SteelSeries, the global leader in gaming peripherals, announces the availability of the GameDAC gaming audio system to be purchased standalone and unveils updates of its award-winning Arctis line of headsets. The GameDAC, from the critically acclaimed Arctis Pro + GameDAC and the only ESS Sabre DAC in the market, is now compatible with all headphones and gaming headsets.
“We are diligent when it comes to getting user feedback and looking at what the community has to say about our products, so that we can then improve the performance where it is needed,” said Tino Soelberg, SteelSeries CTO. “Providing GameDAC as a standalone product and opening it to work with any headset is a great example of how we here at SteelSeries can quickly provide superior products to gamers.”
The SteelSeries GameDAC
The SteelSeries GameDAC is an audiophile-grade, dedicated high-fidelity USB DAC and amplifier specifically made for gaming. The GameDAC transforms any PS4 or PC into a high-performance audio source by bypassing the low fidelity, poor quality DACs found in typical console controllers, USB headsets and PC sound cards. Combined with the flagship Arctis Pro headset, the GameDAC was a part of gaming’s first complete high-fidelity audio system. Now, whether used with an Arctis, a separate pair of audiophile headphones, or any other gaming headset, the GameDAC enhances the experience with powerful, high-fidelity audio.
The GameDAC is powered by the legendary ESS Sabre DAC and amplifier with unsurpassed audio quality with 121dB of dynamic range and -115dB Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise. As gaming’s certified first Hi-Res Audio DAC, it ensures users hear high-fidelity 96 kHz / 24-bit audio at its purest full resolution with no downsampling. The power of the ESS Sabre chip inside makes bass sound tighter, individual sound effects more distinct and with the support of DTS Headphone:X 2.0, creates pin-point accurate positional cues.
The GameDAC also features an OLED screen for easy access to settings and controls without the use of additional software. This means PlayStation 4 gamers can fully customize their EQ, sidetone, toggle surround sound, configure their headset illumination as well as access their volume and ChatMix levels, without using a PC. PC gamers looking for an even deeper level of customization can use SteelSeries Engine software for total personalization.
“With the creation of the GameDAC and the Arctis Pro line, we challenged the norm of how gaming headsets should sound,” said Brian Fallon, Product Category Manager for Headsets at SteelSeries. “We’re happy to now open up the power of the GameDAC to headsets of all kinds to ensure that gamers everywhere can get the best audio experience possible regardless of what headphones they are using.”
The GameDAC is available now globally for $129.99 / €149.99.
The New Arctis 3, 5 and 7
The new Arctis 3, 5 and 7 still use all the best features of the original Arctis line including the Discord-certified ClearCast microphone, the best mic in gaming; low-distortion S1 speaker drivers for high-quality audio; the iconic ski-goggle headband design and exclusive AirWeave earcups. With the new generation, SteelSeries has taken the feedback received from gamers and refined the award-winning design.
The new line features a variety of new aesthetic changes compared to the original Arctis line. All new models feature added memory foam for enhanced comfort, and the headband on the Arctis 7 has been redesigned to closer resemble that of the Arctis Pro for an improved fit for heads of all sizes.
In addition to the aesthetic changes, the new Arctis 5 and Arctis 7 will receive several performance upgrades. The soundscape has been updated to support an extended bass response and the Arctis 5 and Arctis 7 will both receive an upgrade to DTS Headphone: X v2.0. Existing customers with the original Arctis 5 and Arctis 7 will also receive the performance upgrades through SteelSeries Engine.
