out, why make this bro?
The best wireless Headset you can buy is the Audeze Maxwell.
9:39 screw this review, show gf playing cello!
cellos are awesome.
Get the audeze maxwell over these
Not fully functional with consoles though, you won’t have access to sonar. Best for PC maybe but consoles, no
The Best of the best of the best is audeze lcd gx
After that audeze mobius another gaming headsets ahhhhh 😂
I’ll stick with my SHP9500’s 😅
It's a solid headset with great audio but dont expect anything from the noise cancelling. It's practically non existent... I can still hear everything while the pressure is uncomfortable for my ears. My samsung galaxy buds 2 have superior noise cancellation. Everything else on it is great.
Glad it's not me I thought the anc wasn't working
@@m3nace1313 it isnt lol
Yours is defective, then. I use the headset in a room that has a lot of fan noise, and the ANC eliminates 95% of it. The ANC is almost as good as WH-1000XM5. And, comparing to IEMs is just stupid as IEMs with a proper fit intrinsically have better sound isolation than circumaural headphones/headsets.
@@tacanacy well there must be a lot of defective ones then lol
I own these. The headset itself is great The but the software is terrible.
Want the best. The Audeze Maxwell are better
They're also like twice the price and sold out literally everywhere.
tin cans compared to Maxwell
Here's a tip:
Buy the wired version, used if possible. Take the headphone and put it in the closet, pretend it's deadly and/or doesn't exist.
Use the DAC wired with your best easy-to-drive headphones. On both Xbox and PS, the surround sound features are pretty killer with this thing. (I can't speak for PC)
Maxwell is undeniably better. I owned both. It's not a contest.
That's cool, what about the weight?
@@deparoo the weight was concerning to me at first but it's actually not noticeable because the suspension strap does perfectly at distributing the weight
@@deparoo it’s only ever an issue when moving around, sitting and playing its perfectly comfortable
@@bobbbysalami that's nice to hear, I used to main HE4XX but 2 to 3 hours in and my neck is real sore so I switched to HD660s and man! Feather but missed that planer goodness.
Maxwell is definitely better in many ways agreed.