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SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC Hi-Res Gaming Audio System Review

Audio/Others by stefan @ 2018-05-04

After finishing up with the hardware setup, we have started using the system in the regular PC mode; The Forest game is quite atmospheric and the Arctis Pro can assist with its optimized drivers in order to deliver an interesting experience. Next, we did try Mad Max and the large 40mm drivers were able to deliver good lows so the engine sounds and gunshots were represented well, which were a pleasure to listen at higher volumes.

After switching the GameDAC to the Hi-Res Mode, we have done some research and found out that there is not a lot of 24/96 audio material out there. You would be in luck if you do own a Tidal subscription or you can search 24-bit FLACs in order to benefit from the capabilities of the ESS Sabre 9018 Reference DAC. HDtracks contains a wide variety of albums that can be purchased for later playback at high resolution.

Packaging, A Closer Look Part I

SteelSeries has recently launched the new Arctis Pro series of headsets, which all feature as a novelty Hi-Res 40.000Hz output drivers, DTS Headphone: X 2.0 surround sound but only the Arctis Pro + GameDAC model is Hi-Res Audio Certified. The Hi-Res Audio certification is possible thanks to the ESS Sabre 9018 Reference DAC included inside the GameDAC console that can deliver very good audio quality with 121 dB of dynamic range and -115 dB THD+N. The product is compatible with both PS4, PC and the manufacturer does ship it inside a medium-sized cardboard enclosure; the packaging style is a bit revised versus the previous Arctis line, in order to give it an even more “professional look”:

On the side of the packaging, we will get to see the usual SteelSeries “Rise Up” motto, along with a product description regarding professional gaming:

The opposite side does show the included cables, a view of the GameDAC interfaces but also the technical specifications:

We can learn more about the product main features if we do check out the bottom packaging area:

After unsealing the box, we will see that now the headset is even better secured inside, with an additional black plastic mold on the top:

The Arctis Pro headset does share characteristics from both Arctis 5 and 7, while remaining comfortable thanks to the AirWeave ear cushions; this type of fabric is found in athletic clothing and is meant to let the skin breathe during long gaming sessions:

The outside of each cup is covered by a rubberized paint; here we can find a subtle SteelSeries logo:

The left cup does integrate a retractable microphone, with a built-in activity LED:

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