SteelSeries Nova Pro Wireless Headset EQ Tuning and Sonar Tips for All!

[@GadgetryTech]

NOTE: SteelSeries GG Engine version 25.0 changed Sonar's sample rate to 24 bit 96 kHz. Please note frequency response does not change with sample rate. So the EQ tuning would still apply in this case with the latest software updates. Sample rates and bit depths affect other aspects of sound with regards to clarity and dynamic range. Hopefully that clears up any hesitation!

[@JoachimDumle]

my headset is updated and is not using 96kHz/24bit but instead using 48khz/24bit. am i doing something wrong?

[@hurubi]

@@JoachimDumle same here

[@amirusan3997]

@@hurubi same, how do we get 96khz?

[@mickael486]

@@amirusan3997 Same here. What are we all doing wrong?? 🤔

[@kyleboone8042]

Would you use Atmos over Sonar or is that depending on on what your doing?

[@DrBrovahkiin]

This video isn't going to get the views that the effort deserves, but I really appreciate this tune man. How you had it set is perfectly fine for me and it a good upgrade

[@HerrRatzle]

For those who just want to quickly copy the settings at 9:47, add 5 dots to the screen by clicking on the line. For each of the ten dots, click the dot, then click the left box (Gain). eg. for +6dB 4.04kHz 3.715Q --> type: 6 --> Enter --> Tab --> 4040 --> Enter --> Tab --> 3.715 --> Enter --> click next dot

[@bzorro1]

For a noob like me, your reply greatly helped. Thx !!

[@OapleStudios]

Goat comment here, thank you.

[@coleOKeefe]

some of the dots at this timestamp say to enter in "4.04 kHz" but when i try to type that in it just goes to 20 Hz. kHz isnt even a frequency option that im seeing

[@Riiwy]

You type 4040, u just add one 0 at the end. SAme for the others @@coleOKeefe

[@Jon-fx5vw]

@@coleOKeefe I imagine you found the solution to this by now, but in case you haven't or if anyone else is having the same issue, for "4.04" - you would type "4040" and it'll be "4.04"

[@imcartermatic]

i followed a few guides before this one and let me say, THIS GUIDE BLOWS THOSE OUTTA THE WATER. my headphones sound SO much better than the other guides, and i already thought those were making it sound good. thank you

[@GadgetryTech]

So glad it helped!

[@yung_wizard]

After more than a year with this tune, I am still blown away. After updating to Windows 11, sonar bugged out super badly and I had to reinstall which--as others mentioned--removed this mapping for some reason. Words cannot describe how absolutely bummed I was until I saw this pop up in my youtube history search 🙏 Mad respect and much appreciation, this has been going strong with music, gaming, and everything else I do on my PC 🙌

[@bodhiyt6900]

Does sonar also work on ps5

[@akyhne]

​@@bodhiyt6900No, only the EQ shown at 4:37 and only on Steelseries Nova Pro. It's a 10 band graphic equalizer, and they are inferior to a parametric equalizer, like the one in the Sonar software.

[@bodhiyt6900]

@@akyhne i am not so satisfied about the nova pro wireless, and i think its because i do not have the right eq settings

[@akyhne]

@@bodhiyt6900 Then play around with the graphic eq available for you. As shown in the video at the time mark i posted earlier.

[@bodhiyt6900]

@@akyhne do you have discord? Maybe you can help me there

[@regima1player]

In a world where everyone is reposting the "BEST TUNING" to be the WARZONE preset - BIG THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS SIR! I had to reinstall and I searched for THIS VIDEO for 10 minutes because without these tunings the headset just DIDNT sound the same. Thank you. I now saved this video into my favorites in case I ever need to refer to it. Thank you again!

[@KiLLaCaM607]

Thank you so much! Was waiting on this and it did not disappoint. Used this EQ last night and it made me love this headset even more. It honestly improved the imaging/made it more noticeable to me than the default tuning. Sounds pretty great for both music and gaming, best EQ I’ve tried so far. Appreciate your hard work and this kind of content man!

[@joesipr]

u do it for consolen orpc?

[@brasha_29]

this is single-handedly the best video on youtube to explain and showcase how to bring out the potential of this headset. I am a huge music buff, and the headset was kind of mid when unboxed and no EQ tune, I did my own tune and loved it, but then wanted to compare what others had out there. This video brought this headset to another level. Thank you for taking the time to make this, you have no idea how much it made me love this headset even more.

[@_Bags]

I must say, It's 2024 and I just purchased a set of these at $750AUD. I sat here and adjusted my Sonar to the one you talked through in this video. I added 1.5 Bass, took out -1.7 Treb, then added another 1.5 to Sub Bass and holy smokes. The sound quality to my ears is quite frankly the best I have ever heard from a headset in many many years. This video has been tremendously helpful and I appreciate it deeply. Got a Sub from me sir.

[@phenomtd3311]

11 months later and i need to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Came back to this video, after my steelseries software bugged out and i needed to reinstall. EQ Settings were deleted smh. You are not the hero we deserve, but the hero we needed, sir!

[@viccez]

Thank you for the explanation. I just purchased the Artis pro. This definitely helped me understand the audio set up. You saved me hours of frustration, especially with presets!!

[@christopherdolan2093]

So, i was wearing this headset while changing the EQ to your presets, I could literally start hearing the difference in your voice as I was doing this. Then when I was done, I continued to watch the video. I freaking heard your hands rubbing together! Thank you for this, as I just purchased these and used them in one game and was not impressed.

[@scareyaf]

Far out dude, I just bought these and could tell they had massive potential but felt really flat and muddy out of the box. I'm a bit of an audiophile simpleton so having this video and your tuning recommendations has really brought out the best of these headphones. I had the previous Arctis Pro Wireless for over 5 years and they actually sounded significantly better out of the box with the 3 Dolby presets. I ran it on the studio preset for just about all of those 5 years and they sounded magnificent. Thanks so much for your detailed explanation of everything. I have been playing around with spatial audio and feel you really don't need it. The soundscape is already immense.

[@GadgetryTech]

So happy to hear you like them!

[@blossombaphomet]

So happy you made this! I just got my Nova Pro Wireless last week and had been having a hard time fine tuning my EQ just right in Sonar - Thanks for all the tips!! 🥳

[@hp1799]

I have one question does this help you for FPS game like rainbow six siege to hear footsteps better

[@PinkFloydRarities93]

When I format my PC i always get back to this GEM. Thank you so much for all the effort you put on this video!

[@Prototypeunkillable]

I have always known nothing about EQ and have looked up others because I could hear the difference but never really learned or knew how to tune it. Thank you so much for this.

[@creyes879]

Bro... Thanks. Content is high-quality information. Love the balance in the ranges. Just bought the headphones and adjusted the low range a little bit for my preferences in anime and movies. Sound quality is much better than stock settings. Just a quick tip for everybody, rest your hearing for time to time. These ranges are PERFECT for quality but long hours of gameplay or work, especially with the ANC on can cause effects on the long run.

[@notswurv]

You're the best dawg. Like actually you're the GOAT! thanks for the settings, the tutorial, and the explanation. Please never stop doing what you do.

[@sethsmith34]

Thank you SO much for taking the time to put this together. Your tune is AMAZING. Seelseries REALLY needs to have you do some turning for them. I am new to the channel and LOVE it.

[@itzmonkeyface1420]

I ain’t gonna lie, you said a lot of fancy shenanigens that i’m never gonna understand, but your settings made your voice sound CRISP. That’s subscriber worthy.

[@604cashmoney]

I'm so glad I found this video. I had the old Wireless Pros and had a basic tune and loved them. When I got the Nova Pro Wireless after my old set broke, they were super disappointing. I've tried to tune them but could never make them sound satisfactory or close to the old set. This video turned them into what they should have been out of the box! Great work and love the passion.

[@mariuss9712]

Just got this headset. These settings was literally a night and day difference! Thank you so much for the sharing this. 😊😊

[@frantiseksram9741]

Just want to say thanks for the effort you put in, and shared the result with us. Just bought mine, and some tune was needed.

[@lourdegourde]

Just got my headset in and this tune is PERFECT. I just add a little bass and rumble for my music, and keep it normal for movie/games. Thanks a ton bro!

[@elemnt360z]

I've been trying a bunch of different headsets out and your channel has been a god send. Instantly subscribed. Same quality of content of 100K + sub channels. Keep it up!

[@airborne11b50]

0:50 You are the only one I have found who tells people about this issue with sonar. I wish I had known sooner.

[@avengement89]

Thank you so much Joe! This made my NPW sound great and I appreciated you taking us through the EQ setting explaining what each change was accomplishing!

[@Will-ki7us]

An Escape From Tarkov tuning guide would be HUGE. One of the most immersive games and so hard to fine tune EQ to unless you're very experienced in sound audio. Sonar's is okay, this EQ works great too but EFT's sound stage is so complex that it could be changed. I'm just not the guy.

[@hazelberry]

Really want to say thanks for this, was initially kinda disappointed with the sound on these headphones but the sonar settings gave me a super solid starting point to go from and it sounds soooo much better now

[@fearisthemindkiller8361]

This tune is GOLD, been using it for months. I just hear people so good in Cs 2

[@GadgetryTech]

That’s the best feedback I can get! Glad you like it

[@ronald0122]

did you add the extra bass and treble setting?

[@fearisthemindkiller8361]

@@ronald0122 only bass to 1.0

[@willharper8702]

you're the man! im major into SQ in the car audio world, so I truly appreciate you applying your clear knowledge and years of work. Day 1 with the nova wireless, and I've gotta say your tune has me very happy with these suckers.

[@SafetyCarrot]

Thank you so much for sharing the benefits of your high end frequency testing equipment with us. I was so frustrated that I couldn't get rid of the tinny/far away quality everything had. I never would have thought that the highs needed a BOOST but you've perfectly solved the problem, leaving me free to concentrate on the lows rather than fumbling about in the dark with the highs.

[@c0re_92]

This is insane! So much more quality now! Now we need a mic guide as well

[@GadgetryTech]

I know right! I've been wanting to do an EQ demo to help people tune it more. As soon as I have time I will.

[@cguo4119]

@@GadgetryTech Could you make another video on this

[@Fidalgodev]

Yes a mic EQ video would be amazing. The mic on this headphones is pretty bad

[@sneaky5141]

@@Fidalgodev no?

[@dbronco2032]

Outstanding video. You started it perfectly by detailing the diff between console and PC options. Can’t thank you enough. Sub’d and look forward to more education.

[@waldo15]

Had to jump in to let you know that I have tested this very same EQ on my Nova pro wireless and it is indeed a major change. Everything you said in the video is 100%. I did however tuned the highs low (Adjusted treble by -1.5dB) as I found it too bright for my ears. I would love to see more videos of this kind as sound tuning and EQ are always a big headache for the non-audiophiles. Also your video got prominently displayer in the Steel Series subreddit so hopefully that drives more engagement with your channel! Keep up the good work!

[@GadgetryTech]

Thanks Jorge!!

[@bradleyfelschow1270]

i'm using it too, haven't adjusted the bass and treble or anything yet as i've found it pretty close to the frequencies my ears pick up. might drop the treble and see how that goes. i definitely wouldn't mind using spatial audio and knowing how to actually adjust that for COD.

[@dinuciornohuz3163]

Hi! Great video, along with all your reviews which I watched obsessively for the past couple of weeks to decide on a headset. My Nova Pros just arrived today, and holy does your EQ change things. Out of the box it was pretty disappointing, shouty, kind of hurting my ears, but after the DAC tuning and Sonar EQ, it's like this headset came to life, thank you for all the good work that you do! Glad to finally find THE GUY for headset tuning and comparisons!!

[@matriqtaylor]

I just got the Nova Pro Wireless and use your tune in Equalizer APO with Peace addon. Sounds so much better than Sonar! To my ears there's some sort of limiting going on in Sonar (dynamic range is limited compared to the source). Your tune works perfectly in Equalizer APO. Thanx for sharing!

[@AyooTheoo]

I know this is a year old, but Thank You. This helped me out so much almost felt like I needed to return these.

[@TheQuickyouknow]

Wow this is one of the best EQ software I've seen available for console. I wish Audeze had this level of detail.

[@lucaa47]

Greatly appreciate the work you put into your reviews and this tutorial really helped my understanding of Sonar to dial in my Nova Pro wireless headphones.

[@troll1358765432]

Excellent video again, really appreciate it! Your fine tuning did bring improvement over mine, however I did lift some of the base section more, as I listen to techno, but my treble was completely off, and this brought a ton of clearness. What I'm disappointed is, that this headset is advertised as the top shelf gaming headset with excellent sound quality, I wouldn't say the music sounds better than on my Sennheiser HD400S's without any tuning, which cost me €60.

[@veuq4651]

Insane video. I am going to share that video with anyone using a Nova Pro.

[@moib1332]

Thanks so much for this, I just got the headset and these settings and your explanation are a game changer, made it sound incredible, especially the spatial audio

[@chantellekerr34]

This tune is life-changing! Thank you!! Really appreciate the effort you put in here 🙏

[@MAF19X]

Einfach genial ! Vielen Dank für deine Expertise…die Einstellungen haben mir und vielen anderen unglaublich geholfen✌🏼Deine Videos sind unfassbar gut erklärt !

[@marcpayne1418]

New SteelSeries Nova owner - love your work

[@MarcoBranco]

You literally saved my headset. I've tried using FLAT and it's HORRIBLE, it looks like its a cheap 2$ bluetooth headset. With you EQ is literally other headset. Thank you very much

[@paulcepeda4853]

Man I’m subbing to you for this video alone! You’re amazing and deserve more support and views.

[@zxjosh3818]

So i got this headset a few weeks ago and I was already impressed and figured sonar was just a gimmick, which it is if you don't know how to use it....this guy does! Props dude :)

[@DanielGloverTheGreat]

I'm totally impotent when it comes to tuning audio or understanding how it all works but I do know that places like RTings and other have reliable provided good tuning for different headsets and monitors and things so I'm very happy to have added you to the list with my new pair of Nova Pro! Upgraded from Arctis 7's to these Nova Pro's (Christmas gift from my wife) and this tuning is noticeably improved over factory! Thanks again bro.

[@chaddymack819]

You mentioned you would be sharing you tuned settings in the review video and I was waiting for it to drop. Finally got it and it doesn't disappoint. Thanks for your in depth videos, and sharing your expertise! Your vids are extremely professional.

[@LukeR1M]

Thank you SO MUCH. You just made my headset sound so much better. Appreciate your hard work.

[@farhankhair2485]

Geez, thanks for this! Was sounding flat with default but with this preset it feels alive again! Great work!

[@mikecharbonneau23]

Thanks for the work you put in on this pal. Sounds great!

[@chadsnyder66]

Really loving your channel especially this video. Thank you for sharing your settings. You spent alot of time on fine tuning this headset and it’s greatly appreciated.

[@theoriginaltech019]

Haven't tried the tune but man your videos are so well done. Started on the nova pro wireless review, ended up over here. I already own the arctis pro wireless and absolutely love them. Hands down the best I've ever used. Helping me understand even more was very appreciated. Thanks!!

[@michaelandreasen993]

holy hell man, thanks for this!!! it felt weird that a headset like this werent "better" than it felt like out the box.. but fixing a bit like this helped! thanks

[@UGTB]

Happy, I was able to come across your channel! GG on the video! Keep the good work coming.

[@Petey2hills]

All I can say is WOW. Thank you so much it’s like I’m fully utilizing the headset now

[@armaniesingletary8979]

Thanks so much for this review and explaining why the presets had such a problem. I added your eq preset as gadgetry. Thanks!

[@the_zen_warrior]

Thank you for this video and the one with the Wicked Cushions. I love your EQs with Spatial Audio. My ears have go tuned to the immersion and prefer it with Spatial on. Thank you so much

[@PhishingU334]

Wow! I have the Steelseries Arctis Nova 7s and holy crap did this video show me how good they really are. Thanks so much!

[@AJJJ-co2vd]

Thanks for the eq settings my headphones sound really good on console

[@chilrue427]

WOW I LOVE THIS . Im no Audiophile but i notice a giant difference. You just got a fan.

[@geeko266]

Wow. That really makes a difference, thank you for taking the time doing this!

[@sO1o]

My A50s finally crapped out after 6 years and I picked up these Nova Pro Wireless. Tried for hours upon hours to find the right sound cus they sounded terrible out of the box. I was almost getting ready to process my return, but decided to check youtube to see if anyone had good settings. This is amazing for playing games (FPS). I upped the bass, voice, and treble by 1.x db and it's right where I like it

[@fergmoan6841]

thank you this EQ really made this headset sound better.

[@ClearAtaraxia]

this setting sounds really good. kinda blown away. thank you for sharing

[@Eddyanz]

Wow thanks. These settings are the heaven to my ears.

[@rickgray444]

Seriously, i've become a huge fan of the detail in these videos (makes idiots like me learn a lot) thanks man!!

[@luisrodriguez-qm9ov]

automatic sub and like. I never sub to anyone or like videos usually but you deserve it for the time you took to make this.I just bought this headset and wasnt really happy with the presets, watched this video and now I LOVE it. You're the goat

[@GadgetryTech]

Thanks so much man. I appreciate it

[@milkman2979]

do these eq settings apply to the wired version of the headset as well? @@GadgetryTech

[@Juice8767]

Thanks bro! I've just been rolling with the smiley EQ but using Sonar's built-in sound test, this one is coming in much clearer.

[@GadgetryTech]

Great to hear!

[@9minded86]

Been waiting for this, going to give it a try and tweak from there if needed! Thanks 🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@Ech0_3]

Thank you so much! I liked the headset before - now this completely unlocked it for me. GREAT baseline for accuracy on the sonar tune - a couple of minor changes and I'm in audiophile heaven.

[@Moongoose7]

Really nice video, thanks for taking your time to fix the eq and showing us!

[@GadgetryTech]

You bet!

[@biggesttboss]

@@GadgetryTech Do you have a Audeze Penrose eq settings video? If so can you link or do one!

[@GadgetryTech]

@@biggesttboss I can make one :)

[@wannaberobert]

Need more views. Very in depth! Thanks for this.

[@AT4Ferret]

way better and a great explanation on how to complete this NEEDED upgrade. Love the headset, but the sound was terrible once i activated the mixer on my base station for my PC. Thank you again and God bless you.

[@dreas1994]

This might sound incredibly dumb. But is this sound for everything? Media, games, voice chat? Id love some more help tbh considering I am quite bad at all this and really appriciate the help this has provided.

[@tOmAt-JuDe]

It's mostly for gaming and music. But advise you use it for gaming, because who the hell spends 350 dollars on a gaming headset for music?

[@jz-fh9up]

Thank you so much! Now I am feeling all the difference with those settings that you provided!

[@SpudMcMuff]

I'm so glad I came across this video. Easy to follow, and well explained! These made my Novas sound terrific. I did what you said and pumped up the bass a little more. Thanks for spending the hours so all of us can enjoy your knowledge as well.

[@Warship63]

What type of game would most benefit from this custom EQ?

[@SpudMcMuff]

@@Warship63 I play Division 2 quite a bit and it's fantastic.

[@Warship63]

@@SpudMcMuff can you use the Software on Sonar for consoles now?

[@SpudMcMuff]

@@Warship63 Evidently because it 100% worked for me on Xbox. I did pump up the bass a little more for some rumble, but everything else is the same.

[@Warship63]

@@SpudMcMuff thanks

[@atvking400]

Appreciate the video and all of the info you continue to provide. I'm going to give your EQ tune a try. Thanks a lot.

[@dansiltala283]

Best guide for this headset I could find, thanks!

[@5_i_v_e]

Thank you Joe!!! Was waiting with bated breath for this!! The sound is incredible!!

[@GadgetryTech]

Glad to hear it!

[@GrumpyOleGamers]

Man I can't thank you enough. I just purchased the Nova Pro Wireless and could NOT get it to sound good in Evil Dead the game (my current addiction) with any of the profiles provided. I was close to sending back and going back to my corded headset which sound great. Im not going to say I understand how to do it any better, but i can copy your numbers. Sounds so much better now. Thanks again

[@Persason]

Wow this makes a huge difference. It makes everything sound so natural. Thank you for this hidden gem. Sometimes I just love the youtube algorithm. It truely makes my music come to life. Something was missing before especially when listening to classics with violin.

[@MrSpeaky89]

Cant believe the difference this made! Thank you so much!

[@sikwithin]

I have the Nova Pro wired and this eq is really good. Make sure to just type in what he says if you have the Nova Pro wired and keep off spatial in Sonar and do not add Dolby Atmos in your windows audio settings.

[@donniesgarage]

Awesome video, so well explained how it all works and the why behind it all.

[@sebastianvazquez8706]

Impressive video! I own this headset so I will definetely try your EQ. I got used to the COD Warzone preset with spatial though and positional audio helps a bunch, but you are the guru.

[@jeffreyrosenthal405]

Hi buddy. This post was very detailed and I really appreciate it. Question for you, since the Sonar EQ adjustments will not work for console, do you recommend any other software to make adjustments to the base station for Xbox Series X? Also, do you recommend using Dolby Atmos EQ through Xbox in conjunction with the Nova Pro EQ settings? Or should I just turn off Dolby Atmos on Xbox and simply run the the EQ settings you showed at the beginning of your video? i.e. the onboard EQ settings through the base station. Thank you very much!

[@cAg3d_Khaoz]

This definitely needs more views!!

[@turboman4635]

You're awesome man thanks for taking the time to tune it out so well!

[@Teh-Penguin]

Thank you! Really helped me. Was disappointed with my purchase, this saved it a little.

[@johnwalshaw]

This is absolutely great to be able to apply the custom EQ that you have worked on. I have a Nova Pro Wireless config guide and linked to your video.

[@xxwitnessxx]

My man!!! Used it for the WIRED nova pros. It brought life to these bad boys. Tried previous pro model had a very tin like sound read other reviews saying the same thing. These finally replaced the a40s. Perfect eq also works for wired

[@GadgetryTech]

So glad it helped you!

[@albavalon1]

Ive tried your Tuning with my music and holy shit this setup is amazing

[@avidesmond2576]

Thus video is the best intro into this, thank you!

[@muclman327]

Accurate and informative. Excellent work on this!

[@BkScorp]

Thank you so much for this, can't wait to try out the settings you suggested. While I've enjoyed this headset so far, I think I'm really gonna love it after watching this vid. Very informative and in depth about the settings.

[@MuRiL0PB]

This tuned completely changed my experience. I wonder if there is a way to support your channel besides the affiliate links? Would love to do so, your reviews are always the best

[@michaelguadarrama8594]

just want to say super helpful. I'm on PS5 and have been trying for two months to find the rights settings for warzone. headed over to watch the wired, review, since I own those! thx a bunch 🙂