1. Easy Guide to Setting Up the Arctic Nova 7 Wireless with Sonar • hornetsecurity.com

Embark on an immersive audio experience with the Arctic Nova 7 Wireless headset and Sonar software. This dynamic duo seamlessly integrates to offer unrivaled sound customization, spatial audio, and crystal-clear communication. With its premium features and ease of setup, the Arctic Nova 7 Wireless is the epitome of gaming audio excellence.

To unlock the full potential of your headset, begin by connecting the USB-C transmitter to your PC or console. Once the transmitter is operational, switch on your headset and follow the on-screen instructions to pair the devices. Next, download the Sonar software from the SteelSeries website and launch it on your computer. The intuitive user interface will guide you through step-by-step instructions to calibrate your headset’s settings, enabling you to tailor the audio experience to your preferences.

With Sonar software, you gain unprecedented control over your auditory environment. Adjust equalizer settings with precision, enabling you to enhance specific frequency ranges and create a soundscape that complements your gameplay. Activate spatial audio to immerse yourself in a realistic 3D soundscape, allowing you to pinpoint opponents and navigate virtual worlds with ease. Moreover, Sonar’s crystal-clear voice communication ensures seamless coordination with teammates, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Initializing the Transmitter in Base Station Mode

Configuration of your transmitter in base station mode includes assigning a distinct network name and password and selecting the appropriate operating frequency. Follow the outlined steps to successfully initialize:

Assign Network Credentials

a. Power on both the transmitter and headset.
b. Hold the “Game” and “EQ” buttons on the transmitter simultaneously until the display illuminates in blue.
c. Use the wheel to navigate to “Setup” and press the wheel to enter.
d. Select “Network,” then “Wi-Fi.”
e. Enter your desired network name (SSID) and password using the wheel and buttons.
f. Press the “Save” button to confirm your settings.

Select Operating Frequency

a. Press the wheel to return to the “Setup” menu.
b. Select “Frequency,” then choose between 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
c. If you’re unsure of which frequency to use, consult the documentation that came with your hardware.

| Frequency | Pros | Cons |
|—|—|—|
| 2.4GHz | Wider range | Slower speeds, more interference |
| 5GHz | Faster speeds | Limited range, less interference |

Connecting the Base Station to Your PC

To connect the base station to your PC, follow these steps:

Connect the base station to your PC using the included USB cable.
The base station will automatically be recognized by your computer.
If the base station is not recognized, restart your computer.
Make sure to download, Install, and start SteelSeries Engine 3 software.
Select Nova 7 Wireless under Device Engine.
Click on the Settings tab.
Ensure that the base station is set to the correct audio output device.
Click on the Apply button and exit the SteelSeries Engine 3 software.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

If you are having problems connecting the base station to your PC, try the following troubleshooting tips:

Make sure that the USB cable is securely connected to both the base station and your PC.
Try using a different USB cable.
Restart your PC.
Reinstall the SteelSeries Engine 3 software.
Contact SteelSeries customer support for further assistance.

The table below provides a summary of the steps involved in connecting the base station to your PC:

Step	Action
1	Connect the base station to your PC using the included USB cable.
2	The base station will automatically be recognized by your computer.
3	If the base station is not recognized, restart your computer.
4	Make sure to download, Install, and start SteelSeries Engine 3 software.
5	Select Nova 7 Wireless under Device Engine.
6	Click on the Settings tab.
7	Ensure that the base station is set to the correct audio output device.
8	Click on the Apply button and exit the SteelSeries Engine 3 software.

Installing the SteelSeries GG Software

To begin, you’ll need to install the SteelSeries GG software. This is the primary software used to control your Arctic Nova 7 Wireless headset and access Sonar features. Follow these steps to install the software:

Visit the SteelSeries website and download the latest version of the GG software.
Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen prompts.
Once the installation is complete, launch the SteelSeries GG software.
Create a SteelSeries account if you don’t already have one.

Connecting Your Headset

After installing the GG software, you need to connect your Arctic Nova 7 Wireless headset. Turn on the headset and ensure that the wireless transmitter is plugged into your computer via USB. The software will automatically detect your headset and establish a connection.

Updating Firmware

To ensure that your headset has the latest features and optimizations, it’s recommended to keep the firmware up to date. Within the SteelSeries GG software, navigate to the “Engine” tab and click on the “Updates” section. If any firmware updates are available, follow the on-screen instructions to install them.

Enabling Sonar Features in SteelSeries GG

To enable Sonar features in SteelSeries GG, you will need to first download and install the software. Once you have done this, launch SteelSeries GG and click on the “Engine” tab.

In the “Engine” tab, click on the “Settings” icon in the top-right corner and select “Sonar”. In the “Sonar” settings, you can enable the following features:

Surround Sound: This feature creates a virtual surround sound experience for your headphones.
Spatial Audio: This feature allows you to hear sounds in a 3D space, making it easier to locate enemies in games.
ChatMix: This feature allows you to control the volume of your game and chat audio separately.
Noise Suppression: This feature reduces background noise from your microphone, making your voice clearer to other players.
Voice Clarity: This feature enhances the clarity of your voice by removing unwanted frequencies.
Equalizer: This feature allows you to adjust the sound of your headphones to your liking.

Once you have enabled the Sonar features that you want to use, click on the “Apply” button to save your changes.

Feature	Description
Surround Sound	Creates a virtual surround sound experience for your headphones.
Spatial Audio	Allows you to hear sounds in a 3D space, making it easier to locate enemies in games.
ChatMix	Allows you to control the volume of your game and chat audio separately.
Noise Suppression	Reduces background noise from your microphone, making your voice clearer to other players.
Voice Clarity	Enhances the clarity of your voice by removing unwanted frequencies.
Equalizer	Allows you to adjust the sound of your headphones to your liking.

Configuring Audio Settings for the Headset

The Arctic Nova 7 Wireless with Sonar headset offers a range of audio customization options to enhance your gaming experience. Here’s how to set up your audio settings for optimal sound quality:

1. Open the SteelSeries GG Engine Software

Begin by launching the SteelSeries GG Engine software, which is the command center for controlling your headset’s settings.

2. Navigate to the “Audio” Tab

In the GG Engine interface, select the “Audio” tab to access the headset’s audio configuration options.

3. Adjust the Volume Levels

Use the sliders in the “Volume” section of the Audio tab to set the desired volume levels for the headset’s speakers, microphone, and sidetone.

4. Enable 7.1 Surround Sound

For an immersive gaming experience, turn on the “7.1 Surround Sound” toggle switch in the Audio tab. This feature creates a virtual surround sound environment, enhancing the positional audio in your games.

5. Customize the Equalizer

Tailor the sound to your preferences by adjusting the equalizer settings in the “EQ” section of the Audio tab. Use the sliders to modify the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies.

6. Adjust the Noise Cancellation

If you’re gaming in a noisy environment, activate the “Noise Cancelling” feature in the Audio tab. This will reduce background noise, allowing you to focus on your gameplay.

7. Configure Sonar Audio Settings

The Arctic Nova 7 Wireless comes with exclusive Sonar Audio settings that provide advanced audio customization options. To access these settings:

Click on the “Sonar” tab in the GG Engine software.
Select the “Equalizer” page to fine-tune the sound profile with detailed frequency adjustments.
Navigate to the “Spatial Audio” page to enable virtual surround sound and adjust the spatialization settings.
Explore the “Effects” page to apply effects such as reverb, chorus, and compression.
Visit the “Monitoring” page to monitor your audio levels and configure sidetone settings.

Experiment with the Sonar Audio settings to find the perfect combination for your gaming needs.

Pairing the Headset with the Base Station

To pair your Arctic Nova 7 Wireless headset with the base station, follow these steps:

Power on the headset. Hold down the power button until the headset turns on.
Put the headset into pairing mode. Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the headset for 5 seconds. The status indicator will flash blue.
Power on the base station. Connect the base station to a power source using the included USB cable.
Pair the headset with the base station. The base station will automatically enter pairing mode when it is turned on. The status indicator on the base station will flash blue.
Wait for the headset and base station to pair. The status indicators on both the headset and base station will turn solid blue when pairing is complete.
Verify the connection. Open the SteelSeries Engine software on your computer. The headset should be listed in the “Devices” tab.
Customize the settings. You can customize the headset’s settings in the SteelSeries Engine software, such as the EQ, microphone level, and sidetone.
Enjoy your wireless gaming experience. Your Arctic Nova 7 Wireless headset is now paired with the base station and ready to use.

Here are the steps in a table for easy reference:

Step	Action
1	Power on the headset.
2	Put the headset into pairing mode.
3	Power on the base station.
4	Pair the headset with the base station.
5	Wait for the headset and base station to pair.
6	Verify the connection.
7	Customize the settings.
8	Enjoy your wireless gaming experience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

No Sound

Check if the headset is turned on and the volume is turned up. Also, make sure the headset is properly connected to your computer via the included wireless transmitter. If using a 3.5mm cable, ensure it is correctly plugged into both the headset and the audio source.

Microphone Not Working

Ensure the microphone is enabled in your computer’s audio settings and not muted. Additionally, adjust the microphone level in the Arctic Nova 7 Wireless Sonar software.

Static or Interference

Ensure the wireless transmitter is positioned within range of the headset and away from any electromagnetic interference sources such as routers or microwaves. Consider using a USB extension cable to place the transmitter in a more optimal location.

Headset Doesn’t Charge

Use the included charging cable and ensure it is securely connected to both the headset and a powered USB port. Check if the charging pins on both the headset and the cable are clean and free of debris.

Sonar Software Problems

Make sure the Arctic Nova 7 Wireless Sonar software is up to date. Uninstall and reinstall the software if encountering persistent issues. Additionally, check for any compatibility issues with other audio software or drivers.

Custom Audio Profiles Not Saving

Ensure you have created a SteelSeries account and signed in to the Arctic Nova 7 Wireless Sonar software. Custom profiles are saved to your account and will be available on other devices using the same account.

Headset Not Connecting to Devices

Ensure the headset is in pairing mode (LED on the headset flashes) and that your device is Bluetooth enabled. If connecting to a mobile device, check if the device is compatible with the headset’s Bluetooth profile.

GameDAC Not Working

Ensure the GameDAC is properly connected to both the headset and your computer via the included cables. Check if the GameDAC is powered on and adjust the volume levels accordingly.

Headset Not Recognized by Software

Try plugging the headset directly into a USB port on your computer, bypassing any hubs or extenders. Ensure the correct audio input and output devices are selected in your computer’s audio settings.

Issue Solution

Static in audio Ensure the transmitter is at least 3 feet from other devices.

Headset disconnects Check the battery level, ensure it’s charged.

Software not recognizing the headset Restart the PC and try again.

Issue	Solution
Static in audio	Ensure the transmitter is at least 3 feet from other devices.
Headset disconnects	Check the battery level, ensure it’s charged.
Software not recognizing the headset	Restart the PC and try again.

Optimizing the Headset Performance

1. Check for Software Updates

Ensure your headset and Sonar software are up-to-date to access the latest features and bug fixes.

2. Proper Headset Positioning

Wear the headset over both ears and adjust the headband for a snug but comfortable fit. The ear cups should fully cover your ears for optimal sound isolation.

3. Adjust Volume Levels

Set the volume level on both the headset and your source device to a comfortable level that avoids hearing damage.

4. Enable Spatial Audio

Activate the Windows Sonic or Dolby Atmos for Headphones setting in your operating system’s sound settings for an immersive spatial sound experience.

5. Customize Sonar Settings

Explore the Sonar software to adjust equalizer settings, enable noise cancellation, and configure other features that enhance your listening experience.

6. Optimize Microphone Settings

Adjust the microphone volume and noise cancellation settings in Sonar to ensure clear communication during voice calls or gaming sessions.

7. Use Sonar Profiles

Create and save different audio profiles for specific scenarios, such as gaming, music, or movies, to quickly switch between optimized settings.

8. Calibrate the Microphone

Run the Microphone Calibration tool in Sonar to adjust the input sensitivity and ensure accurate voice pickup.

9. Troubleshoot Connection Issues

If you experience connectivity problems, check the headset’s battery level, restart the software, or try updating the firmware.

10. Advanced Sonar Features

Explore advanced features like Dynamic EQ, which automatically adjusts the equalizer based on game sounds, and Game EQ Presets, which provide optimized settings for different game genres.

Dynamic EQ	Game EQ Presets
Optimizes EQ for game sounds	Pre-configured EQ settings for specific game genres

How To Setup Arctic Nova 7 Wireless With Sonar

To set up the Arctic Nova 7 Wireless with Sonar, follow these steps:

Plug the USB transmitter into an available USB port on your computer.
Turn on the headset by pressing the power button on the left ear cup.
Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the right ear cup for 3 seconds to enter pairing mode.
On your computer, open the Bluetooth settings and select the Arctic Nova 7 Wireless from the list of available devices.
Once the headset is paired, open the Sonar app on your computer.
Click on the Settings tab and select the Arctic Nova 7 Wireless from the list of devices.
Adjust the Sonar settings to your liking.