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.
Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net.
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.
