SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
High-fidelity audio in a gaming headset—sounds like a recipe for success
THE NOVA PRO is second in line at the top of the SteelSeries headset hierarchy, below its wireless counterpart. Other than the lack of active noise cancelation and wireless functionality found on the more expensive model, the two have similar specs but there’s a $100 price difference. So are these extra features worth that much, or should you opt for the wired variant instead?
You may be wondering why a $250 headset only has wired functionality— but also included in this package is the SteelSeries GameDAC Gen 2 and that’s the real game-changer when it comes to other Nova headsets from the brand.
We’ve previously tested the Nova 7, which is a lesser headset but has decent compatibility. The main difference is that this doesn’t come with the DAC, so they appeal to different target markets. The Nova Pro is aimed more at a permanent desktop setting with a focus on audio quality over outright features, whereas the Nova 7 focuses on connectivity and compatibility. The design of the Pro is clearly part of the same lineup as the Nova 7, though both have drifted away from the previous Arctis 7/9 designs from SteelSeries’s previous generation.
We loved the previous designs, but the new look takes the style away from a gamer-focused look to a more premium aesthetic. Although we see this as a positive shift in design, the build quality seems to have taken a slight knock in the process. It’s not poor, but previous headsets from SteelSeries set the bar almost too high. The new design features an all-black aesthetic with the option to swap out the headband and earcup covers with interchangeable options that are available to buy online. On the Nova Pro, the earcup covers have a metallic effect to emphasize the ‘Pro’ aspect.
The earcups are covered in a leatherette finish, and feel soft on the head. A volume wheel and retractable microphone are found on the left earcup. This microphone is impressive and features AI-powered ClearCast Gen 2 noise canceling, which worked well at reducing background noise in a busy office. The headband isn’t as comfortable as the ski-band style found on the older models, but it’s still soft, light on the head and, even after long usage, we didn’t feel any pressure points.
As for the GameDAC Gen 2, it feels premium to the touch. It’s a weighty device with a minimalist style, featuring a large anodized volume dial, a small 8-bit OLED display, and a back button. The interface allows you to choose between different EQs for the output, select between different inputs, and display what you’re listening to. It connects to your PC or other devices via a USB Type-A to Type-C cable, and you can connect up to two devices, with a 3.5mm aux cable connecting the DAC and headset.
The showpiece for this duo is the punchy audio it provides. We initially tested the headset on its own and were impressed by the high level of detail and strong mid-range sound. When we hooked up the DAC, this further amplified not only these characteristics but brought in a whole new level of bass. Without the DAC, this was flatter than we’d have liked but with it, every element of the soundscape was well-delivered and balanced. When gaming with this setup, the DAC elevates the experience to another stratosphere. The audio quality here is nothing short of amazing, but to get an even better sound, we scrolled through the EQs on the DAC and used the Bass Boost setting. This can also be accessed via the SteelSeries engine.
Considering the type of headset this is, having wireless functionality isn't as necessary as on other types of headphones. If you’re after outstanding audiophile sound quality for both gaming and music, great comfort, and ease of use, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro goes above and beyond in these aspects. We prefer the older style of headband and build quality but that shouldn't take anything away from this latest design—it is well worth its price tag.