ASUS has launched a trio of sound cards to complement its Strix component range. These new owl-inspired components are the Strix Raid DLX, Strix Raid Pro, and Strix Soar. All the cards are said to deliver "sensational, high-definition 192kHz/24-bit audio, 7.1-channel surround-sound, and Perfect Voice noise-cancellation technology". The more expansive pair, the Strix Raid DLX and Strix Raid Pro, bundle a breakout box controller offering an LED lit rotary sound control dial and dedicated 'Raid Button'…
Strix Raid DLX
Though ASUS modestly claims its onboard sound has "become so good," forking out some cash for a dedicated audio card can help you build a system with better quality sound, which could reveal "nuances you never knew existed," in the music you enjoy, for example.
Perched at the top end of the new range is the Strix Raid DLX (Deluxe). This is said to be built from high-end components including the ESS SABRE9016 digital-to-analogue converter (DAC). ESS's DAC is "the world's highest performance 32-bit and 24-bit audio DAC," claims ASUS and it boasts a 124dB signal-to-noise ratio.
Strix Raid Pro
The lower-echelon Strix Raid Pro and Strix Soar employ the still "exceptional" ESS SABRE9006A DACs at their hearts. With these cards, the user can still enjoy a 116dB signal-to-noise ratio.
Further components common to all three Strix sound cards are Low-dropout (LDO) regulators and Hi-Fi-grade Nichicon FineGold, Nichicon Muse, and German WIMA capacitors. All of the cards feature a built-in 600-ohm headphone amplifier to drive a wide range of headphones and "deliver clear, detailed sound with deep, tight bass," claims ASUS.
What is the 'Raid Button' for?
The Strix Raid DLX, Strix Raid Pro with the external sound control box have a button which allows users to instantly switch between various pre-set and custom sound profiles. The dial and button combo allows for quick, easy and impactful sound adjustments in-game.
As you would expect ASUS goes beyond supplying drivers to provide its Sonic Studio software, which is said to be both powerful land easy to use, thanks to its all-in-one view. The software supports audio enhancement and manipulation functions like bass boost, an equaliser, surround sound, reverb and a compressor. Voice input can be improved with microphone tuning and 'Perfect Voice' background noise reduction. For gamers 'Sonic Radar Pro' can overlay the direction of audio so you can pinpoint the sound direction, revealing enemies.
Strix Soar
ASUS has published the full tech specs of the cards on its ROG fan page. Pricing and availability of the range is yet to be announced.
