SteelSeries Launches Arctis Headset Line - Challenges Gaming Audio Stereotypes

PRESS RELEASE

New family of revolutionary headsets deliver flagship-level comfort, microphone and sound as a standard across entire line 

CHICAGO – October 4, 2016 – SteelSeries, leader and innovator in gaming peripherals, unveils the Arctis line, a selection of three gaming headsets that shatter preconceived notions of what a gaming headset should sound, feel and look like. The Arctis lineup reimagines the gaming headset through a complete overhaul of traditional gaming designs and headset technologies.

With Arctis, SteelSeries questioned everything about gaming headsets and challenged the features that have become gaming headset stereotypes. The company is taking a stand and making a promise to gamers that Arctis will always:

• Deliver great audio quality for gaming, music, movies and more
• Represent design-forward thinking and timeless style, instead of looking like a bulky toy
• Include a microphone that delivers exceptionally clear and natural-sounding voice communication
• Deliver the best technology in every model of the line, regardless of price

“Arctis is not a gaming headset. It is a headset line for gamers”, said Ehtisham Rabbani, SteelSeries CEO. “That is how we approached the new audio line-up – with a fresh perspective as to who our customers really are and what they want. Brands have been distracting gamers for far too long with meaningless specification races and options that encourage spending more in order to get gaming-level quality. Arctis changes that”. 

The Best Sound and Microphone in Gaming

Arctis emerged from the belief that gamers should only have to choose between the features that best suit them, and not sacrifice the quality of the product. SteelSeries challenged every past industry decision and set a new standard of excellence by incorporating the company’s flagship speakers and the new ClearCast microphone. 

Every headset in the Arctis family features SteelSeries’ award-winning speakers, which are also found in their £260 headsets. Powerful, low-distortion speakers combined with 7.1 surround sound deliver total immersion while gaming.

The ClearCast microphone found in each Arctis headset is another leap forward in gaming technology;

“Even the most popular gaming headsets on the market featured gaming microphones that have been mediocre at best”, states Rabbani. “We truly believe that the industry has been approaching headset microphones completely wrong, so we questioned it. Why not look into a different type of microphone that would exceed gamers’ expectations?”

All Arctis models feature a reengineered, retractable bi-directional microphone called ClearCast – a SteelSeries exclusive noise-canceling microphone that delivers incredibly clear voice communication, focusing on the user’s speech while acoustically eliminating virtually all background and surrounding noise.  

Comfort Without Compromise

SteelSeries questioned everything when developing the Arctis line. The result is a new ski goggle suspension headband and ear cushions with exclusive athletics-inspired AirWeave fabric. 

“We took inspiration from athletic brands and incorporated elements that performed exceptionally under stressful circumstances”, says, Ehtisham Rabbani, CEO of SteelSeries.  “Our exclusive AirWeave material combines the breathability and moisture-wicking ability of athletic fabrics with the sound isolating qualities of leather – it’s the best of both worlds”.

Every Arctis headset comes with the new ski goggle suspension design, featuring an adjustable and removable headband that comfortably stretches to fit heads of all shapes and sizes.  The patented headband design evenly distributes weight across the top of the head to prevent pressure points, even after prolonged use.

Celebrating a New Generation of Gamers

The desire to acknowledge that gamers are dynamic individuals with different personalities and interests was a driving force behind the product development. The Arctis lineup celebrates the passions that drive each gamer by providing them with an elegant canvas to customise and personalise.

“Gaming alone does not define gamers”, adds Rabbani. “The Arctis does not impose preconceived notions of what gamers like, but offers a blank canvas that allows them to express themselves and dictate what gaming should look like for them”.

SteelSeries’ award-winning suspension design also becomes customisable on the Arctis headsets, exchanging the traditional Siberia suspension with a new ski-google suspension headband. SteelSeries will offer a variety of different colours, patterns and an artist-series of headband styles that can be purchased exclusively on SteelSeries.com.   

Unique Selection

Arctis features three unique headsets with the same outstanding comfort and performance, allowing gamers to choose their model based on additional features.  Arctis 3 outperforms all other headsets in its class. The analog wired headset is equipped with 7.1 surround sound and is fully compatible with PC, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation, VR and mobile devices.

The Arctis 5 is an illuminated wired headset with customisable Prism RGB illumination and a USB connector cable with a ChatMix Control dial for quick access to in-game chat volume. Featuring DTS Headphone: X 7.1 digital surround, the Arctis 5 is also multiplatform allowing gamers to switch effortlessly from the USB connection on their PC to a 3.5mm connection for laptops, tablets, mobile gaming listening to music and more. 

The lag-free wireless Arctis 7 is also equipped with an on-ear ChatMix Dial, and showcases a full-wrap ski-goggle suspension design to further highlight the headband. Its steady, low-latency wireless connectivity is engineered for gaming, while a rechargeable 15-hour battery and a 40ft range elevate the headsets prime wireless features. 

The Arctis 3, Arctis 5, and Arctis 7 gaming headsets are now available exclusively at SteelSeries.com for £89.99, £109.99 and £159.99 respectively. For more details about the Arctis or SteelSeries’ entire selection of gaming accessories, visit www.SteelSeries.com.

About SteelSeries

SteelSeries is a leader in gaming peripherals focused on quality, innovation and functionality.  Founded in 2001, SteelSeries aims at improving performance through first-to-market innovations and technologies that helps gamers play harder, train longer, and rise to the challenge.  SteelSeries supports the growth of competitive gaming tournaments and eSports with the goal of connecting gamers to each other and fostering a sense of community and purpose.  SteelSeries’ team of professional and gaming enthusiasts help design and craft every single accessory, and are the driving force behind the company.

To learn more about SteelSeries’ products and eSports partnerships, visit http://SteelSeries.com or follow us on social media for the latest updates at http://facebook.com/steelseries and be a part of the conversation on Twitter @SteelSeries.