Asus Orion Pro [User Review]

[terence52]

Hi guys,
I am now typing out my review for the Asus Orion Pro (After delaying for more then a month, really sorry to Asus SG for that as my school and work schedule kept me from typing it and trying it out and I have not posted anything for a long while. Currently typing it from somewhere else. )
I also have to thank Asus SG for lending me it to try out.

The Asus Orion Pro is a Headphone with a DAC of sorts (I don't dare open it in fear of breaking it)

First up: Box shots!
Front:

Left side:

Right side:

Back:
CAM00303_zps8bab0a5f.jpg Photo by Terence52 | Photobucket
Closeup of the features:

 

[terence52]

Reserved 1. (Headphone)
The Orion Pro can be only worn with the microphone on the left as the exit point for the microphone is there instead of it being from the middle.

The Orion is also width adjustment to fit larger heads as well.

Cable length.
The Orion Pro cables are at an insanely long length of 260CM which is a little absurd..
The ROG Spitfire is another 120CM which makes for a very big cable mess.

On top is a 30CM ruler so you would roughly know how long it is.

 

[terence52]

Headphone Features:
Retractable Microphone
I noted that most gaming headphones either have fixed microphones or for the better ones, Ones that would fold away.
I prefer Asus's solution of a flexible Microphone since it be can be adjusted.
Microphone folded internally:

Microphone extended out:

Microphone flexibility:

 

[terence52]

Asus ROG Spitfire
Pictures:
Front (Powered on)



The front of the DAC is of a rather simple design, Just a piece of red plastic that curves at about 3/4 of the black plastic body.
Pretty decent looker thou. Matches the ROG theme well.
The DAC has 3 functions: FPS, Surround and Amp.
When enabled, the buttons will have a red LED at the back illuminating them.
There is also a backlight indicating that is is powered on.
Back:

Top:

As mentioned earlier, It uses 2 3.5MM jacks for the audio and microphone.
FPS removes all the bass from the sound (Making it easier to detect where gunshots are, In a way increasing the soundstage)
Surround creates a virtual feel of the surroundings
Amp seems to increase the volume of the headphone.
Pretty useful for playing games that requires the soundstage and surround (FPS games comes into mind) but if it's for listening to music, it tends to muddle the mids and highs.

 

[terence52]

Impression of the Orion Pro (Feel)
It's a very comfortable headphone. It doesn't actually pressurize your head that much to get a grip.
Also, after playing for a few hours, I don't sweat which is a big plus as I tend to sweat easily which is why I shun headphones most of the time.
Music test:
Being that I am a little picky on the sound quality, it would be natural that I test it with some music.
Songs I used:
Youtube: (360P)
Bon Jovi - Living on a Prayer
Michael Jackson - Beat it
Somewhat classical with more emphasis on Vocals.
Lindsey Stirling -Elements (1080P)
Instruments, Soundstage
Gaming tests:
For it,
I will be playing TF2, BF3 tests will be up after I get my Xeon E5 up!

 

[terence52]

Conclusion
I personally feel that Asus have stepped up in their headphone design compared to the Vulcan Pro.
Pros:
The adjustable microphone is really convinent as you can retract it back and not fear that it will break.
The headphone comfort also is really good for a gaming headset (I have tested a few and they tend to make me break into a sweat barely 30 minutes into a game, I can go on for at least 2 hours without feeling uncomfortable)
Cons:
However.. The wires of the Orion is far too long. At 260CM alone, Isn't it a tad too long??
The DAC is another 120CM which means they will be a extremely big cable mess as you would have to route it somehow.
I do know that they included a cable organizer but I suppose it would be better if it was 160CM instead in total length for the Orion.

 

[ASUS@SG]

Great review!