How can you improve an already successful headset? ASUS decided to resort to decoration and replaced the boring RGB backlighting with AniMe Matrix LED displays on the cups. The retrofitted novelty received a natural name ROG Delta S Animate.
Specifications
- Headphone type: Over-ear, gaming headset with over-ear cushions.
- DAC & Amplifier: ESS 9281 Pro.
- Emitter membrane diameter: 50 mm.
- Sound scheme format: 2.0.
- Impedance: 32 ohms.
- Frequency response of headphones: 20 – 40,000 Hz.
- Microphone: yes, removable on a flexible arm.
- Microphone frequency range: 100 – 10,000 Hz.
- Headset connection: wired via USB-C, full-size USB adapter included.
- Weight: 310 grams.
- Features: AniMe Matrix LED Displays.
Design and ergonomics
With a triangular shape of ear cups, massive wrap-around ear cushions and a cushioned headband, ROG Delta S Animate has fully inherited the format of the line. The materials also remained very high quality without a single glossy insert. The assembly was tightened up: all the previous versions of ROG Delta, which were in my hands, creaked in one way or another, and the new ROG Delta S Animate “are silent” even with a strong bending of the headband.
The cups are adorned with AniMe Matrix LED panels. Unlike bright RGB lighting, Delta S Animate’s glow is not reflected in the monitor, remaining visible only from the side. The only omission: the backlight does not go out after the PC goes to sleep, you have to manually switch the toggle switch at night.
The displays are fully customizable and look much cooler than the usual RGB backlighting. The library contains almost two dozen ready-made animations that can be composed for sequential playback. I liked the ability to display any text on the panel, for example, “do not touch” or “do not interfere”, so that others would definitely not be tempted to distract from the game. We’ll talk more about customizing LED panels in the section on the Armory Crate utility.
With backlights turned off, ROG Delta S Animate doesn’t lose out in style. This is due to the flat, perforated metal that covers the cups. If you look closely, you can see the ROG logo between the LEDs and the listing of the headset’s features – a hidden message for the attentive.
The addition of LED panels increased the weight of the headset to 310 grams instead of the previous 300. The increase did not impair ergonomics, the fit remained soft without excessive pressure on the crown, the rotating cups fit well, and the chubby ear cushions completely cover the ears. However, you shouldn’t shake your head too much, ROG Delta S Animate is still a massive headset and can fly off your head.
Includes two types of ear pads. The standard leatherette is used by default, and I recommend wearing fabric if you are planning long gaming marathons.
Connection and management
The hallmark of the ROG Delta was and remains a wired connection via modern USB-C. The cable 1.5 meters long is non-removable, but you should not swear because of this, since it provides excellent protection against kinks and a wear-resistant fabric braid. I do not think that the plug of the detachable wire will be more reliable over a long distance.
The modern balanced plug is a godsend for laptops, smartphones, tablets and the Nintendo Switch. PC gamers will appreciate the full-length USB-A extension cable for an extra meter in length. In theory, ROG Delta S Animate is compatible with the PlayStation, but in this case, the cable will be routed from the console to the player across the room.
The cup under the right thumb contains a light switch and a multifunctional slider. When you tilt the latter up and down, the system volume is adjusted both on computers with Windows or macOS, and on smartphones with Android. Pressing the slider turns off the microphone and lights the corresponding indicator on the boom.
Sound and microphone
A USB connection is required to process audio through the ESS 9281 DAC. The built-in amplifier drives 50mm radiators. The sound component has not changed. By default, the character is neutral with good realism and detail. Additional immersion is facilitated by the useful virtual surround sound. The headset is well suited for video games. The music does not sound assertive enough due to the weak lows remaining in the background.
A detachable gooseneck microphone connects to the 3.5mm port on the left. It’s a shame the Delta doesn’t use an integrated drop bar. On the other hand, the boom can be removed and stowed away in the box when using an external microphone – this is important for recording videos or streaming.
Otherwise, the microphone is quite ordinary by the standards of computer headsets: the voice sounds moderately loud, but its fullness is inferior to free-standing microphones. The lack of a pop filter leads to breathing clicks on the recording – this is the main problem. Ambient noise, on the contrary, is practically not captured, and interference is excluded thanks to the USB connection.
Armor Crate utility
All ASUS gaming peripherals are customizable and updated via Armory Crate. Delta S Animate has a lot of sound settings prepared: 10-band equalizer, reverb, bass and voice enhancement, as well as ready-made presets. The settings do not significantly affect the character of the sound, it remains soft in any case.
AniMe Matrix settings are divided into quick and advanced, that is, into two windows. In the first, you can put the finished animation on one or both sides. In advanced settings, the composition of several animations for sequential playback, text output and a separate audio mode that shows the spectrum of the music being played, becomes available. Let me remind you that the spectrum of the voice entering the microphone can be turned on with the toggle switch on the cup. Also in advanced mode there are brightness and contrast settings. The brightness is obvious, it’s a simple adjustment. Changing the contrast allows you to illuminate adjacent LEDs so that the picture stands out less against the background of the substrate.
The utility is available only for Windows and is not seen in excessive consumption of system resources. Sound cannot be personalized on smartphones and consoles, and settings are not saved. But the last selected AniMe Matrix effect works on all devices.
Feedback after two weeks of use
The only changes to ASUS ROG Delta S Animate are the LED panels on the cups. They look cooler and much more original than simple RGB lighting, which is already saturated with gaming peripherals. Really cool find of Republic of Gamers, I look forward to its distribution to other devices.
Otherwise, this is an equally enjoyable headset, whose sound character is aimed strictly at video games. I liked the improved build, finally the case does not creak! The increase in weight by 10 grams is imperceptible, the headset has not lost its ergonomics. The finishing touches are the modern USB-C interface and easy controls that adjust system sound. To summarize, ASUS ROG Delta S Animate is a successful expansion of the lineup for those who are tired of conventional RGB backlighting.
Pros:
- stylish find with LED displays;
- optimal ergonomics with a soft fit;
- balanced sound for games;
- additional fabric ear pads;
- USB-C connection and full-size USB adapter included;
- the volume slider changes the system level;
- fixed build without squeaks.
Minuses:
- non-removable cable;
- extension adapter in a conventional rubber sheath.
May not like:
- The flip-out microphone in previous models is more convenient than the detachable one.
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