Pros
Excellent sound quality with clear, crisp audio and natural bass
Superb positional audio, enhancing gaming experience
Hi-Res audio capability offers exceptional music quality
Comfortable for long usage with breathable ear cushions
Durable build with high-quality materials
GameDAC allows extensive audio customization
User-friendly SS Engine 3 software
Good microphone quality with noise cancellation
Customizable RGB lighting
Versatile with multiple input options including 3.5mm and optical
Cons
Weak hinge design prone to breaking over time
Price is relatively high
Proprietary cables can be a hassle to replace
Main Product Advantages
10 Sound Quality
The sound quality of the SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC is exceptional, with clear, crisp audio that stands out even at high volumes. The neutral, punchy bass and excellent positional audio provide an immersive gaming experience.
9 GameDAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter)
The GameDAC provides extensive customization options, including a 10-slider EQ and DTS:x 2.0 virtual surround sound. It's user-friendly and enhances audio quality significantly.
8 Comfort
The headset is extremely comfortable for long gaming sessions. The breathable ear pads and flexible headband make it comfortable to wear. Adjustment issues may arise for users with larger heads.
8 Microphone
The retractable microphone provides clear voice quality and has good noise-cancelling features. The mic mute button is functional but may produce a pop sound.
8 Software
SteelSeries Engine software is intuitive and user-friendly, with features to create multiple audio profiles. However, some find it less versatile compared to other options like Dolby.
7 Build Quality
Built with quality materials, including a sturdy metal frame and aluminum components. However, some users have experienced hinge breakage over time.
7 RGB Lighting
RGB lighting is subtle and customizable, including an indicator on the microphone to show when it is active or muted, appealing to users who prefer these features.
6 Price
Priced at over $200, the headset offers great features and sound quality but falls short in durability, making it a less optimal choice for long-term use.
5 Durability
While the overall build is robust, the headset's durability is compromised by recurring issues with the hinge, raising questions about its long-term reliability.
Product Review: SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC Wired Gaming Headset
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC is a groundbreaking gaming headset that sets a new standard with its certified hi-res audio system. This ensures that gamers experience high-fidelity 96 kHz/24-bit full resolution audio at its purest, with no down-sampling. This kind of quality in gaming audio is unprecedented, providing an immersive and detailed soundscape.
The inclusion of the legendary ESS Sabre DAC and amp in the gaming audio system elevates its performance, delivering precise and powerful sound. The combination of these top-tier components means that every audio detail is captured, from the deepest bass to the highest treble, making it a must-have for audiophiles and hardcore gamers alike.
Design-wise, the Arctis Pro + GameDAC does not disappoint. It is crafted from luxury materials such as polished steel and aluminum alloy, giving it a robust and premium feel. The exclusive Arctis ski goggle headband and AirWeave performance fabric ear cushions add to the comfort, allowing for extended gaming sessions without discomfort.
The headset also features a studio-quality ClearCast microphone, which provides unparalleled voice clarity and background noise cancellation. This is crucial for in-game communication, ensuring that your voice is heard clearly without any distracting background noise. The microphone's frequency response ranges from 100 to 10,000 Hz, while the speaker drivers have a headphone frequency response of 10 to 40,000 Hz, and the GameDAC itself has a frequency response of 5 to 40,000 Hz. This wide range ensures that both the input and output audio are of the highest quality.
Conclusion
Overall, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC Wired Gaming Headset is a top-tier product that combines advanced audio technology, high-quality materials, and thoughtful design. It promises and delivers an unparalleled gaming audio experience, making it a worthwhile investment for serious gamers and audio enthusiasts.
