The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 is an up to date model of a preferred headset, including Mac help for the primary time, and it has instantly turn into the mannequin that every one different headsets must beat.
SteelSeries is a mainstay of the gaming accent market, making among the hottest headsets. Its Nova 7 sits in direction of the highest of its audio lineup, and whereas the X model provides Xbox help, it really works with every little thing.
With this second-generation mannequin, SteelSeries has iterated on a profitable components. The end result is likely one of the greatest gaming headsets round proper now, particularly in its $200 worth bracket.
With nice audio, premium options, and a few actually well-thought-out additions, SteelSeries actually hit the spot with this one. And now, for the primary time, Mac players can formally get in on the motion. And you actually ought to.
Add help for each platform you may consider, and there is a lot to love right here. Oh, and it even handles music with aplomb, too.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 evaluation: Design
Proper out of the field, the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 makes an impression. It feels stable, however not too heavy, and gives the look that SteelSeries is not messing round right here.
The headset itself is available in three totally different colours: black, white, or magenta. I have been utilizing the white mannequin for a number of weeks now, and it appears to be like because it did once I unboxed it. It is in some way spotless after hours upon hours of sitting on my head.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 evaluation: The mic is versatile and retractable
Up high, the Nova 7X Gen 2 comes with a ComfortMax suspension system that sits between your head and the metal-reinforced headband. It is adjustable to permit for head sizes and acts as a gentle cushion to assist distribute the headset’s weight.
Shifting to the earpads, SteelSeries makes use of AirWeave reminiscence foam pads, which make for a cushty match. The breathability is welcome, whereas nonetheless serving to preserve outdoors noise away out of your ears.
Every cup is laden with buttons and wheels that deal with the headset’s numerous options. Over on the left, there is a retractable microphone that disappears whenever you’re not utilizing it.
Staying with the left cup, you may discover a quantity wheel and a mute button for the microphone. Press it, and a pink gentle seems on the tip of the microphone so you understand when it is energetic. If it is off, you are reside.
The ability button may be discovered over on the precise cup, as can the Bluetooth button. It is also the place the ChatMix wheel lives, an excellent characteristic that I will get to within the subsequent part.
As for connectivity, there is a USB-C port for charging and wired connections beneath the precise cup. There’s additionally house for a 3.5mm headphone cable beneath the left cup, too.
Talking of the cups, they rotate as a way to discover the right match. However that rotation additionally makes them straightforward to position flat on a desk whenever you’re performed enjoying. That is one thing Apple’s AirPods Max and AirPods Max 2 may be taught a factor or two from.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 evaluation: Specs
Let’s kick issues off with compatibility, as a result of SteelSeries makes issues extra difficult than they should be. Fortunately, there’s a simple repair.
I have been reviewing the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2, however SteelSeries additionally makes the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2. The one distinction between the 2 is that the mannequin with an “X” helps the Xbox Collection consoles.
The oddity right here is that the Nova 7X additionally helps all the identical units that the usual Nova 7 does. Which raises the query of why there are two variations in any respect.
I haven’t got a solution for that, however I do know that it does not matter. I like to recommend shopping for the Nova 7X simply in case you ever wish to use it with an Xbox sooner or later. They’re priced the identical and are available the identical colours, in any case.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 evaluation: Controls may be discovered on the headset itself
The total record of units that the headset works with consists of: Mac, iPhone, Xbox, Home windows PC, Nintendo Swap and Swap 2, Android units, and mainly something that helps Bluetooth. However not all the headset’s options will work on all of these units, which is a disgrace.
Relying on the system you are connecting to, you may use both Bluetooth, a cable, or the included 2.4GHz wi-fi dongle. The dongle is the way in which to go wherever attainable, and it has a swap that permits the Xbox help whenever you want it.
On the Mac entrance, the headset works simply nice, besides there isn’t any help for SteelSeries’ ChatMix characteristic. And that is unlucky, as a result of it is a superb characteristic. Once more, extra on that in a second.
Shifting into chilly, arduous specs, the Nova 7X headset sports activities 40mm Neodymium drivers with a frequency response of 20Hz to 22,000Hz. They actually pack a punch, that is for positive.
A very good gaming headset’s sound is simply a part of the equation, although. It must have a microphone so you may speak to your pals and speak smack at your foes.
Within the case of the Nova 7X Gen 2, you get a retractable microphone that sits flush with the left earcup when it isn’t getting used. Pull it out, and you may regulate it nonetheless you want, making certain you may place it in simply the precise spot.
The mic itself makes use of SteelSeries’ ClearCast Gen 2 know-how so everybody can hear you properly. That is backed up by bidirectional noise-cancelling tech, so they do not additionally hear your keyboard or environment. There’s even a mic EQ with preconfigured settings, ought to it’s essential cut back the bass, amongst different issues.
Subsequent, this can be a wi-fi headset, which implies it has a built-in battery. And, fortunately, you will not want to succeed in for the USB-C charging cable too typically.
SteelSeries says the headset can run for 54 hours when linked to the two.4GHz wi-fi dongle. That drops to 42 hours when utilizing Bluetooth, and you will get 38 hours in case you use them concurrently.
Sure, you learn that proper. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 can join to 2 units without delay; one through Bluetooth, the opposite through the dongle.
I’ve discovered that to be an incredible characteristic as a result of it permits me to attach the headset to my Xbox and my iPhone concurrently. That enables me to regulate the headset’s EQ mid-game, one thing that would not in any other case be attainable.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 evaluation: Options
A headset’s specs imply nothing if they do not permit its options to shine. Fortunately, the Nova 7X Gen 2 does not have that drawback.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X evaluation: The headset’s companion iPhone app is great
We already talked about that I generally change the headset’s EQ on the fly. However that is solely half of the story, as a result of these EQ presets are the star of the present right here.
The Nova 7X Gen 2 comes with over 200 presets so that you can select from, and you will find the standard suspects like Bass Booster there. However the actual enjoyable comes whenever you begin utilizing the sport presets.
Select the sport that you just’re enjoying, and the headset’s EQ adjusts to match. And, in line with my testing, it makes an enormous distinction.
I have been testing the headset, largely enjoying “Marathon” and “Arc Raiders” on the Xbox Collection X. And it sounded nice proper out of the field. After which I selected “Arc Raiders” EQ, and every little thing modified.
I may hear footsteps from additional away. It was simpler to inform the place the enemy was coming from. And all with out dropping the thumping bass that I loved with the out-of-the-box setup.
The identical EQ has performed wonders in “Marathon,” a recreation that depends closely on utilizing the sound stage to search out foes. For a characteristic that I anticipated to be a gimmick, I am unable to get sufficient of it.
Each the headphone and microphone EQs may be configured utilizing an iPhone or a Mac. The latter’s extra superior SteelSeries GG app is actually terrible, however it provides a customized EQ perform the iPhone’s Arctis Companion cannot match.
One other profitable characteristic is ChatMix, and it is one other I’ve made heavy use of when enjoying multiplayer titles.
ChatMix is a characteristic that means that you can change the stability of in-game audio and voice chat on the fly. There is a wheel on the precise ear cup so you may regulate ChatMix with out ever leaving the motion.
Flip the wheel a method, and you may hear extra of your pals and fewer recreation audio. Flip it the opposite means, and your pals mix into the background as recreation quantity will increase.
That is palms down one in every of my favourite options of this headset, and it fixes a pet peeve I’ve all the time had with on-line gaming. It really works nice once I’m enjoying video games on my Xbox Collection X. I simply want it labored on the Mac as properly.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 evaluation: Nice sound, really helpful options
It needs to be clear by now that I am an enormous fan of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2. It is my favourite gaming headset proper now, and it should take some beating.
Taking part in “Marathon” and “Arc Raiders,” I’ve discovered the headset to sound nice. A large sound stage helps pinpoint the place particular person sounds come from, whether or not booming gunshots or the pitter-patter of footsteps. And with gobs of bass, you may know when one thing explodes. You then’ll attain as much as flip the quantity down earlier than it occurs once more.
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SteelSeries Arctis 7X Gen 2 evaluation: The headset is obtainable in three colours, together with white
I’ve had no complaints from my buddies and teammates when utilizing the built-in microphone, which is nice. And once I’m enjoying alone, I like that I can stow it for a cleaner look.
I’ve additionally discovered that the battery life is just a bit wanting black magic. Utilizing the two.4GHz connection ought to give me 54 hours of battery life. I’ve charged this factor as soon as because it arrived a number of weeks in the past, and I’ve performed numerous video games in that point.
However with all this gushing, it is essential to notice that the Nova 7X Gen 2 is not excellent. In actual fact, there’s one lacking characteristic that might be sufficient to cease lots of people from shopping for it.
That characteristic is energetic noise cancellation, or ANC. The Nova 7X Gen 2 does not have ANC help and depends on its match and comfortable cup pads to maintain the surface world the place it belongs.
The excellent news is that I’ve discovered the headset to do an excellent job of simply that. However I additionally are inclined to play in a quiet room when the remainder of the family is in mattress. Your mileage could properly differ, and if you really want ANC, this headset in all probability is not for you.
And that might be an enormous disgrace, as a result of I actually like this headset. I feel it is an incredible addition for players, whether or not enjoying on a Mac or elsewhere.
It is earned a spot atop my head for the foreseeable future. And it will take an distinctive headset to take its place.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 evaluation: Execs
- Nearly unending battery life
- Snug to put on
- Customized and preset EQ
- Vast gaming sound stage
- ChatMix chat quantity management
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 evaluation: Cons
- Complicated Nova 7 and 7X lineup
- No energetic noise cancellation
- Not all options work with all units
Score: 4.5 out of 5
The place to purchase the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 prices $199.99 and is accessible from Amazon in a number of colours. Alternatively, you can even purchase the identical headset for the identical $199.99 from SteelSeries’ web site.