This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:17:32
The video provides a comprehensive comparison between the Odyssey Maxwell and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headsets across multiple dimensions, including comfort, build quality, features, microphone performance, and sound quality. The speaker highlights the Maxwell's superior comfort due to its plush, angled ear cushions and large, durable leather headband, despite its heavier weight. In contrast, the SteelSeries offers more adjustable headbands and lighter weight but may have long-term durability issues due to its plastic components.
Feature-wise, the Maxwell stands out with Bluetooth functionality, versatile connections, and a superior microphone with effective noise suppression. SteelSeries, on the other hand, boasts a control station enabling simultaneous Bluetooth and gaming audio, replaceable battery, and an integrated microphone with EQ settings.
Audio performance is another key comparison point, with the Maxwell's planar magnetic drivers delivering a more natural and balanced sound across all frequencies, surpassing the SteelSeries' standard drivers in clarity and absence of distortion.
The speaker concludes that although the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is excellent, the Odyssey Maxwell outperforms it significantly, making it the preferred choice at a competitive price point. The video wraps up by inviting viewer engagement and suggestions for future headset comparisons.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the speaker compares two headsets: the Odyssey Maxwell and the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pros. Key points discussed include comfort features such as the full swivel design, the forward curve to alleviate pressure points, and the stock ear cushions. The SteelSeries’ stock cushions, which are fully pleathered and small, tend to cause discomfort due to a small nub that touches the top of the ear. Conversely, the Maxwell’s cushions are plush and angled for better conformity to head shape, though they also use pleather, causing ears to get hot. The discussion also covers headband designs, with SteelSeries offering adjustable notches and traditional adjustments for better fit, while Maxwell uses a non-adjustable leather headband. Weight comparison shows the Nova Pros at 404 grams (with added Wiki cushion) and the Maxwells at 496 grams.
00:03:00
In this segment, the discussion revolves around the build quality and comfort of two different headsets, comparing their headbands and materials used. The Maxwell headset features a large, leather headband that effectively distributes weight, making it comfortable despite being heavy. The headband’s metal reinforcement and durability over time are highlighted, suggesting it will maintain its settings without needing frequent adjustments.
Conversely, the SteelSeries headset, although lighter due to its plastic components, may require micro adjustments as it can loosen over time. The headband is also metal-reinforced, but the ear cups and connecting arms are plastic, which might cause long-term durability concerns. The segment concludes by favoring the Maxwell for its premium feel and solid build, despite acknowledging the potential appeal of the lighter SteelSeries headset.
00:06:00
In this segment, the video compares the features and functions of two headsets. The Maxwell headset includes Bluetooth functionality, various audio settings controlled by multifunction buttons with voice prompts, a detachable microphone, built-in microphones, noise suppression, and a versatile USBC dongle for various connections (3.5mm, USBC, or wireless). The Arctis Nova Pros feature a control station for Bluetooth, EQ settings, integrated microphone with mute notification, volume wheel, and a replaceable battery, with up to 80 hours of battery life. Unlike the Maxwell, the Nova Pros support simultaneous Bluetooth and gaming audio. The segment ends by mentioning an upcoming microphone comparison.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the speaker focuses on comparing the microphone quality of the SteelSeries and Odyssey Maxwell headsets. They express a preference for testing and tweaking sound settings, mentioning that SteelSeries microphones have traditionally been subpar, often sounding “airy” and “tinny,” though there have been some improvements.
The Maxwell headset, however, is highlighted as having a much better microphone, with a notable difference in quality. The speaker showcases the noise suppression feature on the Maxwell, demonstrating its various settings (low, high, and off) and how it handles background noise. They note that while noise suppression is useful, it can affect the microphone’s reception, and they prefer the core sound of the microphone without it.
The speaker also points out the advantage of the removable microphone on the Maxwell, which allows for the use of built-in microphones, albeit with more echo. They conclude that the Maxwell clearly outperforms SteelSeries in microphone quality. The segment ends with a teaser for the upcoming discussion on the headsets’ sound quality, noting the different drivers and frequency ranges each offers.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the speaker compares different audio drivers, specifically standard drivers and planar magnetic drivers. The key focus is on how each type of driver affects sound quality. The speaker emphasizes that planar magnetics, such as those in the Maxwell headset, deliver a more natural and pure sound across mids, highs, and bass, unlike standard drivers that can result in slight distortion and background noise. The Maxwell is praised for its balanced sound, whereas the compared headset, though not bad, has a bit more bass and a fuller sound. The speaker repeatedly tinkers with the EQ settings on the standard headset to achieve a sound closer to the Maxwell, highlighting the superior performance of planar magnetic drivers. Additionally, the speaker notes issues with the iOS app for EQ adjustments but commends the Maxwell for its versatility in various audio settings.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses a comparison between the Odyssey Maxwell Wireless and the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headsets. They highlight that, despite the Nova Pro being a fantastic headset, the Maxwell performs significantly better, making the Nova Pro seem subpar in comparison. The Maxwells are priced at $300, while the Nova Pros are typically around $350 but can be found for $300. The reviewer emphasizes the need for better stock cushions on the Nova Pro for a fair comparison. They conclude by reinforcing their preference for the Maxwells, saying they excel in all aspects of the comparison. The segment wraps up with the speaker inviting the audience to suggest other headsets for future comparisons and to engage with the channel by liking and subscribing.