As a technology enthusiast and self-proclaimed audiophile, I’m always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in headphone technology. It’s not every day that you come across a pair of headphones that not only deliver exceptional sound quality but also offer a seamless gaming experience. Enter the SteelSeries Arctis 7, a wireless gaming headset that has quickly garnered the attention and admiration of gamers and audiophiles alike. In this in-depth review, we’ll dive into the unique features and unparalleled performance of the SteelSeries Arctis 7, exploring what sets this headset apart from the competition and whether it’s truly worth the hype.
Table of Contents
SteelSeries Arctis 7 product information
History
The story of the SteelSeries Arctis 7 headphones begins with the Danish company SteelSeries, which was founded in 2001 by Jacob Wolff-Petersen. Originally focused on creating innovative gaming peripherals, the company’s commitment to quality and cutting-edge technology soon earned it a loyal following among gamers and esports enthusiasts.
Over the years, SteelSeries has built a strong reputation for its gaming mice, keyboards, and headsets. However, it wasn’t until 2016 that the company decided to venture into the wireless gaming headset market. This marked the inception of the Arctis line, which was designed to cater to the needs of gamers who craved an immersive audio experience without compromising on comfort and style.
The development of the Arctis 7 was a collaborative effort between SteelSeries’ engineers, designers, and the gaming community. The goal was to create a headset that could deliver exceptional audio performance, a lag-free wireless connection, and intuitive controls that catered to both casual and professional gamers.
Drawing inspiration from professional ski goggles, SteelSeries developed a unique suspension headband for the Arctis 7 to ensure a comfortable fit for users, regardless of head size or shape. Furthermore, the team implemented the company’s proprietary S1 speaker drivers, which were specifically engineered to reduce distortion and produce detailed, well-balanced soundscapes.
After countless prototypes and rigorous testing, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 was finally unveiled in 2017. The headset was an instant success, receiving numerous awards and accolades from both gaming and audiophile communities. Praised for its impressive sound quality, comfort, and versatile design, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 has become a benchmark for excellence in the wireless gaming headset market.
Specification
| Specification | SteelSeries Arctis 7 |
|---|---|
| Year of Manufacture | 2017 |
| Company | SteelSeries |
| Official Website | https://www.steelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-7 |
| Fit Type | Over-Ear |
| Item Dimensions | 7.76 x 6.89 x 3.58 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.78 lbs (354 grams) |
| Special Features | Wireless, Retractable Microphone, Ski Goggle Suspension |
| Driver Size | 40mm |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ohms |
| Bluetooth Version | N/A (Uses 2.4 GHz Wireless Connection) |
| Bluetooth Range | N/A |
| ANC Modes | N/A |
| Audio Codec | Lossless 2.4 GHz Wireless Audio |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours |
| Charging Time | Approximately 3.5 hours |
| Quick Charging | No |
| Controls | On-Ear Volume and Chat Mix, Mic Mute, Power Button |
| Price | $149.99 (at the time of release, may vary) |
What is included in the delivery set?
The delivery set of the SteelSeries Arctis 7 headphones includes the following items:
- SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless Gaming Headset
- Wireless Transmitter (for the 2.4 GHz wireless connection)
- Mobile/Console cable (4-pole 3.5mm)
- Micro-USB Charging Cable
- User Guide
- Product Information Guide
This comprehensive set provides everything you need to start enjoying your gaming and audio experiences right out of the box, whether you plan to use the headset with your PC, gaming console, or mobile device.
What about design, materials, assembly?
Design:
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 boasts a sleek and modern design that caters to both gamers and audiophiles. The headset features an adjustable, ski goggle-inspired suspension headband, which evenly distributes weight and provides a comfortable fit for various head shapes and sizes. The earcups are designed to swivel, allowing for a personalized fit and easy storage. On the left earcup, you’ll find intuitive controls for volume, chat mix, and microphone mute, as well as the power button.
Materials:
SteelSeries emphasizes the use of premium materials for the Arctis 7 to ensure durability and comfort. The suspension headband is made from a lightweight, durable steel alloy, while the outer headband fabric is soft and breathable. The ear cushions are constructed from a high-quality, breathable AirWeave fabric, which helps keep your ears cool and dry during extended gaming sessions.
The earcup housings are made from a sturdy yet lightweight plastic material that houses the 40mm S1 speaker drivers, while the retractable microphone is made from a flexible rubber material, allowing you to position it as needed.
Assembly:
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 is meticulously assembled with a focus on quality and durability. The headset’s components are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use without compromising on comfort or performance. The swiveling earcups, adjustable headband, and retractable microphone all contribute to the headset’s overall ease of use and adaptability, making it suitable for a wide range of users and preferences.
What about ergonomics and usability SteelSeries Arctis 7?
Ergonomics:
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 places a strong emphasis on ergonomics, ensuring that users can enjoy extended gaming or listening sessions without discomfort. The ski goggle-inspired suspension headband adapts to different head sizes and shapes, providing a comfortable and secure fit. This unique design evenly distributes the weight of the headset, reducing pressure points and avoiding strain on the user’s head and neck.
The AirWeave fabric ear cushions are not only soft and comfortable, but they also offer excellent breathability, helping to keep your ears cool and dry. The swiveling earcups allow for a personalized fit and make it easy to store the headset when not in use.
Usability:
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 excels in usability, offering intuitive on-ear controls that make adjusting volume, chat mix, and microphone mute a breeze. The power button is also conveniently located on the left earcup, making it easy to turn the headset on and off.
The retractable microphone allows users to position it according to their preferences, ensuring clear communication during gaming sessions. When not in use, the microphone can be easily tucked away inside the earcup, maintaining the headset’s sleek appearance.
The wireless transmitter included with the Arctis 7 ensures a lag-free audio experience with a range of up to 40 feet (12 meters), allowing users to move around freely without being tethered to their devices. The headset is compatible with a wide range of devices, including PCs, Macs, gaming consoles, and mobile devices, thanks to the included 3.5mm mobile/console cable.
With up to 24 hours of battery life, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 allows for extended gaming sessions without the need for constant charging. The micro-USB charging cable makes it easy to recharge the headset when needed.
In summary, the ergonomics and usability of the SteelSeries Arctis 7 make it a versatile and user-friendly option for gamers and audiophiles alike, offering comfort, convenience, and seamless operation.
What about connection, control and software?
Connection:
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 utilizes a 2.4 GHz wireless connection, offering a lag-free audio experience with a range of up to 40 feet (12 meters). The wireless transmitter included with the headset provides a seamless connection to PCs, Macs, and gaming consoles, ensuring crystal-clear audio and reliable performance.
For mobile devices and consoles that do not support the wireless transmitter, the Arctis 7 also includes a 4-pole 3.5mm mobile/console cable, making it compatible with a wide range of devices.
Control:
The Arctis 7 features intuitive on-ear controls that make it easy to adjust volume, chat mix, and microphone mute. The volume and chat mix dials are conveniently located on the left earcup, allowing users to make quick adjustments without interrupting their gaming or listening experience. The power button is also located on the left earcup, making it easy to turn the headset on and off.
Software:
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 is compatible with the SteelSeries Engine software, which allows users to customize their audio settings and preferences. The software offers features such as equalizer presets, DTS Headphone:X v2.0 surround sound customization, and microphone settings, allowing users to tailor the audio experience to their individual preferences.
With the SteelSeries Engine software, users can also configure the headset’s illumination settings and create custom profiles for different applications or games, ensuring an optimized audio experience for every situation.
In conclusion, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 offers a reliable and versatile connection, intuitive controls, and customizable software features, making it an excellent choice for gamers and audiophiles seeking a seamless and personalized audio experience.
How’s the sound quality?
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 delivers exceptional sound quality, thanks to its combination of high-quality components and advanced audio technologies. The headset’s sound signature can be described as well-balanced, with a focus on clarity and detail across the entire frequency spectrum.
- S1 Speaker Drivers: The Arctis 7 is equipped with SteelSeries’ proprietary S1 speaker drivers, which have been specifically engineered to reduce distortion and produce a balanced, natural sound. These 40mm drivers are capable of delivering precise audio reproduction, ensuring that users can hear every detail in their games, music, or movies.
- Frequency Response: With a frequency response range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, the Arctis 7 covers the entire audible spectrum, ensuring that users can enjoy a full and dynamic audio experience. The headset’s bass response is tight and controlled, providing a solid foundation for the overall sound signature without overpowering the midrange and treble frequencies.
- Midrange and Treble: The Arctis 7 excels in its reproduction of midrange and treble frequencies, delivering clear and detailed audio that allows users to easily distinguish individual instruments and sound effects. The headset’s midrange is smooth and natural, while the treble is crisp and well-articulated, ensuring an immersive audio experience for both gaming and music listening.
- Soundstage and Imaging: The SteelSeries Arctis 7 offers an impressive soundstage and accurate imaging, which contribute to its immersive audio experience. The headset’s soundstage is wide and expansive, providing a convincing sense of space and depth. The imaging is precise, allowing users to accurately pinpoint the location of individual sound sources in their gaming environment or music.
- DTS Headphone:X v2.0 Surround Sound: The Arctis 7 also supports DTS Headphone:X v2.0 surround sound technology, which enhances the headset’s spatial audio capabilities. This feature can be customized using the SteelSeries Engine software, enabling users to fine-tune their surround sound experience for various applications and games.
Overall, the sound quality of the SteelSeries Arctis 7 is exceptional, offering a well-balanced and immersive audio experience that caters to both gamers and audiophiles. The headset’s combination of high-quality components, advanced audio technologies, and customizable software features ensures that users can enjoy a personalized and optimized audio experience for any situation.
What about the energy efficiency and battery life?
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 is designed with energy efficiency in mind, offering a long-lasting battery life that allows users to enjoy extended gaming or listening sessions without constant interruptions for recharging.
Battery Life:
The Arctis 7 is equipped with a high-capacity rechargeable battery that provides up to 24 hours of continuous use on a single charge. This extended battery life ensures that users can enjoy all-day gaming marathons or multiple days of regular usage without worrying about running out of power.
Energy Efficiency:
The headset features an auto-shutdown function that turns off the device automatically after a certain period of inactivity. This smart feature helps conserve battery life and ensures that the headset remains energy efficient even when users forget to turn it off manually.
Charging:
The Arctis 7 can be conveniently charged using the included micro-USB charging cable. The charging time for a completely depleted battery is approximately 3.5 hours, allowing users to quickly recharge the headset and resume their gaming or listening sessions.
While the Arctis 7 does not support quick charging, its long-lasting battery life and energy-efficient design ensure that users can enjoy extended periods of use without constantly needing to recharge the headset.
In conclusion, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 offers excellent energy efficiency and battery life, making it a reliable and convenient choice for gamers and audiophiles who require a wireless headset that can keep up with their demanding usage patterns.
Comparison & Review
What are similar headphones in features and cost?
Two similar headphones in features and cost to the SteelSeries Arctis 7 are the Logitech G Pro X Wireless and the HyperX Cloud Flight.
- Logitech G Pro X Wireless:
The Logitech G Pro X Wireless is a gaming headset that offers a comparable set of features to the SteelSeries Arctis 7. It features a lag-free 2.4 GHz wireless connection, a comfortable and adjustable headband, and customizable audio settings through the Logitech G HUB software. The headset is equipped with 50mm Pro-G drivers that deliver impressive sound quality and DTS Headphone:X 2.0 surround sound for an immersive gaming experience. The battery life is slightly lower than the Arctis 7, providing up to 20 hours of continuous use. The price of the Logitech G Pro X Wireless is typically around $200, making it a bit more expensive than the Arctis 7.
The HyperX Cloud Flight is another wireless gaming headset that shares many features with the SteelSeries Arctis 7. It offers a comfortable design with a durable steel slider, 50mm drivers for powerful audio, and intuitive on-ear controls. The headset uses a 2.4 GHz wireless connection for lag-free audio and is compatible with PCs, PS4, and PS5 consoles. The battery life of the HyperX Cloud Flight is quite impressive, offering up to 30 hours of continuous use on a single charge. The headset does not come with customizable software like the Arctis 7, but it provides a solid gaming experience at a similar price point, typically ranging from $130 to $160.
Both the Logitech G Pro X Wireless and the HyperX Cloud Flight offer a similar feature set and price range to the SteelSeries Arctis 7, making them viable alternatives for gamers and audiophiles seeking a high-quality wireless gaming headset.
Compare with similar items
| Specification | SteelSeries Arctis 7 | Logitech G Pro X Wireless | HyperX Cloud Flight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of Manufacture | 2017 | 2020 | 2018 |
| Company | SteelSeries | Logitech | HyperX |
| Official Website | https://www.steelseries.com/ | https://www.logitechg.com | https://www.hyperxgaming.com/ |
| Fit Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Item Dimensions | 7.76 x 6.89 x 3.58 inches | 5.43 x 3.70 x 7.68 inches | 7.48 x 3.42 x 7.36 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.78 lbs (354 grams) | 0.82 lbs (372 grams) | 0.66 lbs (300 grams) |
| Special Features | Wireless, Retractable Mic | Wireless, Detachable Mic | Wireless |
| Driver Size | 40mm | 50mm | 50mm |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ohms | 32 Ohms | 32 Ohms |
| Bluetooth Version | N/A (2.4 GHz Wireless) | N/A (2.4 GHz Wireless) | N/A (2.4 GHz Wireless) |
| Bluetooth Range | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| ANC Modes | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Audio Codec | Lossless 2.4 GHz Wireless | N/A | N/A |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours | Up to 20 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Charging Time | Approx. 3.5 hours | Approx. 3.5 hours | Approx. 3 hours |
| Quick Charging | No | No | No |
| Controls | On-Ear Volume, Chat Mix, Mic Mute, Power Button | On-Ear Volume, Mic Mute, Power Button | On-Ear Volume, Mic Mute, Power Button |
| Price | $149.99 (at release, may vary) | $200 (may vary) | $130-$160 (may vary) |
How do SteelSeries Arctis 7 users describe their experience with these headphones?
SteelSeries Arctis 7 users generally describe their experience with these headphones in positive terms, highlighting several key aspects:
- Comfort: Many users praise the Arctis 7 for its exceptional comfort, thanks to the ski goggle-inspired suspension headband and breathable AirWeave ear cushions. Users often report that they can wear the headset for extended periods without discomfort or fatigue.
- Sound Quality: Users appreciate the well-balanced sound signature, which delivers clear and detailed audio across the entire frequency spectrum. The immersive soundstage, accurate imaging, and support for DTS Headphone:X v2.0 surround sound also receive positive feedback from gamers who value an immersive audio experience.
- Wireless Performance: The lag-free 2.4 GHz wireless connection is a highlight for many users, who appreciate the freedom to move around without being tethered to their devices. The reliable connection and impressive range make the Arctis 7 a popular choice for gamers seeking a high-quality wireless headset.
- Battery Life: Users generally find the 24-hour battery life to be more than sufficient for extended gaming sessions or multi-day use without constant recharging. The headset’s energy-efficient design and auto-shutdown feature also receive praise for helping to conserve battery life.
- Microphone Quality: The retractable ClearCast microphone is noted for its excellent clarity and noise-cancellation capabilities, ensuring clear communication during gaming sessions. The ability to retract the microphone when not in use is also appreciated for maintaining the headset’s sleek appearance.
- Software Customization: Users enjoy the ability to customize their audio settings and preferences using the SteelSeries Engine software, which allows for further fine-tuning of the listening experience.
However, some users may have minor complaints regarding the build quality, with a few reports of the plastic components feeling less durable than expected. Additionally, some users may wish for a quicker charging time or a more advanced codec for wireless audio transmission.
Overall, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 offers a largely positive user experience, with its comfort, sound quality, wireless performance, and battery life standing out as key strengths.
Pros and cons of headphones SteelSeries Arctis 7
| Positive Aspects | Negative Aspects |
|---|---|
| Exceptional comfort with ski goggle-inspired suspension headband and breathable AirWeave ear cushions | Some users may find the build quality and plastic components less durable than expected |
| Well-balanced sound signature, immersive soundstage, and accurate imaging | Lacks advanced codec for wireless audio transmission |
| Lag-free 2.4 GHz wireless connection with reliable performance and impressive range | Charging time could be shorter |
| 24-hour battery life with energy-efficient design and auto-shutdown feature | |
| ClearCast retractable microphone with excellent clarity and noise-cancellation capabilities | |
| Customizable audio settings and preferences using SteelSeries Engine software |
Conclusions
In conclusion, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 is an outstanding wireless gaming headset that offers a comfortable fit, excellent sound quality, and a reliable wireless connection. The headset’s well-balanced sound signature, immersive soundstage, and accurate imaging make it suitable for both gaming and music listening. The ClearCast retractable microphone provides clear communication, while the 24-hour battery life ensures users can enjoy extended gaming sessions without frequent recharging.
The ability to customize audio settings through the SteelSeries Engine software further enhances the user experience. While there may be some minor concerns regarding build quality and charging time, the overall performance of the SteelSeries Arctis 7 makes it a top choice for gamers and audiophiles seeking a versatile and high-quality wireless headset.
Our Review
SteelSeries Arctis 7. Basic questions, basic answers
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Does Arctis 7 have noise Cancelling mic?
Yes, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 features a noise-cancelling microphone. The ClearCast retractable microphone is designed with bidirectional, noise-cancellation capabilities to ensure clear communication during gaming sessions by effectively filtering out background noise. This allows your voice to come through clearly, even in noisy environments.
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Why does my Arctis 7 sound bad?
There could be several reasons why your Arctis 7 headset might sound bad:
1. Incorrect settings: Your audio settings in the SteelSeries Engine software, operating system, or the application you are using may not be optimized or could be incorrectly configured.
2. Poor connection: A weak or unstable wireless connection might cause audio issues like stuttering or distortion.
3. Hardware issues: There could be a defect or damage to the headset’s internal components, such as the drivers or internal wiring.
4. Interference: Other electronic devices or wireless signals may cause interference, affecting the sound quality.
To resolve these issues, check your audio settings, ensure a strong wireless connection, eliminate potential sources of interference, and inspect your headset for any visible damage. If problems persist, consider contacting SteelSeries customer support for further assistance.
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