INTRODUCTION

   Searching for the best gaming headset hasn't been easy and even after testing countless models for the past 6 years we’ve still to find the one to "rule them all". Sure we've had several favorites over the years by quite a few gaming peripherals manufacturers but SteelSeries is actually the only one to stand out in that regard since they've released not one but three of our all-time favorite models such as the Siberia Elite Prism, Siberia 650 and Arctis 7. Well it seems that this wasn't quite enough for SteelSeries so in March of this year they released what just might be their best gaming headset to date (although audio system seems a more accurate description) the Arctis Pro with GameDAC which we've been using for almost a month now.

   SteelSeries has fueled the gaming industry by creating innovative new products, designed specifically for eSports and passionate gamers everywhere. Here at SteelSeries, we are obsessed with “firsts”. Dating back to 2001, our company was formed to meet the surface needs of hardcore gamers by introducing the first glass mousepad, the Icemat. Since that original innovation, we created the first mechanical gaming keyboard, the first suspended headband for gaming headsets, the first World of Warcraft mouse and endless other innovations. SteelSeries is dedicated to building products that push professional gaming further than anyone dreamed. Those innovations make gaming more competitive and more fun for gamers everywhere.

   According to SteelSeries the Arctis Pro with GameDAC is gaming’s first certified Hi-Res Audio System that ensures high-fidelity 96kHz/24-bit with no need for down-sampling thanks to the legendary ESS Sabre 9018 Reference DAC (32-bit audio with 121dB of dynamic range and -115dB Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise) and amp located in an compact external controller. SteelSeries also used two 40mm premium speaker drivers with high-density neodymium magnets that feature a frequency response of 10Hz-40KHz with 32 Ohm impedance and 102dB sensitivity. The ClearCast bidirectional retractable boom microphone features noise-cancelling technology, 100Hz-10KHz frequency response, -38dB sensitivity and 2200Ohm impedance. The Arctis Pro with GameDAC also supports DTS Headphone: X 2.0 technology which can deliver 3D virtualization with proximity cues and support for channel-based, scene-based and object-based audio for an enhanced gaming experience. Also worth pointing out is that in terms of design and build quality the Arctis Pro Gaming Headset is almost identical to the previous Arctis models released by SteelSeries.