Mic quality is really great compared to all the other wireless gaming headsets out there. Hopefully some 3rd party will make a headband cushion replacement. Really great product though. Man if they had a open back version of these too that would be sweet. Great review!
Great review, i agree with all of it. Also the bluetooth 5.2 codec is LC3+ its an open source high bandwidth LDAC is closed source, LDAC still has more bandwidth but...LC3+ is good enough and i would be hard pressed if anyone can notice a difference from the 2.4ghz connection while playing the same music video on RUclips. Your phone also has to support the codec! Superb implementation, most brands use SBC that sounds awful! Only gaming headset on Bluetooth that sounds better is Audeze Maxwell because they use LDAC and planar drivers. So boys and girls this is real quality and probably the best tuned headset out of the box with no EQ, speaking on EQ...any setting you change in the software will save to the headset, so you are good to go on console! To avoid unwanted pressure on the top of your head, adjust them alittle bigger than you normally would so the kinda float. I have felt worse...yeah im looking at you 518g Maxwell lol. All these companies going forward need to pay attention to mic quality because i for one wont buy it if its trash!
Microcenter. It seems like brand new Asus peripherals start out only on Newegg and Microcenter. Had to get my Keris II Ace from Newegg during the first few weeks it was out.
Kind of depends on whether you prefer open or closed back audio, but overall I would say the Delta II is hands down the better product. It wins in build quality, materials, ear cushion size/shape, microphone quality, and software without a doubt. There is no denying the Atlas Air can be a comfortable headset if you can handle the circular ear cushions, and I never experienced any real discomfort while using them.
I currently have the A50 Gen 4, how "open" or "airy" is the Delta II? One thing I really like about the A50s is that they are closed back but the earpads are very open and leak sound in and out. I recently tried the Audeze Maxwell but the weight of it and the isolated feeling of it made me return them. I'm not a fan of earpads, especially those leatherette ones, that fully isolate you, it builds pressure in my inner ear which is uncomfortable or even painful to me. So I'm wondering how the Asus compares, especially with the fabric pads on it.
I have the A50X. If the fabric ear cushions are the same between the Gen 4 and the X, then I can tell you the Astro's are a lot more airy than the fabric ones on the Delta IIs. If you are interested though, they just announced the new A50 Gen 5. $300, same drivers, same everything as the X but the base station will be a bit different. I think those will definitely be worth taking a look at.
@@MercuryTV Thanks for the answer! I saw the Gen5s, might take a look at them. From what I heard, earpads of Gen4, 5 and X should be the same. How much do the fabric pads on the Delta II isolate you? I hate that pressure from most closed back with leather earpads.
I’d say it’s somewhere between a leatherette and those A50 fabric ones. Very similar to the Steelseries Airweave fabric if you’ve ever used that. You can hear yourself but it’s muffled, which is why the mic monitoring is so clutch. Nothing has beat the A50X yet though for clarity in terms of ear cushion material + side tone for me.
so because the volume wheels are digital that probably means you can't adjust the volume in wired mode, that sucks. I like the design of this headset and the battery life but it doesn't seem to offer much more than Barracuda X for 80 USD. it should at least have ANC. I wish I could hear how it sounds like before ordering. I will wait for price drop for sure
love your in depth reviews! love my H6pro open headphones but subbed and used the comfy memory gel foam back when sennheiser sold earpads for the GSP600 series
I’m confused between Asus Rog Delta II and Razer black shark V2 pro , since you have used both the headsets can you suggest me which one is better in terms of sound quality and crisp and clear mic and which one should I go for ? It’s my first time buying a gaming headset so I want to buy the best one , would be really great if I could get a response .
So I actually just have the regular Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed, not Pro. But between those two, there is no comparison; I think the Delta II blows it out of the water in every category.
can you elaborate on the sound a bit please ? Volume level ? is it loud ? or too quiet like 80% of gaming headset ? bass quality ? how is it ? do it crackle or pop with Dolby enable like the full of crap overpriced maxwel ? hows the immersion? surround ? tested with dolby atmos? etc other than that, good video thanks
Sure thing. Volume level is great. Gets plenty loud compared to something like the TB Atlas Air which IMO didn't get nearly loud enough. Bass quality is nice and punchy if you want it to be, but you can tone it down in the software too. Armoury Crate has a "bass boost" option which I actually really enjoy on low levels for games like Space Marine or Cyberpunk. I did not use any digital surround sound because I despise it compared to stereo. At the end of the day you've got to hear it for yourself, but over the last 6 months or so I have used a lot of headsets. Great audio: Astro A50X, Logitech Pro X 2, Asus ROG Delta II, TB Atlas Air. Good audio: HyperX Cloud III, Razer Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed, Razer Kraken V4 & V3 Pro. I haven't used anything I would outright call bad audio, but everything I just mentioned is in the $150 and up range so it better be solid.
Eh don’t sweat it buddy. There’s always something “better” around the corner. Get good use out of what you got until it doesn’t suit your needs anymore and by then there will be plenty of new and improved products to choose from.
Might be a bit until I get another pair of gaming headphones to test out. Been going pretty hard lately and don’t have very much disposable income at the moment, but I will add them to the list.
@MercuryTV I get you. I got like 9 headsets myself, way more than I need. Lol. Check out the blue 700s if you take a look at them. The design looks way better than the previous and I don't think they squeeze your eyeballs out with the clamp force either 🤣
@@MercuryTVdon’t waste your money on the 700 Gen 3s! Absolute trash!! Atlas Airs sound so much better!! About to return the Gen 3s back for the Atlas Airs!
I saw someone report on the ROG forums that after 5-10 seconds of no sound, the headset seems to go idle such that when the sound resumes again, there is a fade-in effect where the first 0.5 - 1 second of the resumed sound gets cut off. Can you confirm if this happens on your set? Would like to know if this is a widespread issue or even something intentional by Asus (like how it is with the Audeze Maxwell), as this would be an absolute dealbreaker for me.
Hey - just tested this out multiple times, with both the standalone USB-C wireless receiver and with the little USB-A to USB-C adapter and it absolutely does NOT happen. I actually do have this issue with my desktop speakers (Edifier S350DB) because I have to use this little Cubilux USB to Optical adapter. Now THAT causes a delay in sound coming through when it starts playing again after no output, but I have thankfully never seen (or heard) that issue on a gaming headset I own.
Thanks for testing! This issue exists on the Audeze Maxwell (and it seems intentional on Audeze’s part based on their response to countless threads on this topic) and it caused me to return it. Was strongly considering the Delta II until I saw the ROG forum post on a user experiencing this issue on his headset. Glad to know it doesn’t seem widespread!
@@MercuryTV Hey and thanks for the review, I'm the one @jordant9754 was reffering too relating to that issue, and I just rested it again and still notice this delay when resuming sound after 7-10+ seconds on both my PC and my Android phone. Just to confirm, did you update your Delta II to the latest firmware (00.03.06.00)? I just did that out of the box so it might be just a firmware issue .
I have not updated it, no. I got the notification asking me if I want to and I declined. Might chalk it up to that. I think on the box it says you can factory reset by holding the function button on the left ear cup for 15 seconds. Did you try that yet? Don’t know if it would roll back firmware though.
@@MercuryTV I received this notification as well and thought, why not update it? After trying, unfortunately, holding the button for 15 seconds only reset the RGB lighting I had turned off and reactivated the Bluetooth I had disabled, but it did not revert the firmware to the factory version. It's disappointing I didn't think to test it before the update, but I'll wait for confirmation from ASUS staff to see if it's merely a firmware issue. The fading seems too "clean" and more like a power-saving feature (it always happens after 10 seconds without sound) to be a hardware problem.
Dont know how long you've been doing this but I just started watching your stuff Very Good content. Great review but I dont understand how you can compare their sound quality to the A50x. When I first got the Astro''s they were 90% as good as my Audeze Maxells, then I put Leatheret ear cushions on them and they BLEW AWAY my maxwells! something I never thought would happen. Anyway I do like the Rog Delta 2 but there bass is handycapped by the absence of the 32hz and 64hz eq frequency sliders and I don't thing their sound quality is anywhere near the A50x, guess different ears hear different things. Anyway keep up the good work.
Mic quality is really great compared to all the other wireless gaming headsets out there. Hopefully some 3rd party will make a headband cushion replacement. Really great product though. Man if they had a open back version of these too that would be sweet. Great review!
Great review, i agree with all of it. Also the bluetooth 5.2 codec is LC3+ its an open source high bandwidth LDAC is closed source, LDAC still has more bandwidth but...LC3+ is good enough and i would be hard pressed if anyone can notice a difference from the 2.4ghz connection while playing the same music video on RUclips. Your phone also has to support the codec! Superb implementation, most brands use SBC that sounds awful! Only gaming headset on Bluetooth that sounds better is Audeze Maxwell because they use LDAC and planar drivers. So boys and girls this is real quality and probably the best tuned headset out of the box with no EQ, speaking on EQ...any setting you change in the software will save to the headset, so you are good to go on console! To avoid unwanted pressure on the top of your head, adjust them alittle bigger than you normally would so the kinda float. I have felt worse...yeah im looking at you 518g Maxwell lol. All these companies going forward need to pay attention to mic quality because i for one wont buy it if its trash!
Thanks for the review! Can you please share your EQ settings if you have them?
ok coming from your v4 krakens review, these seem better on all fronts :P
Where did you get your pair from? I can only find them at Micro Center and not on Amazon. Unless of course I order directly from Asus
Microcenter. It seems like brand new Asus peripherals start out only on Newegg and Microcenter. Had to get my Keris II Ace from Newegg during the first few weeks it was out.
Are you gonna review the Audeze Maxwell?
I’d like to one day for sure. Can’t justify another $300 headset right now though.
Turtle Beach Atlas Air or Asus ROG Delta II for comfort, longevity?
Kind of depends on whether you prefer open or closed back audio, but overall I would say the Delta II is hands down the better product. It wins in build quality, materials, ear cushion size/shape, microphone quality, and software without a doubt. There is no denying the Atlas Air can be a comfortable headset if you can handle the circular ear cushions, and I never experienced any real discomfort while using them.
I currently have the A50 Gen 4, how "open" or "airy" is the Delta II?
One thing I really like about the A50s is that they are closed back but the earpads are very open and leak sound in and out.
I recently tried the Audeze Maxwell but the weight of it and the isolated feeling of it made me return them. I'm not a fan of earpads, especially those leatherette ones, that fully isolate you, it builds pressure in my inner ear which is uncomfortable or even painful to me.
So I'm wondering how the Asus compares, especially with the fabric pads on it.
I have the A50X. If the fabric ear cushions are the same between the Gen 4 and the X, then I can tell you the Astro's are a lot more airy than the fabric ones on the Delta IIs.
If you are interested though, they just announced the new A50 Gen 5. $300, same drivers, same everything as the X but the base station will be a bit different. I think those will definitely be worth taking a look at.
@@MercuryTV Thanks for the answer!
I saw the Gen5s, might take a look at them. From what I heard, earpads of Gen4, 5 and X should be the same.
How much do the fabric pads on the Delta II isolate you?
I hate that pressure from most closed back with leather earpads.
I’d say it’s somewhere between a leatherette and those A50 fabric ones. Very similar to the Steelseries Airweave fabric if you’ve ever used that. You can hear yourself but it’s muffled, which is why the mic monitoring is so clutch. Nothing has beat the A50X yet though for clarity in terms of ear cushion material + side tone for me.
@@MercuryTV Thanks! I'll probably end up waiting on the Gen 5 and see if the upgrade is worth it, maybe also try the ASUS one as a comparison.
so because the volume wheels are digital that probably means you can't adjust the volume in wired mode, that sucks. I like the design of this headset and the battery life but it doesn't seem to offer much more than Barracuda X for 80 USD. it should at least have ANC. I wish I could hear how it sounds like before ordering. I will wait for price drop for sure
love your in depth reviews! love my H6pro open headphones but subbed and used the comfy memory gel foam back when sennheiser sold earpads for the GSP600 series
I just bought the pulse elite man the sound is amazing have the bass boost and perfect!!!
I’m confused between Asus Rog Delta II and Razer black shark V2 pro , since you have used both the headsets can you suggest me which one is better in terms of sound quality and crisp and clear mic and which one should I go for ? It’s my first time buying a gaming headset so I want to buy the best one , would be really great if I could get a response .
So I actually just have the regular Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed, not Pro. But between those two, there is no comparison; I think the Delta II blows it out of the water in every category.
can you elaborate on the sound a bit please ? Volume level ? is it loud ? or too quiet like 80% of gaming headset ? bass quality ? how is it ? do it crackle or pop with Dolby enable like the full of crap overpriced maxwel ? hows the immersion? surround ? tested with dolby atmos? etc other than that, good video thanks
Sure thing. Volume level is great. Gets plenty loud compared to something like the TB Atlas Air which IMO didn't get nearly loud enough. Bass quality is nice and punchy if you want it to be, but you can tone it down in the software too. Armoury Crate has a "bass boost" option which I actually really enjoy on low levels for games like Space Marine or Cyberpunk. I did not use any digital surround sound because I despise it compared to stereo.
At the end of the day you've got to hear it for yourself, but over the last 6 months or so I have used a lot of headsets. Great audio: Astro A50X, Logitech Pro X 2, Asus ROG Delta II, TB Atlas Air. Good audio: HyperX Cloud III, Razer Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed, Razer Kraken V4 & V3 Pro. I haven't used anything I would outright call bad audio, but everything I just mentioned is in the $150 and up range so it better be solid.
@@MercuryTV tyvm it was my next purchase. next week ill get them.
I just bought the BlackShark V2 pro 2023 PS5 edition a few months ago and this ROG headset seems to look even better. Damn I should have waited.
Eh don’t sweat it buddy. There’s always something “better” around the corner. Get good use out of what you got until it doesn’t suit your needs anymore and by then there will be plenty of new and improved products to choose from.
I got the black shark as well and they are pretty similar my friend. I only got the Delta II to fit my other ROG peripherals.
I'm interested to hear what you think of the new TB stealth 700 gen 3 that just came out so I'm hoping you do those next
Might be a bit until I get another pair of gaming headphones to test out. Been going pretty hard lately and don’t have very much disposable income at the moment, but I will add them to the list.
@MercuryTV I get you. I got like 9 headsets myself, way more than I need. Lol. Check out the blue 700s if you take a look at them. The design looks way better than the previous and I don't think they squeeze your eyeballs out with the clamp force either 🤣
@@MercuryTVdon’t waste your money on the 700 Gen 3s! Absolute trash!! Atlas Airs sound so much better!! About to return the Gen 3s back for the Atlas Airs!
I saw someone report on the ROG forums that after 5-10 seconds of no sound, the headset seems to go idle such that when the sound resumes again, there is a fade-in effect where the first 0.5 - 1 second of the resumed sound gets cut off. Can you confirm if this happens on your set? Would like to know if this is a widespread issue or even something intentional by Asus (like how it is with the Audeze Maxwell), as this would be an absolute dealbreaker for me.
Hey - just tested this out multiple times, with both the standalone USB-C wireless receiver and with the little USB-A to USB-C adapter and it absolutely does NOT happen.
I actually do have this issue with my desktop speakers (Edifier S350DB) because I have to use this little Cubilux USB to Optical adapter. Now THAT causes a delay in sound coming through when it starts playing again after no output, but I have thankfully never seen (or heard) that issue on a gaming headset I own.
Thanks for testing! This issue exists on the Audeze Maxwell (and it seems intentional on Audeze’s part based on their response to countless threads on this topic) and it caused me to return it. Was strongly considering the Delta II until I saw the ROG forum post on a user experiencing this issue on his headset. Glad to know it doesn’t seem widespread!
@@MercuryTV Hey and thanks for the review, I'm the one @jordant9754 was reffering too relating to that issue, and I just rested it again and still notice this delay when resuming sound after 7-10+ seconds on both my PC and my Android phone. Just to confirm, did you update your Delta II to the latest firmware (00.03.06.00)? I just did that out of the box so it might be just a firmware issue .
I have not updated it, no. I got the notification asking me if I want to and I declined. Might chalk it up to that. I think on the box it says you can factory reset by holding the function button on the left ear cup for 15 seconds. Did you try that yet? Don’t know if it would roll back firmware though.
@@MercuryTV I received this notification as well and thought, why not update it? After trying, unfortunately, holding the button for 15 seconds only reset the RGB lighting I had turned off and reactivated the Bluetooth I had disabled, but it did not revert the firmware to the factory version. It's disappointing I didn't think to test it before the update, but I'll wait for confirmation from ASUS staff to see if it's merely a firmware issue. The fading seems too "clean" and more like a power-saving feature (it always happens after 10 seconds without sound) to be a hardware problem.
Dont know how long you've been doing this but I just started watching your stuff Very Good content. Great review but I dont understand how you can compare their sound quality to the A50x. When I first got the Astro''s they were 90% as good as my Audeze Maxells, then I put Leatheret ear cushions on them and they BLEW AWAY my maxwells! something I never thought would happen.
Anyway I do like the Rog Delta 2 but there bass is handycapped by the absence of the 32hz and 64hz eq frequency sliders and I don't thing their sound quality is anywhere near the A50x, guess different ears hear different things. Anyway keep up the good work.