SteelSeries’ first desktop audio system embrace a 5.1-channel USB mannequin | Engadget

The gaming audio market has centered on headphones for years, leaving you to depend on acquainted manufacturers like Logitech and Klipsch if you happen to desire audio system. SteelSeries thinks it could shake issues up, although. It’s introducing its first desktop speaker line, Arena, and promising just a few standout options geared toward avid gamers. The flagship Arena 9 (pictured at center) is billed as the primary gaming speaker setup to ship 5.1-channel encompass sound by means of USB. There’s nonetheless a 3.5mm jack if you happen to like, however you will not want a nest of wires to immerse your self in video games on a PC, Mac or PlayStation. You can count on synced RGB lighting, too.

All fashions additionally tout the primary “pro-grade” parametric EQ geared toward avid gamers by means of the Sonar Audio Software Suite, SteelSeries claims. While we might stay cautious in regards to the firm’s boasts, this would possibly show helpful if you happen to’re extra thinking about accurate-sounding explosions than nuanced music.

The different two Arena fashions aren’t fairly as elaborate, however might make extra sense if worth or desk house are issues. The entry Arena 3 (proven at proper) is a straightforward two-speaker providing with four-inch fiber cone drivers and Bluetooth audio assist. Buy the two.1-channel Arena 7 (left) and you will get a subwoofer, non-compulsory USB audio and RGB lighting.

SteelSeries’ audio system can be found now with costs of $150 for the Arena 3, $330 for the Arena 7 and $600 for the Arena 9. You can even purchase a $100 Arena Wireless Mic with a cardioid, noise-cancelling microphone to offer voice chat with out donning a headset. None of those costs are trivial, however SteelSeries is clearly betting that you will pay further for audio system constructed extra for Call of Duty than Claude Debussy.