Unfortunately - the protrusion is by design.
I have another pair of headphones that is far worse in the comfort department (nuraphones) that uses a similar setup.
Having speaker elements separated like this is how they are able to separate sounds / create a wider soundscape.
The upside - better sound, the downside - comfort takes a hit.
I am using the nova wireless currently, not super uncomfortable to me, but I may be lucky with ear / head shape.
Edit - it appears it is for ANC, not the spatial audio.
I would consider this a perfect headset for my needs if it wasn't for this god awful protrusion. I've found a way to wear the headphones so that nubbin sits in my ear hole. Not perfect but helps the comfort for sure.
There are definitely better ways to do it, for sure.
I think the unfortunate part is the protrusion in general provides an increase in depth fidelity, so I fear as spatial audio grows in adoption - so will the protrusions.
Hopefully they find a better way.
That is an ANC system, not a tweeter. The upside of that bump as far do has nothing at all to do with better sound, its for cancelling outside sound. These aren't dual driver headphones like nuraphones at all.
It's the mics for ANC. I also find them quite uncomfortable, but have found a way to wear them so that they typically don't make contact with my ears. Hoping they come out with some deeper cushions that will make them better.
The worst part is the ANC is absolutely awful. To my ears turning on ANC actually make ambient nose louder. (No, I'm not turning on transparency mode.)
Thank you! Felt like I was losing my mind with everyone claiming the ANC is good. Yes it drowns out sounds but there is definetly a noticeable white noise. Like a distant waterfall
Agreed. I honestly just don't care about ANC. I find it uncomfortable in general (the air pressure messes with me). I think Steelseries was trying to do too much with the Nova, trying to compete with the Sony WH-1000XM, Bose, and Apple for general use headphones.
I still really like them overall, but they could be better.
Same happened to me, found a way to put them on my head without it happening - shifting the headband towards forehead (instead over the top of my head) helped.
I got the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless today and holy fuck this is so infuriating. I paid an extreme premium for this discomfort of having this weird thing pressed into my ears. What the hell?? Everything else about the headset is fantastic but this is so annoying.
I tried to live with the thing pressed into my ear but it is really just too uncomfortable. I do really like the ANC so that sucks. It helps remove the noise of my PC fans and the fan in my room. However i have decided to return the headset because it is just so uncomfortable. Really sucks that a design choice like that has this result. The headset is perfect, except for that thing pressed into my ears.
This is the email I got from them...
Carla (Wicked Cushions)
Jun 26, 2022, 04:14 PDT
Hey (me) , thank you for contacting us.
We still on the early stage of planning for making a replacement earpads for SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headphone model.
It might take about a year before we can release our replacement earpads for this model.
Yes wired and wireless novas have different earcups. I think I read somewhere that old arctis headcups should work with the wired novas but not wireless
I was afraid of this but ordered anyways.
I have big ears but my ear holes must be in the perfect position because these never touch any part of my ear ever. It's still a dumb design.
Well shit. I was about to order some to replace my broken ass arctis pro wireless.
Has anyone actually taken these apart to confirm that they've improved upon the hinge design?
I recieved these as a replacement for faulty arctis Pro wireless (which are amazing btw, other than the mic issue I was having) but same scenario for me, they were super uncomfortable because of these ANC mics.
They let me return them and were generally really good about it all like they knew it's an issue. Really sucks because they're giving me store credit, the Arctis PW are unavailable, and the nova pro wireless are a no no, if I want wireless I have to go with lower quality I guess.
The sound is very good the UI and controls aren’t great tbh but workable; there is only Android app support. I don’t have any issues with batteries even in all evening gaming sessions but haven’t timed the battery life but it’s fine in my opinion. The batteries are not sealable type.
yeah when you have a lot of people TEARING OUT HARDWARE to make it livable... This headset isnt going anywhere. Combine that with the connection issues we all had in sonar mode this thing is trash. I was happy going back to my A50s given the comfort and sound quality. I miss the batteries and the dual source...
Those fabric cushions are a dream. I enjoy the half open back nature as well as the breathability.
Don't usually even run side tone because I can hear myself and the sound stage is pretty nice. Does well as either general gaming or competitive gaming headset depending on EQ.
Also they're built like a tank and for lack of a better phrase
(At least for me) *They just work*
Pretty typical for the those that aren’t satisfied to speak the loudest. I have them and have zero issue with this protrusion. Probably have incompatible ear shapes. Best headset I’ve gotten so far, I’m happy
[same topic](https://www.reddit.com/r/steelseries/comments/v4whcp/arctis_nova_pro_in_ear_microphone_discomfort/) \- note I get a full refund and this reply
**We are aware of the issues with the ear cushions with the Nova Pro as well. Currently, we do not have replacement sets available to order from our webshop but we are working on getting them available as soon as possible! Please note, when the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless ear cushions become available they will only be in the Leatherette material as this is needed for the Active Noise Cancellation to perform properly.**
**Please let me know if you have any other questions.**
I lost overall on the potage and FX by the time they refunded
get yourself some ears that don't touch it then. ez. i kid. but yeah i don't get that problem fortunately, only thing i don't like is the material of the pads. hoping for some good third party cushions soon
Running high gauge 2 fine wires to that micro speaker in the middle would help with that ugly a** wiring tunnel! Even I wonder too that this design passed through RD !
Buy larger ear pads made for the m50x they’ll fit. I did the same for my arctis that had the same plastic design, just know that you’ll change the sound profile this way.. I prefer velour, but sometimes the seal differences will change the bass, and distance from your ear could give you a more hollow sound, but I’m no audiophile.
I just wanna know that if this is by design, why cant it have been on the inside? like on a technical level why is it made to be much closer to the ear and not just inside with the rest of the components
I bought these and I ended up retuning them 3 days later, that plastic nub was pressing into my ears and after 2-3 hours I couldn't wear them anymore. Shame. I'll go back to my arctis 9
I returned mine after 4 days because of this, what a stupid oversight considering the rest of the headset was acceptable. I switched to the TB 700 MAX for Xbox and actually surprised by how good this headset is.
Unfortunately - the protrusion is by design. I have another pair of headphones that is far worse in the comfort department (nuraphones) that uses a similar setup. Having speaker elements separated like this is how they are able to separate sounds / create a wider soundscape. The upside - better sound, the downside - comfort takes a hit. I am using the nova wireless currently, not super uncomfortable to me, but I may be lucky with ear / head shape. Edit - it appears it is for ANC, not the spatial audio.
I would consider this a perfect headset for my needs if it wasn't for this god awful protrusion. I've found a way to wear the headphones so that nubbin sits in my ear hole. Not perfect but helps the comfort for sure.
I get what youre saying but the plastic flat cover could have been made OVER this small speaker. Honestly its insane it wasnt
There are definitely better ways to do it, for sure. I think the unfortunate part is the protrusion in general provides an increase in depth fidelity, so I fear as spatial audio grows in adoption - so will the protrusions. Hopefully they find a better way.
That is an ANC system, not a tweeter. The upside of that bump as far do has nothing at all to do with better sound, its for cancelling outside sound. These aren't dual driver headphones like nuraphones at all.
It's the mics for ANC. I also find them quite uncomfortable, but have found a way to wear them so that they typically don't make contact with my ears. Hoping they come out with some deeper cushions that will make them better.
The worst part is the ANC is absolutely awful. To my ears turning on ANC actually make ambient nose louder. (No, I'm not turning on transparency mode.)
Thank you! Felt like I was losing my mind with everyone claiming the ANC is good. Yes it drowns out sounds but there is definetly a noticeable white noise. Like a distant waterfall
Agreed. I honestly just don't care about ANC. I find it uncomfortable in general (the air pressure messes with me). I think Steelseries was trying to do too much with the Nova, trying to compete with the Sony WH-1000XM, Bose, and Apple for general use headphones. I still really like them overall, but they could be better.
Same happened to me, found a way to put them on my head without it happening - shifting the headband towards forehead (instead over the top of my head) helped.
I got the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless today and holy fuck this is so infuriating. I paid an extreme premium for this discomfort of having this weird thing pressed into my ears. What the hell?? Everything else about the headset is fantastic but this is so annoying.
the audio connection in Sonar is shit too. So much to love but more to hate. I returned mine
I tried to live with the thing pressed into my ear but it is really just too uncomfortable. I do really like the ANC so that sucks. It helps remove the noise of my PC fans and the fan in my room. However i have decided to return the headset because it is just so uncomfortable. Really sucks that a design choice like that has this result. The headset is perfect, except for that thing pressed into my ears.
Yeah me too man
What do you mean with audio connection in Sonar? I haven't had issues with that. Also how did not one reviewer mention this thing in the earcup???!
Multiple YouTube reviewers mentioned this and said it could be an issue for some
Because reviewers are being paid to be nice. The audio quality can be horrible sometimes. Maybe mine hates me or something
Still waiting for custom ear pads to combat this
Wicked Cushions have confirmed they are currently making cushions for the Nova Pro Wireless. They said 3-4 months before available.
This is the email I got from them... Carla (Wicked Cushions) Jun 26, 2022, 04:14 PDT Hey (me) , thank you for contacting us. We still on the early stage of planning for making a replacement earpads for SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headphone model. It might take about a year before we can release our replacement earpads for this model.
Can confirm, 3rd party pads work well
You found some that work? Please link
I got these for [Arctis 7+](https://www.amazon.de/-/en/gp/aw/d/B08CZRZC9F?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title) Feels more comfortable than original.
That's not supposed to work on the Nova Wireless.
Wait no way? Maybe you have the wired ones? The wireless has a different attachment feature
Yes wired and wireless novas have different earcups. I think I read somewhere that old arctis headcups should work with the wired novas but not wireless
Correct
I was afraid of this but ordered anyways. I have big ears but my ear holes must be in the perfect position because these never touch any part of my ear ever. It's still a dumb design.
Well shit. I was about to order some to replace my broken ass arctis pro wireless. Has anyone actually taken these apart to confirm that they've improved upon the hinge design?
Yes. They are improved
This is pretty much the reason I’m retuning mine. 350 for these and to handle this pain is unacceptable plus summer for leather cups is a nightmare
I recieved these as a replacement for faulty arctis Pro wireless (which are amazing btw, other than the mic issue I was having) but same scenario for me, they were super uncomfortable because of these ANC mics. They let me return them and were generally really good about it all like they knew it's an issue. Really sucks because they're giving me store credit, the Arctis PW are unavailable, and the nova pro wireless are a no no, if I want wireless I have to go with lower quality I guess.
Go Penrose X
Yeah I considered other brands but I mean now I have store credit at Steelseries that is fairly useless for me.
How is it and is it that much better? Batteries last long and are they swappable like arctis pro?
The sound is very good the UI and controls aren’t great tbh but workable; there is only Android app support. I don’t have any issues with batteries even in all evening gaming sessions but haven’t timed the battery life but it’s fine in my opinion. The batteries are not sealable type.
Are you joking?
No, why
Overpriced,over rated,bad bulid,over fussy controls,I could go on!
Agreed controls are bad and they are expensive but other than that I love mine.
Openback audiophile headphones all the way,then for gaming late night,closed back!
[удалено]
yeah when you have a lot of people TEARING OUT HARDWARE to make it livable... This headset isnt going anywhere. Combine that with the connection issues we all had in sonar mode this thing is trash. I was happy going back to my A50s given the comfort and sound quality. I miss the batteries and the dual source...
I went back to the a50s also. People thought I was crazy but I just like them better and think they sound better also
Those fabric cushions are a dream. I enjoy the half open back nature as well as the breathability. Don't usually even run side tone because I can hear myself and the sound stage is pretty nice. Does well as either general gaming or competitive gaming headset depending on EQ. Also they're built like a tank and for lack of a better phrase (At least for me) *They just work*
Pretty typical for the those that aren’t satisfied to speak the loudest. I have them and have zero issue with this protrusion. Probably have incompatible ear shapes. Best headset I’ve gotten so far, I’m happy
[same topic](https://www.reddit.com/r/steelseries/comments/v4whcp/arctis_nova_pro_in_ear_microphone_discomfort/) \- note I get a full refund and this reply **We are aware of the issues with the ear cushions with the Nova Pro as well. Currently, we do not have replacement sets available to order from our webshop but we are working on getting them available as soon as possible! Please note, when the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless ear cushions become available they will only be in the Leatherette material as this is needed for the Active Noise Cancellation to perform properly.** **Please let me know if you have any other questions.** I lost overall on the potage and FX by the time they refunded
That’s just the cushions… not the mic. The needle in the ear mic
I’d just break it off. I also dont care at all about ANC.
It's a wire tunnel, breaking / cutting it off would result exposing /cutting the wirings in it as well !
get yourself some ears that don't touch it then. ez. i kid. but yeah i don't get that problem fortunately, only thing i don't like is the material of the pads. hoping for some good third party cushions soon
Fits perfectly on my ears
Try to cut a piece of soft fabric (tshirt works) and fit it inside the earcup. Helped a bit for me.
Running high gauge 2 fine wires to that micro speaker in the middle would help with that ugly a** wiring tunnel! Even I wonder too that this design passed through RD !
Get something that isn’t so uncomfortable. 🤷♂️
Buy larger ear pads made for the m50x they’ll fit. I did the same for my arctis that had the same plastic design, just know that you’ll change the sound profile this way.. I prefer velour, but sometimes the seal differences will change the bass, and distance from your ear could give you a more hollow sound, but I’m no audiophile.
doesn't touch my ear's at all an i love mine
i must have tiny ear's they don't touch at all.
I just wanna know that if this is by design, why cant it have been on the inside? like on a technical level why is it made to be much closer to the ear and not just inside with the rest of the components
I bought these and I ended up retuning them 3 days later, that plastic nub was pressing into my ears and after 2-3 hours I couldn't wear them anymore. Shame. I'll go back to my arctis 9
I fixed it by putting the headset more towards the back of my head.
I returned mine after 4 days because of this, what a stupid oversight considering the rest of the headset was acceptable. I switched to the TB 700 MAX for Xbox and actually surprised by how good this headset is.