Today we are writing our SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Headset Review, which is all about the Arctis Nova 7. It is one of the more affordable headsets from the Arctis Nova collection that works on PC, Switch, and PlayStation.
The wireless headset also has plenty of notable features, which we will discuss later in this review. Additionally, we will also focus on its design, functions, specifications, and how it performs.
We used it for a few weeks to share our experience in this SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Headset Review. But before we look deeper into the product, let us unbox the product and see what SteelSeries included.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Headset Packaging
The headset arrived in a standard-looking SteelSeries package with an orange and grey theme. In front, you will find an image of the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless, its name, and the company branding. On the side, you have more details about the product, like its features.
Inside, the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless ships with other accessories that SteelSeries included. These are the compact USB-C wireless dongle, USB-C to A dongle extension cable, and USB-C to USB-A cable. You will also find one 3.5mm audio cable, 2x detachable magnetic ear plates, and a product guide.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Headset Review – Design and Functionality
We compared this product and the classic Arctis headsets while writing our SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Headset Review.
The current headset refines some aspects of the older version. Unlike the top-end models under the series, it is much cheaper too.
There are no metal constructions or leatherette earcups on the product. Instead of these elements, SteelSeries opted for a breathable material on the ear cups similar to those on Razer headsets.
The material allows its ear cups to stay plush, comfortable, and roomy enough to optimise comfort. Although the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is on the heavier side at 325g, it is still pleasant to wear. You will not feel as if it is crushing your skull.
All Arctis Nova headsets sport the same mic design, making them fully retractable. But the best part is it blends nicely into the earcup when retracted. Plus, the mic still picks up sounds in this setup.
To mute it, you will need to use the physical mute button of the headset on its left earcup. The microphone features a bright red light that shines when you mute the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless. You can adjust/switch off the RGB via the software.
While writing our SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Headset Review, we realised how straightforward it is to use. The headset offers a collection of dials and buttons with their functions.
On the right side of the headset, you will find buttons for switching on the product and Bluetooth pairing. This area also houses the dial for adjusting chat/game balance.
The left side of the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless houses the button to mute the mic and headphone volume dial. The latter connects to the system volume, allowing you to adjust the volume settings of your PC.
The attached mic of the headset also extends from the left headphone. This setup allows you to retract the microphone to stay along the side of the headphone. We appreciate SteelSeries for doing this since it was impossible with its older headsets.
Generally, these control setups feel slightly cluttered when dials and buttons all look/feel the same. However, it is not exactly an issue with the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless.
Separating the dials between right and left means you will avoid mixing them up. And since there is only one button, it is best to use the mid-session (mic mute). There is a low chance of accidentally switching off the headset.
Key Features of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Headset
This headset has a list of features we will share in our SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Headset Review. It is essential information to help determine if the headset is on par with your needs.
Nova Acoustic System
This feature allows you to challenge your perceptions and ideas of gaming headsets by offering custom-designed, powerful high-fidelity drivers. It is an element that fills your ears with crystal clear high notes, deep bass, and precise mid-range. These happen as the drivers function simultaneously with the Sonar Audio Software Suite.
The 360-degree Spatial Audio lets you hear and pinpoint the position of opponents. It allows you to determine their location to make the next move.
The immersive sounds it offers surround you from every angle. It means you can enjoy being in the centre of the action while gaming.
X-Ray Hearing from the Sonar Audio Software Suite
Take control over your sounds with the help of pro-grade parametric EQ, an element first seen in gaming.
The software provides you with X-Ray hearing that helps identify footsteps and other in-game sounds. These are enabled via presets from eSports professionals to have an advantage against opponents.
Multi-Platform Support + Simultaneous Wireless Connection
Play and communicate the way you want by seamlessly shifting between multiple devices using a pocket-sized USB-C dongle. It will help you bring 2.4GHz wireless to your Mac, PC, Playstation, and Nintendo Switch.
You can also use the current USB-C connection for charging the headset for flexibility and convenience.
38-Hour Battery Life
A 38-hour playback gives you more than a day and a half of simultaneous use. That means you can stay connected to the gaming world for as long as you need.
Fast Charge for Continuous Use
Quickly get back into the fray with the USB-C fast charging function. It gives you six hours of use after charging for just 15 minutes.
AI-Powered Noise-Cancelling Microphone
While writing our SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Headset Review, we learned it has a noise-cancelling AI-powered mic. It is a feature that can help free your in-game comm from external noises like keyboard clacking and more.
The ClearCast AI algorithm from Sonar Software silences noise from incoming/outgoing chats for perfect sounds. And the ClearCast 2nd Gen mic lessens background noise by 25dB on platforms before completely retracting into the earcup.
ComfortMAX System
The Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is perfect for long sessions since it has expanded measurement options featuring four adjustment points.
This product includes rotating earcups that can be adjusted for height, an overhead band that can stretch, and cushions made of breathable AirWeave memory foam. These elements help you better find the perfect fit.
The all-new design, built around a PVD-coated steel headband, is lighter than previous generations.
Onboard Controls
Stay in-game with controls that are right before your fingertips. Conveniently adjust your headset volume, mute your mic, tweak ChatMix, or answer calls via Bluetooth.
It is good to note that tweaking ChatMix requires you to have the Sonar Software installed for Windows 10/11.
X-ray Hearing
Use the pro-level sound tools from Sonar to help determine the location of enemies even before you see them.
Specifications
We will share the headset specifications in this part of our SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Headset Review. Compatibility-wise, the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless works with a PC (Windows 10 and higher), Mac, PS4/5, and the Nintendo Switch. It is also compatible with a wireless USB-C, Bluetooth, and Oculus Quest 2.
The software requirements for the headset include the GG: Windows 8.1 or higher. It also needs to have Mac OS 10.13 and above.
Its speaker drivers have 40mm-neodymium drivers. Then its headphone frequency response and sensitivity are 20-22000Hz and 93 dB SPL, respectively.
The Arctis Nova 7 Wireless has an impedance of 36 Ohm and less than 1% for its total harmonic distortion. Moreover, the product supports 360-degree Spatial Audio.
The microphone used for this headset is the Clear Cast 2nd Gen fully-retractable boom mic. It uses a bidirectional noise cancelling polar pattern and has a frequency response of 100-65000Hz. On its sensitivity, the microphone has it at -38dB.
Hands-on with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Headset
This SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Headset Review will discuss and share our hands-on experience with the headset. We used it for over a week to see if it was efficient like the other products from the series.
But before looking into its performance details, we will share some information about the GG and Sonar software from SteelSeries.
The headset uses the current SteelSeries GG for all its extra features. In addition, it has two options to help customise your experience to make your listening more enjoyable and memorable.
The SteelSeries Engine is the older software from the company that upgraded into the GG as a separate menu. It now has options for sidetone adjustments, EQ customisation selections, and more.
The SteelSeries Sonar is the next-gen software that allows separate EQ profiles for the mic and game/chat channels. It also allows for organising audio outputs and sources for the headset.
SteelSeries Sonar also features options for switching on spatial sounds, optimising overall gain, and adjusting the mic noise reduction.
It is a one-stop shop for all the elements you need to tailor the PC audio experience of your headset. However, remember that none of the adjustments will carry over to your consoles.
The music sounded decent coming from the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless. But sometimes, its bass emphasis got in the way of some subtler details in the music.
This kind of sound will do great for gaming, and having some extra bass emphasis is standard for gaming headsets. But since its sub-bass did not have boosts, the rumbling of gunfire/explosions was not overpowering.
However, its midrange dip produced voices that sounded less distinct.
We tried some games on our PS5, and the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless handled the game OST excellently. Games like Pro Skater had a mix of punk and other music genres, and everything sounded great when we played.
Its spatial sound feature also worked effectively, and playing games like Apex Legends on our PC was decent. In addition, positional audio cues gave us decent accuracy, which we liked.
Additionally, the headset handled the 3D Audio feature of our PS5 very well.
As a gaming headset, the mic of this Arctis Nova 7 Wireless was decent. It did not sound efficient enough to record podcasts, but it was clear, loud, and clean for voice chats.
Since the mic does not reject voices well, room reflections and keystrokes came through. In this scenario, if you use a programme that crushes these kinds of sounds, you will not have problems.
And because of its manoeuvrability, the mic will let you avoid breath sounds easily.
We recommend this headset if you work from home and need something to help you get through lengthy Zoom meetings.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Headset Review Summary
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is one of the most popular SteelSeries headsets. This wireless version maintains the comfort and convenience of the original wired variant without compromising its performance. Although it does not have the perfect audio quality, it works for almost anything and is cost-efficient.
This headset is a superior product at the top of the mid-range section of the market. It has all the features you need in a wireless headset: a durable build and wireless convenience. Plus, it delivers excellent sound and good microphone performance.
Overall, we highly recommend this high-quality wireless headset from SteelSeries.
To learn more about the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Headset, visit the official product page of SteelSeries.
