SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Dragon is definitely a heavyweight contender that other gaming headset brands like HyperX or Logitech should watch out for this year. Its immersive design makes it almost perfect in every aspect.SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Dragon is the gaming headset to celebrate the Year of the Dragon 2024 in Southeast Asian countries. With a 'Dark Red' tone that's not too flashy, and two gold dragon patterns on the earcups, this headset is limited to only 368 units worldwide. Beautiful and unique, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Dragon is sure to captivate and leave a strong impression on every gamer who sees it for the first time.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Dragon makes a strong impression with its stunning designUnboxing the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Dragon
The packaging of the Arctis Nova 7 Dragon headset is coated in a vibrant red color, embodying the essence of Asia, with the brand name in shiny gold letters. It's also adorned with a circular 'Limited Edition' seal, gleaming in gold. The combination of gold and red creates a product packaging that is irresistibly eye-catching. A beautifully crafted product box.
The product packaging is exquisite, with incredibly eye-catching colorsUpon unboxing, the headset is neatly placed in a red fabric bag. Along with it, there's a user manual, 1 Type-C receiver + 1 Type-C extension cable, 1 USB-A to Type-C charging cable, and a 3.5mm dual-ended cable for computer connection. Additionally, the brand also includes 2 custom red EarPlates with gold SteelSeries logo, neatly packed in a red paper envelope.The dragon skin design is quite striking
In terms of appearance, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Dragon has a design that's no different from the Arctis 7 Wireless version. It still retains the two earcup housings with premium breathable foam padding, providing comfort and ventilation. Button layout, connection ports, Type-C charging port, volume dial, and AUX port are all the same.
Connection ports on the right earcup housing
Connection ports on the left earcup housingWhat's special about the new Arctis Nova 7 Dragon headset this year is its color scheme. The brand has applied a bold red color and intricately printed a golden dragon logo on the two earcup housings. SteelSeries also includes an additional pair of custom EarPlates with the signature gold SteelSeries logo for us to enjoy changing, which is very interesting.
The EarPlates (earcup covers) are detachableThe headband cushion made of ComfortMAX fabric, a trademark of the Nova 7 series, has also been redesigned for this year's Dragon headset. With a pattern embossed to resemble dragon scales, it feels uniquely comfortable when wearing the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Dragon, making it even more comfortable and plush.
The redesigned headband design provides a more comfortable wearing experienceFeatures of SteelSeries Arctis 7 Dragon
As mentioned above, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Dragon is essentially an upgraded version in terms of design from the Nova 7 Wireless headset. So, all the features and technologies present in the predecessor version are fully available on the 2024 dragon edition. The most notable is the Nova Acoustic System technology with highly accurate sound drivers.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Dragon boasts standout advanced audio technologyThe Nova Sound technology will deliver an immersive and explosive audio experience with 360-degree Spatial Audio technology. Paired with SteelSeries' exclusive Parametric EQ technology for gaming, the headset will automatically adjust and enhance the necessary audio frequencies to elevate the gaming experience to new heights.In terms of connectivity, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Dragon headset will feature three modes: wired, Bluetooth, and the use of a 2.4GHz type-C dongle, similar to the Nova 7 Wireless version. The headset is also compatible with all gaming devices and operating systems such as Mac, PS4/PS5, Switch, Mobile, and Oculus Quest 2 VR headsets.
The headset is compatible with multiple connectivity modes and various device platformsOne of SteelSeries' technologies beloved not only by gamers but also by everyday users is ClearCast - which eliminates microphone noise in any environment. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Dragon headset will be upgraded to integrate AI called Sonar ClearCast AI. Your voice will be noise-cancelled thoroughly, ensuring that the listener on the other end hears your voice clearly and crisply.
SteelSeries microphones always deliver superior qualityBattery Life
The battery life of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Dragon headset is equally robust as the regular Nova 7 version. With 38 hours of continuous use, fast charging via the Type-C port gives you 6 hours of usage in just 15 minutes. I usually charge the headset using the USB-A port on my laptop, avoiding direct power socket chargers to ensure the best safety for the battery.
The headset's battery life is impressively long-lasting for extensive usageGaming and Music Experience
I've been using this headset for over a week now. The comfort and fit it provides are impeccable. I've tested the headset with offline FPS games, listening to music while working, and had truly satisfying moments with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Dragon.
Wearing the headset for extended periods feels slightly snug and a bit heavy on the earsHowever, the headset feels a bit heavy and wearing it for extended periods may cause ear discomfort. Since I regularly wear headphones of various models, I don't feel too uncomfortable. However, readers should pay attention and consider, or experience firsthand at display shops.Gaming Experience
As someone who loves intense FPS shooting games, I've worn the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Dragon headset to try hard with Counter Strike 2. It can be said that every sound in the game when played through this headset has startled me. Startled by the loud sound, startled by why the sound of gunshots and grenades sounds like that.
Starting with a sniper rifle in the game, firing each shot. With each shot fired, I can feel the crispness and power of the gun. When holding automatic weapons, I feel the authenticity as if firing a gun next to my ear. Grenade throws also produce booming, powerful sounds around my ears. The soundstage is so wide that it feels like I'm truly a character in the game.
Gaming experience with superior sound qualityThe sound delivered by the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Dragon is truly different from other gaming headsets from various brands. I've used many over-ear headphones ranging from tens of thousands to millions from every brand. In terms of soundstage, volume, detail, and realism, I rate this SteelSeries dragon headset quite well and it has left quite an impression on me when used for gaming.
Music Listening
During relaxation or work, I always wear the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Dragon on my ears. I enjoy listening to gentle Vietnamese and US UK pop songs by The Weeknd, or instrumental music during breaks. Occasionally, I listen to EDM, Vietnamese Mix songs, and movie soundtracks.To provide an initial assessment of the sound quality of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Dragon, I would say it delivers balanced sound, albeit warm and somewhat dark. The Mid range provides detailed and authentic vocals. The Treble is crisp, with instruments such as trumpets and flutes sounding pleasant and clear. As for the Bass range, it's slightly dominant over the other two ranges, but still tight, substantial, and controlled.
Relaxing with music of various genres with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 DragonWhen listening to Vietnamese and US UK pop music, I can clearly feel the warmth of the sound. There's still vibrancy and liveliness but not overly so. Male vocals remain detailed with good depth, while female vocals are emotive but not excessively sweet.Instruments maintain their authentic sound characteristics. The soundstage is wide, comfortable, and doesn't feel cramped around the ears.
You can customize the sound profiles on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Dragon headset through the appWhen listening to EDM, Vietnamese Mix, and movie soundtracks, the headset begins to showcase its strength by presenting a very wide and airy soundstage. It delivers powerful bass that makes you feel immersed in the music as if you were standing on stage and experiencing it firsthand. It's quite an intense and exhilarating experience listening to these genres.I had a great experience personalizing each game on the Sonar software; every game or customized sound profile can be finely tuned to your preference. This is a significant advantage of SteelSeries over many other competitors
Conclusion
Overall, the experience of wearing and using the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Dragon is fantastic. It feels comfortable to wear, delivers authentic and immersive sound for gaming, and balanced sound for music listening across all three ranges. It's a comprehensive gaming headset for both gaming and relaxing music listening.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Dragon is a comprehensive productCurrently, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Dragon Edition is priced at around 5.9 million VND and is about to hit the shelves. You can check out the highly popular gaming headset models at the link below.