SteelSeries announces new Arena gaming speakers line and wireless mic

Image: SteelSeries

SteelSeries is introducing a new line of gaming focused desktop PC speakers that offer booming sound and options for 5.1 surround. The SteelSeries Arena speakers are divided into three different products, each with its own set up. I was given the chance to try out the Arena 3 and Arena 7 and I think most people will choose the cheaper model. What are they all about?

The Arena 3 has two channels and four-inch drivers for PCs, Macs, and other devices. The Arena 7 takes the base speakers and adds some extras, including a floor-standing sub, for a price that's more than you'd pay for a base speaker. The Arena 9 ups the formula to a 5.1 surround setup by adding a center wedge speaker, two wireless wall-mountable rear channels, and a small desktop control pad, all for $549.

Image: SteelSeries

The speakers are accompanied by a wireless microphone. It's like a headset mic without the headset, hooking over your ear and allowing you to talk while listening through the Arena speakers. It can be used for 2.4 GHz wireless on PC, PS1, and Mac.

The Arenas have the same or more for less money than the Razer line, with a design that is a little more refined. The Arenas opt for bigger drivers across the range and actual surround sound at the top end for a cheaper price than the Nommo Pro.

Photo by Stefan Etienne / The Verge

The Arena 3 2.0 speakers don't have fancy features, but they do allow up to two wired 3.5mm devices and a 3.5mm headset output, as well as quick access to a 3.5mm headset output on the back of the speakers. The speakers can be tilted on their stands to direct the sound upward, thanks to the free software they use.

The Arena 7 could turn out to be just the right cup of porridge for those who want a dedicated 6.5-inch sub and someRGB flare without going full-surround overkill. One of the Arena 3's 3.5mm inputs is not included in this setup. The right speaker has a convenient headset jack beneath its shine-through LEDs. SteelSeries has a software suite that allows the LEDs to match what is displayed on the screen and makes it possible to tailor the sound profile and EQ. Arena 9 is limited to 2.1 output on Sony's compatible systems due to the fact that it is a surround sound capable speaker.

Image: SteelSeries

In my limited testing of the Arena 3 and Arena 7 speakers with my desktop PC and Mac laptop, I found them to offer a nice, full sound without making my desk look garish. If you don't mind a bit of color, that's fine. The Arena 7 shows a lot of promise, even though I prefer a 2.0 setup to keep things off the floor. It gets very loud, and the Arena 7 can rattle small objects off of your desk if you really crank it, but it also feels a little prone to go from too low to too loud with just the tiniest adjustments. It may take some tweaking to get it right.

The Arena 9 seems like a lot at first glance, but perhaps it is my personal aversion to desktop surround sound, fueled by my teenage years when a 7.1 Creative Labs setup gave me more wire than actual sound quality, but that may be the case. When most people just opt for a gaming headset, SteelSeries has some strong options to consider.

Image: SteelSeries

Even with the prevalence of wireless and wired gaming headsets, there is a charm to having a nice computer speaker setup that gives you better-sounding audio for everything from your games, music, and videos to even work-from- home zoom calls. It's a good idea to not kick the subs under the desk. It's heavy with some sharp corners, and no amount of bass or good sound will distract from the tears.