No sooner has the Arctis 9 Wireless seen the light of day than SteelSeries already presents a new gaming headset. However, the Arctis 7P is not a new technical achievement, but rather a new edition of the most award-winning gaming headset of all time. After all, the Arctis 7 with its lossless 2.4 Ghz sounds and long battery life has never made the hearts of gamers beat faster.
Just in time for the release of the PlayStation 5 on November 19 this year, the Danish peripheral manufacturer is bringing out a new edition of its blockbuster. Visually and technically refined, the manufacturer has adapted its gaming headset to the PS5 and thus expanded its headset family.
For the new Xbox Series X, the Arctis 7 Wireless also comes in a new guise, but unfortunately SteelSeries is disappointing with the news that the Xbox variant Arctis 7X will only be released in the USA so far. The reason for two new headsets is only that the connectivity of Xbox and PlayStation still has different requirements.
We took a look at the new edition of the Arctis 7 and show you if the 7P is technically enhanced or just painted over it with a brush.
Technical Details
| Shape: | Over-Ear |
| Range: | radio, Bluetooth |
| Distance with wireless: | 12 m |
| Battery life: | 24 hours |
| Diaphragm diameter: | 40 mm |
| Impedance: | 32 Ohm |
| Frequency range: | 20 Hz – 20.000 Hz |
| Impedance (microphone): | 2,200 Ohm |
| Sensitivity (microphone): | -38 dBV |
| Frequency range (microphone): | 100 Hz – 6,500 Hz |
| Package contents: | USB-C to USB-A adapter, USB-C dongle, charging cable |
| Price: | € 29.95 * |
Outside innovations
We keep the tension subtle and dissolve it directly, which is new about the SteelSeries 7P’s compared to the original Arctis 7. On the one hand, there’s the revised design, which cannot be overlooked. Whereby SteelSeries did not tear out any trees during the revision: The ski strap with a linear look is replaced by a pure black one, the logo sewn on it changes to a blue on white background and the steel bow gets an equally blue inner lining.
Otherwise, the Arctis 7P retains the look of the original headset. Basically, SteelSeries was all about colour harmony with the new futuristic design of the PlayStation 5, which is being launched for the first time since Sony’s console series was launched in a white with blue accents. Previously, black and grey were considered the main colors.
Internal innovations
There is also no news about innovations compared to the Arctis 7 Wireless with regard to the inner workings of the 7P. A significant difference can be seen in the transmitter. Instead of the wireless transmitter with USB cable, as it is delivered with the Arctis 7, the 7P gets a USB-C dongle. This is much more flexible and provides the new member of the Arctis family not only with connectivity to the PS5, but also to PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC and Android devices. However, the USB dongle is nothing new, but an old acquaintance, as it was already developed for the Arctis 1 models.
Furthermore, the Chatmix control, which is also known from Arctis 9, is replaced on the left earcup. On the SteelSeries Arctis 7P, a slider of the same shape can now be used to make fine adjustments to the background noise of the microphone.
What the Arctis 7P has to offer
The Arctis series headset comes around the corner with a battery life of 24 hours. This gives you enough time to hold distinctive gaming sessions without worrying about batteries and cables – or day and night. Just as it should be for gaming headphones.
And you don’t just have to play with them at home, you can also use the SteelSeries Arctis 7P on the road. Whether you want to listen to music on the way to work or show off your individual skills in mobile games in the same way: with the practical USB-C dongle it’s more than easy.
Class sound
Basically, the most important points with a headset are the sound and the microphone quality. And what can we say: the quality of SteelSeries is and remains stunning. You can expect a lot from the Danes when it comes to audio.
Compatible with Tempest 3D AudioTech, the surround technology built into the PlayStation 5, the headphones offer a great gaming experience. Regardless, the 40mm neodymium drivers deliver powerful sound that makes even subtle sounds audible. So even without Tempest 3D AudioTech, there’s plenty going on in your ears when the Arctis 7P is connected to a switch, PC or Android device, for example.
The microphone used on aircraft carriers
As you are used to with Arctis headsets, the microphone can be retracted on the 7P. When in use, its dual-directional design provides optimal noise cancellation and a clear voice. The ClearCast microphone is so good at this that it is even used on aircraft carriers as a communication between crew members on deck.
Together with the comfort of ski goggles suspension and soft padding, it’s the perfect headset to get the most out of your PS5 from November 19, 2020.
Software without many features
On the PC, the headset of course supports SteelSeries Engine 3 again, but it only offers rudimentary functions, since the headset is of course primarily intended for the PlayStation. Nevertheless here is an overview:
Colors and price
The Arctis 7P is available in white and black. However, the latter is only available online on the SteelSeries website and only as a member.
The price is also something that has not changed compared to the Arctis 7. For 179,99 Euro you get the usual strong performance of a SteelSeries product.
Conclusion
Considering the few changes that SteelSeries’ Arctis 7P brings, we believe that a purchase is only relevant for those who have too much money lying around or are fanatical PlayStation fans. However, if you want a headset with harmonious colors, but the PULSE 3D from Sony is out of the question, and you’ve been thinking about buying a SteelSeries headset anyway, the 7P is definitely for you. After all, it still has the power of the most award-winning gaming headset.
If you already own an Arctis series gaming headset that is PS4 compatible, you can connect it to the PS5. Since no surround sound is currently possible, the predecessors of the Arctis 7 Wireless also provide decent sound.
The bottom line is that the Arctis 7P is just a fan article, which has the performance of one of the best gaming headsets, but is otherwise only meant to visually relate to the PS5, which will be released in November.
SteelSeries Arctis 7P
Workmanship
Wearing comfort
Sound quality
Recording quality
Features
Value for money
95/100
Although the SteelSeries Arctis 7P is technically one of the best gaming headsets, it stands out from its predecessor almost only in color.
