The AI Noise Cancelling Microphone that works... without an RTX GPU! - ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4 review

The AI Noise Cancelling Microphone that works... without an RTX GPU! - ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4 review

Hi everyone, Nada here! Today, we’re diving into a new wireless gaming headset from ASUS, the ROG Strix Go 2.4. The ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4 might not sound super exciting at first glance, especially given ASUS’s shaky history with gaming headsets. They’ve had some hits and many misses, plagued by bulky designs or poor sound and microphone quality. But the Strix Go 2.4 promises to change all that, bringing something truly interesting to the table.

Design and Build Quality

Unlike the usual over-the-top gaming headset designs, the Strix Go 2.4 is elegant, light, and extremely comfortable. It comes with a distinctive noise-cancelling microphone that can filter out annoying background noise such as keyboard typing, vacuum sounds, or even conversations happening right next to you.

This compact headset can fold up and fit neatly in a carry case, making it highly portable. It includes various extras such as a USB Type-C dongle, a USB Type-A adapter, and a 3.5mm analog cable, making it compatible with a wide range of devices. It works wirelessly on PCs, PlayStations, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices, and can connect via cable to Xbox controllers or other 3.5mm-compatible devices. Essentially, you can buy one headset and use it for everything.

The sleek design allows you to use this headset outside without looking out of place, and its good material choices and flexible build make it suitable for a range of head sizes. However, the ear cups are somewhat small, and the faux leather ear pads can feel warm, especially in the summer.

Sound Quality

In terms of sound, the Strix Go 2.4 performs quite well. While it may not provide an exceptional experience for critical music listening, it offers a decent amount of bass and plenty of volume without the muddy mids that plague many gaming headsets. Comparing to the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless, the Strix Go has slightly less bass but better mids, making it a well-rounded option for both gaming sound and casual music listening.

The accompanying software allows for some sound customization with presets, virtual surround options, voice clarity enhancements, and bass boosts. While aggressive equalizing isn't for everyone, the options are there for users who want them.

AI Noise-Cancelling Microphone

Now, onto the most interesting feature: the microphone. The Strix Go 2.4 comes with an AI-powered mic capable of recognizing and cutting out background noise. This isn't limited to this headset alone—it’s available in ASUS's latest B550 motherboards and will soon be available through separate AI mic dongles.

For those gaming in noisy environments or at events, this AI mic can be a game-changer. It effectively filters out sounds like keyboard clicks and vacuuming noises. Of course, it’s not perfect and changes the quality of the microphone slightly, but the trade-off can be worth it to eliminate distracting background noises.

Practical Testing

In practical tests, the AI mic performed impressively. Whether battling keyboard clicks, vacuuming noises, or background conversations, the AI mic managed to reduce these significantly. This is particularly useful for those gaming in noisy environments or for use at LAN parties or events.

However, the overall microphone quality isn't stellar, which is a limitation of wireless headset bandwidth. While fine for in-game chatting, phone calls, or video conferences, it's not suited for recording or streaming. In those cases, a dedicated wired microphone would be a better choice.

Battery Life and Conclusion

In terms of battery life, the Strix Go 2.4 performs admirably. It offers around 25 hours of battery at reasonable volume levels, aligning with ASUS’s claims, and around 21 hours at louder volumes. Fifteen minutes of charging gives you about three hours of playtime, which is quite reasonable.

In conclusion, the ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4 is a well-rounded headset. It looks nice, is very comfortable, sounds good, and its AI microphone exhibits a lot of potential. It might be slightly more expensive than some alternatives, but the features and build quality make it worth consideration for those dealing with frequent background noise.

Keywords

• ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4
• Wireless gaming headset
• AI noise-cancelling microphone
• Compact design
• Wide device compatibility
• Sound quality
• Portable headset
• Battery life

FAQ

Q: What devices are compatible with the ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4? A: The Strix Go 2.4 works wirelessly with PCs, PlayStations, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. It also supports wired connections with Xbox controllers and other devices using a 3.5mm jack.

Q: How effective is the AI noise-cancelling microphone? A: The AI mic is quite effective at filtering out background noises like keyboard clicks, vacuuming, and even conversations happening nearby. However, it does change the microphone quality slightly.

Q: What is the battery life of the ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4? A: The headset offers around 25 hours of battery life at reasonable volumes and about 21 hours at higher volumes. A quick 15-minute charge can provide approximately three hours of playtime.

Q: Is the ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4 comfortable for long-term use? A: Yes, the headset is light and has well-distributed pressure, making it comfortable for extended use. However, the ear cups might feel warm, especially during summer.

Q: Can the Strix Go 2.4 be used for recording or streaming? A: While the AI mic is great for in-game chatting, phone calls, or video conferences, the overall microphone quality isn't suitable for high-quality recording or streaming. For such purposes, a dedicated wired microphone is recommended.