I am reviewing a wireless gaming headphones even though I do not play games, because the product features can also be used for leisure and at work. The ROG Delta II is one of the few headphones that support simultaneous wireless connections from two audio sources, separate buttons and volume controls. It is a fascinating proposition for the heavy multi-tasker, the engaged gamer, the busy teleworker.
Tri-Mode Connectivity, DualFlow Audio
The ROG Delta II supports three audio delivery modes – passive 3.5mm, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz SpeedNova wireless via USB dongle. With that, you can practically connect to any device. On the left earcup, there is a power slider to turn on 2.4GHz, and a volume wheel to adjust and mute volume on the 2.4Hz connection. On the right earcup, there is multi-function button to turn on Bluetooth, control playback, and another volume wheel to adjust the volume on the Bluetooth connection. The controls on both earcups operate independently, the left power switch does not affect the Bluetooth, neither does the right power button control the 2.4GHz power. If any of these 2 transmission modes is turned on, the cable 3.5mm will be disconnected.
Initially, I thought this was redundant, but as I use it, I realise how relevant that is. The separate set of controls means you can independently manage the volume and to control playback from both audio sources. I can also listen to audio from both the 2.4GHz connection (e.g. PC) and the Bluetooth connection (e.g. smartphone), and you can simply adjust the volume levels of both sources. To pause audio, I just click the respective multi-function buttons on either earcups.
As for the microphone, it actually shares across the three modes. According to my test result, the Bluetooth takes precedence. So if there are 2 concurrent calls, the mic will work for the Bluetooth side, and will revert back to 2.4GHz once the Bluetooth side hangs up. Also, the mute control works for both modes. The red LED on the mic lights up when it’s on mute, but it is hardly noticeable to the wearer because the mic is not within the line of sight.
With the power completely off, the mic also works in 3.5mm mode, but the mute button does not work, so you need to mute from the device. Mic quality is excellent, the background noise is actually not audible, and my office co-workers were all impressed with my voice.
The headphones boasts up to 110 hours of usage via 2.4GHz mode without RGB lighting, but it’s not easy to check for the battery life as there is no visible battery indicator on the headphones. Some smartphones may show the battery level so that is your best bet. The battery level will deplete much faster if you use both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth at the same time. The RGB lighting (compatible with ASUS Aura Sync) also drains battery, and should support RGB customisation like the ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova (though it’s not yet available during review). To turn off the RGB light, press and hold the left earcup button for 5 seconds.
The headphones come with two sets of ear cushions in synthethic leather and in fabric. There is no plastic snap-on frames, so you have to fit the cushion slits into the earcup grooves. They are rather easy to insert, as it is easy to come off if you apply too much force when handling the ear cushions.
The headphone clamping force is one of the lightest I have experienced, which is both good and bad. It’s good for comfort, but bad for stability. If you shake your head forwards or back, the headphones might slip off.
Audio Quality
The ROG Delta II sounds rather fun to listen to, thanks to the lovely boost in the bass section. There is intensity in the deeper end to rumble the audio yet it is not excessively overpowering. The result is that you can hear the deepness but it does not drown the overall sound. The midrange is clean sounding, being a consumer headphones, they want to make the audio less bloated. Upper midrange is elevated for more texture and prominence. The treble sounds a little sparkly but not thin, which balances against the bass. The combination of this frequency tuning means that the Delta II offers overall detail and sonic feel for the average consumer without giving in too much on the extremities.
For sound staging, the Delta II does not offer as much spatial imaging compared to the Sennheiser HD 620S, nor is the roomy decay obvious, so it sounds tighter but still not as crowded. The 50mm titanium-plated diaphragm drivers can keep up with all the sounds and actions.
Between the different connection modes, the frequency balance is generally identical. The difference is mostly due to dynamic constraints. For Bluetooth, it sounds a little more compressed compared to 2.4GHz, while the 3.5mm direct is the most dynamic.
Verdict
The ROG Delta II headphones while designed for gamers is a great product for non-gamers too. With three modes of connectivity, two of which can be enabled simultaneously with separate independent audio controls, makes the headphones very versatile. It’s like wearing two headphones at the same time. Best part is that if the battery runs out (assuming you play games 110 hours non-stop), you can still fall back to the 3.5mm connection to continue playing. These headphones are also the most comfortable I have reviewed thanks to the light clamping force, and with two sets of ear cushions, it satisfies users from both camps.
The ROG Delta II is available in Singapore at S$349 with 2-year warranty. Order from the Singapore ASUS Online Store here.
