ASUS RoG Orion Pro Gaming Headset Review

1. Introduction2. Packaging and Bundle3. The Orion Pro Headset4. Comfort and Performance5. Closing Thoughts6. View All Pages

Today we are going to look at the latest gaming headset from Asus, the Orion Pro.  Like the models we’ve seen previously, this falls under the ‘Republic of Gamers’ brand.  As a result, we have high expectations for the headset as it must reflect the performance and style that we have experienced with previous models.

The gaming peripheral market is now very crowded, meaning there is a lot of competition out there for the Orion Pro.  There are a number of quality offerings currently available including the enticing SteelSeries Siberia V2 and the existing Asus RoG Vulcan Pro.

Features:

Specifications:

• Driver Diameter : 50 mm
• Driver Material: Neodymium magnet
• Frequency Response: Headphone: 20 ~ 20000 Hz
• Impedance: 32 Ohm ± 3 %
• Input Sensitivity: -30 dB
• Cable Length: 2.5 metre
• Noise Cancelling Performance (Passive): Maximum > 30 dB
• Weight: 268 g

The Orion Pro is instantly recognisable as a model from the Republic of Gamers range due to the packaging colour scheme and design.  It features an attractive livery which utilises the trademark RoG red and black colour scheme.  The front of the box features a large plastic window which gives us a snapshot of the headset within.

Turning the box around reveals a detailed breakdown of the headset's key features and specifications alongside a series of images.  The box itself feels fairly sturdy and should provide more than enough protection for the headset during transit.

Inside the box there are a wealth of accessories included which enhance the operation of the headset.  The most exciting bundled item is the Asus RoG Spitfire USB sound card which has the ability to feed this headset with virtual surround sound.  This will be looked at in more detail later in the review.  There is also a handy cable tidy alongside the included user and warranty guides.

The headset itself is also instantly identifiable as a model from Asus' Republic of Gamers range thanks to the distinctive red and black colour scheme.  The use of red detailing is slightly more conservative than we've seen on previous models and gives the Orion Pro an understated appearance.

Each of the ear-cups features a brushed aluminium effect insert in the centre with a subtle Republic of Gamers logo etched in the centre.  The rest of the headset is finished predominantly in matte black paint which looks and feels exclusive.

The construction of the headset is mainly plastic, however, there are metal strips attaching each ear-cup to the headband on either side.  This should make the headset pretty durable without making it uncomfortably heavy.  By and large, the build quality is excellent.  The only slight niggle is the easily marked matte paint.  A transportation bag for protection certainly would not have gone amiss.

Akin to all quality gaming peripherals on the market, the Orion Pro features a cloth braided cable which extends to the dual gold-plated 3.5 mm connectors via a small in-line control.  This features a volume wheel and a microphone mute button.

One of the most interesting features of the Orion Pro headset is the RoG Spitfire USB sound card which is bundled with the headset.  This has a number of useful functions including virtual surround sound, a headphone amplifier and a FPS gaming mode.  These functions are activated via the buttons on the front of the unit which are illuminated when active.

Asus have chosen to use a retractable microphone for the Orion Pro which is much more convenient than the detachable unit we saw on the Vulcan Pro.  When required, the microphone can easily be extended from the left ear-cup and positioned for the best performance.

The basic design of the Orion Pro is fairly standard.  It consists of a central headset with an adjustable ear-cup on either side.  There is plenty of adjustment in the ear-cups which makes it very simple to find a comfortable setting.

Both the headband and ear-cups feature large pads to ensure a comfortable fit.  These pads are covered in faux leather which feels very soft against the skin.  The ear-pads themselves fit snugly around the ears, pressing gently against the sides of the head.

This over-ear design features some passive noise-cancellation due to the seal made around the ears.  The Orion Pro doesn't boast the same active noise cancelling technology as the Vulcan Pro, though.

Even after hours of use, the Vulcan Pro doesn't become uncomfortable.  This is thanks in part to the soft faux leather ear-pads and feather-like design which only weighs in at 268 g.

Like all the other products in Asus' Republic of Gamers range, the bells and whistles and beautiful design of the Orion Pro are only half of the story.  The performance of the headset is also exemplary.

Our testing of the Orion Pro commenced with a lengthy session of  Call of Duty Black Ops 2 to test its ‘FPS' gaming performance.  After all, the headset does feature a special mode dedicated to FPS gaming.  This optimises sound positioning so that it's easier to identify the source of gunshots and footsteps.  In practice, this works quite well and does improve sound directionality slightly.  The difference isn't big enough to significantly improve response times but is certainly better than virtual surround sound alone.

The virtual surround sound feature improves the movie playback experience somewhat, improving sound directionality.  The headset has a fairly even sound balance which is also well suited to watching movies.  We would have preferred a slightly increased bass level for music playback, however.

Once again, Asus have created an excellent headset which ticks all the boxes when it comes to design, quality and performance.  The aesthetic design of the Orion Pro has been toned down compared to the Vulcan Pro which gives the headset a more executive appearance.

The build quality of the headset is impressive, although the matte paint finish does mark easily.  It is as comfortable as most competing models, with the exception of the SteelSeries Siberia V2 which leads the pack in this respect.

Rather than integrate the USB soundcard into the headset itself, Asus chose to include the RoG Spitfire as a separate unit.  This means that the headset can be used both with mobile devices which require a 3.5 mm connection and with a PC.   The USB soundcard significantly enhances the performance of the headset itself, adding virtual surround sound and a useful FPS gaming mode.  It also features a built in amplifier which can deliver ear-shattering volume levels if required!

In an increasingly competitive market like that for gaming headsets, value for money is a key consideration as there are so many manufacturers offering quality products.  The Orion Pro can be purchased for around £80 from Overclockers UK. This isn't exactly a bargain but we would definitely say that it's a worthy purchase if you can afford it.

The standard Orion headset is available for £60 from Overclockers UK and is basically the same headset without the USB sound card.  This is ideal for those on a restricted budget or those who aren't interested in the acoustic trickery of the Spitfire unit.

Pros

• Interesting design.
• Solidly built.
• Exemplary performance.
• FPS mode for gaming.
• Virtual surround sound.

Cons

• Matte finish marks easily.
• Fairly expensive.

KitGuru says: Another impressive Republic of Gamers product from Asus that delivers on every level.

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