With the software, which you get on a Windows system, the Arctis Nova 1 can perform above its class, but without the software it's not quite as competitive. And while you can mute the mic, there's no indicator to tell you it's muted, which gets annoying. The hiss shouldn't affect your in-game chat understandability, but it's not exactly great to hear either. And the mic has a lot of background hiss without the Clearcast noise cancellation with Clearcast and the equalizer, it can get very good. The sound isn't bad, but it benefits from the power boost you can give it in software. In the absence of the software, this headset is less enticing. I prefer flip up since they're easier to operate single-handed and don't require a mute indicator. I've never been a fan of the company's retractable mics, though, and the new fully retractable designs can be even more frustrating for me. On the other hand, while writing this I started bending the mic stem because the boom seems flimsy, and I seem to have pulled it out a little too far. Not a lot of controls, just a volume dial and mute button on the earcup. Unless I try to break it on purpose, which I'd rather not do and which wouldn't represent normal wear and tear. I don't know how it ranks for durability, a big consideration in sub-$100 headsets - it's a new design and only time will tell. It's also quite comfortable and adjustable, and doesn't skimp on SteelSeries signature rotating earcup design.

That includes surprisingly good surround. Thanks to the ability to tweak it using SteelSeries excellent Sonar software, which provides noise-cancellation and equalizer controls beyond its class, it can deliver impressive audio. Like most budget headsets, it connects via a removable 3.5mm analog cable, and there's a mute button and volume dial on the earcup. The entry-level Nova 1 is fundamentally basic, and fundamentally for Windows since its quality relies on the Sonar software, which I discussed in depth in the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless review. Bendy mic boom may develop retractability issues.Without the Sonar noise cancellation, the mic is hissy.

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