Asus Strix Pro Gaming Headset: A Review

Now that the Asus Strix Pro Gaming Headset is available in the market, it is about time to check out and fully test each and every one of its features. At first glance, it indeed comes off as sleek and cool. However, is this headset more than just good in its design? Let’s figure out the answer and see how well it actually performs.

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An Overview
The word Stix comes from a Greek word that stands for “owl”.  The Asus Strix Pro (headset) is one of the three peripherals in the Asus Strix series— the others being Strix Tactic Pro (keyboard) and Strix Claw (mouse).
The Strix Pro is a stereo headset with big 60mm drivers and a frequency response of 20Hz- 20,000 Hz. It features a microphone with Environmental Noise Cancellation, which is embedded in the in-line control box (ILCB), and foldable ear cups. It’s compatible with different platforms including MAC, PS4, PC, tablets, and smartphones.
 
The Packaging
This headset is wrapped in a protective plastic case that is packaged in a thick black box with the brand ‘Strix’ printed on the front side. At the same side of the box, there is a large cut-out in one end, allowing interested buyers to see the device prior to making a purchase.
On the back portion of the box, consumers get to learn more about the technical specifications of the headset, as well as the compatibility of the device with other platforms and devices.
Every package of the box comes with other useful components – a Type A audio adapter cable suitable for smartphones, a removable unidirectional microphone, a Type B audio adapter perfect for older mobile phone devices, and a separate USB power cable that features a pair of 3.5mm microphone header and audio jacks.
Just like any other device, this gaming headset also comes with a solid warranty and an easy-to-follow guide.
Design
Made out of hard plastic, this headset is designed after the appearance of an owl and accented with orange and black hues. Because of the material used, it might get scratches easily.
With 6mm drivers and a weight of 320g, Asus Strix Pro Gaming Headset is massive and could easily swallow even the biggest of ears. This helps cancel the background noise as well. Its high clamp force for the outer band and low force for the inner band makes it slip over time so you might have to readjust it every now and again. Despite its size, the comfort of users is still guaranteed because the cups have leather padding, which makes it ideal for long-time wear.
The headset has a foldable design which makes it possible for you to lay the cups flatly and pack them to a tournament or LAN party. The microphone is detachable so you can carry it with you whenever you go.
Hardware Specifications
Designed for gamers, Asus Strix Pro Gaming Headset uses a 60mm neodymium-magnet driver. This is not just known for its capability to cancel environmental noise up to a staggering 90%, but also for its compatibility with various smart devices like PlayStation 4, Mac, and personal computers. But then again, this won’t work with an Xbox One because it doesn’t have a traditional 3.5mm audio jack.
Here are the detailed specs of Strix Pro headset:

• Driver material- neodymium magnet
• Driver diameter- 60mm
• Impedance- 32 Ohm
• Frequency response- 20- 20000Hz
• Sensitivity- 98 dB

Here are the detailed specs of Strix Pro microphone:

• Pick-up Pattern- uni-directional
• Frequency response- 50-16000 Hz
• Sensitivity- -40dB

Sound Quality
Asus Strix Pro boasts great bass levels when watching movies, playing games or listening to music. If used in computers games, one could tell that the sound is exceptional. When playing FPS games, the aural space can be filled with sub-bass sound so you can clearly hear the rumble.
With regards to Strix Pro’s bass performance, it does not interfere with other frequencies so you can easily hear that the mid-range is subdued. While it can be good when listening to rock songs, it makes high voice-overs sound flat. The treble also sounds excited.
There are other ways for you to hear excellent sound with the headset. If you tilt the cups of the device backwards, to the point that the eyes of the owl face away from each other, a very nice effect is produced.
Microphone
The headphone has high-quality microphones with Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC). To turn this feature on or off, you only have to press the switch found on the base of ILCB.
When you switch the ENC off, Asus Strix Pro worked well. The voice is clear and the pickup is good. However, when you turn the ENC on, the background was filtered but the voice quality is compromised.
Accessories
The Strix Pro comes with the usual manual and other paperwork. It’s also bundled with cables and mobile adapters. The cable is made out of braided fibre which spans 2.7 meters (1.2 meters for the headset cable and 1.5 meters for the control box cable). It weighs around 320 g. The control box comes with 3.5 mm audio or separate mic connectors. ENC and volume control hub is also included.
Value
With this headset, Asus has taken a step ahead of its competitors as they can now take pride in a truly amazing innovation.
Sold at varying prices, this headset can be purchased in local shops and online stores, including Amazon. This usually comes with a 1-year replacement warranty so you can make claims whenever you think you received a defective product.
Conclusion
This headset has not failed the Strix series as it stands to fulfill Asus’s aim of offering great sound quality experience—which has put the company on the top of the market. The design is appealing, comfort is prioritized, and portability is considered. Bass sound is well-emulated and it’s generally good for playing FPS games. However, the headphone has problems in producing high sounds and trebles. Also, and to sum up, while the microphone offers an ENC feature, it disrupts with the quality of the sound produced.