SteelSeries’ revamped Arctis Nova range builds on the already fantastic foundation laid before, while doubling down on the sound quality and features people really care about. The Arctis Nova 1 headset is no different; It’s a no-frills experience that puts audio quality first and wraps everything in a comfortable design that you can enjoy for hours.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 design and features
A complete redesign of the previous generation, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 features a new off-white colorway with breathable gray ear cups and a stretchy gray support band – a first for the Arctis 1 range. But humble looks aside, the Arctis Nova 1 is a powerhouse under the hood, boasting the same high-end 40mm audio drivers found in its older siblings Arctic Nova 3 and Arctis Nova 7. That means PS5’s 3D Tempest audio and Microsoft’s Spatial Sound options are out of the box on PC and Xbox.
Upon first pick-up, you’ll quickly realize that the Arctis Nova 1 is extremely light at a meager 236 grams. Lightweight plastic construction is perfect for on-the-go use and all-day comfort. It uses a 3.5mm wired headphone jack and supports almost every modern device including PS5/PS4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, Oculus Quest and more. Really, anything with a 3.5mm aux port is fair game.
The left earcup houses all the controls on the device, including a small volume knob and a microphone mute button. Gone is the detachable mic, and in its place is a fully retractable noise-cancelling mic that sits flush with the device when not in use. This change might seem subtle, but you can use the headphones for music or podcasts without worrying about where you’ve placed the mic when you’re ready to game.
The updated ClearCast Gen 2 noise-cancelling microphone is also a welcome upgrade, as it can reduce background noise by up to 25dB, making all your communications sound clearer and less distracting to your teammates. It lacks all of the AI-assisted upgrades that the rest of the Arctis Nova range offers when used on PC, but it’s still a very usable mic that sounds out of the box.
Apart from the fantastic sound quality, the highlight of the SteelSeries Arctis headsets has always been the excellent wearing comfort – and the Arctis Nova 1 is no exception. Equipped with what SteelSeries calls the ComfortMAX system, the Arctis Nova 1 features AirWeave memory foam ear cushions that are both soft and highly breathable. They’re also great for people who wear glasses as they don’t press against your head. The headset is now height-adjustable to accommodate your perfect fit, and the earcups can now rotate and lie flat when not in use.
By far the most welcome addition is the stretchy headband at the top of the headset, which helps distribute its weight and virtually eliminates any fatigue from prolonged wear. The previous generation Arctis 1 was the only headset in the lineup to rule out this headband, and honestly it’s one of its best selling points.
The entry and budget gaming headset The market is a crowded space, and while the Arctis Nova 1 doesn’t feel “premium” in terms of build quality like some of the other headsets in its price range, it more than makes up for it with superior sound quality and comfort.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 software
The Arctis Nova 1 requires no software as it supports PS5’s 3D Tempest audio and Microsoft’s Spatial Sound options on Xbox and PC out of the box. However, it can take advantage of some of the sonar features in the SteelSeries GG app on PC, such as: B. the awesome Parabolic EQ settings that can really take your audio experience to another level. For a more detailed look at what Sonar can do, check out our review of the Steel Series Arctis Nova 7 Headset.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Games
At a time when wireless audio seems to rule our lives, there’s still something quirky about a headset with a 3.5mm audio jack. The Arctis Nova 1 can be connected to almost any modern console without the need for special wireless transmitters or pairing. Just plug in and play.
I’ve tested the Arctis Nova 1 on a variety of different devices including PC, PS5, Xbox Series X and Steam Deck and have been pleased with the audio results from each. Most notably, the 3D Tempest audio support on PS5 for games like Returnal and Horizon: Forbidden West makes this headset sound far better than its price point warrants.
On PC, I used the SteelSeries GG app’s sonar audio enhancements with games like Destiny 2 and Valorant and was again shocked at how accurate everything sounded. If you’re using this headset on PC I highly recommend using it in conjunction with the sonar enhancements as it goes from great audio to downright amazing sound. The virtual surround sound is incredible, and the ability to spot enemy location without solely relying on a radar is something that cannot be underestimated.
Aside from the fantastic audio quality found throughout the SteelSeries Arctis Nova range, I was very impressed with how comfortable this Arctis Nova 1 is. It’s the same design as the Arctis Nova 5 and a big improvement over the previous generation Arctis 1 headset with a height-adjustable frame and a stretchy overhead strap. I cannot praise these headsets enough for their comfort. Serious.
Besides gaming, I also spent some time listening to music and watching movies with the Arctis Nova 1. While it’s definitely not a replacement for a dedicated pair of headphones tuned to music, I was still impressed with the sound quality. Punchy bass that doesn’t distort at higher volumes, a great midrange and decent highs make for an all-around great headset for entertainment in addition to gaming.
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