That's because the software is not a problem, and if you don't like it, you literally never have to use it on this headset, or any other SteelSeries models.
You don't NEED to use the software on this. Not sure how I didn't make that clear in the article or the response. If you want to adjust the EQ you can use the software but SteelSeries doesn't require software for their headsets. This headset is for the Xbox. No software required.
I've used the SteelSeries engine plenty though and have never seen it be "crashing garbage" or claim a full CPU core ever.
Clearly there is a problem with *some configurations running the software*
I also have run it, recently, through multiple versions, for extended periods of time, on a machine used for content creation as well as gaming (MSI GE72, SteelSeries Engine controls RGB keyboard lights) and never experienced any instabilities or resource hogging attributable to SteelSeries.
Kate have you tried using the sound features in the software? I have the Arctis Pro and I am unable to use any of the sound features without their software bugging out no matter what I do.
Brett ,if I sounded a bit harsh then my intention was not to diss the headset. Comfort and sound quality is top notch and it's well worth getting even without the software. Also, your Arctis Pro review was the reason I settled on it and I have no regrets, thanks!
Why no company makes a USB-C headset with ANR (separate mics next to speakers is a must for real ANR, and NOT using the main mic for ANR) and WITHOUT batteries (powered from the same USB)? Heavy headsets with batteries for either BT or ANR are annoying, both in recharging requirement (and batteries going bad with use) and weight on the head. A simple, simple thing... preferably small and light, with a collapsible/windable wire.
And ANR must start working up to 10kHz at least... The current bunch of extra-low-freq pseudo-ANR is just fraud and their makers need to be prosecuted for false advertisement.
Amen to that. and if they force you to use w/e software/drivers to make their product function as intended, it better damn well work without crudding up something else...part of the reason I never want back to anything that uses Steelseries drivers, seemed every time would boot system, sound driver crash and want to update etc...got tired of dealing with it
so not worth trying on $100+ headset failing to meet up with claims of great background sound isolation etc.
A. For the XBox 1, you can't use USB-C. You CAN, however, use the nice standard 1/8" jack on the bottom of the controller.
B. USB-C is an over-engineered piece of crap. And it isn't even needed for driving an in-headphone DAC. There's no reason NOT to make headphones with a microUSB connector or even a full-size USB plug, but there's also no reason TO. USB-C, however, aligns with manufacturers decided that ports are the devil and there can be only one. So there's a market for USB-C headphones because manufacturers created one by not including the standard 1/8" jack.
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Kvaern1 - Tuesday, April 23, 2019 - link
"you can plug the headset into any PC and use the SteelSeries Engine to adjust the headset"Yea well, the Steelseries headsets themselves are great but the software is crashing garbage which claims a full core when it isn't crashing.
PeachNCream - Tuesday, April 23, 2019 - link
That sucks. Glad someone is around in the comments section to note that since the article doesn't mention anything about the software being a problem.Brett Howse - Tuesday, April 23, 2019 - link
That's because the software is not a problem, and if you don't like it, you literally never have to use it on this headset, or any other SteelSeries models.StevoLincolnite - Tuesday, April 23, 2019 - link
Clearly there is a problem with the software as several users in this thread have reported on it.Brett Howse - Tuesday, April 23, 2019 - link
You don't NEED to use the software on this. Not sure how I didn't make that clear in the article or the response. If you want to adjust the EQ you can use the software but SteelSeries doesn't require software for their headsets. This headset is for the Xbox. No software required.I've used the SteelSeries engine plenty though and have never seen it be "crashing garbage" or claim a full CPU core ever.
StevoLincolnite - Wednesday, April 24, 2019 - link
Fantastic. But your experience doesn't negate the negative experience that has been observed by several users in this thread.KateH - Wednesday, April 24, 2019 - link
Clearly there is a problem with *some configurations running the software*I also have run it, recently, through multiple versions, for extended periods of time, on a machine used for content creation as well as gaming (MSI GE72, SteelSeries Engine controls RGB keyboard lights) and never experienced any instabilities or resource hogging attributable to SteelSeries.
Kvaern1 - Wednesday, April 24, 2019 - link
Kate have you tried using the sound features in the software?I have the Arctis Pro and I am unable to use any of the sound features without their software bugging out no matter what I do.
Kvaern1 - Wednesday, April 24, 2019 - link
Brett ,if I sounded a bit harsh then my intention was not to diss the headset. Comfort and sound quality is top notch and it's well worth getting even without the software.Also, your Arctis Pro review was the reason I settled on it and I have no regrets, thanks!
peevee - Tuesday, April 23, 2019 - link
Just another of the same.Why no company makes a USB-C headset with ANR (separate mics next to speakers is a must for real ANR, and NOT using the main mic for ANR) and WITHOUT batteries (powered from the same USB)? Heavy headsets with batteries for either BT or ANR are annoying, both in recharging requirement (and batteries going bad with use) and weight on the head. A simple, simple thing... preferably small and light, with a collapsible/windable wire.
peevee - Tuesday, April 23, 2019 - link
And ANR must start working up to 10kHz at least... The current bunch of extra-low-freq pseudo-ANR is just fraud and their makers need to be prosecuted for false advertisement.Dragonstongue - Tuesday, April 23, 2019 - link
Amen to that.and if they force you to use w/e software/drivers to make their product function as intended, it better damn well work without crudding up something else...part of the reason I never want back to anything that uses Steelseries drivers, seemed every time would boot system, sound driver crash and want to update etc...got tired of dealing with it
so not worth trying on $100+ headset failing to meet up with claims of great background sound isolation etc.
Brett Howse - Tuesday, April 23, 2019 - link
This headset is for Xbox. USB-C doesn't even exist on the Xbox.Lord of the Bored - Wednesday, April 24, 2019 - link
A. For the XBox 1, you can't use USB-C. You CAN, however, use the nice standard 1/8" jack on the bottom of the controller.B. USB-C is an over-engineered piece of crap. And it isn't even needed for driving an in-headphone DAC.
There's no reason NOT to make headphones with a microUSB connector or even a full-size USB plug, but there's also no reason TO.
USB-C, however, aligns with manufacturers decided that ports are the devil and there can be only one. So there's a market for USB-C headphones because manufacturers created one by not including the standard 1/8" jack.
thekeelo_g - Tuesday, April 23, 2019 - link
Aren't the Astro A50s still $300? Or by "competition" did you mean Xbox Wireless headsets, not all wireless headsets?Brett Howse - Wednesday, April 24, 2019 - link
Yes - Xbox Wireless Headsets