Insight Headphones

Insightful Steelseries Arctis Pro GameDAC Review

Steelseries Arctis Pro GameDAC

If you’re a serious gamer, you know that audio is an essential part of the experience. Whether you’re blasting your enemies in a first-person shooter or building elaborate structures in a sandbox game, having high-quality audio can make all the difference. That’s where the Steelseries Arctis Pro GameDAC comes in.

The Arctis Pro is a top-of-the-line gaming headset that delivers exceptional audio quality and a host of advanced features. With its sleek design and comfortable fit, it’s a top choice for gamers looking to take their audio experience to the next level.

Steelseries Arctis Pro GameDAC Review

Pros

  1. High-resolution DAC: The digital-to-analog converter (DAC) in the Arctis Pro is capable of handling 24-bit/96kHz audio, which is significantly higher than the industry standard of 16-bit/48kHz. This means you’ll be able to hear every detail and nuance in your favorite games and music.
  2. Advanced features: The Arctis Pro comes with a detachable microphone that delivers clear and accurate voice communication, as well as a noise-cancelling feature that helps filter out background noise. It also has a built-in equalizer that allows you to customize the audio to your liking, and it’s compatible with Steelseries’ Engine software, which gives you even more control over the audio settings.
  3. Comfort: The headset is lightweight and has a self-adjusting headband that conforms to the shape of your head, making it comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions. The ear cups are also padded with a soft and breathable material that helps keep you cool and comfortable.
  4. Versatility: Compatible with a wide range of devices, including PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, making it a great choice for cross-platform gaming. Also comes with a variety of connectivity options, including a 3.5mm jack and a USB connection, so you can use it with your preferred device.

Cons

  1. Price: The Arctis Pro is a high-end headset, and its price tag reflects that. It’s not the most expensive headset on the market, but it’s definitely not the cheapest either. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to look for a more affordable option.
  2. Lack of wireless connectivity: The Arctis Pro is only available in a wired version. While this isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, some gamers may prefer the convenience of a wireless headset.
Steelseries Arctis Pro GameDAC Review

But what makes the Arctis Pro stand out from the competition? Let’s take a closer look at some of its standout features.

Sound

First and foremost, the Arctis Pro boasts a high-resolution digital-to-analog converter (DAC). This top-of-the-line DAC is capable of handling 24-bit/96kHz audio, which is significantly higher than the industry standard of 16-bit/48kHz. This means you’ll be able to hear every detail and nuance in your favorite games and music. Whether you’re listening to the footsteps of an enemy in a stealth game or enjoying your favorite album, the Arctis Pro will bring the audio to life like never before.

In addition to its impressive audio quality, the Arctis Pro also offers a range of advanced features that make it a top choice for gaming. It comes with a detachable microphone that delivers clear and accurate voice communication, as well as a noise-cancelling feature that helps filter out background noise. The headset also has a built-in equalizer that allows you to customize the audio to your liking, and it’s compatible with Steelseries’ Engine software, which gives you even more control over the audio settings.

Comfort

But the Arctis Pro isn’t just about the audio. It’s also designed for comfort. The headset is lightweight and has a self-adjusting headband that conforms to the shape of your head, making it comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions. The ear cups are also padded with a soft and breathable material that helps keep you cool and comfortable.

Versatility

It’s compatible with a wide range of devices, including PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, making it a great choice for cross-platform gaming. It also comes with a variety of connectivity options, including a 3.5mm jack and a USB connection, so you can use it with your preferred device.

Is the SteelSeries Arctis Pro with GameDAC Worth It?

It is a top-tier gaming headset with outstanding audio quality and a variety of cutting-edge features. Serious gamers love it for its versatile design, cosy fit, and slick aesthetic. The Arctis Pro is unquestionably a headset worth taking into consideration if you’re searching for a top-notch gaming headset.

SteelSeries Arctis Pro with GameDAC

Source: Business Insider

Arctis Pro vs Arctis Pro with GameDAC: What’s the difference?

Here are some key points to consider when comparing the Arctis Pro and the Arctis Pro with GameDAC:

SteelSeries Arctis ProSteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC
Audio qualityDesigned to produce high-quality audio– Digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and amplifier for improved audio quality & clarity
PriceCheaperMore expensive
ConvenienceRange of onboard controls, such as volume and mute controls– Additional controls such as EQ controls- Variety of input & output options, including USB, optical, and line-in/out connection
Customization optionsBuilt-in equalizer (EQ) Feature called “Soundstage” that allows you to adjust the width and depth of the audio image to improve the sense of immersion in games and other audio applications.

The Arctis Pro with GameDAC may be a better option for those who are looking for improved audio quality, additional customization options, and greater convenience, but it may also come at a higher price point. On the other hand, the Arctis Pro may be a more budget-friendly option for those who do not require the additional features offered by the GameDAC.

Does Arctis Pro support GameDAC?

Yes, the Arctis Pro headset is designed to be used with the GameDAC, which is a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and amplifier that is designed specifically for use with gaming headsets. The GameDAC is included with the Arctis Pro headset and provides high-quality audio for gaming and other audio applications.

The Arctis Pro headset has a 3.5mm audio jack that can be used to connect to the GameDAC, which can then be connected to your computer or gaming console using a USB or optical cable. The GameDAC has a variety of input and output options, including USB, optical, and line-in/out connections, which allow you to use it with a wide range of audio sources and devices.

Once the Arctis Pro headset and GameDAC are connected and set up, you can use the GameDAC’s onboard controls to adjust the audio settings, such as volume, mute, and EQ, and to access features like Soundstage, which allows you to adjust the width and depth of the audio image.

Does Arctis Pro support GameDAC

Source: PC Mag

What’s the purpose of a GameDAC?

A GameDAC’s primary purpose is to provide high-quality audio for gaming and other audio applications. There are several benefits to using a GameDAC with a gaming headset:

Improved audio quality

  • The GameDAC converts digital audio signals into analog signals, which allows the headset to produce high-quality, detailed audio. 
  • It also amplifies the audio signal, which allows the headset to produce loud and clear audio.

Customization options

  • The GameDAC often includes a built-in equalizer (EQ) that allows you to adjust the balance of frequencies in the audio signal, so you can fine-tune the audio to your preferences.
  • It may also have features like “Soundstage,” which allows you to adjust the width and depth of the audio image to improve the sense of immersion in games and other audio applications.

Convenience

  • The GameDAC typically has a range of onboard controls, such as volume, mute, and EQ controls, which allow you to easily adjust the audio settings without having to use external software or devices. 
  • It also has a variety of input and output options, such as USB, optical, and line-in/out connections, which make it easy to use with a wide range of audio sources and devices.

To sum it up, the use of a GameDAC can significantly improve the audio quality and customization options of a gaming headset, and provide a more convenient and user-friendly experience.

Do the Arctis Pros have Noise Cancellation?

Some models of the Arctis Pro headset have a noise-cancelling feature, but not all of them do.

The Arctis Pro + GameDAC and the Arctis Pro Wireless both have a noise-cancelling feature called “ClearCast,” which uses a bidirectional microphone to cancel out background noise and provide clear and accurate voice communication.

The regular Arctis Pro model does not have a noise-cancelling feature. It has a unidirectional microphone that is designed to pick up sound from a specific direction, but it does not have the ability to cancel out background noise.

It’s important to note that the noise-cancelling feature is only available on certain models of the Arctis Pro headset, so if this is a feature that you are interested in, you will need to make sure that you are purchasing a model that includes it.

Can I use any headset with the SteelSeries GameDAC?

The SteelSeries GameDAC is specifically designed to be used with gaming headsets, and it may not work with all types of headsets.

The GameDAC can then be connected to your computer or gaming console using a USB or optical cable and has a variety of input and output options, including USB, optical, and line-in/out connections, which allow you to use it with a wide range of audio sources and devices. However, it is specifically designed to be used with gaming headsets and may not work with other types of headsets, such as headphones or earbuds, that do not have a compatible audio jack or connection.

If you are interested in using the GameDAC with a headset that is not specifically designed for gaming, it is recommended to check with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible with the GameDAC.

How long do the Arctis Pro headsets last?

It is difficult to give a precise estimate of how long the Arctis Pro headset will last, as it will depend on a number of factors, including how frequently it is used, how well it is cared for, and the quality of the components. In general, however, high-quality headsets like the Arctis Pro are built to last and should be able to provide reliable performance for many years with proper care.

Is the Arctis Pro comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions?

Yes, the Arctis Pro is designed for comfort. It’s lightweight and has a self-adjusting headband that conforms to the shape of your head, making it comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The ear cups are also padded with a soft and breathable material that helps keep you cool and comfortable.

What SteelSeries headset is the most comfortable?

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro headset has received positive reviews for its comfort, with many users finding it to be comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The headset has a ski goggle headband design that distributes the weight evenly across the head and is padded with a breathable material to help reduce sweating. It also has ear cups that are designed to fit comfortably over the ears and can be adjusted to fit the shape of the head.

In conclusion, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro headset is generally considered to be one of the most comfortable gaming headsets on the market, but it is always a good idea to try on a headset before purchasing it to ensure that it is comfortable for you personally.

Is the Arctis Pro compatible with Steelseries’ Engine software?

Yes, the Arctis Pro is compatible with Steelseries’ Engine software, which gives you even more control over the audio settings. With the software, you can customize the equalizer, set up audio profiles, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Arctis Pro compatible with my device?

The Arctis Pro is compatible with a wide range of devices, including PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. It also comes with a variety of connectivity options, including a 3.5mm jack and a USB connection, so you can use it with your preferred device.

What functions does GameDAC perform for Arctis Pro?

The GameDAC is a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and amplifier that is designed specifically for use with gaming headsets. It is included with the Arctis Pro headset and is intended to provide high-quality audio for gaming and other audio applications.

Some of the functions that the GameDAC performs for the Arctis Pro headset include:

  • Digital-to-analog conversion: The GameDAC converts digital audio signals into analog signals, which are then sent to the headset’s drivers. This allows the headset to produce high-quality, detailed audio.
  • Amplification: The GameDAC amplifies the audio signal before it is sent to the headset’s drivers, which allows the headset to produce loud and clear audio.
  • Equalization: The GameDAC has a built-in equalizer (EQ) that allows you to adjust the balance of frequencies in the audio signal. This allows you to fine-tune the audio to your preferences.
  • Soundstage adjustment: The GameDAC has a feature called “Soundstage” that allows you to adjust the width and depth of the audio image, which can help to improve the sense of immersion in games and other audio applications.
  • Input and output options: The GameDAC has a variety of input and output options, including USB, optical, and line-in/out connections, which allow you to use it with a wide range of audio sources and devices.
  • Onboard controls: The GameDAC has a range of onboard controls, including volume, mute, and EQ controls, which allow you to easily adjust the audio settings without having to use external software or devices.

Can I use the Arctis Pro for Gaming?

Yes, the Arctis Pro is a great choice for gaming. Its high-resolution DAC delivers exceptional audio quality and clarity, making it a top choice for audiophiles.