Still King? SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Headset Longterm Review

Summary

This video is a follow-up review of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headset after 8.5 months of daily use. The reviewer highlights the headset's customization options, including aftermarket ear cups and headbands, which improve comfort. Key pros include its flexibility for long use, build quality, and sound performance. However, the clip system for changing ear cups and the microphone quality are noted as drawbacks. The video also touches on using the headset with mixers and consoles, addressing issues like noise interference and customization tips, making it a well-rounded final assessment.

Takeaways

• 🎧 The headset, referred to as the 'daily driver,' has been used for 8.5 months, 5-7 days a week, and the review serves as a follow-up to provide insights after extensive usage.
• 👌 The user highlights several pros, particularly its high level of customizability. The headset allows users to easily change panels, ear straps, and ear cups.
• 🛠️ The most recommended aftermarket upgrade is mesh and breathable ear cups, which are more comfortable compared to the stock pleather or leather cups.
• 🔧 Swapping out the ear cups is cumbersome due to the clip system, which feels fragile and prone to breaking. The user strongly prefers a magnetized system for ease of use.
• 💡 Customization extends beyond ear cups. Licensed accessories and third-party parts, like headbands and speaker plate kits, are available on platforms like Amazon, making it easy to change the look and feel of the headset.
• 🎨 The user customized their own panels using a '90s retro pattern and different colors, which turned out well and matched their aesthetic setup.
• 🖥️ The headset is highly compatible with PCs but has limitations with the PS5, where it doesn't support open Bluetooth protocols and requires the base station for connectivity.
• 🔊 Audio performance is good, but the microphone quality leaves much to be desired compared to competitors like the Razer BlackShark V2 and Astro A50.
• ⚠️ A ground loop isolator is recommended when using the headset with an audio interface like the GoXLR to eliminate unwanted hums or buzzes.
• 💸 The user recommends the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless as one of the best high-end flagship headsets available, offering features like Bluetooth, active noise cancellation, and hot-swappable batteries, despite some design flaws.

Q & A

What is the purpose of this video?

The video is a follow-up owner's review of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headset, providing insights on any problems, pros, cons, and aftermarket upgrades after 8 and a half months of use.

What does the creator recommend as the most important aftermarket upgrade for the headset?

The most recommended upgrade is to replace the stock ear cups with mesh and breathable aftermarket ear cups for better comfort and breathability.

What issue does the creator have with changing the ear cups?

The creator finds it difficult to swap out the ear cups due to the clip system, which makes it feel like they might break when removing them.

How does the creator feel about the customization options for the Arctis Nova Pro headset?

The creator appreciates the headset's customization options, mentioning the ease of swapping out panels, ear straps, and ear cups, and highlighting third-party accessories available on Amazon.

Why does the creator prefer mesh ear cups over leather or pleather ones?

The mesh ear cups are preferred because they provide better breathability and comfort, especially for users who get sweaty during extended use, without compromising sound isolation.

What does the creator mention about the microphone quality of the Arctis Nova Pro headset?

The creator describes the microphone quality as mediocre, advising users to get a dedicated USB or XLR microphone for better sound quality, especially if they're on the PC side.

What challenge does the creator mention regarding the headset's use with the PS5?

The headset has limited compatibility with the PS5, as it doesn't support the open Bluetooth protocol, requiring the use of a base station, which is inconvenient for users who switch between PC and console.

How does the creator resolve the issue of hum or buzz when using the headset with a mixer like the GoXLR?

The creator resolves the hum or buzz issue by using a ground loop noise isolator, which cuts out most of the noise when connected properly.

What is the creator's overall opinion of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headset after 8 months?

The creator considers the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headset to be phenomenal, particularly for PC use, citing its customizable features, excellent sound quality, and versatility, despite some cons like the microphone quality and PS5 compatibility.

What features does the creator highlight as advantages of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless compared to the Astro A50s?

The creator highlights features like Bluetooth support, a hot-swappable battery, active noise cancellation, and better overall build quality as advantages of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless over the Astro A50s.