O-Sense
INTRODUCTION
It's no secret that I’ve always placed wired devices over wireless ones for a number reasons depending on what that device is. In regards to modem/routers for example wired connectivity is much faster, reliable and secure than wireless. Needless to say, the same applies to wireless devices like keyboards and mice since their wired counterparts are usually far more stable and accurate especially when it comes to gaming. And of course, the same applies for headsets which is also why audiophiles always prefer using wired models over wireless ones. Still, there's no denying that not having to deal with annoying cables is extremely convenient, yes you may not be getting quite the same result (do keep in mind that with the introduction of new technologies the audio performance gap is closing every day) but for many that's an acceptable trade-in. The Arctis 7X Wireless Gaming Headset is one of SteelSeries's most popular wireless models to date and it's also what I’ve been using for just over 3 weeks now.
SteelSeries is the worldwide brand and innovation leader in gaming and esports peripherals focused on premium quality, innovation, and functionality. Founded in 2001, SteelSeries improves performance through first-to-market innovations and technologies that enable gamers to play harder, train longer, and rise to the challenge. SteelSeries is the pioneering supporter of esports and competitive gaming tournaments, connecting gamers and fostering a sense of community and purpose. SteelSeries’ family of professional and gaming enthusiasts are the driving force behind the company and help influence, design, and craft every single accessory and the brand’s software ecosystem, SteelSeries GG. The SteelSeries family of brands includes KontrolFreek, the industry leader in high-performance controller accessories, and Nahimic, the leader in 3D sound solutions for gaming. In 2022 SteelSeries joined the GN family, a global leader in innovative and intelligent audio and video communications solutions sold in approximately 100 countries around the world.
Just like with the Arctis 7 and the Siberia 840 before that SteelSeries has equipped the Arctis 7X with the same S1 40mm neodymium stereo drivers that deliver a frequency response of 20Hz-20KHz with 98dB sensitivity (on the product box it says 100dB) and 32Ohm impedance. It also features a variant of the same bidirectional noise cancelling retractable microphone found in the Arctis 3,7 & 5 models using their ClearCast technology (also discord certified) which sports a frequency response of 100Hz-6500Hz with -38dB sensitivity and 2200Ohm impedance. Also, just like the Arctis 7 the Arctis 7X is bundled with an external lag-free 2.4GHz USB-C wireless transmitter which gives it a range of up to 12 meters (40 feet) and is fully compatible both the Xbox console (supports Chatmix audio) and USB compatible devices like PCs, smartphones, tablets and other console types. Finally, a built-in battery pack is responsible of keeping the Arctis 7X in operation for up to 24 hours.
SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES
PACKAGING AND CONTENTS
SteelSeries has used a white and green box to ship the Arctis 7X inside which typically has their logo at the front along with a product picture and the Xbox logo.
The bundle contents along with the product specifications are printed on the right side.
Several awards for SteelSeries headsets are printed on the left side.
Moving at the rear of the box we find two more product pictures and the product features in 5 languages.
Removing the exterior cover of the box reveals a second green cover with the words for glory on it.
As you can all see the headset is placed inside a formed piece of plastic.
Along with the Arctis 7X inside the box you'll also find the 2.4GHz USB-C wireless transmitter, 1.2m long USB-A to USB-C cable (for the transmitter), 1.5m long microUSB charging cable, 1.2m long 3.5mm cable, product satisfaction paper and the user manual.
THE ARCTIS 7X
The Arctis 7X is a medium sized gaming headset made out of plastic, fabric and aluminum that weighs roughly 350g.
Just like many other SteelSeries headsets to date the Arctis 7X features an adjustable elastic fabric headband making it extremely comfortable even after several hours of use.
Typically, SteelSeries has placed their name on the exterior of both earcups and their logo on both ends of the elastic fabric headband.
The ClearCast retractable bidirectional boom microphone is among the most flexible ones out in the market and just like previous models if features a mute LED at the front.
On the base and rear of the left earcup we also find a micro USB charging port, 3.5mm input, mini USB port volume control roller and the microphone mute button.
On the base of the right earcup we just find the power on/off and Bluetooth pairing buttons and of course their activity LEDs.
SteelSeries has once again used their patented AirWeave ear cushions which are very soft and large.
Both earcups can rotate 90 degrees to allow for easier storage and/or transport.
Since the Arctis 7X is aimed towards Xbox owners adding some green lines/striped on the adjustable elastic fabric headband was a good touch.
The 2.4GHz USB-C wireless transmitter is just like a small USB in size and was a switch that allows it to be used either with Xbox consoles or USB compatible devices.
ENGINE SOFTWARE
As with most products by SteelSeries their Engine 3 software is required to control your Arctis 7X (if used with your PC).
The software has two parts, the left screen from where you can pair the 2.4GHz transmitter with the headset (if unpaired) and where you can see the multimedia controls and the right side with all available settings.
From here you can manually adjust the equalizer or choose one of the 6 available presets (flat/performance/immersion/entertainment/music/voice), adjust the dynamic range compression, set the microphone volume, adjust the microphone sidetone levels (allows you to hear your own voice in the headset as you speak into the microphone) and set the power inactivity timer.
Needless to say, you can save your settings onto different profiles.
CONCLUSION
Just like many other people (our live-action Witcher included) I too was never into game consoles, at least not ever since I got my first PC back in 1991. So just like every other gaming headset I tested the Arctis 7X with all my PCs and as expected it’s almost identical in audio performance as its predecessor, the Arctis 7. Mids and highs are very accurate and crisp and in terms of bass, well, the 40mm drivers are not stellar in that regard but for the most part they are doing well, especially in games and even movies. When it comes to music however yes, delivering average bass levels means that the Arctis 7X would obviously not be my 1st choice (or my 2nd for that matter). The Arctis 7X also lacks the DTS Headphone X feature found in the Arctis 7 (it does support windows spatial sound) via the Engine software but this is probably due to the fact that Xbox users are its main target audience (and they’d be unable to use it). Comfort levels thanks to the flexible headband are high, build quality is pretty much excellent and as for battery life I may have been unable to hit 24 hours but I did record just over 19 and that’s a very good number. Now I can’t say I used the microphone as much as I’ve used others before but it performed well in online games so no problems there either.
Roughly 18 months after its official launch the Arctis 7X Wireless Gaming Headset by SteelSeries currently retails for USD149 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 169.85Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de). This price tag puts it on the higher end of similar headsets and unless you own an Xbox, I think you can set your eyes to other SteelSeries models like for example the 9X. That being said however the Arctis 7X does deliver as advertised and for that it gets the Golden Award.
PROS
- Very Good Build Quality
- Design (Available In Black & White)
- Very Comfortable
- Audio Quality (Clear & Accurate Mids & Highs)
- Wireless Range (12 Meters / 40 Feet)
- Battery Life (24 Hours)
- 2.4GHz Lag Free Wireless, USB & 3.5mm Connectivity
- Engine Software (PC)
CONS
- Price (For Some)
