****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
This is going to be a PS5 centric review since I don't use the headset for any other platform. Also, I've only ever owned one other "premium" headset so much of my opinion will be based on my previous experience.The Steel Series Arctis 9 Wireless connect to the PS5 via a usb dongle. The controls are primarily on the right ear cup, with the standard power on, bluetooth button (for pairing or pausing content) and a volume wheel. The mic is retractable and doesn't include a windshield, but I added a spare one I ordered off Amazon and it fit just fine. Right now I'm using the Wicked Cushions cooling gel ear pads as I found the stock pads a bit too thin for my taste and the Wicked Cushions made what was already a really comfortable headset about 10x better. I can wear these for long sessions without any discomfort whatsoever. If I had to do it again, I don't know if I'd buy the cooling gel version as they actually seem to increase the heat on my ears after a half hour. Still very comfortable to wear.Sound ProfileThis is not a bass heavy headset. If you're looking for a headset that's going to vibrate on your head every time an explosion goes off, this is not for you. Initially, I was unimpressed by the sound. It all seemed rather flat. But after installing the companion software (which is Mac compatible), I played around with the EQ presets (they save to the headset) and found one that really worked for me (it's called Smiley). And while the bass still isn't overwhelming, I do enjoy the more even highs, mids mixed with the bass. In fact, I really prefer the sound of this as opposed to a more bass heavy headset such as the Turtle Beach 700s. And don't get me wrong, the bass is fine and does the job, which is what I want. I'd say this is more of a fine wine that you appreciate for the taste as opposed to a cheap wine that'll get you buzzed.ComfortAgain, very very comfortable, but I am using 3rd party ear cushions. The stock ear cushions are fine, but not quite thick enough for my tastes. After upgrading to WC cooling gel cushions, these things are like a cloud on my head. And I have a big head btw and I find the amount of clamp and fit to be just right. The headband uses a ski google strap of sorts to accommodate your head (as opposed to most other headsets that you manually click the headband to expand or retract it) and it took some getting used to, but now I can't imagine going back. I simply put them in the desired position and they stay that way.DurabilityThere's a lot of posts on various forums complaining that the hinges are prone to breaking so while it's only been a week, so far so good. My last headset developed a hairline crack on the hinges that eventually lead to the ear piece detaching from the headband, but I dont' see that being an issue here so long as you remove the headset by the ear cups and not by the hinges.ConnectivityThis is probably the most impressive function of the headset thus far. The connection is rock solid. I can go to various rooms within 15 feet of my console and it never loses connection. This was such a constant issue with my Penrose that I almost got accostomed to just randomly losing connection, but that doesn't happen with these. Super impressed thus far.BluetoothVery easy to pair and obviously it's a Bluetooth connection so it's equally stable and consistent. My only complaint is that there's no independent volume knob for the connected bluetooth device, so I've taken to lowering the game's volume in the PS5 UI menu by a few clicks which then allows for me to use the volume knob to get the right levels. You'll have to play around with it a bit to find the right volume level for you, but it's not difficult.Mic QualityThe mic is labeled "discord certified," but thus far no one has been wowed by the quality of the mic, but then again is this really important? I feel like so long as people can hear your call outs and understand you, that's good enough. The mic is fine, which is all I really need.BatteryThey advertise as giving over 20 hours of juice and I've yet to put it to the test. I usually game while listening to a podcast or music over my bluetooth device and I've yet to have any battery issues, although I do charge them when not in use.ComplaintsNothing major, just some minor complaints.Again, there's no independent volume wheel for the bluetooth connected device. This would've been great, but simply lowering the overall volume in the settings by a few clicks gave the right mix of blutooth & game volume for me.After you turn the headset off, you still have to go into the PS5 menu to change the sound output to your tv/stereo from the headset. If you don't, you won't get any sound...even if the headset is off. Kinda weird but the pros outweigh this for me.It's a micro usb compatible charge port as opposed to usb c. I just don't get how they decided to go with this when usb c is so superior and prevalent at this point.You have to use the companion software on PC to get access to all the various sound settings, but the settings save to the headset so maybe find someone that owns a pc and use theirs to open up all the options?That aside, I'm super happy with them. 9.5/10.
