Review: asus strix 7.1

This is a kit that includes an external DSP with an integrated microphone for noise cancellation, headphones with a real 7.1 micro sound, and a whole series of functions to improve the sensation of surround and amplify certain frequencies, for example, to highlight the steps in shooters. A really ambitious bet, which we will see below how it behaves.

Technical specifications

Compatibility

PC, MAC

Headphones

USB Connector Driver Driver diameter: Front: 40mm, Subwoofer: 40mm, Center: 30mm, Side: 20mm, Rear: 20mm

Driver material: Neodymium magnet Impedance 32 Ohm ±% @ Hz Frequency response (headphones)

20 ~ 20000 Hz

Microphone

Type: Uni-directional Frequency response: 50 ~ 16000 Hz Sensitivity Sensitivity: -40 dB

General information

Cable Mesh cable (1.5M headphone cable + 1.5M USB cable = 3M (Max.) Full length
3 meter Weight 450 g Accessories Detachable Microphone

USB Cable

Quick Start Guide

USB audio station

HDMI to 3.5mm converter for speakers ENC performance notes:> 90% ambient noise cancellation Power: USB powered Features: Headphone amplifier, stereo mode, ambient noise cancellation, gaming profiles

Speaker output: Jack connectors via included HDMI to 3.5mm adapter

Asus STRIX 7.1

We start as usual with an outside look. Helmets arrive in a striking box, well protected, and with accessories on the second level

The manual is quite complete and well explained, and the accessories are those that can be seen in the following photograph, the USB cable connecting to our equipment, and an adapter for analog output in case you want to connect 7.1 speakers to the DSP of these headphones:

We note that unlike popular competitors, such as the Razer Tiamat, these headphones include a DSP, that is, they integrate their own sound card in the same module that is used to control the volume, a notable advantage since we do not need a card 7.1 sound, making them a solid alternative for laptop gaming enthusiasts.

In general, the inclusion of the DSP usually entails a small price increase for the end user compared to models that do not include it, although in this case the price is quite aggressive, and they are in fact cheaper than the Tiamat named above, standing at a fairly competitive price for its sector.

The installation is as simple as connecting and working, on the computer that we have carried out the test, with Windows 8.1, it has not been necessary to configure absolutely anything for the headphones to be fully functional.

Returning to the helmets, it is obvious that the aesthetic aspect is really taken care of, in line with the graphics and strix peripherals

The ear cushions are of a very good quality, they isolate quite a good level from outside noise and are quite comfortable. The headband adjusts to the height that we put the helmets on, fixing them so that they do not fall, a very important task since some 7.1 cases badly placed completely spoil the feeling of surround sound.

With the LEDs on, they are even more spectacular, with a style that will not leave anyone indifferent. They remind the owl eyes of how often they are present in the strix series

As for the DSP, the inclusion of a microphone that is used for environmental noise cancellation stands out, very useful if we are going to play in noisy environments or with more people around. The rest is very classic, a wheel to regulate the volume and a selector to choose the channel to regulate or the rest of the options

We note that the lighting can be configured to be permanent, pulsed, or directly disabled from the DSP itself. Almost everything is configurable, with modes for different types of games in the upper left (to enhance footsteps, or have more realistic shots).

Personally, I have noticed an appreciable change when it comes to equalizing from one mode to another, although it is difficult to appreciate differences in any of the cases with the footsteps to give an example.

The feeling of surround is very good, and in games the immersion is totally similar to that with a 7.1 sound system, with very good spatial location and without deficiencies.

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As music headphones, while not in their field and any audiophile knows this, they defend themselves at a fairly reasonable level, with fairly good bass and a balanced overall sound well suited to rock or metal. In case of listening to music with them, it is highly recommended to use them in stereo mode, since with the active envelope the music is slightly washed out, and the maximum volume without amplification may be insufficient for some users in this mode.

Without a doubt, very complete headphones that show all their potential in the field for which they were designed: video games

conclusion

No doubt helmets that, as we anticipated, will not leave anyone indifferent. The aesthetics may be too aggressive for many, but without a doubt for its potential users, Gamers in general, seems like a success, they are elegant and striking alike.

They are foldable, the materials of the cushions are good, and although the union with the headband seems somewhat fragile, the rest is solid and well built. They are comfortable for long sessions, not too heavy, and very easy to install.

What are the drawbacks? Without a doubt in the range that we are, the first thing that comes to mind is the price, although I must say that seeing the alternatives the € 130 (DTS version) or € 210 of this model do not seem particularly high. For music lovers, they can be a suitable option if it is not their majority use, although undoubtedly the specialized brands in this sector start with a great advantage, and we remember that it is not the market niche of these headphones.

ADVANTAGE	DISADVANTAGES
+ QUALITY OF MATERIALS	- AUDIOPHILILES WILL CONTINUE TO PREFER QUALITY STEREO HELMETS AND OWN WIDE
+ 7.1 REAL, VERY SUCCESSFUL ENVELOPE FEEL
+ DETACHABLE MICROPHONE
+ EXTERNAL DSP, NO SOUND CARD REQUIRED
+ GENERAL DESIGN. POSSIBILITY TO TURN OFF THE LEDS
+ EXCELLENT GAME PERFORMANCE, PRETTY GOOD IN AUDIO. COMPLETE AUDIBLE SPECTRUM 20HZ-20KHZ

For its overall quality, performance in its field, and a fairly reasonable price compared to alternatives such as the Razer Tiamat, the professional review team awards it the platinum medal