ASUS ROG Delta S Gaming Headset: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS ROG Delta S is an over-ear gaming headset that connects by USB-C. It pairs a hi-fi style audio chip with a detachable microphone and RGB lighting, and works with PCs, Macs, phones and consoles. Here is what its main features mean.

The audio hardware

ASUS says the headset uses an ESS 9281 QUAD DAC. A DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) turns the digital signal from your device into the analogue sound your ears hear, and headsets that connect over USB use their own DAC rather than the one in your computer. ASUS says using four of them in one chip helps deliver detailed audio, and cites a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 130 dB. SNR compares the wanted sound with background hiss, so a higher figure means a cleaner signal. ASUS says this helps in shooters, where you listen for footsteps or the direction of gunfire.

The headset also supports MQA, a format that packages high-resolution music in smaller files. ASUS describes it as the first headphones with embedded MQA decoding.

The microphone

The microphone is unidirectional and detachable. ASUS says its AI noise cancellation reduces over 50 million types of background noise, including chatter, keyboard clatter and mouse clicks, by up to 95%. Those figures are the brand's. The mic is certified by both Discord and TeamSpeak, two voice chat apps popular with gamers.

Comfort and build

The ear cups are D-shaped to follow the shape of ears, and ASUS says the sloped design supports sound quality. The cushions are made from protein leather over fast-cooling memory foam. The whole headset weighs about 300 grams (0.9 lb). A lighter headset typically feels easier during long sessions, though fit varies from person to person.

Lighting and controls

The RGB lighting is customisable, and a Soundwave Light mode flashes the lights in sync with your voice. Buttons on the ear cup control volume, mic mute and lighting, so you don't need to leave the game. ASUS Aura Sync and Armoury Crate support lets you set audio profiles and lighting effects and match them with other Aura Sync gear such as a keyboard or mouse pad.

Compatibility

The USB-C connector is described as working with PCs, Macs, smartphones, the Nintendo Switch, and the PS4 and PS5. Software features like Armoury Crate are for PCs, so some customisation may not be available on consoles.

Who it suits

It suits players who use voice chat often, want a USB headset with a detachable microphone, and use more than one platform. Those who prefer a wireless headset should note that this one is wired.

What to check before you buy

• Ports: confirm your devices have a USB-C port, or that you have a suitable adapter.
• Console support: check that the features you want work on your platform.
• Fit: consider head size and whether you wear glasses, as cup shape affects comfort.
• Software: Armoury Crate is a PC application.
• Lighting: if you don't want lights, check you can turn them off.
• Microphone: confirm how it detaches and attaches.

The short version

• Wired USB-C gaming headset with an ESS 9281 QUAD DAC and MQA support.
• Detachable unidirectional microphone with AI noise cancellation, certified by Discord and TeamSpeak.
• About 300 grams, with D-shaped cups and memory foam cushions.
• Customisable RGB lighting and Aura Sync and Armoury Crate support.
• Works with PC, Mac, smartphones, Switch, PS4 and PS5.

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