SteelSeries
SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC Wired Gaming Headset
Bottom line: The SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC Wired Gaming Headset ($200.67 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Certified Hi-Res Audio at full 96 kHz / 24 bit with no down-sampling; main trade-off: wired only, and the GameDAC box adds a second device to your desk.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Certified Hi-Res Audio at full 96 kHz / 24 bit with no down-sampling
- ✓ External GameDAC with ESS Sabre DAC and amp, bypassing onboard audio
- ✓ ChatMix dial rebalances game vs voice chat without leaving the game
- ✓ OLED menu on the GameDAC exposes EQ and settings on the desk, not in software
- ✓ Steel and aluminum alloy build with ski goggle suspension headband
Cons
- ✗ Wired only, and the GameDAC box adds a second device to your desk
- ✗ PS5 needs manual setup: disable Sony 3D Audio and set volume to 100%
- ✗ No Xbox support listed, only PS5, PS4, and PC
Manufacturer description
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC pairs a wired gaming headset with an external DAC and amp unit, making it one of the few gaming audio systems carrying certified Hi-Res Audio. The GameDAC houses an ESS Sabre DAC and amp that passes 96 kHz / 24 bit audio with no down-sampling, so the premium speaker drivers get a clean signal instead of whatever your motherboard or console can manage. DTS surround handling turns that fidelity into positional cues you can act on in competitive shooters. The retractable Arctis ClearCast bidirectional microphone handles voice clarity and background noise…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC Wired Gaming Headset using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the gaming peripherals category. SteelSeries's gaming peripherals lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for gaming peripherals of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Arctis Pro + GameDAC work with PS5?
Yes, it supports PS5 and PS4. For optimal PS5 audio, SteelSeries says to disable Sony 3D Audio in the console settings and raise the default volume to 100%.
What does the GameDAC actually do?
It is an external DAC and amp built around the ESS Sabre chip. It bypasses your PC or console audio output and delivers full 96 kHz / 24 bit Hi-Res audio with no down-sampling, and it carries the OLED control menu.
Is the microphone good enough for streaming and Discord?
The Arctis ClearCast is a bidirectional mic with background noise cancellation, described by SteelSeries as studio-quality voice clarity. It is widely cited as one of the stronger mics built into a gaming headset.
Is it comfortable for long gaming sessions?
It uses the adjustable ski goggle suspension headband to distribute weight evenly rather than pressing on one spot, plus Airwave performance fabric ear cushions, both aimed at extended play.
Key Features
- Optimal PS5 compatibility requires user to change settings on Sony PS5 – disable Sony 3D Audio and then increase default volume to 100%
- Gaming's first certified Hi-Res audio system pairs premium speaker drivers with next-generation DTS surround sound to produce incredibly accurate positional cues
- Widely recognized as the best mic in gaming, Arctis ClearCast bidirectional microphone delivers studio quality voice clarity and background noise cancellation
- Premium adjustable ski goggle suspension headband distributes weight evenly, for maximum comfort during extended gaming sessions
- Intuitive OLED menu and on-ear ChatMix dial allow for on-the-fly adjustments of game audio, voice settings, and more
Full Specifications
| Brand | SteelSeries |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Theme | Video Game |
| Impedance | 32 ohm |
| Model Name | Arctis Pro + GameDAC Wired Gaming Headset |
| Style Name | Arctis Pro + GameDAC |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Form Factor | Over Ear |
| Control Type | Call Control |
| Model Number | 61453 |
| Compatibility | PC, PS5, PS4 |
| Ear Placement | Over Ear |
| Noise Control | Sound Isolation |
| Built-In Media | SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC Wired Gaming Headset |
| Cable Features | Retractable |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Earpiece Shape | Over Ear |
| Headphone Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| Item Type Name | SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC Wired Gaming Headset - Certified Hi-Res Audio - Dedicated DAC and Amp - for PS4 and PC |
| Connection Type | Wired |
| Full listing title | SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC Wired Gaming Headset - Certified Hi-Res Audio - Dedicated DAC and Amp - for PS5/PS4 and PC - Black |
Ready to buy?
SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC Wired Gaming Headset - Certified Hi-Res Audio - Dedicated DAC and Amp - for PS5/PS4 and PC - Black is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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