Introduction

As promised in the conclusion of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless review (read it here), we’re also doing a full coverage of its slightly less expensive sibling, the Arctis Nova Pro. The main difference between these two top-of-the-line gaming headsets is evident from their names: while the Nova Pro Wireless is, well, wireless, the Arctis Nova Pro isn’t. Instead, it uses an interesting combination of USB and analog connectivity. The headset itself is analog and, as such, can be connected to any sound source with a 3.5-mm audio output. It ships with the GameDAC Gen 2, essentially an external sound card with a built-in OLED display, a massive volume wheel, and a host of features, most of which we’ve already seen on the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.

Wireless connectivity, including 2.4 GHz radio and Bluetooth, is not the only feature you’re giving up when downgrading from the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless to Arctis Nova Pro. The Active Noise Cancelling feature is also omitted, as is the Transparency Mode, making the Arctis Nova Pro much less of a travel-friendly solution. On the upside, the price is reduced from $350/€380, which is what the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless sells for, down to $250/€280. While not exactly cheap, it’s a significant price drop regardless. USB headsets usually offer better microphone quality than their wireless counterparts; that was probably the most significant difference between the two I was preparing for before digging into the Arctis Nova Pro. Read on to find out if that turned out to be true!

Specifications

• Drivers: 40-mm dynamic (neodymium magnet)
• Impedance: 38 Ω
• Sensitivity: 93 dB
• Frequency Response (specified by the manufacturer): 10–40,000 Hz
• DAC: ESS Sabre 9218PQ40 (up to 24-bit/96 kHz PCM)
• Design: Closed-back, over-ear
• Microphone: Bidirectional (retractable)
• Connectivity: 2x USB-C input, 1x 3.5-mm line-in, 1x 3.5-mm line-out
• Supplied cables: 2x USB-C to USB Type-A (1.5 m), 5-pole to 4-pole 3.5-mm audio cable (1.2 m)
• Extras: Microphone pop filter, 2x removable magnetic ear plates, carrying pouch
• Platform support: PC/Mac, PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch, mobile
• Weight: 295 g