@imbalanced The software for these supports virtual surround, in my experience it works fine for PUBG and Battlefield 1. It’s also incredibly comfortable. I opted for this analog model because I got a ton of noise from the USB on my old Turtle Beach set.
something about putting on a “refurb” headset that some greasy, grimy gamer-nerd who only takes baths when mommy smells the odor wafting up from the basement and screams at him for a week to take a shower just makes my skin crawl…Just not brave enough for that image…LOL
Sorely tempted as I’m already using a Rival 300, so I have the software suite in play, but I feel like it would need to be one of their USB sets to justify the wife-aggro I would get for adding a fourth headphone hook to my media center.
I worked at Radio Shack one Christmas (1999 I think). I was a newly minted psyc professor with a rather small salary. But I like gadgets and electronics so it wasn’t so bad. Anyway, somewhat akin to “refurbished,” a lot returns weren’t even looked at. If all the pieces, box, and manual was there it was just cleaned of any finger prints, smudges,etc., and put on the “special deals” rack. So, defective items went out the door a 2nd time. I suspect this happens more than we think.
Just got mine. It didn’t come with a “registration card” in the box that is apparently required to get the 7.1 simulated effect functioning (one of the main reasons I purchased the product).
@harveydanger I contacted steel series customer service, not meh, and mentioned that the code was missing and they emailed me a new product/registration code the same day fwiw you’ll have to register on their site to post a ticket and include the serial number of the headphones among other info - mine didn’t correspond to the format so I used the original number underneath all the extra refurb stickers over the UPC box
While you wait for a replacement registration card, if you have Windows 10 with the latest update, you may have Microsoft Sonic available.
Right-click the speaker icon on the system tray. If you have an item that says “Spacial sound (none)”, you have the latest update. Click “Spacial sound” and select “Windows Sonic for Headphones” from the drop-down list. The “Turn on 7.1 virtual surround sound” should be enabled by default.
I have a ginormous noggin. What headphones fit on my head usually squeeze my head and ears uncomfortably hard. The SteelSeries Arctis 3 is not like this.
It easily fits over my large head. The ear-cups are large and fit around my ears, as opposed to pressing against them. The padding is soft and comfortable.
There’s no sliding part between the headband and ear cups. The ear cups swivel and tilt for a good fit.
These may be more comfortable and better-fitting than my Turtle Beach Ear Force Seven headset. This is a good thing because a couple days ago the plastic slider between the headband and the left ear cup broke.
I have not tried to chat with others with the mic yet, so I can’t review that. Because of the proprietary cable that plugs into the headset, I would have to deduct one star from my overall score.
So far, I like what I see, what I feel, and what I hear from the Arctis 3.
Update: I don’t know if it is coincidence or causational, but I installed the SSAudio application for the virtual surround sound and suddenly started getting audio issues on some applications. Long story short, I attempted to do a System Restore to an earlier checkpoint but it failed. However, around the time, if not shortly before, I started fiddling around, there was a DirectX update. I don’t know if that was related to the SSAudio install or shortly before, but it is suspicious.
I am still having audio issues in some games (low volume or no audio), even after uninstalling SteelSeries Engine 3 and installing an older version and installing updated regular audio drivers.
I would give a word of caution about installing the SSAudio driver on Windows 10. It may have caused issues for me.
@sjk3 for anyone else experiencing steel series engine wierdness, the Arctis 3 headphones are only compatible with windows, not osx, so the positional audio feature won’t fly on a mac.
good fit and function, however 4-pole adapter disintegrated upon insertion (boy that sounded wierd) - something was off with the alignment of the plug end itself. it was difficult to insert into the hole and of course i kept trying and everything literally fell apart.
@thismyusername thanks, meh offered to reimburse for ordering a replacement cord, as they don’t have boxes of them lying around, apparently FYI spare cable sets can be ordered for $7.99 at manufacturer’s website, but shipping is a beast. based on my experience, I may order a couple of extras. cables always seem to be the weak link… at least these are replaceable.
Specs
What’s in the Box?
1x Arctis 3
1x Main Cable
1x Dual 3.5mm Extension Cable
1x 3.5mm 4-Pole Adapter
Warranty
90 Day Mediocre
Estimated Delivery
Friday, Aug 12 - Tuesday, Aug 16
huh. after the page took 80 seconds to refresh, I thought it was going to be something good.
I have the 7 and 5 versions of these (for home and work). Love them.
Maybe for a 10-pack…
For today’s PC games, if i’s not Dolby Surround, I’m out. Too many deaths from behind in PUBG.
@imbalanced The software for these supports virtual surround, in my experience it works fine for PUBG and Battlefield 1. It’s also incredibly comfortable. I opted for this analog model because I got a ton of noise from the USB on my old Turtle Beach set.
@imbalanced the developers of PUBG said to use stereo settings
Give the people a Nintento switch. That’s all we’re here for!
Oh wait,
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LWYNW1D amazon link $75 new
Refurbished headsets - for those of us who love the hairy ear gunk of complete strangers.
competent-elegant-coconut
Here’s hoping to replace my 3 or 4 headphones that only half work but I refuse to throw out.
something about putting on a “refurb” headset that some greasy, grimy gamer-nerd who only takes baths when mommy smells the odor wafting up from the basement and screams at him for a week to take a shower just makes my skin crawl…Just not brave enough for that image…LOL
Sorely tempted as I’m already using a Rival 300, so I have the software suite in play, but I feel like it would need to be one of their USB sets to justify the wife-aggro I would get for adding a fourth headphone hook to my media center.
Can you use these for Xbox1
@Georget5145 Yes
@Georget5145 Yes, but if you have an old Xbox One controller, you may need to buy an additional adapter to plug it in.
Some of the reviews say the mic stopped working after 6 months. I’m guessing that’s where these refurbs come from.
I worked at Radio Shack one Christmas (1999 I think). I was a newly minted psyc professor with a rather small salary. But I like gadgets and electronics so it wasn’t so bad. Anyway, somewhat akin to “refurbished,” a lot returns weren’t even looked at. If all the pieces, box, and manual was there it was just cleaned of any finger prints, smudges,etc., and put on the “special deals” rack. So, defective items went out the door a 2nd time. I suspect this happens more than we think.
Product guide for anyone that may be curious about how to hook up:
https://downloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/Arctis-3_PIG_rev5_Aug15-2016.pdf
If I’d consider, it’d be for Xbox One with the newer controller so can just plug into 3.5mm jack, but not 7.1 then? Stereo is fine for my needs.
2nd purchase of the day…
Just got mine. It didn’t come with a “registration card” in the box that is apparently required to get the 7.1 simulated effect functioning (one of the main reasons I purchased the product).
Ditto on no registration card. Submitted a ticket we’ll see where that goes. Can’t properly register the product either on the website, so no love…
@fluffyotter Any luck with the registration code? My wife just discovered this snafu as well. Can Meh help?
@harveydanger I contacted steel series customer service, not meh, and mentioned that the code was missing and they emailed me a new product/registration code the same day fwiw you’ll have to register on their site to post a ticket and include the serial number of the headphones among other info - mine didn’t correspond to the format so I used the original number underneath all the extra refurb stickers over the UPC box
@fluffyotter PS the 3 version surround sound apparently only works with the windows version of their software.
While you wait for a replacement registration card, if you have Windows 10 with the latest update, you may have Microsoft Sonic available.
Right-click the speaker icon on the system tray. If you have an item that says “Spacial sound (none)”, you have the latest update. Click “Spacial sound” and select “Windows Sonic for Headphones” from the drop-down list. The “Turn on 7.1 virtual surround sound” should be enabled by default.
My first impressions:
I have a ginormous noggin. What headphones fit on my head usually squeeze my head and ears uncomfortably hard. The SteelSeries Arctis 3 is not like this.
It easily fits over my large head. The ear-cups are large and fit around my ears, as opposed to pressing against them. The padding is soft and comfortable.
There’s no sliding part between the headband and ear cups. The ear cups swivel and tilt for a good fit.
These may be more comfortable and better-fitting than my Turtle Beach Ear Force Seven headset. This is a good thing because a couple days ago the plastic slider between the headband and the left ear cup broke.
I have not tried to chat with others with the mic yet, so I can’t review that. Because of the proprietary cable that plugs into the headset, I would have to deduct one star from my overall score.
So far, I like what I see, what I feel, and what I hear from the Arctis 3.
Update: I don’t know if it is coincidence or causational, but I installed the SSAudio application for the virtual surround sound and suddenly started getting audio issues on some applications. Long story short, I attempted to do a System Restore to an earlier checkpoint but it failed. However, around the time, if not shortly before, I started fiddling around, there was a DirectX update. I don’t know if that was related to the SSAudio install or shortly before, but it is suspicious.
I am still having audio issues in some games (low volume or no audio), even after uninstalling SteelSeries Engine 3 and installing an older version and installing updated regular audio drivers.
I would give a word of caution about installing the SSAudio driver on Windows 10. It may have caused issues for me.
@sjk3 for anyone else experiencing steel series engine wierdness, the Arctis 3 headphones are only compatible with windows, not osx, so the positional audio feature won’t fly on a mac.
good fit and function, however 4-pole adapter disintegrated upon insertion (boy that sounded wierd) - something was off with the alignment of the plug end itself. it was difficult to insert into the hole and of course i kept trying and everything literally fell apart.
@fluffyotter contact support, meh has the warranty on these.
@fluffyotter
I’ve seen that anime!
@thismyusername thanks, meh offered to reimburse for ordering a replacement cord, as they don’t have boxes of them lying around, apparently FYI spare cable sets can be ordered for $7.99 at manufacturer’s website, but shipping is a beast. based on my experience, I may order a couple of extras. cables always seem to be the weak link… at least these are replaceable.