At gamescom 2022, SteelSeries unveiled its new Arctis Nova headset series. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7, 3 and 1 rely on a new design and are said to offer the best possible audio quality in their price range thanks to Sonar software.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 unveiled
The new top model among the introductions goes by the name of SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 and relies on many features that we already know from the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, which just a few days ago had cleared our Gold Award and continues to mark the top model of the series.
The design is quite similar and the Nova 7 also uses Sonar Audio software for customization and 360-degree spatial audio. We were particularly impressed with Sonar’s capabilities in testing:
I have not seen an even more customizable equalizer in any other gaming headset OR headphones so far. Because here you can adjust the 10-band EQ not only in the individual frequencies, but even fine-tune intermediate curves to the first decimal place – absurdly ingenious!
However, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 does without the ANC function of the Pro model. However, a dual wireless connection is also offered. Via USB-C dongle, a simultaneous playback of the sound from PC, PlayStation or Xbox consoles and much more is thus possible, as well as via Bluetooth also the playback of the sound from smartphone or tablet.
Powerful sound, long battery life
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 relies on 40mm neodymium drivers that cover a frequency band from 20Hz to 22,000Hz, with an impedance of 36 ohms. 360-degree Spatial Audio sound is also offered, which we liked very much in the Pro model. SteelSeries also once again installs the bi-directional ClearCast Gen 2 microphone.
The battery of the wireless Nova 7 is said to last up to 38 hours according to the manufacturer and also offers a quick-charge function, thanks to which 15 minutes on the mains is enough for 6 hours of playback.
With the Arctis Nova 7P and 7X, there are also technically identical versions for PlayStation and Xbox consoles, and only differ in terms of color accents. Xbox fans should reach for the 7X, as the regular Nova 7 is not designed for Microsoft consoles, but for PC, Mac, PlayStation, Switch, Meta Quest 2 and mobile devices.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 and 1 position themselves below
Positioned below the 7 are the more affordable SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 and 1. The 3, for example, relies on PrismSync RGB lighting, but can only be used via USB-C with cable and is compatible with PC, Mac, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.
The technical equipment is otherwise the same – including sonar and 360° Spatial Audio. The entry-level model goes by the name Arctis Nova 1 and is offered in white or black. Here, the connection is made via 3.5 mm jack.
- More from SteelSeries: Aerox 9 Wireless review: the ultimate MMO and MOBA mouse?
Prices and availability
All three SteelSeries headsets are available now directly from the manufacturer, as well as in stores. The MSRP for the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 is 199.99 euros. The Nova 3 is priced at 109.99 euros and the Nova 1 costs 69.99 euros. Once again, you can find more details on the product websites for the Nova 7, Nova 3 and Nova 1.
