SteelSeries Arctis Pro Gamedac Review: For Audiophile Gamers Only
I believe you should always buy the best headphones on your budget since you will prefer using them for a few years. Therefore, increasing your budget for premium headsets can be a wise choice. Also, if you can spare $168, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Gamedac will be the smartest choice you can make in 2023.
This headset is made with audiophiles and gamers in mind, providing superb sound with accessible controls. Therefore, if you want a headset where you have a great degree of sound customization, keep reading this review post.
SteelSeries Arctis Pro Gamedac Specifications
The primary specifications of the SteelSeries Arctis Pro + Gamedac are:
| Headset Type | Over the head |
| Controls | Volume, Mic |
| Weight | 0.9 pounds |
| Dimensions | 7.4” (L) x 6.8” (W) x 3” (H) |
| Microphone | Boom (Non-detachable) |
| Connectivity | Wired (USB Type-A) |
| Compatibility | PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One |
| Release Date | March 2018 |
| Price | $168 (Amazon) |
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SteelSeries Arctis Pro Gamedac Features
After using this headset for two days, I figured out what the craze for this headset is all about. Continue reading to learn about my impression regarding the headset’s features and my overall experience wearing it.
Design
If you want a headphone that has a very sleek design that looks cool, get this SteelSeries Pro headset. While it’s only available in black, I would not want it in any other color.
The first aspect of this headset that caught my eye was its aluminum frame. Considering its $168 price tag, I was able to see why it’s justifiably priced as such. When I held this headset, I could feel its premium build, which felt pretty durable and awesome to wear!
This was further accentuated by its magnetic earcups, which close together when you aren’t wearing them. In addition, I loved the fact that you can easily remove the ear cups and swap them with anything else of your choice.
While this headset, along with its microphone, has RGB lights on it, I kind of felt it was unnecessary compared to its overall premium aesthetics. I, for one, prefer minimalistic looks over the modern-day RGB gloss. If you love some RGB lights to be present in your headset, you will not be disappointed buying this.
While the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Gamedac has a fantastic design, I was disappointed by its noise isolation, which I expected to be much better at this price point.
This headset has significant audio leakage, along with limited noise isolation. With this headset over my ears, I could hear what my elder brother was saying. Plus, he could listen to music leakage from this headset while he was a meter or two around me.
Comfort
Regarding comfort, this is one of the best headsets money can buy. Sticking to SteelSeries tradition, this headset sports the signature headband design desired from ski goggles.
The earcups have an overall dome-like shape, which is big enough for all ear sizes to fit in snugly. I had no discomfort whatsoever wearing these since they are pretty light, weighing around 0.9 lbs.
I loved the addition of a velcro strap on top of the headband, which makes adjusting the headset easier. You can now easily make it looser or tighter. Therefore, this is perfect if you want comfortable headphones that you can use for extended periods.
However, keep in mind that these are desktop headsets through and through. These are not meant for wearing outside. Therefore, portability will be an issue here.
Connectivity
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Gamedac is one of the main reasons audiophiles are interested in buying this. For the uninitiated, the Gamedac is a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter).
This provides you with better sound quality compared to what you would get from a typical USB headset. Therefore, it amplifies analog signals from the wire and digitally enhances them to produce 96 kHz/24 bits audio.
I loved the design of the SteelSeries Gamedac DAC, which looks pretty simple with various smart features. It has a petite and curvy design and a built-in OLED scream for navigating its settings. You can adjust columns from here using the volume knob.
You can see various things from the OLED screen, like headset and mic volumes, equalizers, and more. In addition, you can also check whether the DTS surround sound is turned on or off with a simple glance! I found the overall design and functionality of the Gamedac to be pretty intuitive.
Moreover, you can simply click on the volume knob to access various settings. Doing so lets you adjust RGB colors, choose input and output sources, and fine-tune multiple audio settings. In addition, you can use its 3.5 mm jacks to connect a speaker as well.
Therefore, while you are busy in your heated competitive Counter Strike 2 games, you can simply adjust everything related to the headset from here.
Microphone
After testing the boom microphone of the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Gamedac headset, I was happy with the results.
I first recorded some audio using OBS, which I found to be crispy. In addition, my friends over on Discord also mentioned how clear my microphone sounds compared to the Turtle Beach Elite 800 Wireless headset. They highlighted the noise-reduction capabilities of this mic.
Sound Quality
Since this headset is marketed to be for audiophile gamers, I expect its sound quality to be top-notch. Here, I can say the SteelSeries Arctis Pro with Gamedac delivers premium sound quality.
Thanks to this headset’s crisp sound quality, gamers will feel like they are the best in the world. While playing multiplayer games like Valorant, Overwatch 2, and Rainbow Six: Siege, I was clearly able to hear often-unheard sounds of guns being reloaded. In addition, I could hear from which direction footsteps were coming.
However, I had the most fun single-player games with DTS Surround sound enabled. I had an absolute blast playing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and God of War. I felt totally immersed in the game’s soundscape, hearing the crowded streets of Novigrad come to life, to feeling every hit of Kratos’s Blades of Chaos ripping enemies apart. It’s a feeling I cannot present in words!
For music lovers and producers, I have good news too. Due to the ten equalizer presets in the SteelSeries Gamedac, you can customize sounds as you like.
You can simply increase the bass if you prefer more bass listening to Techno music. If you want more treble listening to heavy metal, simply put on the right EQ setting. Want clearer and more prominent vocals? You can do it all with this DAC – an excellent audiophile choice!
However, I feel the bass could have been a bit punchier, considering both gaming and listening to music.
SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC vs. Arctis Pro Wireless: Which One Is Better?
When it comes to premium gaming headsets, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro line is undeniably one that demands attention. This line boasts two intriguing models: the $249 Arctis Pro + GameDAC, which we had the privilege of testing, and the slightly pricier $329 Arctis Pro Wireless. If you’re on the hunt for top-tier audio experiences, let’s explore what these headsets bring to the table.
Wireless Freedom And Customization
Let’s begin with the Arctis Pro Wireless, a true embodiment of cord-free convenience. The Arctis Pro Wireless comes with a wireless transmitter box, allowing you to make audio adjustments effortlessly.
While it may not flaunt the RGB lighting found in the GameDAC model, it compensates with its unique features. The ability to switch out ear plates and batteries, a nod to the popular SteelSeries Siberia 840, sets this model apart.
Audio Experience: GameDAC vs. Pro Wireless
The decision between the Arctis Pro + GameDAC and the Arctis Pro Wireless largely revolves around your audio preferences. While both exhibit the same captivating design and premium speaker drivers, the GameDAC variation stands out by offering Hi-Res audio, a treat for music aficionados. On the other hand, the Pro Wireless ensures you remain immersed with its surround sound capabilities.
Audiophile’s Dream: GameDAC’s Rich Audio And Customization
For those seeking the ultimate audio finesse, the Arctis Pro + GameDAC presents itself as a superlative choice. It’s not just a gaming headset; it’s a platform for auditory indulgence.
The GameDAC’s customization options run deep, catering to audiophiles looking to sculpt their listening experience. The standout feature here is the Hi-Res audio quality, which transforms your music into a new realm of sonic brilliance.
Addressing The Niche Factor
Despite its virtues, the Arctis Pro line does come with a caveat. The GameDAC’s short cables confine it to desk-bound gaming setups, and the comprehensive EQ options might be a bit intricate for most.
Furthermore, the gaming landscape hasn’t entirely embraced Hi-Res audio, making the Arctis Pro a robust investment for the future, even if it doesn’t solve an immediate issue.
Tailored Recommendations
For those seeking a blend of comfort, design, and performance without breaking the bank, the $149 SteelSeries Arctis 7 is a sensible choice.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to luxuriate in premium SteelSeries audio quality while lounging on your couch, the $329 Arctis Pro Wireless is an investment that might just be worth making.
However, if your gaming headquarters is at your desk, and you appreciate the value of a digital-to-analog converter paired with exceptional all-around audio performance, the Arctis Pro + GameDAC is a premium worth considering.
Its synthesis of premium comfort, cutting-edge technology, and audiophile-grade audio experiences places it squarely at the forefront of gaming headset excellence.
Best SteelSeries Arctis Pro Gamedac Alternatives
If you are looking for something else in case the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Gamedac didn’t make you drool, the Astro A40 Headset + MixAmp Pro 2019 can be a good option at $149.
Also, other SteelSeries headsets like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro ($233) and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro 5 2019 Edition ($70) will be great higher-end and budget choices too.
However, you can also consider the Logitech G Pro X gaming Headset ($83) purely for gaming.
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Final Verdict: Should I Buy The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Gamedac In 2023?
Overall, I believe the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Gamedac headset is an excellent premium choice at $168. With superb design and comfort, accentuated by excellent sound quality due to the use of the Gamedac DAC, you cannot go wrong with buying this headset.
However, remember that portability can be an issue here since it’s not meant to be carried around. In addition, it has no Bluetooth mode for use on the go as well.
| PROS | CONS |
| ➕Great Design | ➖Expensive |
| ➕Very Comfortable For More Extended Periods | ➖Not portable |
| ➕Superb Audio Quality | |
| ➕Abundance Of Customization Options Using Gamedac DAC | |
| ➕Good Microphone |
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