Gaming Audio Done Right
The Arctis line of SteelSeries has been a crowd favorite ever since its first day on the shelf. The SteelSeries Arctis 7, retained such a fan base thanks to its cost efficiency and performance.
With its wireless build, multi-platform compatibility, and DTS Headphone: X v2.0 Surround Sound, you may think, this offer is too good to be true. That thinking is normal as choosing the perfect gaming headset is a serious business. Let’s see what this headset has to offer.
- Designed for gaming, the 2.4 grams connection delivers rock solid, lossless wireless audio with ultra-low latency and zero interference
- Widely recognized as the best mic in gaming, the discord certified clear cast microphone delivers studio quality voice clarity and background noise cancellation
- Sound is your competitive advantage with the s1 speaker drivers, engineered to produce ultra-low distortion audio so you hear every detail Effective Range: 12 m / 40 ft
- Immerse yourself in 360 degrees of precision audio with next generation DTS headphone: x v2.0 7.1 surround sound (pc only)
- 24 hour battery life
Build and Design
Most gamers look for efficient gaming gear that is also aesthetically pleasing. When you take the Arctis 7 out of its box, it literally exudes a classy aura. The overall build quality is fabulous, and I love the fact that it is not strewn with abstract markings or RGB lighting effects.
I appreciate this break from all the fancy lightings that have become obligatory additions on gaming gear across the board. SteelSeries has gone as far as offering the Arctis 7 in two colors – black and white.
Gamers tend to wear their headsets for a long time, so heftier headsets might be a turnoff for most. This is not an issue with the Artics 7 because it is surprisingly light at only 12.5 ounces. In fact, this is a headset that you could freely wear all day without feeling any discomfort.
Headband
Unlike other brands that use more traditional approaches to the headband, SteelSeries did something different. It equipped the Arctis 7 with something like a ski-goggle band that is elastic, comfortable, and seems to work better than the traditional ones. Adjustability is the main advantage of the headband and is an important feature as gamers’ heads come in all sizes.
Earcups and Controls
It seems that sophistication and class are what the Arctis 7 is all about. It is furnished with matte plastic earcups that are cushioned on the inside with memory foam and soft fabric pads. All this secured with sturdy stitching.
The controls are well-placed and easily accessible. They are pretty standard, including volume, mic mute, and a chat mix scroll wheel.
Sound and Performance
I tested the Arctis 7 on Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Outlast 2, and this device delivered an immersion overload thanks to its DTS Headphone: X v2.0 Surround Sound.
It seems that the next generation of DTS surround sound is not just good on paper as the Headphone: X v2.0 technology really immerses you in whatever genre you are playing. It also delivers incredibly accurate positional sound cues, perfect when playing highly competitive FPS games.
Well, FPS gamers are known to favor gaming gear that gives them a tactical advantage, such as accurate FPS mice and lag-free monitors. So, it’s only natural that they would choose a headset for optimum performance.
One downside of the Arctis 7 is that it doesn’t support Surround Sound on consoles. The DTS experience is PC exclusive, and though you can use this headset also with consoles, you won’t be able to fully utilize its features.
Aside from this, the Arctis 7 has a powerful bass and balanced mids. Though the bass will be powerful enough for some, others may find it lacking a bit of thump. Overall, most users will be delighted with these cans as they have versatile uses.
Microphone
With the retractable microphone, the Arctis 7 stayed true to its classy profile. Performance wise the boom microphone is very good. During a test call via Discord, the squad could hear me well during our Apex Legends match. However, this is not the quality you are looking for if you are planning to use the mic for streaming.
Software and Connectivity
Some might stay clear of wireless connectivity due to fear of latency. Fortunately, the Arctis 7 has a 2.4GHz connection versus Bluetooth, which is not fully reliable. The wireless range is decent, as it can handle up to 12 meters without breaking the connection.
Another downside is related to multi-platform connectivity. Aside from no Surround Sound feature, the Arctis 7 will only work as a wired headset with an Xbox One console. If you are a Nintendo Switch owner, you will enjoy the fully wireless feature, however, not the Surround Sound, of course, during its docked mode.
You can customize the sound profile via the SteelSeries Engine app. It has a friendly interface, which allows you to tweak the mic, the equalizer, and the DTS Surround Sound.
Battery Life
One of the disadvantages of wireless devices is the need to constantly monitor the battery level. SteelSeries claims that the Arctis 7 can last for 24 hours of continued usage on a single charge. It is recharged easily via a USB cable and not a cradle, which is quite the trend with wireless headsets nowadays.
Final Verdict
Overall, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 is an amazing PC headset, although console players cannot enjoy the Surround Sound, which is the headset’s strongest point. However, we can’t deny that the Arctis 7 is great for gaming; it is comfortable and delivers at par during extended gaming sessions. Not to mention its immersive gaming qualities. If you are a PC only player, then the Arctis 7 will not let you down, but if gaming in consoles is your thing, then this might not be for you.
- Designed for gaming, the 2.4 grams connection delivers rock solid, lossless wireless audio with ultra-low latency and zero interference
- Widely recognized as the best mic in gaming, the discord certified clear cast microphone delivers studio quality voice clarity and background noise cancellation
- Sound is your competitive advantage with the s1 speaker drivers, engineered to produce ultra-low distortion audio so you hear every detail Effective Range: 12 m / 40 ft
- Immerse yourself in 360 degrees of precision audio with next generation DTS headphone: x v2.0 7.1 surround sound (pc only)
- 24 hour battery life
