Wicked Cushions Nova FreeZe Pads Review - Nova 1, 3, 7, and Pro Wired - DEEP DIVE

[@meltingsun5301]

Wow, I previously used your tuning for the Nova 7 without WC and liked it a lot, but now either the WC and using your tuning again felt way better than before, these pads are amazing and so comfortable for me

[@Xer0_XIII]

Great work as always! Been using the Wicked cushions and the Nova 7 for a few weeks and used the stock pad EQ tune from your Nova 7 deep dive video and thought they sounded good already, and personally, just lacking a little bit on the bass. But this tune is definitely better and didn't need to touch the bass at all.

[@EnigmasityGG]

Thank you so much, Joe! You're by far my favorite headphone reviewer out there. This DAC tune for the Arctis 7 really is excellent. I feel like I can finally make the most of an otherwise great headset. The sound quality (and comfort, for that matter) with the stock pads never really pleased me, even with the tune from your original review. With this tune they sound much more "complete" and neutral.

[@clawson32104]

Sorry to bring back a old topic but this new Nova 7 tune saved my Nova 7x. I was using the EQ from the original Nova 7 deep dive review with leather pads on my headset. Recently switched to the Wicked Cushions Freeze and the bass was definitely lacking and the highs were almost painful. Now with this EQ I can use them again with zero issues.

[@jdavideast]

I grabbed a pair for the Arctis Nova 7, did not really find them much better than stock pads. In fact, I found WC pads hotter than the stock units after about an hour. Sending them back.

[@idkyoutubeneedsausernamenow]

I just changed my stock pad to wicked cushion and went to your channel to check if there's any tuning, they are great! One thing I find weird though, when I test the spatial sound for the stock pad tuning and wicked cushions tuning, I find it harder to identify front and rear sound on WC tuning, but it works completely fine for stock pads, not sure if it is just my ear or what. But overall speaking they are great!

[@kaiichinose9590]

Great video, very informative. I know it’s a year later but now they have the nova pro in a white edition.

[@nihilisticpoet]

I am happy you are getting more and more recognized and getting sponsored material. Given how I've watched you in the past before you were given all of this, I trust your judgement and sincerity.

[@Ferjduranm]

Thank you! You really kept it under 2 weeks like you promised lol. I’ll be watching this during my lunch

[@out-runner]

Ordered the black ones thanks to your review! The patterned cushions tend to have blue streak mixes that'd be nice with the blue bands on the Nova P line, but nothing I liked against the green of the X headsets. Would've done all white if that was a choice.

[@Mrendomii]

Man loving your videos on audio, I am type of person who can't tell much difference between bits frequencies and all audiophile stuff but lately I've been trying to get into it and your videos been really helpful.

[@PureRiff]

Would love a cushions video for the new Nova 5 series. Great video as always.

[@Juice8767]

Leaving a second comment now that I'm at home at my desk, thanks for the awesome work you've been doing. I'm a straight up tech junkie that hate's bad sound but can never EQ things quite right myself and I HATE most youtube videos that come up when I try searching for EQ's because they're always aimed towards COD and not general sound. 9 out of 10 of them will immediately instruct you to delete all bass and crank the treble to ear piercing levels.

[@Gibjee13]

I just got the epos h6pro headset after watching your video on them and I noticed you recommended the dekoni jerzee ear pads favorably but I can't seem to find them in stock. Would you recommend wicked cushion as a comparable replacement pad instead? I have the open back h6pro. Thanks in advance.

[@optimusjgar]

I knew there was a size difference with the wicked cushions. The width difference makes a difference for me and prevented me from using the wicked cushions because it was uncomfortable compared to the stock pads. So I just bought the official soft leather from Steelseries and they are great.

[@Noneya5555]

Which Nova headset do you have? Did you notice a change in clamp force with the leather pads? I have the Nova 7x, and though I really like it, the clamp force is too weak (also wish the drivers were 50mm). It moves too easily when I move my head, which ruins the seal, bass and sound quality. I was considering getting either the Wicked Cushions or the Steelseries leather pads, hoping they might help. But another YT reviewer said that the WCs changed the clamp force only a little. So now I'm debating between returning the headset, or trying the SS leather pads.

[@optimusjgar]

@@Noneya5555 I have the Nova 7x. The leatherette pads do not change the clamp force. However, if I remember correctly, the Wicked Cushions did add a little bit more force, but it was still pretty light.

[@Noneya5555]

@@optimusjgar Thanks for the reply. I guess I'll have to return mine.

[@WickedCushions]

With enough feedback, we will change it. as of now we haven't received overwhelming feedback about the inner size and the sound will get impacted by changing it. So if you have any issues, let us know and we will gather enough feedback to see if the size needs to change!

[@chrisflores5541]

@@Noneya5555 just out mine on today. i have bigger ears and to my surprise it actual made the headset fit slash feel a tad tighter on my head. which i loved.all perosnal preference but def very nice

[@HelveticaBold1]

Great video Joe, amazing attention to detail! I’ll give my freeze pads another try on my Nova Pros. I found added clamping force painful and cushions only stayed cool for 5mins and warmed up quickly. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@andrewyoung6991]

Yea mine get spicy after 5 minutes as well these are overhyped but no one admits it cuz they are sponsored

[@carles8388]

I've used differents kinds of WC on my olds Arctis Pros, Penrose... and very happy with them, changing a little the eq on the dacs and ready to go. Greettings and see you on your Discord!!

[@ranz1337]

Isnt the DAC EQ tune turned off, when activating Sonar? I understand that by reading the info in the software itself. Since I bought the WC Freeze pads, after my WC standard pads are torn, I am not 100% happy with the different sound even after EQ tunings.

[@Juice_VI]

Thanks for the DAC tune. It’s great for PC as well because now I won’t have to keep that software open.

[@Andy-__-]

Just curious why the eq tuning is different for the nova pro and the nova pro wireless video you made. Should I use the eq in this video for my nova pro wireless or the eq from the nova pro wireless video?

[@sfalexi]

Joe, awesome stuff. Any chance we can get "harmon" curves with the DACs? I'd love to be able to switch between the gaming and harmon style EQs before moving from gaming to watching netflix or listening to music. Thanks. Hope this is something you'll consider doing for these and for future headsets as well.

[@OutsideDuhBox]

I just got my wicked cushions...and yeah they are comfortable..but seem to seal a lot less around ears ...the PU leather is not as soft, but it is marginal. And the Audio is largely effected and this is something you don't hear much...gadgetry admits the sound changes...but doesnt admit that even with EQ ...the stock pads, audio wise are just so much better audio wise no matter what ..

[@ertai222]

So if I want to maintain the best audio I shouldn't get these pads and just keep them stock? Good to know.

[@xaedsiban]

My issue is the sound leakage !!! does that help it at all??

[@OutsideDuhBox]

@xaedsiban eh...you can move the headphones around your head to seal...but they end up moving anyways and you always lose some seal especially at the bottom with the big ones

[@MrJoshpit]

Finally an in depth review. Thank you

[@xxyouhatemexx]

Just wanted to thank you for what you do!! You helped me getting everything out of my Nova Pros!! I was just wondering do you happen to have a EQ for the Razer Kaira Pro PS5 HyperSense. The reason why I'm asking is because the PSVR 2 is coming out next mouth and I think that HyperSense would add a little more immersiveness to the vr experience 🤞🏽🤞🏽

[@williamg556]

Any plans to make a Arctis 7, 7x, and 7+ tuning video? I used this tune for my Arctis 7+ and it sounds decent but I’m sure you have better numbers for those exact headsets

[@TheBigDdub]

Coupon code still works on Amazon, thanks!

[@magicsmoke6000]

Thanks for the review! I'd like to use this to tune Nova 7-s for PS5 with stock pads. How much of a difference is there compared to WC pad?

[@ryanspartan7853]

Thanks as always Joe!

[@1TvS7]

I really like those triangle-shaped lights behind you on the right. What are those?

[@guiltygamerxrd]

I know I'm kind of late to this video, but think you'll do a video like this for the WC pads for the Blackshark V2 Pro 2023s? I'm pretty content with the stock pads but I did like the WC pads on my original Arctis 7s. Stock Nova 7 pads were uncomfortable to me because my ears stick out and touch the driver a lot. Nova 7 WC pads hurt because they are too narrow compared to stock and my ears are also just big aside from also sticking out. Had to return the WC padsand the Nova 7s. If they had just made them the same shape as the stock I probably would have been fine with them.

[@josephsavage2576]

Will there be a update to this guide since Sonar disables the EQ on the DAC regardless if you set up before hand?

[@arekisan5239]

I'm still waiting to get news of when the VZR Model One will be avalaible to purchase in Canada... I may end up buying a steelseries product again.... damn..

[@bighoss7437]

My man! Just in time, picked up some of these ear pads for my wired pro.

[@ertai222]

So you have to dac tune in addition to Sonar EQ? Why is that? Wouldn't just using Sonar EQ be all you need especially if you want to just plug these into a sound card? I don't really understand because i don't plan on using the DAC on PC and just plugging the headphones directly into my sound card while using Sonar EQ.

[@WickedCushions]

Fun fact, Geico is our favorite company

[@Anonymous-ov8vr]

Guys plz someone answer.. do the old arctis cushions fit the nova 7's. It says it doesn't but isn't it all marketing? I've heard that they do fit tho but I'm not entirely sure. Can someone confirm if they fit or not? Have a lovely day yall 😁

[@markolokoy]

Can’t wait for you to review the new Audeze Maxwell.

[@Noneya5555]

Neither can I, especially since Audeze has confirmed that the Maxwell doesn't have simultaneous Bluetooth compatibility, they won't provide a definite release date (early pre-orders are said to ship by the end of January, changed from early Jan.), the Xbox version may not work with Playstation, and Audeze wouldn't - or couldn't - provide early copies to reviewers.

[@GadgetryTech]

I'm eagerly awaiting as well. I purchased one in addition to waiting for my review sample, so we'll see which one get's here first!

[@Noneya5555]

@@GadgetryTech I really hope you receive either soon, Joe. I'm holding off buying one until your review drops. 😉

[@Juice8767]

GadgetryTech: Posts any EQ video* Me: LET’S GOOOOOO!!!

[@RjSchopp]

Is this only used for the WIRED arctis pro, or is this the most updated sonar tune for wired and wireless versions

[@Ferjduranm]

Hey, I’m just wondering if you’d be able to do a review of the AKG Y600NC, price has gone down to $80 from $350. It’s got ANC, but there’s only a couple kinda shady reviews on KZbin

[@Dudsn]

Hey just a question. Die the Nova Pro eq with the wickd cushions. How do i ad a little more bass und a bit more airyness? I cant use Sonar because im on xbox and use the dac. Thanks in advance.

[@TheQuickyouknow]

Is there an affordable option for people to measure their headphones? You videos have inspired me to start making my own EQs instead of just copying people, but no idea what measurement devices to get.

[@GadgetryTech]

Unfortunately the affordable measurement gear isn't that accurate. The miniDSP EARs is about $200-300 but it's not that accurate which kind of defeats the purpose. A better setup will cost closer to a grand or so, and the really accurate gear is closer to $10k+. There are some grey areas in the middle but it's unfortunately not cheap.

[@TheQuickyouknow]

@@GadgetryTech got it, thanks for the reply! I guess no EQing for me lol

[@demon6937]

Are the EQ you made from nova 7x video are the same here?

[@gino1853]

will there also come a nova pro wireless EQ tune ( dac and sonar ) ? cause the review for the ear cushions for the pro wireless doesn't come with a tune in the video

[@yalawnmower]

I was thinking the same thing 🤔

[@fernandop5391]

There is a follow up video with DAC eq settings.

[@gino1853]

@@fernandop5391 there is? How come I don’t see it. Can you send a link to it ?

[@normalman8343]

does anyone know if the wicked cushions have a thicker foam on the inside? I don't like the plastic contact of the nova 7 on my ear. To me it felt like the foam layer inside the earcup was a little thin in the original cushions.

[@nickb365]

Love your video my dude

[@JustStormy_]

i know this is late but does anyone know if they do world wide shipping or if they only deliver to some specific area's?

[@JTB--]

Any chance you'll be getting a pair of the new Audeze Maxwell headphones in for review? I'm very curious about them

[@GadgetryTech]

They are sending me a review sample and I also purchased a pair! Hoping soon!

[@JTB--]

@@GadgetryTech Beautiful!! Looking forward to your thoughts on them

[@mickael486]

When you say the Nova Pro's sound great on consoles when adjusting the equalizer on the laptop. The settings save when unplugging the headset and turning off the laptop now?

[@GadgetryTech]

DAC settings have always saved to it after unplugging from laptop. Yes. You can even manually look at your custom EQ once plugged into console to see your saved changes there. It only gets messed up if you plug the DAC into a different laptop with SS engine and then save a blank custom eq by mistake. Otherwise it works perfectly fine.

[@mickael486]

​@@GadgetryTech Ok. Thanks again.. Already ordered a pair of WC from your newest video to go with the Nova Pro wired.

[@fourokay]

Since Sonar doesn’t work on console, unfortunately, does making the custom EQ changes on the DAC still benefit for console gaming?

[@nachobreda1]

10:07

[@ILOVEYOUHALFISH]

awesome video and channel, thank you

[@raul2169]

The eq for the nova 7s is different from the eq when you reviewed them awhile back, do you recommend this eq vs the old one?

[@punchyo_1175]

Need to know that 2

[@clawson32104]

This new eq is if you use the Wicked Cushion pads. The older one is for the stock pads. Use based off whatever pad you have on your Nova 7

[@myytti16]

Question: does the sidetone level go down when you update the firmware of arctis nova pro wired? I am afraid to update the firmware and use GG and Sonar having read stories of people who lost most of the sidetone volume when they updated their firmware on their arctis nova pro wireless. I wonder if wired is the same.

[@myytti16]

I can answer this on my own. I just updated the DAC and sidetone levels stayed the same. I was worried for nothing. I emphasize that this only applies to WIRED version of Steelseries Arctics Nova Pro. Do not update wireless version if you want to have high sidetone levels.

[@tecnoblix]

I purchaced these and immidiatly returned them and bought another set of Brainwavz. I love the colors of WC, but they just didn't perform (for me) as well as the Brainwavz. Too overpriced, too small and too gimicy with the cooling gel. But to each their own.

[@KiLLaCaM607]

Hey Joe great video again. I do have a question though. I thought once you use Sonar on PC it disables any DAC/Engine tuning and replaces with Sonar (going to engine shows the EQ section greyed out for my Nova Pro Wireless). Even directly on the DAC it says Sonar is selected if you go to choose an EQ. So how can you stack these?

[@GadgetryTech]

Hi, thanks! You have to disable Sonar first in the Settings tab in SS Engine. Then you can customize the DAC. Once you're done and click save, then enable Sonar from there. Not sure how I didn't think to mention this in the video, sorry!

[@KiLLaCaM607]

@@GadgetryTech No worries at all, I didnt know this was how it works. Thought Engine tuning just gets ignored and Sonar takes over when enabled. I think I’ve been incorrectly stacking on my Pro Wireless, as I have saved your suggested console tuning on Engine (with Wicked Cushion pads) saved for when I play on PS5. But I've been using sonar on PC.

[@KiLLaCaM607]

@@GadgetryTech So when I want to play on my PS5 for example, I need to go on my PC and select the config with console Engine tuning and then make sure I switch back to a config with Flat preset in Engine when I want to play on PC with Sonar?

[@GadgetryTech]

@@KiLLaCaM607 it should still be saved on the dac. So when you plug into ps5, use the controls on the dac itself to return to custom eq and it should be there.

[@KiLLaCaM607]

@@GadgetryTech Oh ok I understand now. I was creating separate configs (shown on the left side in Engine) for Console/WC Pad EQ tuning so when I started my PC and opened engine I could just click the one I wanted. I should instead on a single config keep the EQ set to Flat when on PC, but adjust the Custom preset to my desired console tune. Then on PS5 I can just choose Custom directly on the DAC and be set. Thanks for the help as always!!!

[@xPenitentOne]

Haha, it forms into a donut..Great Joe, now i want one! 😂👍🏼 Love the detailed videos. Idk if i ever switch my headset,.. But if so, I may try some WC😊😊

[@GadgetryTech]

Lol. I love me some donuts.

[@punchyo_1175]

Can i use the nova 7 tune on the stock pads, or is the first tune that you did on the nova 7 video better (your first review)

[@clawson32104]

First tune is ideal for stock pads

[@RickyZastrow]

Loving my 7’s with your tune.

[@darkscoutergamer6168]

Do you have a dac and the pads?

[@RickyZastrow]

@@darkscoutergamer6168 just the stock nova 7’s

[@darkscoutergamer6168]

@@RickyZastrow and you use that EQ he did?

[@RickyZastrow]

@@darkscoutergamer6168 I used the EQ he made for the stock Nova 7’s.

[@darkscoutergamer6168]

@@RickyZastrow oh no yeah I meant if it was the EQ he did in this video? Apologies for asking and being annoying 💙😭🙏🏻

[@Kehoe3131]

Out of every headset u have which one is your go to

[@GadgetryTech]

Usually the H6PRO Open back with Dekoni Jerzee pads if I'm playing on Xbox (typically my most used setup). On PC I usually use higher end headphones w XLR mic. On PS5 i change it up a lot but the H6PRO, Model One, Nova Pro Wireless, and Stealth 700 g2 are always on my "easy access" board

[@ZeCalanga2391]

Anyone got a tune for the nova 7p for ps5 use? Just pulled the trigger on one and now realized I need to borrow a laptop to tune this so I can really enjoy them

[@toffiee3]

I neeed help lol. I have the wired novas pros and can't get the software downloaded, im trying to get my dac tuned for apex and can't get the right settings anywhere. I will send you money of some sort via pay pal or something if you will please help the guy out lol. I've emailed steelseries about the software problem they tried to help i just can't get the damn software installed. 🙄 😅

[@comercialpuruha4998]

Thanks ! do the settings work on the nova pro wireless as well?

[@fernandop5391]

I am wondering the same thing

[@arcanekand]

yes they do work on the wireless version

[@ertai222]

​@@arcanekandthat is incorrect. He has a separate video specifically for wired and wireless.

[@UmarAbid]

In terms sound is the Nova Pro wired better than wireless some other youtube seid that was wondering what your option on this?

[@GadgetryTech]

Wired Pro is better purely from a compression standpoint. The Nova Pro Wired sounds cleaner and does a better job with subtle details. Frequency response wise, they are very similar.

[@UmarAbid]

@@GadgetryTech Do they both sound the same in terms of listening both do they both sound the same ones you eq it?

[@famezy9103]

I’ve got the official SteelSeries soft leatherette and memory foam ear pads for my Nova 7. It makes the sound even better compared to the stock fabric ear pads as it locks in all that sound and it’s comfortable as well with minimal heat build up

[@clawson32104]

Same…I’ve bought numerous pairs of the leatherette from Steelseries for my Arctis models and now the Novas. They have always been perfect for me. I do have a set of the Wicked Cushions Freeze though but they just feel too thick for my personal taste

[@randomgamer19170]

How is the noise cancellation on these vs Bose qc45?

[@Ferjduranm]

Is sonar something I should worry about if I’m on PlayStation?

[@GadgetryTech]

Nope, no need!. Just do the DAC tune portion and enjoy.

[@deglida2341]

Are all models the same size?

[@Medsas]

how do you tune on ps5 if you dont have access to sonar? can you just skip that part?

[@ertai222]

You just DAC tune.

[@fernandop5391]

Do this work on the nova pro wireless ?

[@ertai222]

No there's separate pads and EQ tunes for those. He has a video specifically for wireless.

[@demon6937]

sheesh priced at $40 in my country

[@Typhoon_Kill]

Is it 30$ per set or just one ?

[@GadgetryTech]

For the pair

[@danielrivera1387]

Will the EQ for each of these still work if I don’t own the freeze pad or no?

[@MarkieDaSharkie]

Anyone have the nova 4 can you replace ear cups on them?

[@avrahammoskowitz143]

First