SteelSeries Launches The Arctis 9X Headset: X Marks The Xbox

SteelSeries is well-known within the gaming headset business, and we’ve been lucky sufficient to check out a few of their merchandise previously, together with the wonderful Arctis Pro with GameDAC which is without doubt one of the finest PC headsets round, however SteelSeries didn’t formally assist Xbox with that mannequin. That adjustments right this moment, with the launch of the Arctis 9X, and brings with it official Xbox Wireless connectivity as properly, which SteelSeries despatched us a few weeks in the past to get some first impressions on previous to the launch.

The addition of Xbox Wireless connectivity places SteelSeries in some choose firm, and the enlargement of this ecosystem to permit connectivity of not simply controllers, but in addition headsets, is one thing solely obtainable since late 2017. SteelSeries provides a few headsets that may join over the three.5 mm audio jack on the Xbox controller beforehand, however the Arctis 9X collection is now simply their premium mannequin on this section.

It all begins with the sound although. SteelSeries leverages the identical 40 mm driver present in the remainder of the Arctis lineup. SteelSeries retains a constant audio high quality throughout their non-Pro vary, and the higher-end fashions solely add-in options. The firm goals for a impartial tone as properly, quite than fall into the boomy bass lure that some headsets can’t escape. Although they don’t provide lively noise cancellation, the over-ear design does a terrific job isolating the listener, permitting you to focus on the duty at hand. The headset helps Windows Sonic as properly, providing spatial audio assist that’s included with the Xbox One and Windows 10.

SteelSeries additionally provides a terrific chat microphone, dubbed ClearCast, which provides bi-directional noise cancellation. The noise cancellation works properly, retaining chat targeted on simply your voice. The microphone has a frequency response of 100 Hz to 10 okHz, and a sensitivity of -38 dB. The microphone is retractable into the earcup, simply adjustable, and provides an built-in mute LED so you already know at a look whether or not the microphone is muted or not. The bendable arm that retracts into the earcup additionally permits you to place the microphone the place it’s most comfy so that you can use.

Comfort can be a giant issue for headsets, and SteelSeries has tweaked their lineup this 12 months, taking suggestions from clients and leveraging a number of the design of the Arctis Pro lineup. The metal goggle band on the Arctis 9X options these identical design adjustments, together with thicker ear foams, and a band with extra curve, letting it’s extra comfy for extra folks, and the adjustments actually work properly. The headset could be very comfy, and the additional padding on the ear cushions was instantly noticeable.

The firm has additionally made some tweaks to the controls, as soon as once more primarily based on suggestions from house owners. The quantity and chat knobs have been moved upwards on the earcups to forestall by chance hitting them when taking them on and off, which is one thing I’ve undoubtedly skilled on the Arctis Pro, so this can be a welcome change. The management knobs are additionally barely smaller, in order that they don’t protrude as far, and require extra power to alter, which must also assist forestall by chance altering ranges.

So let’s discuss connectivity. Offering Xbox Wireless connectivity supplies the next bandwidth connection to the…