Does Arctis 9x Have Surround Sound

Well over a year afterwards SteelSeries released the Arctis 9 X, a wireless gaming headset built for the Xbox One that also offers Bluetooth support, the company has finally released its multi-platform counterpart. The SteelSeries Arctis nine Wireless doesn't have the same dongle-costless experience as the 9X, just it's compatible with PC, PlayStation 4 (and v), and Nintendo Switch. Plus this one's besides Bluetooth compatible, and then you can throw a telephone or laptop in the mix.

Is wider compatibility enough to make this a must-buy?

Editor's note: this SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless review was updated on February 24, 2022, to address the SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless.

Who is the SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless for?

• Gamerswho fiddle in a lot of unlike platforms can switch information technology up with the Arctis 9 Wireless.
• Anyone who likes the idea of a gaming headset that also uses Bluetooth, just doesn't want to spring for an additional adapter for the 9X can just get the Arctis nine Wireless instead.
• At-dwelling workers looking for something comfy enough to wear all 24-hour interval will like how the mic sounds on this headset.

What is the SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless like?

Looks familiar, doesn't it?

If you've used an Arctis gaming headset in the by, a lot of this department is going to seem pretty familiar. The SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless is basically identical to the Arctis 7 (and Arctis 7P), Arctis Pro, and just most every headset product line more than expensive than the Arctis ane. In a lot of ways, that's a skilful thing. Just similar those headsets, this one is damn comfy, sturdy, and easy to employ.

The SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless features a primarily metal build, with a brushed steel intermission frame, ski goggle-style headband, and soft airweave earpads. The microphone is congenital into the left headphone, and retracts into it when not needed. Thanks to the pause band, the headset feels very low-cal, and offers just enough clamping force to feel secure, just not tight. If this were a regular pair of headphones, I'd be worried about it flying off my head at every sudden motion, but the relatively stationary nature of gaming headsets makes this not much of an issue. The headphone pads are comfortable, and achieving a decent seal with them is pretty easy—they manage oestrus quite well as well.

How exercise you control the SteelSeries Arctis 9?

It'south easy to forget you lot're wearing a headset similar this.

The headset'due south on-ear controls are a piddling busy, but the buttons and dials are spaced out well plenty to keep things from getting confusing. The right headphone features the buttons for ability, Bluetooth pairing, and muting the mic, as well equally a volume punch, a 3.5mm port, and a microUSB charging port. The left headphone houses the mic and a punch for managing game and chat audio. This is a lot for any headset to hold, simply all the buttons are unlike shapes, which makes them piece of cake to distinguish while you're fumbling around mid-game.

Should you download SteelSeries Engine?

The SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless is a wireless gaming headset for PC also compatible with PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. Most of its features are controlled via on-ear buttons and dials, simply the headset relies on SteelSeries' Engine app for things like EQ presets (for stereo and surroundings sound), a somewhat accurate bombardment reading, mic monitoring, and 7.1 virtual environs sound using the DTS:Ten 2 standard. Engine is a little clunky, but all of the Arctis 9 options are laid out on one page and it works well plenty. Information technology's easy to set and forget, which is more than I can say about other gaming headset apps.

How is gaming with the SteelSeries Arctis nine Wireless?

This is definitely a PC-first gaming headset, but it works only fine with PlayStation four Nintendo Switch, likewise.

The SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless offers pretty much the same gaming experience every bit headsets similar Arctis 7 and Arctis Pro. Information technology's super comfy, so extended multi-hour sessions are no problem, though you lot'll merely get a few in before needing to recharge the headset.

On PC the headset supports the DTS:10 2 surround sound standard through SteelSeries Engine, which mostly works pretty well, provided the game yous play supports information technology. It handled the various directional cues of Apex Legendswithout too much issue, though it hardly made me better at the game—recollect environs audio isn't going to exist the matter to take from schmo to pro, information technology merely offers a little more data (and how much depends on the size and shape of your caput and ears).

Stereo experiences worked merely also yous'd expect also. The mix of action sounds and orchestral scores in games similar Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Final Fantasy Xiv sounded cracking on PC, and so did more chaotic audio experiences like League of Legends. On PlayStation 4, the headset handled games like Persona five Regal and Dauntless similarly well.

How does the SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless connect?

Pairing the headset is as unproblematic as belongings the Bluetooth button until you hear a beep.

The SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless connects to your platform of choice using a 2.4GHz USB wireless RF dongle for lag-gratis wireless sound. Additionally, the headset supports Bluetooth connections to mobile devices and other platforms that support information technology. It only uses SBC and AAC codecs, which is a bummer for Android users, as AAC just doesn't play very well with not-Apple devices. Given this is a secondary connection method, it's non such a large deal though. The headset besides supports iii.5mm connections and includes a detachable 3.5mm cord for lossless, analog sound playback.

How is the bombardment on the SteelSeries Arctis ix Wireless?

The headset charges using a microUSB cord.

Co-ordinate to SteelSeries, the Arctis 9 Wireless can terminal up to 20 hours on a single charge. In our testing, we constitute it falls a petty short of that. At a consequent output of ~75dB, the SteelSeries Arctis ix Wireless lasts xviii hours, 35 minutes using the two.4GHz RF connection. Y'all should look worse results than that if you connect over Bluetooth, Bluetooth and RF connexion simultaneously, or if you lot just typically keep the book higher than that. Y'all can always switch to a wired connection when the battery runs out, at least.

Does the SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless block out noise?

Don't wait to block much out with this headset, even with a skillful seal.

The SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless offers fairly average isolation for a gaming headset, which means information technology won't block much out. For nearly gaming headsets this isn't an event, as the sounds of the home rarely go that loud for very long. Again, this headset supports Bluetooth connections, and it's restrained enough in its aesthetic that taking it out to a buffet isn't unreasonable (at least, in a world where going to a cafe is reasonable). In that kind of situation, this headset will come up upwards far short of what you demand.

Hold up! Something's unlike:

This article's frequency response and isolation charts were measured with our old testing system. Nosotros take since purchased a Bruel & Kjaer 5128 test fixture (and the appropriate support equipment) to update our testing and data collection. It will accept a while to update our backlog of old examination results, but nosotros volition update this review (and many others!) in one case we're able with improved audio quality measurements and ANC performance plots. These will exist made obvious with our new nautical chart aesthetic (black background instead of white).

Thank yous for bearing with u.s.a., and we hope to see y'all once again one time we've sorted everything out.

How does the SteelSeries Arctis nine Wireless sound?

That dip in the highs is probably in that location to avoid natural harmonic resonances in the ear culvert, so don't worry nigh information technology.

The SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless outputs accurate audio pretty much beyond the frequency spectrum. There's a slight bump in the bass range effectually 100Hz and a slight dip effectually 2000Hz, but nothing sounds so far out of whack that you'd much observe information technology.

Lows, mids, and highs

Music of nigh genres will audio corking coming out of the SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless. The slight heave between 100-200Hz means that some vocals volition sound just a niggling bit clearer than they otherwise would, which can be nifty in tracks where a crush of instrumentation overshadows the singing. In Hither Comes The End past Gerard Style featuring Judith Hill, Way'southward verses often feel on the verge of getting drowned out by the distorted guitar and bass, but he comes through clearly on the SteelSeries Arctis ix Wireless.

In game, a frequency response like this won't crusade any bug, regardless of genre. It may fifty-fifty make some voices come through a little more clearly over Discord or Skype.

How is the microphone on the SteelSeries Arctis ix Wireless?

The SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless features a standard microphone for a gaming headset, with substantially de-emphasized sound starting in the bass range and ending effectually 600Hz—that more than covers the average primal frequencies of male and female voices, by the manner. A lot of that de-accent isn't terribly severe, but it yet means that most people will come through a little quieter than they otherwise would, and people with deep voices might sound pretty tinny. Listen for yourself:

How does the microphone sound to you?

2272 votes

As of December 2, 2021, i,054 readers accept rated the above mic sample as somewhere between "okay" and "skillful." This is a pretty average result for gaming headset microphones.

Should you lot buy the SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless?

If you're looking for a good multi-platform headset, you lot should consider the SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless. All the same, it's definitely non the just solid option effectually.

The headset hinges rotate to lay flat.

Without a uncertainty, the SteelSeries Arctis nine Wireless is a well-made gaming headset. It's super comfortable, sounds great, and information technology works on a bunch of different platforms. The Bluetooth connectivity adds fifty-fifty more compatibility, and having an AAC codec option is great for Apple tree device users. However, the mic definitely leaves a little to be desired, every bit does the battery—under 20 hours is nothing to sneeze at, simply gaming headsets routinely button 30 hours these days.

It'southward hard to imagine being disappointed with the SteelSeries Arctis, only if you've got more specific needs, in that location are plenty of alternatives worth considering. Ultimately, it's a great option in a market absolute drowning in great options.

Side by side: SteelSeries Arctis Prime review

SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless

All prices listed in USD unless otherwise specified. Prices may alter over time, and vary past region. Unfortunately, nosotros cannot list Amazon prices on the site, every bit they vary profoundly past currency.

SteelSeries Arctis 9 vs SteelSeries Arctis vii+ Wireless: What's the difference?

The motion to a USB-C dongle on the Arctis 7+ Wireless brings compatibility with mobile devices that weren't possible earlier.

The SteelSeries Arctis seven+ Wireless is just a differently dressed version of the pop Arctis 7P Wireless, with its all-black outside. Unlike the Arctis 9, the Arctis 7+ has stellar bombardment life and lasts nearly 72 hours before you lot need to recharge via USB-C (whereas the Arctis 9 uses a microUSB input). You can employ the aforementioned USB-C port for passthrough audio, which makes it even more versatile than most gaming headsets. Like the Arctis 9, the Arctis seven+ supports lag-gratuitous wireless audio (2.4GHz), simply the seven+ uses a USB-C dongle with a USB-A adapter whereas the Arctis 9 has a puck-shaped transmitter.

The main reason to purchase the Arctis nine over the Arctis seven+ Wireless is Bluetooth capabilities. Otherwise, the Arctis vii+ Wireless has much better battery life, arguably more useful connectivity options for a wireless gaming headset, and the same ski-goggle-like headband.

What should you lot get instead of the SteelSeries Arctis ix Wireless?

A little light at the bottom of the Razer Kaira Pro glows dark-green when paired over Xbox Wireless, blue when paired over Bluetooth, and majestic when paired over both.

Probably the thing that should dictate whether you get this headset is what platforms yous demand it for. If you admittedly demand a gaming headset that's likewise a Bluetooth headset, this isn't the just choice. For Xbox gamers, the Razer Kaira Pro doesn't need a dongle to connect to the panel; it besides supports Bluetooth connections (though information technology's non and then great on PC). The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 matches the features of the Arctis 9 Wireless for $50 less, has about twice the battery life, and a far more accurate microphone, though it does lack a built-in surroundings sound selection (Windows Sonic works just fine on PC).

If Bluetooth doesn't matter to you, a ton of nifty wireless gaming headsets are cheaper and arguably better. The SteelSeries Arctis 7 is an otherwise identical headset to the Arctis ix Wireless for $50 less. The HyperX Cloud Flying S is also cheaper, and brings better battery life, as well equally surroundings sound to both PC and PlayStation 4—it supports Qi wireless charging, too. The SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless doesn't offer surround audio, but its battery life is fantastic, and its USB-C dongle means it works wirelessly with an undocked Nintendo Switch, as well as many smartphones. The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro also offers more than accurate audio and mic output than but about any gaming headset on market, though its isolation isn't as good as the wired version of the headset.

Y'all won't be recording any podcasts with the Chiliad Pro X, but if you're ane of the many people who play Dungeons and Dragons on the internet it could be the perfect thing.

The Logitech G Pro Ten brings very comprehensive mic settings with the G Hub PC app, so yous can tailor exactly how you audio over a Discord call. The HyperX Cloud Alpha is a perennial mainstay for its first-class sound and isolation, and it'southward half the price of the SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless. All of these headsets support three.5mm connections, and then you tin can plug them into the controller of your console too.

If a three.5mm gaming headset seems a little low-tech to you, recollect that the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series 10/South both handle features like environment sound locally. That ways both can push button spatial sound to almost 3.5mm wired gaming headsets, and you lot won't have to worry most missing directional audio cues.

Frequently asked questions well-nigh the SteelSeries Artis 9

Yes, yous can use the included detachable 3.5mm cord with the SteelSeries Arctis ix to admission basic functionality, including the headphones, microphone, and book dial.

Like every other wireless Arctis gaming headset, the SteelSeries Arctis 9 connects using a 2.4GHz USB wireless dongle. This one uses USB-A connections, so y'all won't demand an adapter to connect it to the PlayStation 4.

It's unlikely the SteelSeries Arctis nine will work well with Xbox Series X. However, the Arctis 9X is virtually the aforementioned headset and built specifically for Xbox. It launched for the Xbox I, only information technology'll work just as well for the Xbox Serial 10.

The LucidSound LS50X is a not bad gaming headset, and information technology should exist for the toll. It's a great selection for the Xbox One and Xbox Serial 10/S, and tin can connect past wire too. It affords Bluetooth connectivity, which is unique to gaming headsets, and the quilted headband fabric is extremely comfy. Still, unless, y'all absolutely love the LucidSound wait, the SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless affords nearly the same features for $50 less. You tin fifty-fifty get the Xbox-specific version too.

Source: https://www.soundguys.com/steelseries-arctis-9-wireless-review-43811/

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