Gaming headset review the SteelSeries Arctis Pro

SteelSeries — a Danish manufacturer of accessories for gaming enthusiasts and professional gamers ' needs, established itself as one of the market leaders. Founded in 2001 the company has rapidly gained popularity due to the stylish and high-quality keyboards, mice, game controllers, and, of course, stereocenters. Today I will tell you about the new — headset called SteelSeries Arctis Pro, which recently appeared on shelves of Russian stores. Let us work with you examine the device and find out if it worked and this time the engineers SteelSeries to surprise their fans?

In the framework of the author's columns devoted to video games and gaming accessories, I have already told you about two sets of production SteelSeries. It was . The era line of Siberia came to its logical conclusion, and in its place came a new series of devices called Arctis. It all started with the budget Arctis 3, then it was added a more expensive model Arctis Arctis wireless 5 and 7. To stop the Danish company was not going, so the line it was decided to continue releasing the premium headset for the most demanding players. The first sign premium just became Arctis Pro, is designed for those who truly appreciate the sound in video games and beyond.

The Box with the headset is made in bright colors and slightly iridescent sequins, applied on orange decorative strip. In the lower part of the front surface of the box, you may notice small marks on the benefits of the model. For example, Arctis Pro used proprietary technology noise cancelling microphone ClearСast and adjusting the audio balance between game and voice chat. Also from this information we learn that the headset uses high quality Hi-Res dynamic emitters.

The Rear surface of the package continues the description of the advantages of the model Arctis Pro in three languages.

Inside the box the headset is well protected against external influences by means of a plastic substrate and hard transparent cover.

Looks device, in my opinion, extremely unusual. Immediately catch the eye materials that designers SteelSeries used to create Arctis Pro. At first I was somewhat confused, as I used to before the company were held in high esteem faux leather. This time the choice was made in favor of breathable athletic fabrics.

Documentation in the box I found the manual and a brochure with funny faces on the cover, at once sets you into a good mood. The manufacturer is very important the opinion of users, so it offers, if the headset will have the buyer's liking, write a review on it and tell your friends about your purchase. If the device is anything upset user, you can always contact the support service of a company that will do everything possible to resolve any issues associated with the product. A trifle, but very pleasant and, I would even say, friendly.

At the bottom of the box I also found some wire and a so-called USB Chat Mix Dial – the remote control for sound mixing. But first a little more about the wires. Included with the headset is missing the traditional cable that lets you connect it to the computer by the method of jack-jack, so connect as follows: you stick the headset in the supplied cable with a proprietary plug which then attaches to the remote mixing, and he, in turn, clings to the USB port of the computer. There is a small adapter, which you can use to connect a headset to the 3.5 mm mini-jack connector. However, such a solution looks more like a "crutch". This made me squirm.

As for the console for sound mixing, it is intended to adjust the balance between game sound and voice chat. If you can't hear their teammates during the game, simply turn the knob at the side of the box Chat, and their voices will be louder, while the background sound of the game will decrease. A convenient thing for those who haven't see the network without the daily struggle in popular shooters and other Dota 2.

Arctis Pro is pleasant to hold in hands. In addition to the plastic as materials were used high-quality metal alloys that not only makes the headset lighter, but also significantly extends its service life. In the case of gaming devices is extremely important. Often in the heat of online battles some of the most temperamental players can angrily throw the headset on the table and on the floor. I firmly believe that the Arctis Pro will withstand even such brutal treatment from her. But to check their own guesses, I have not the slightest desire.

Cup headset on the outside is covered with frosted plastic covers that hide the LEDs. Yes, Arctis Pro is equipped with RGB backlight palette of 16.8 million colors. But about it we will talk later. Cover with the cups can easily be removed by just slipping them in a special place with a nail. They hold two powerful magnets, so they will never fall off, no matter how much you shook his head.

Looking at the new SteelSeries headset, involuntarily you catch yourself thinking that even not knowing its value, you immediately realize that you are dealing with a premium device. So Arctis Pro monolithic, one-piece, it is extremely difficult to find fault with the point of view of design or build quality.

Very unusual to see a fundamentally new approach to creating a headband headsets series Arctis. This time it is based on the elastic strap is made of fabric that is most often used when creating masks for skiers and snowboarders. The headband is now called "ski" — I read it in attached to the headset of the user.

Belt gently supports the headset on the user's head from the inside, passes over the entire length of the headband on the outside and is fixed on the left side with Velcro. If you want to change the ride height – just glue the Velcro just above or below. All this is clearly seen on the pictures that I have prepared for you. But you know what? The company plans to sell replacement straps on their official website. You can choose one from dozens of different colorful designs and turn your headset into a unique visual point of view accessory.

The Arctis Pro ear pads are very soft to the touch and incredibly gently take your ears to your heart. Auricle in them practically does not sweat even in the extreme heat, although the device is quite tightly hugs the head and isolate the user from surrounding sounds. In terms of insulation, this model is very good. In the process of testing the device, I sometimes do not notice that my phone is literally 30 centimetres away from me or that I was already five minutes in a row I can't shout to my wife and daughter. However, I would not say that in those moments was listening to loud music or been passionate about a video game. Very high quality headset just cuts off ambient sounds.

The Advanced 40 mm Hi-Res speaker units using neodymium magnets, the size of which is 50% more than the older flagship models of the company. This allowed to significantly expand the frequency range. Now he really is impressive and is 10-40, 000 Hz. Standard same model set, as a rule, are not selected above $ 22 000 Hz. The manufacturer is very proud of the fact that the dynamics of this model are quite suitable even for audiophiles, but for this device must be connected to a quality DAC and output music format Hi-Res. Looking ahead, I will say that I did an experiment and will definitely share my impressions with you.

All the necessary audio controls located on the left Cup. Oblong patterned button enables and disables sound, taken with the built-in microphone and a rubberized scroll wheel adjusts the volume.

Next to the volume control you can see the connector for the aforementioned proprietary cable, and 3.5 mm mini-jack where you can plug like a second pair of headphones to share the sound with another user and a cable to connect the headset to the computer in a more traditional way. As I said, I was deeply impressed, complete with Arctis Pro is missing this cable. In fact, excluding the bundled adapter, you can achieve better quality sound when listening to the same lossless music.

Built-in microphone ClearCast cannot be detached from the headset, but it is quite deep burns in her body and did not mind at all if you suddenly decided to take a walk in your headset through the city, connecting it to your smartphone or Hi-Res player.

The Flexible legs allow you to pull it and as comfortable as possible positioning in front of your face. Dual-microphone array operates in the frequency range 100-10 000 Hz and is equipped with a software adjustable noise reduction system. I must say that the sound it conveys is simply amazing. No, it's not a Studio instrument, but if you like to stream games or just to chat with friends in online games – this option will suit you in all respects and exceed your expectations. The sound of the voice is very crisp, clean, legible, so throughout the game, your online buddies will hear you as if you are there for them.

Cup headset turn almost 100 degrees, allowing from time to time to give my head a rest, outweigh Arctis Pro on the neck and rotate the mechanism so that the device is comfortable lying on your chest.

The time has Come to discuss how the headset has shown itself in games and when working with different game platforms. And here, I have to disappoint the owners of gaming consoles Sony PlayStation 4: manufacturer immediately warns: Arctis Pro drop...