The ASUS Strix DSP headset would make a pretty good X’mas gift (review)

If you’ve been in the market for a good headset to use no matter where you are, the ASUS Strix DSP will make a great investment. At S$249 (US$189.90), it is a little on the pricey side, but that’s before you realize that unlike some headsets on the market that have only USB jacks (like the Razer Kraken 7.1 Chroma), this one can be taken – and used – anywhere you want.

What you get

The Strix DSP headset comes with a USB powered audio station that processes 7.1 surround sound. The headset itself is paired with a 3.5mm audio/microphone jack, allowing it to be used with anything from smartphones and game consoles to computers.

It comes with hexagonal cushioned ear cups, 130mm across at their widest point, a leather band across the top of your head, and a detachable microphone. The headset is plug-and-play whether used with the audio station or not – goodbye drivers!

While the DSP headset is pretty straightforward, the audio station is where the magic happens. With a variety of buttons, it comes with the following functionalities:

• Environmental noise cancellation microphone
• Environmental noise cancellation switch
• Four audio profiles for different games
• Mute button
• Headset to speaker switch
• Headphone amplifier
• Surround sound

Pretty fancy! Choosing a specific gaming profile will boost what you really need to hear in game, like footsteps in FPS games. While nice to have, an ordinary gamer won’t find this feature to be truly groundbreaking.

What’s worth it

Where the Strix DSP really shines is in its versatility. With the rise of smartphone penetration worldwide, most gamers are privileged enough to have access to at least two different platforms. A typical gamer would usually have a smartphone, and oftentimes a console or computer on top of that – or he would be able to visit a rental cafe for his gaming fix. Being able to use the same headset for all your activities saves you the trouble of having to actually buy an additional headset, earphones, or speakers.

The Strix DSP’s ear cups are also padded to offer limited noise cancellation, even without the environmental noise cancellation switch on.

Software aside, this piece of hardware isn’t too bad at all. At 320g, it’s relatively light compared to other 7.1-channel surround-sound headsets, and it sits comfortably on your head even for long hours of play. The Strix DSP headset also folds flat for easy transport.