A low-frills premiere audio experience.
Steel Series Arctis Nova 1 | SteelSeries new and improved Arctis Nova line has built on the solid foundation that was laid by focusing on the quality of sound and features that users actually want. Its Arctis Nova 1 headset is no exception It’s a simple experience that puts the sound quality at the forefront and is wrapped in a comfortable style that you can use for hours.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 – Design and Features
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 sports a completely new design and style of the previous model and sports a fresh off-white design with breathable gray earcups as well as a elastic gray support band – an exclusive feature in an Arctis 1 line. However, despite its unassuming appearance it’s clear that this Arctis Nova 1 is a engine that is a beast under the hood with the same premium 40mm audio drivers as its earlier siblings and that is the Arctis Nova 3 and Arctis Nova 7. This means it can support the PS5’s 3D Tempest audio and Microsoft’s Spatial Sound options on PC as well as Xbox straight from the beginning.
After the first time you pick it up it will be apparent that you’ll quickly realize that the Arctis Nova 1 is extremely light, only weighing 236 grams. Its lightweight, plastic design is ideal for use on the go and everyday convenience. It makes use of wir
ed 3.5mm headphone jack connector and works with nearly every modern device , including PlayStation 5/PS4 Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, Oculus Quest, and many more. Actually, anything that has an 3.5mm additional port is a fair game.
The left earcup houses all the controls on the device which include a tiny volume dial and mute switch that controls the microphone. There’s no longer a detachable mic and instead can be a retractable noise cancelling microphone that is flush with the device when it is not being used. It may appear to be a minor change however it lets you use headphones to listen to music or podcasts with no worries about where to place the microphone once you’re ready to play.
The new ClearCast Gen 2 noise canceling microphone is also a welcomed upgrade since it can cut down background audio by around 25dB, making your communications clearer and less distracting for team members. It’s not equipped with the AI-powered features that other models in the Arctis Nova line boasts when utilized on PC however it’s an excellent microphone that is a great sounding unit right from the beginning.
Apart from its outstanding audio quality, the main feature in its SteelSeries Arctis headsets has always been the outstanding quality of comfort. And that is the case with this headset. Arctis Nova 1 is no exception. With the what SteelSeries refers to as its ComfortMAX system The Arctis Nova 1 includes AirWeave memory foam ear cushions which are both comfortable and airy. They are great for people who wear glasses as well because they don’t push on your forehead. The headset now adjusts height to ensure that you get the perfect fit and the earcups can be able to rotate and lay flat when not being used.
The most welcomed feature is the headband that’s stretchy on just the top. It assists in spreading the weight and reduce discomfort that comes with wearing it for a long time. The prior version Arctis 1 was the only headset to be without this headband, and, in truth, it’s one of the most popular selling aspects.
The low-end as well as affordable gaming headset market is very competitive even though it’s true that the Arctis Nova 1 may not offer an “premium” feeling with regard to the build quality, as do other headsets at the same price however, it compensates for this with the highest quality of sound and the comfort.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 – Software
Arctis Nova 1 Arctis Nova 1 doesn’t require any software , as it supports PlayStation 5’s 3D Tempest audio and Microsoft’s Spatial Sound options on Xbox and PC straight out from the beginning. It can however benefit from certain Sonar features available in the SteelSeries GG application for PC like the incredible Parabolic EQ settings, which will elevate your audio experience to an additional level. For a deeper review of the capabilities of Sonar can perform, take a look at our detailed review on this SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7. headset.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 – Gaming
In a world in which wireless audio is a part of the world, but there’s something old-fashioned about a headset that uses an 3.5mm audio plug. It’s the Arctis Nova 1 can connect to nearly any modern console, without the need for special wireless transmitters or pairing. Plug it in and enjoy.
I tried I tried the Arctis Nova 1 across a assortment of devices like PC, PS5, Xbox Series X as well as Steam Deck, and was satisfied with the audio quality on each. The most notable feature is that the 3D Tempest audio support on PS5 for games such as Returnal as well as Horizon: Forbidden West make the headset sound better than it’s entitled to, given its price.
On PC I used the PC version of Sonar audio enhancements that come with the SteelSeries GG app for games such as Destiny 2 and Valorant and I was again awed by how clear everything sounded. If you’re using this headset on your PC I would highly suggest using it using the Sonar enhancements, as it transforms the audio from excellent to a truly incredible. Virtual surround sound is amazing and the ability to spot a hostile location without relying solely on the radar isn’t to be underestimated.
In addition to the outstanding audio quality that is found throughout the entire SteelSeries Arctis range, I was amazed by how comfortable the Arctis Nova 1 is. It’s the same model that is Arctis Nova 5, and is the same design as Arctis Nova 5, and is a significant improvement over the prior model Arctis 1 headset with the inclusion of a height-adjustable frame and a stretchy overhead band. I can’t laud the quality of these headsets enough to warrant their comfortable fit. Seriously.
Alongside gaming I also spent hours listening to my music, and also watching films using my Arctis Nova 1. Although it’s not a replacement for a pair of headphones designed for the music genre, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the audio however. The bass is punchy and doesn’t distort even at higher volumes, a fantastic mid-range, and decent highs make an ideal headset for entertainment as well as gaming.
Guide to Purchasing
You can buy headset SteelSeries Aroctis Nova1 headset at SteelSeries and Best Buy at an price of $59.99.
Verdict
The plug-and-play design that comes with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 makes it a fantastic all-rounder to play games and enjoy entertainment on every device thanks because of its 3.5mm audio connection. It is well-above its limits when it comes down to audio quality, since it comes with the same top-of-the-line audio drivers that are found within Arctis Nova 7. Arctis Nova 7. The new frame is light and adjustable in height for better fitting, and the added flexible headband guarantees all-day comfort whether you’re gaming, listening music or watching a flick.