SteelSeries is constantly developing and releasing interesting peripherals for gamers, their attention is especially attracted by the new SteelSeries arctis 3 headphones - a gaming headset that can immerse in virtual reality with a head.
Features
- SteelSeries arctis 3 headphones are the latest solution from the manufacturer.
- S1 drivers are used in the top-end models and in the headset presented;
- ClearCast bi-directional microphone is claimed to filter and accurately transmit voice;
- Ski strap as headband size adjuster;
- AirWeave fabric in the insulation of the ear cushions keeps your ears sweat-free, provides good ventilation.
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Specifications
Let's look at the headphones' parameters separately:
- S1 neodymium drivers - 40 mm;
- Type of headphones - closed cup;
- The range of transmitted frequencies is 20 Hz...22 kHz;
- The maximum volume of 98 dB;
- Impedance is 32 ohms - no amplifier is required;
- Audio channel 2.0 and an additional virtual channel 7.1;
- Sound distortion factor of 3%, which for gaming headphones is normal;
- Design: folding headband.
Headset microphone options:
- Built-in noise cancellation;
- Impedance 2.2 kOhm;
- The sensitivity is -48 dB;
- The frequency range is 0.1 ... 10 kHz;
- Movable directional microphone with mute button.
Cable:
- Length 3 meters;
- Type - fully detachable;
- Connector on both sides mini-jack 3.5 mm;
- Connection analog type.
The total weight of the device 450 grams. For the headphones in any of the five color versions will have to pay about 6500 rubles.
Packaging
The box in which the SteelSeries arctis 3 gaming headset comes is large and presentable, made in an interesting corporate design. The package does not shine with information, so you need to get acquainted with the characteristics in advance.
Inside neatly stacked:
- Well-fixed headphones;
- Instructions;
- The identification number of the model to activate it on the site and register the device. This confirms the originality of the headphones;
- Stickers;
- 3 cables: with proprietary connectors (1.25 m), split on 2 plugs with 3.5 mm jacks (1.8 m), a small cable 10 cm long to connect to devices and consoles 3.5 mm plug 4-pin type.
- Decent set to connect to any type of gaming equipment from mobile smartphones to stationary performance computers.
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Design and device
Arctis headphones were created as a unique peripheral equipment, unlike the products of competing companies. Designers have thought everything through to the last detail.
The headphones do not have any bright inserts, light identifiers and other attributes of a typical gaming headset - only the applied logo on the cups and the tape. They are made entirely of durable plastic with a matte headband and soft-touch coating on the cups. It doesn't leave fingerprints, so the appearance doesn't suffer.
The adjustment of the headband size is interesting - it's monolithic with silicone padding for a soft fit to the head, and the adjustment is done through the band, fixed on the inside with Velcro. By the way, you can buy the tape in different colors and designs.
The cups rotate 1800 and have a slight angle for a comfortable fit on the ears. The AirWeave sports fabric ear cushions are large enough to fit snugly against your head. Despite the weight, the load is distributed evenly and nothing presses down, does not distract you from playing or working.
On the bottom of the left earpiece are located controls: a jack for a 3.5 mm plug, for a micro usb headphone cable, volume control, microphone on. Yes inputs allow you to connect additional headphones. Over time, the tactile recognition grows and the control becomes simple and fast.
The microphone is hidden - you can't find it! It's a little protruding piece by the control panel on the left cup. It reaches in and locks into position when needed.
Ease of use
The design of the SteelSeries arctis 3 headphones is neutral, they don't look bulky or flashy, so they're suitable for walking around. Sound isolation is optimal and passersby are not disturbed by the listener and vice versa.
Regarding the fit on the head: the rubber padding is not as comfortable as the manufacturer claims, especially compared to the rigid plastic or metal plate. The band needs to be carefully adjusted to the specific head, thankfully only the first time.
The ear cushions are not deep enough and the ear touches the fabric of the cup. This is an unusual sensation that takes some getting used to, but it affects the depth of sound - the vibrations specifically lack space and air.
The control panel eventually becomes clear to the touch, but with the volume control the manufacturer is a little tricky: the wheel can simultaneously add or subtract sound and determines the level of recording. That is, when adjusting the sound player can be lost to fellow players online. With the rest of the buttons there are no problems - everything works clearly and without unnecessary questions.
The microphone perfectly transmits sounds. And all without exception - the noise cancelling function is ineffective. For example, the caller on the other side of the wire hears the keys on the keyboard of the caller.
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Software
The SteelSeries arctis 3 headphones have no audio device and, it would seem, software is not needed. On the other hand, the manufacturer claims enhanced 7.1 sound quality, which requires separate sound processing algorithms, and for that purpose special software has been created, which can only be used with a license key. This is how SteelSeries protects the algorithms from use by unauthorized devices.
The software is well thought out, but ineffective: there are a lot of settings, the interface is clear, but the sound changes practically nothing, or you need a very fine ear to determine it. For example, the difference between strong and weak bass is almost imperceptible.
Sound quality
Users have tested and continue to do so with the SteelSeries arctis 3 headphones on music players, studio equipment and PCs, on consoles.
In games, the sound is fine. It has moderate depth with bass and clean delivery. With listening to classics and light genres somewhat distorted sound. Middle frequencies are blurred and lost, fortunately, the highs are in place, but they do not pull the overall composition.
All is not smooth with the film production too. Scenes of fighting or loud music turn into sonic "mush" and it is hard to distinguish separate melodies from it.
Conclusions
The SteelSeries arctis 3 gaming headphones are devices with a versatile design with five different colors and a hidden headset. The ergonomic design is impressive and competes with analogues, but the internal device is not perfect. However, for gamers they are unprincipled and do not cause discomfort. You should not buy headphones for music and movies.
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