Asus ROG Strix 7.1 Headset Boasts Ten Drivers
Looking for a new gaming headset for your desktop or laptop this holiday season? Asus' Republic of Gamers may have what you're looking for with the launch of the Strix 7.1. This headset promises true 7.1 surround sound immersion by using five neodymium magnet drivers on each side: front (40mm), subwoofer (40mm), center (30mm), rear (20mm) and side (20mm).
The new headset is based on USB connectivity, and it comes packed with its own "audio station" that serves as an external audio card. There are four pre-set modes the gamer can choose from, including Racing Mode, Action RPG mode, Footsteps Mode and Gunfire Mode. Simply turn the control knob on the top to choose between these four settings.
"These profiles are instantly selectable from the USB audio station and let gamers choose the best audio experience for the type of game they are playing," Asus explained in its press release. "For example, FPS Footsteps Mode enhances the sound of footsteps in first-person shooter games, helping gamers to pinpoint enemies quickly and gain a competitive edge."
In addition to the four game modes, the audio station provides controls for the microphone, individual surround channel volume, the master volume and the lighting effects. For lighting, gamers can toggle between a "breathing" effect and a constant "static" effect. The headset also promises 90 percent environmental noise cancellation so that users are totally engulfed in the game without the distracting outside noise.
The headset has an impedance of 32 ohms and a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The detachable unidirectional microphone has a frequency response of 50 Hz to 16 kHz, as well as a sensitivity of -40 ± 3dB. The protein leather-covered ear cups are comprised of full-size hexagon-shaped memory foam that reaches 130 mm across, making for a comfy fit.
Based on the provided information, the Asus Strix 7.1 seems to offer what PC gamers need for the best immersive experience. The drawback here is that the headphones depend on a USB connection, so customers won't be able to use them on a tablet or smartphone.
Still, the headphones sport a unique form factor that should turn some heads, including the way it folds up for easy transportation, an HDMI speaker jack and an included HDMI-to-3.5 mm adapter. The headphones are extremely attractive and should please the PC gamer on your holiday shopping list.
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The actual availability and pricing was not provided at press time, so keep your eyes peeled.
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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-Fran- I hope they have a preset called "Music doesn't suck ass and you actually enjoy the sound quality".Reply
Cheers! -
jay2tall It's called get professional headphones and pop on a modmic. Best decision I EVER made for headphones. Several great brands out there that make excellent headphones that blow away any gaming headset. I rock Beyerdynamics, but there are many other awesome brands. Everyone I've ever recommended going that route has never regretted it. Good professional headphones will last you a decade+ easy if not longer.Reply -
dstarr3 There's a typo in the headline. It should say "Asus ROG Strix 7.1 Headset Boasts Ten Drivers and Looks Bloody Awful."Reply -
imsurgical ReplyIt's called get professional headphones and pop on a modmic. Best decision I EVER made for headphones. Several great brands out there that make excellent headphones that blow away any gaming headset. I rock Beyerdynamics, but there are many other awesome brands. Everyone I've ever recommended going that route has never regretted it. Good professional headphones will last you a decade+ easy if not longer.
^
This. I've been using AntLion Audio's modmic since seriously and honestly the start and their product is amazing with a pair of good cans. Mic is simple, easy to use, no hassle and straight plug-n-play AS CAN BE. Will never ever go back to a "Gaming Headset" ever again since using some 518's and 558's with a modmic.
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TeddyShotgun Or you can buy a $110 Sennheiser 558, add a $20 cord mic, and a $10 Turtle Beach DSS (for Surround Sound). You'll get way better sound quality and with the money you save you can buy a nice amp like the Fiio E12.Reply -
thor220 This must be sponsored material because this isn't aimed at PC gamers. PC games don't need a cheap external sound card. The integrated on most motherboards is probably better than the one provided with this.Reply
Even worse is they are usb. They will totally bypass your on-board sound. -
Pherule Don't think I will buy Asus headsets/headphones again unless I'm rich. I got Asus Vulcan ANC, which are AWESOME but only come with a 1-year warranty. The cable broke after 1 and a half years and oops, it's impossible to buy a new cable. I tried the official Asus service center, I tried various other routes... it's basically impossible.Reply
The cable still works, it just keeps cutting out and forcing me to re-adjust, really annoying. But the headset itself has fantastic sound quality and is really comfortable. Ugh, if only it had a 2-year warranty, or if they sold cables. -
pilsner Another +1 for the "good headphone plus separate mic" here. I use a Sennheiser HD650 plus Antlion mic, and the HD650 is connected to an external DAC (Dr. DAC prime via TOSLINK) to avoid the power supply noise generated by the graphics card.Reply