ASUS Strix Pro Review
Category : Headsets
Published by Marc Büchel on 25.11.14
With the Strix Pro, ASUS has added a new gaming headset to its portfolio. At a first glance you get a flashy design and checking the specifications we find that the manufacturer is using 60 millimeter drivers. Apart from that there is a noise-cancelling feature. Overall this sounds like the Strix Pro is definitely worth having a closer look.



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On the following pages we will have a closer look at ASUS Strix Pro Headset. We're curious to find out whether the company that is famous for great components can also come up with equally good gaming peripherals.

Page 1 - Introduction Page 5 - Wearing comfort/ergonomics
Page 2 - Preview Page 6 - Acoustics
Page 3 - Specifications Page 7 - Conclusion
Page 4 - Test conditions


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Preview

   


   


   


   


   


Page 1 - Introduction Page 5 - Wearing comfort/ergonomics
Page 2 - Preview Page 6 - Acoustics
Page 3 - Specifications Page 7 - Conclusion
Page 4 - Test conditions


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Specifications

Headphones

Model number: Strix Pro
Frequency: 20 - 20'000 Hz
Impendance: 32 Ohm
Cable length: 2.7 m
Driver size: 60 mm
Plug: 2 x 3.5 mm
Weight: 320g

 

Remote control

Volume control: Adjusting knob
Microphone control: Integrated into control element

 





Page 1 - Introduction Page 5 - Wearing comfort/ergonomics
Page 2 - Preview Page 6 - Acoustics
Page 3 - Specifications Page 7 - Conclusion
Page 4 - Test conditions


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Test conditions

In our headset tests, especially the microphone one, we subjectively describe acoustics, microphone quality as well as the ergonomics. The end result therefore relies also on the tester himself. We are doing our best to ensure comparable results even if different reviewers were testing different products. We think these reviews can be seen as a help if you like to buy a specific product and can therefore be seen as subjective consumer advice.[frEn ce qui concerne les casques et microphones les tests que nous effectuons visent les performances acoustiques, la qualité du microphone et l'ergonomie. Ce test sera du type avis d'utilisateur et non pas un test synthétique. Le résultat final dépend du testeur et est bien entendu assez subjectif, mais nous faisons de notre mieux pour présenter des résultats comparables entre les différents produits testés. Nous voyons ces tests comme une aide au choix d'un équipement et comme un conseil subjectif avant l'achat.[/fr]

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Page 1 - Introduction Page 5 - Wearing comfort/ergonomics
Page 2 - Preview Page 6 - Acoustics
Page 3 - Specifications Page 7 - Conclusion
Page 4 - Test conditions


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Wearing confort and ergonomics

   


The Strix Pro is huge and also really heavy. With 320g the thing is definitely no featherweight. Therefore it comes in handy, that the different cushions are big and soft, whereas the ear cups as well as the headband have been equipped with comfortable leather cushions. Since the Strix Pro is a closed headset there is already passive noise cancelling but nevertheless ASUS decided to provide their so called ENC feature, which basically adds active noise cancelling. The feature is actually working well but unfortunately your voice will sound unnatural when using ENC.
A closer look at the materials used, reveals that almost the entire headset has been made from plastic. We would have loved to find some metal or aluminum every here and there, which would have worked magic regarding a higher quality feel. As it is, the headset is certainly well built but because of the extensive use of plastic it tends to squeak a little bit.
As we already said, the Strix Pro is huge, which in this case we’re looking at from a design point of view. It’s actually so much over the top that you might look a little off when wearing this headset. Nevertheless this is a subjective feeling and we’re sure there are plenty people out there, who like it when things are really big in size. Apart from that you can find the “Strix eyes” on the ear cups. Since these can be rotate by 90° you can actually put the headset on your desk making the “Strix eyes” look at you.
Apparently, if you plan on using the Strix Pro you will eventually have to connect it to your PC or notebook. Doing so happens by plugging in two 3.5 millimeter mini-jacks as well as one USB plug. Basically the Strix picks up an analogue signal, which then goes through the little in-line remote. In order to provide the active noise-cancelling some extra power is necessary and for that purpose there is the additional USB plug.


Page 1 - Introduction Page 5 - Wearing comfort/ergonomics
Page 2 - Preview Page 6 - Acoustics
Page 3 - Specifications Page 7 - Conclusion
Page 4 - Test conditions


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Acoustics

Headphone

ASUS decided to equip the Strix Pro with two 60 millimeters drivers, which should be able to guarantee a good sound experience. We tested the Strix Pro with a wide variety of music, movies and games. Despite our initial fears, the Strix Pro headset was a rather pleasant surprise and the sound is, in our opinion, well balanced. None of the frequencies are overpronounced but in order to get the best out of this headset we do recommend to use an equalizer.
We tested the headset with both foam cushions included in the bundle and in both cases the sound proofing is very good especially thanks to the quantity and the quality of material used.


   

Microphone

The microphone is placed on a flexible and removable arm. The Strix Pro headset also comes with a handy remote control, with which you can adjust the sound volume and mute/unmute the microphone as well as activate/deactivate the ENC feature. The microphone arm is flexible and apart from that there is a memory effect, which lets you position the microphone right in front of your lips. Overall the quality is good but as we already mentioned, when ENC is activated voices sound unnatural. 1 - Introduction Page 5 - Wearing comfort/ergonomics Page 2 - Preview Page 6 - Acoustics Page 3 - Specifications Page 7 - Conclusion Page 4 - Test conditions  

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Conclusion

Overall, the Strix Pro is a good product. In the case of the build quality we would have liked to find not only an extensive use of plastic but also some metal every here and there. Other than the fact that we are looking at a really flashy design. The soft cushions as well as the headband fit nicely and you will not experience any pressure points even with glasses or 3D goggles. The perception of audio is certainly a matter of subjectivity but, in our opinion, the sound is balanced. We can say that the Strix Pro offers good sound quality, without over-pronounced bass, mids or highs. The earpads that surround the 60 millimeter drivers are comfortable and allow for long gaming sessions.

The detachable microphone is made of flexible plastic and with memory effect. The overall quality is good and the sound captured is clean and natural. Only when using the ENC feature your voice starts sounding a little bit weird. Talking about the ENC feature: ASUS offers active noise cancelling with this one and it actually does a surprisingly good job.

Checking prices on Geizhals.at we found that the Strix Pro is listed at 93 Euro. The price is actually ok and if you like the design you can defintely consider this headset an option. The ASUS Strix Pro gets solid 4 out of 5 stars.



Page 1 - Introduction Page 5 - Wearing comfort/ergonomics
Page 2 - Preview Page 6 - Acoustics
Page 3 - Specifications Page 7 - Conclusion
Page 4 - Test conditions