SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC Headset Review

A Closer Look and Performance

GameDAC

The GameDAC is nice and compact, with a built-in OLED display on the glossy front panel, as well as a large control wheel, and return button. It’s a simple setup, but simple is good. OF course, the hardware inside is anything but simple. Inside, you’ll find a powerful ESS Sabre 9018 Reference DAC. This means the tiny desktop device can deliver audio with 121 dB of dynamic range, and -115 dB THD+N. That’s far beyond what you’re likely to find on your motherboard audio or on the PlayStation 4 headset input.

The connectivity is good too, with Optical In, USB Audio, Mobile input, and even a Line Out for your speakers, streaming devices, and more.

Arctis Pro

Those of you who checked out our review of the Arctis Wireless will notice a very similar design. Of course, there are a few major changes, such as fewer onboard controls. However, you’ll find volume and microphone mute on the left ear cup for ease of use. The fact the “cheaper” model still uses the same ultra-premium build quality and design as the wireless model is reassuring though. Luxurious metal headband construction and durable soft-touch plastics give it the premium look to match the premium specifications.

The headband design is very rigid, but thanks to an elastic inner headband, it’s incredibly comfortable to wear.

The Velcro attachment on one side allows for super easy adjustments too and should suit gamers of all shapes and sizes.

The headset has a “quality” weight to it, but it’s exceptionally well balanced and feels lighter than expected while worn. This is helped in no small way by the soft fabric covered thick foam padding on the ear cups. It really helps balance the weight around your ears and doesn’t feel like a burden after hours of endless usage.

You’ll find removable backplates on the drivers. This means you could technically customise them if you wanted. However, simple customisation comes courtesy of the RGB LED rings on the back of the ear cups. You can customise it in seconds directly from the GameDAC too. Of course, that means you don’t have to use the desktop software if you don’t want to either!

Powerful Audio For All

Prepare to be blown away, because the Arctis is honestly a rockstar when it comes to putting on a great show. The range of the driver’s capabilities is nothing short of astounding. With the EQ set to flat or reference, they’re as good as high-end studio monitors.

However, I find they handle the EQ adjustments better than most anything on the market. Want bone-shaking bass, roaring mid-range warmth, and glass shattering treble? Not a problem! The built-in EQ on the GameDAC will help you get the exact sound you need in seconds. Push it as hard as you want, it never, and I mean never, distorts.

Gaming Fantasies Made Reality

The high-resolution audio support is nothing short of fantastic. With an audio reproduction range of 10 Hz up to 40 kHz, it goes way beyond what humans can hear. Typically you can hear from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, although 12 Hz to almost 30 kHz is possible. This ensures the drivers don’t (literally) miss any detail in the source audio and it’s a difference that you absolutely can hear. Playing Final Fantasy XV with Dolby Atmos for Headphones enable is nothing short of a game changer. The amount of detail, from the wind blowing in the glass, to the

Movies and Music

I’ll be honest, it doesn’t matter what you throw at this headset, it takes anything and makes it sound its absolute best. Crushing heavy metal packs a serious punch, with wailing guitar solos cutting through like a samurai blade of frequencies, it sounds amazing. The huge dynamic range of FLAC recordings of classical music, b-e-a-utifullly represented. Throw on some movies with Dolby Atmos Headphone or DTS Headphone:X and you’ll honestly be floored by the quality of the virtual surround processing. High channel sounds detailed, with a perfectly convincing surround effect, and again, plenty of dynamic range.

Microphone

The microphone is hard-wired but uses a retractable design to tuck it into the headset body. It’s by far the best headset on a consumer headset, and even rivals some desktop standalone solutions. For game streamers, voice-over work, or a few humble Skype calls, it’ll more than do the job. What’s neat is that you can choose to use “sidetone” settings to hear ambient monitoring around you while you’re gaming.