2.6.2017

SteelSeries Arctis 7 wireless headsetUse: for PC mainlyWhat can I say about this headset except that they are pleasantly wonderful.The 7's have easily tunable bass levels, mid and low tones in the equalizer, if that isn't your thing to play with it has got pre-defined settings in the Steelseries Engine which you do have to download and install anyway.Gaming is just incredible you hear the footsteps behind you and the explosives around drawing you further in to the game.In Elite Dangerous you have immersion as you hop from system to system as you do your pirate thing of pillaging and of being a general nuisance to the community(There's always one).You can switch the sound surround off or on to taste in the SteelSeries Engine Software.Wireless,what a long range these things have for a gaming headset, they easily cover the full house(a large 4 bed house with thick walls and wooden floors), the only time it dropped out was near the fridge however that is big metal power hungry American fridge freezer and you would expect that to happen.I even went out into the garden with them and they worked, the receiver was on the 2nd floor in the back room facing the garden.Mic extremely good clarity it was noticed how clearer my voice was on TeamSpeak in comparison to my other headset.The one thing that did get me is the chat mix slider on the right side, I didn't understand what it really was and thought it was the volume control and I was wondering why the volume was so low.Once it dawned on me that the volume was on the left slider and this was for balancing between the chat and general volume I was off and running, I would have preferred the chat slider on the left side and the volume slider on the right but this is a very minor detail.They are very comfortable, they have modeled the head band on a ski googles type band, a bit unusual but I tell you it works, these things won't fall off or gave you any head pains, they don't feel tight at all and are light but robust, ear cups are soft and comfy and can be worn for long periods(sessions) at a time.I would have liked better colours options on the bands checking the website out they don't get any better, a complete black or green camo would have been better options, however the default headband you get with it is the best one out of the lot of them in my book.I will be being buying a spare as this band will wear out over use and time, hoping that they do just black.There is no complication in getting this setup just plug it in follow the instructions provided and have a play.Tips: Download the steelseries Engine manual and read it and also watch the how to configure you Arctis 7 video on the steelseries support web site to avoid any frustration and get to playing music and games quickly.There is no RGB which is a good thing as I don't like garish blinkity blink bulky headset such as the Logitch G933, a good headset though I am told but has issues with slipping off your head, not a good feature in my book.I originally bought the Lucid Sound LS40 but I think I got a duff set as I returned them however the experience and time spent on attempting to get these headsets to work on my pc really put me off replacing them for another headset, they were comfortable and visually really stunning.There was a couple of other niggly bits, such as the lack of software to manage sounds on this headset, with the LS40 that I personally think a headset at that price should have but I won't go into that here. I do think I had a duff set and it would be unfair to judge them in any way based on this, however I am really pleased with my second choice.I haven't used it on the XBOX/PS4 or mobile as this wasn't why I bought them but it's nice to have the option to plug them in if I so desire.I still have my old headset which are the Roccat Kave 5.1 analogues which I bought 4-5 years ago and the steelseries are by far better than the Kave's.One niggly bit is that these should have come with a Microphone Recording Filter as standard which it doesn't, they are charging £2.99 for it in their website and it is also unavailable, so there maybe be some Darth Vader moments until I get me one of these.I have only had them for less that 24hours and I tell you I am really impressed by them and good value for the price, they are robust and not flimsy at all.So all in all a solid choice for wireless for my pc so far and really happy with them.

20.3.2017

Want big headphones? You're in the right place. Because these are big headphones.That's not all I have to say about them, but it is the notable feature. I wore them outside a couple of times and I could tell people were thinking "wow, those are big headphones".The earphones fit well, there's a sort of elastic strap which it should be noted does adjust with a sort of fold-over-velcro arrangement. Of course, the downside to this is that the plastic headband is of a static size - and if your head is particularly small you're going to look like an old fashioned kettle with the giant handle of plastic coming out of your head.That aside - and that's really the only negative thing I have to say about it,oh, actually it's not. One more. It has a microphone which can be used on a phone, but a total absence of any button to press to initiate or end calls or talk to google or whatever your specific phone does. Meh. Oversight I'm sure. For me though, I rarely use headphones to take calls with so no loss.The sound quality is good. I had to delve into the equaliser in google play music as I found them a bit flat without that, but in game you're not bothered, and that's being picky. They're fine. Seriously. They also cut out a LOT of noise, they're really well insulated so your music doesn't get out and there's a fair reduction in external noise when you put them on. Mainly because they're "closed back" headphones but also they're as well insulated as ear defenders. Not that I suggest you use them as that.I didn't try the surround sound because I couldn't find any of my games that support it and couldn't be bothered then to download "yet another piece of software" to test out something I probably couldn't even use. I also read in other reviews that it's rubbish - 7.1 I mean, not specifically on these headphones. But seriously, which games support it?Cables annoy me but this one is long and relatively inoffensive. However it should be noted that if you're buying headphones with a reasonable focus on using them travelling, seriously consider bluetooth. Same goes to some extent with PC gaming (latency? What latency?). However, these ARE gaming headphones so we're cool with cables. It's all good. And the cable is long. Just remember not to walk away from the console/computer without taking the headphones off. Because we do that once we're used to bluetooth headphones. It never ends well.There's a super secret 3.5mm socket on the headphones which is described as...I forget the exact phrase and can't locate the manual now but it was called something like a 2nd headphone port. Some kind of linkup? I couldn't see any mention of what it does or where you can buy an adaptor. Thinking about it now, I might try some normal headphones, it might just be a passthrough for any headphones!Last point I think - the microphone that pulls out is great, well, the idea is great. In practice it's a bit weird because it's reminiscent of those weird lights you used to have on gameboys, the worm lights, the thing is a sort of bendy cable but always moves from where you leave it. It's still better than a fixed mic though, because it is very discreet when folded in.Summary? A big compromise for phones, but decent for gaming. Probably why they're called gaming headphones. Which is fine. But don't assume you'll be happy with them outside, they're bulky and they don't fold. But it's good to have the option and the arrangement of cables is useful, just don't lose the adaptor dongle you're not using. The PC one is the same one as the phone one by the way.

24.5.2018

Warning, I may waffle on.TL;DRGreat headset for the price. Sound stage is satisfying. Mic quality is above average. Software is rubbish, don't bother with it.Took me a few months to finally get around to these after trying quite a few other headsets and I'm very happy with them for the price.First things first. Ignore the software. I first plugged them in and they sounded pretty good. I installed the software and it killed the sound. It was awful. I uninstalled all the software and reset them to fix that. I have since installed an EQ and just boosted the bass by a few db. They sound brilliant now. Lacking a touch in the highs but then for the price I am extremely happy.I came from a pair of H-wireless (Siberia 800's)which were in my opinion the best wireless headset aimed at gamers made. So these Arctis 7's had big shoes to fill. They nearly did. They use the same drivers but they're tuned differently and in my opinion not as well. Still much better than other wireless headsets in the same price range (£90 - £150)Mic quality is pretty good. Not the "best in class" like they claim on the box but its clear enough and is well above average.Fit and comfort is top notch however. The goggle band used to suspend the headset does what they claim, however after a good few months (everyday for at least 5 hours) use it does start to do that thing that elastic does around the edges.. ripple? Undulates? See attached photo, might explain it better. This doesn't effect how it works and it's still doing its job admirably.The construction is solid. The metal band is flexible and strong. The hinges which are always a weak point look and feel pretty damn strong. No squeaks or looseness after months of use. The cups have a soft grip feel to them which is nice.The controls all work as intended and are easy and intuitive to use. However you have 2 volume rollers if you make use of the Chat Mix. The on/off button is alright but a touch bigger and better feedback would have been nice. The on/battery level/charging LED blinks when on. breaths when charging and when they're off and charging the Mute LED on the mic breaths instead. There is a Micro usb used for charging, a 3.5 for use of mobiles or any other non-usb device. And also a proprietary connection which I think is used for plugging into an xbox controller for the voice chat function. However I cannot confirm that last one as I've never used an xbox.Hmm what else. Oh yeah, I can get about 2 days continuous use out of the battery before I need to change them. I believe there are replaceable ear cups from the steelseries website, although I've not looked and I believe you can get replacment headbands from them as well.P.s., anyone wondering what that box is on top of the metal band, Its an EDTracker. Basically it's 2 axis head-tracking for Elite: Dangerous. A damn sight cheaper than TrackIR or a VR headset. =)

30.11.2018

If you're buying these for primarily stereo / analog use - music, movies etc - they're excellent. You'll have absolutely no regrets.Comfort: pretty much unmatched, especially at this price point. Again: you'll have absolutely no regrets.For gaming use... that's a yes and a no.[TL;DR - (for gaming use) the companion software does the job, just about, for positional audio, but an analog cable and a gaming grade soundcard is just a far better way to use these. (split analog cables are about £10 or £15 from Steelseries, I believe, and well worth it for gaming on these if you own a good soundcard already, or opt to acquire one). Think Xonar, SoundblasterZ, (even the old Recon cards) etc.Clarity and baseline quality is fantastic from these, the only caveat is positional audio - in game surround sound]The Arctis has been one of the most used headsets among pro gamers for quite some time now, but for an unexpected reason.While it's true that you're better off getting Arctis 3's (or using 5's / 7's with a split analog cable purchased separately from Steelseries) and a really good gaming soundcard for top notch positional surround sound, that is not a cheap setup (you can actually get good Recon's and Xonar's fairly cheap now though I believe, especially second hand, but still).For what these cost they actually do a pretty decent job of providing soundscape, and are, unlike stereo headsets, specifically designed to produce good soundscape, whether via their own (yes, rather underwhelming) companion software - which produces their 3D surround sound - or (ideally) via a high end PCIE soundcard. That's where these get more interesting.Companion Surround Sound software, such as these use, is never, ever going to match a dedicated surround sound enabled sound card. It's not possible. That's precisely why dedicated gaming soundcards exist. However, a headset designed for a surround sound soundscape, such as these, will always provide better results with a gaming card than a stereo headset will. That's where the entire Arctis line truly starts to shine, and why pro's tend to use them. That's especially true in the 2019 models, as all they really tweaked were the clarity and accuracy of the soundscape of the headsets themselves, not the tie in to their companion software. I own the pre-2019 (now called Legacy headset) and with a deent soundcard - mine is actually a nearly ten year old X-fi XtremeGamer - the quality I can squeeze out of them is truly excellent. And yes: surround sound from a ten year old soundcard (albeit the best gaming card of it's time) still matches if not surpasses companion software. Plugged into a modern gaming grade soundcard..? These could be absolutely stellar, I should think.

10.5.2017

Trying to keep this short and sweet.Box;Headset and a small accessories pouch that contains the manual, wireless adaptor, controller connector and charger cableSetup (Windows 10);Literally plugged the adaptor in, changed my sound/mic settings so it's the default device and that was it.I would like to point out here that the manual doesn't mention "Steel Series Engine" however it should because it unlocks the potential of this headset.Design;They fit my head out the box, so I haven't had to adjust them.It's weighty but not bulky, it's like the perfect weight between bulky and too light for me.The ear cups are comfy and when on they really do block out a decent amount of sound although.The buttons are easy to access,

4.11.2017

During my hunt for a wireless gaming headset I looked at countless brands across all sorts of different price points in an effort to find something that ticked all the boxes. It had to be wireless (because I like the convenience); it needed to be super comfortable (I wear glasses and have quite a big head); it needed to have a decent mic for party chat &, finally, it needed to sound good.I looked at countless headsets - to the point I was driving myself crazy! I looked at Turtle Beach Stealth 700's, Turtle Beach Thresher Ultimates, Logitech G933's, Corsair Void, Razor Man O War, Astro A50's (4th Gen), Steel Series H Wireless (Pro 800's) and, finally, the Steel Series Arctis 7's.

22.10.2017

The Arctis 7 headset is in most ways fantastic, the comfort when wearing the headset is phenomenal and barely feels like you're wearing such a large headset. The sound quality is great in stereo but much like any digital 7.1 audio solution out there the quality takes a dive off a cliff edge muddying the overall sound and destroying positional audio in games such as PUBG and Rainbow Six Siege. There are other issues with the audio but most of that is due to the EQ within the software supplied and can be tuned quite easily either within the Steelseries Engine or using third party software both ways get easily achievable results.

2.11.2017

I bought the Corsair Void headset, but the lead was too short, and the software was just a pain.My head is large as are my ears, but at 6ft 3" , I would look weird with a small head, I also wear glasses so any headset I get they have got to be good for a long while.Was at a loss at what to get, as idid love my Corsair 501s, but sound moves on, and does improve with new tec.Never had a set off these, so took a chance, as PC Gamer rate them high.I am 69 yrs of age play in a clan online, with other guys I have known for years, so my headset has to be good my wife is a PC widow ....lol.The nearest is very comfortable even with my glasses I can wear these for 5 or 6 hours at a long stretch with no problem.They adjust with a head band which at first I thought was weird,

13.3.2018

Having converted from my trusty PS3 to a PS4 i needed a new headset to replace my Logitech F540's. Certain comparisons will be drawn against these.First off, i think it's important to mention that this headset is 'compatible' with the PS4 but certainly not 'made for' the PS4. It is predmoiantly, like their entire range (from what i can see) a PC headset. When using on the PS4, you do lose certain features. Most notably, the DTS side of things.How important that is, i'm not sure as I've never experienced virtual surround headphones.What you do get for your money, however, is a very comfortable, stylish headset that has exceptional build quality.Getting up and running was very easy.

29.6.2018

Well I've been using these for a while now and I have absolutely no complaints. The black ones literally look like you're a design artist from the future. You will definitely not look like a gamer and can rock these indoors and outdoors. Sound quality is amazing, microphone works perfect (I've seen some reviews about a quiet mic but I never experienced that, I use discord daily) and the best part is the fit. The elastic band instead of having a soft cushion on your head takes away so much weight and as a person with glasses, this is amazing. Doesn't make your head explode after 2 hours of use. The microphone retracts quite far so if you're one of those "mumble-to-yourself" type of people you can just pull it up in front of your mouth.I've used these with my PS4 and PC.

26.8.2017

I've been known to be hesitant when spending money on a headset because I always thought that I could deal with the downsides of lower-priced hardware, e.g. non-braided cables, average sound quality etc in exchange for saving a bit of money. But after going through maybe 3-4 mid-range cans from Logitech/Hyper X and a few other gaming brands, I was finally getting sick of earpads that would become uncomfortable (with the exception of Hyper X) after a couple of hours, wires that would annoyingly tangle and get stuck in the corner of my desk, or tug on my ears, and attached mics that were really sub par - I finally decided to take the plunge and pay 3 figures for a high-end, wireless gaming headset.

2.5.2017

I initially had a few negatives with this headset. The lack of bass compared to my previous Razer Kraken was something that really irked me. But after drudging on, and using the equalizer provided with the steelseries engine I've managed to get the sound to be just right for me.As a long term review I want to make this perfectly clear. This is the strongest construction of a headset I've ever had, and I've been buying PC peripherals since I was 12 so you know I've been through quite a few! The retractable microphone still works flawlessly, the hardware buttons and volume wheels are easy to use and have a rigid, yet reliable feel to them. The ear pads aren't as comfortable as when i got them on day 1,

28.3.2018

This is my first SteelSeries product after previously sticking with Logitech wireless headphones. The Logitech ones developed cracks that lead to the earpiece detaching from the rest of the headset on one side. These feel solid, sit comfortably on my head and have very good sound reproduction. The microphone is a little weird but I like the reassuring button that clicks out then back in to mute and unmute. I don't have to wonder if I'm muted when I can see the red LED on the mic and the button is out.With that said there are a few points that I'd call annoying more than anything else. When you plug the headset in you will see two entries on your playback devices. SteelSeries (Game)

12.9.2017

This is a really good headset. The audio is crisp and doesn't have overpowering bass like I've experienced in different gaming headsets.The headset fits on my head nicely and is extremely light, but I feel the "airweave" are cushions are a little too soft for my liking and don't isolate external noise as good as I expected. Though I've ordered the leather earcups from the SteelSeries website as I've heard they are better, I've yet to test. It would of been nice to have the leather ones included with the headset so you have the choice, but oh well.The mic is good and cancels out noise perfectly (typing on keyboard, mouse clicking etc) without sacrificing quality. The only downside with the mic,

7.6.2017

Bought this off a blowout of a deal on ebay - £30 as "bargain". Funny part is that they were surmised as the Arctis 3's that I had bought, which are much more finnicky to activate 7.1 and do not come with an RGB setup. Instead, I got of these in the post, so you can tell I was very, VERY pleased.Anyway, considering my offset of blind luck, These are great. Certainly beats my old Lifechat LX-3000 and my broken turtlebeachs which lasted less than a month.Audio quality for me is beyond astounding, despite everyone else's issues. Yes, the bass is somewhat lacking if that's what your looking for, but this can be easily remedied via the Steelseries Engine with it's custom equalizer settings and presets.

SteelSeries Arctis 3 - Reviews

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