PC gaming enthusiasts can appreciate the SteelSeries Arctis 5. This headset features an ergonomic fit, excellent background sound, and an original design. The ability to adjust the headband and microphone makes the device more comfortable to use. And only to the backlight and the cord users have some complaints, which we will talk about below.
Content:
Design
The SteelSeries Arctis 5 headphones are completely plastic. But it looks pretty decent thanks to the soft-touch coating. The matte surface of the cups is accented by a strip of LED lighting. Although the rotation angle of the headphones is small, it is enough to hang them comfortably around your neck when you remove them from your head.
The ear cushions are fabric, with a noticeably ribbed surface. Inside are pads with special breathable fabric. Users say that even when using the headset for a long time, your ears do not get sweaty, some discomfort occurs only in very hot weather.
On the left earpiece there are function keys and connectors:
- button to turn off / on the microphone;
- volume up wheel;
- micro-USB input;
- Standard jack jack 3.5.
On the earpiece is located and retractable microphone on the leg. It can be almost completely slid inside if you want. Owners of the headset note that the mobility of the left earpiece is reduced, possibly due to the fact that they are supplemented with an internal wire for the microphone.
The USB cable that comes with the headset is complemented by a rotary knob, which can also be used to adjust the sound volume.
Ergonomics of the headband
The manufacturer offers users a plastic headband with soft padding, decorated with additional volume adjustment. This is a small piece of fabric with Velcro at the ends, connecting the far sides of the headband. By reducing the length of the cut you can reduce the volume of the headband, making it fit tightly to the head.
Only a few did not appreciate this method of adjustment. Most owners of the headset note that the headphones fit tightly on the head, they do not move down. It is comfortable to play, even after a few hours of use there is no fatigue either in the neck or in the head.
Functionality of the gaming headset
Sound is good. The sound is just great. Dota, World of Tanks, CS:GO, Battlefield 1 and other arcade games, shooters, simulators, strategies, you can immerse yourself completely. Headphones provide a natural sense of presence, conveying the atmosphere of combat or adventure.
According to user reviews:
- "Immersion is very well worked out in the games. You get the feeling that you're in a huge hall, a hall, and the sound is blowing around."
- "Especially good in these headphones horror games. It's so realistic, I even got scared myself in the process."
- "Soundproofing is top notch. You can't hear you around or others distracted from the activity. Very powerful sound all around while playing."
Thanks to the surround sound technology the atmosphere of the game is perfectly conveyed. Functional sounds come from where the objects are located, so you can react to them quickly and appropriately. In front of the gamer builds a complete sound picture, which allows you to comfortably relax and really enjoy the gameplay.
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Microphone
It is convenient to switch between microphone settings and the game itself with the slider located on the USB-connector. This is relevant for people who are actively playing Counter-Strike. Here you can adjust the volume of the chat conversation, avoiding unnecessary deafening by explosions and gunshots.
Unfortunately, the use of this control is provided only in online games. In messengers you will have to change the microphone volume using the mixer.
The microphone does not phoned, clearly transmits speech. Some users note that in the microphone can be heard not only the interlocutor, but also how he presses the keys on the keyboard or mouse. That is, there is not enough active noise cancellation. Unnecessary noise does not interfere with the speech of the speaker, you can get used to it.
Using as music headphones
In order for the headset to function as a music headset, you must connect the device to your phone using a special cable with a USB adapter. Although the app suggests setting up the headphones for a specific type of use (for games, music, or movies), this headset is still more suitable for gaming.
When you connect Headphone:X 7.1 deteriorates the playback of melodies, the music becomes deaf, there is no saturation. A lot of people complain about the fact that when playing music, the sound is flat, like from a barrel. Even the adjustment of the bass does not save the situation. The multi-channel sound is not adapted to the playback of songs, so many tunes will sound unusual and even unpleasant.
If you switch the headphones to stereo mode, the sound improves, but it does not become excellent. But the headphones completely cut off the noise of the surrounding world, allowing you to just comfortably walk while listening to music.
Owners do not like to use the headset to watch movies as well. The problem is that the headphones need to be connected with a wire to a computer, laptop or TV. This is inconvenient, it limits the range of movement.
Still, movie buffs prefer wireless devices. Melomany to listen to music and watch movies better to buy Sennheiser rs 160, they are more adapted to the playback of music tracks.
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Software support
Unlike Steelseries Siberia v2, the arctis 5 model does not require you to replace the sound card or add extraneous adapters to the set. The headset is said to be ready to go "out of the box". Set up the headphones immediately when you first connect them to your computer via a USB cord.
Through the app, the user can:
- update the headset's firmware;
- adjust the microphone sensitivity;
- enable/disable support for Headphone:X 7.1 gaming sound;
- adjust the equalizer and dynamic range compressor;
- select the level of noise reduction.
Here you can also adjust the backlighting effects: set the color solution for each headphone, select the color and brightness. In addition, it is through the application you can turn off the backlighting and remove the downside, which is so often complained about the owners of this headset - the microphone, glowing red after you turn it off. With the backlight off, the LED on the microphone does not work.
Conclusion
If you don't have the inconvenience of being "tied" to your computer with a cord, this headset is the best option. Although the SteelSeries Arctis 5 is offered by the manufacturer as a multifunctional headset, it is best used for gaming on the computer: the headset is great for immersive gaming environments, the microphone allows you to keep a stable chat connection. In addition, the headphones do not hurt your ears, even if you do not take them off for more than 5 hours.
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