ASUS's $600 ROG soundbar allows you to communicate during games without needing a headset, and it's now available in the US.
ROG Gjallar arrives in the US, offering a voice-chat experience without the need for a headset
ASUS believes it has a solution for gamers who find wearing headsets uncomfortable after extended use. Their ROG Gjallar is the brand’s first gaming soundbar to launch in the US, priced at $599.99. Currently, Best Buy shows the system as sold out, and ASUS is accepting sign-ups for stock notifications, indicating that availability may be limited at the outset.
At this price point, the Gjallar is positioned as a high-end soundbar, but it offers features beyond those of a conventional model.
Multiplayer gaming without the hassle of wearing a headset
ASUS
The soundbar is paired with an LCD control hub that includes built-in microphones. It employs Acoustic Echo Cancellation to eliminate game audio and the voices of teammates coming from the speakers, while AI beamforming diminishes ambient noise like that from PC fans.
This setup allows users to engage in multiplayer games and communicate with teammates without the need for a headset or a separate microphone on their desk. The Gjallar features a 2.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos system, incorporating four 50mm full-range drivers, two 27mm tweeters, and upward-firing channels. A separate 6.5-inch, 65W subwoofer connects via a dedicated low-latency 5GHz wireless link.
$600 provides ample connectivity options
ASUS
ROG has equipped the Gjallar with various ports to ensure it fits seamlessly into complex gaming configurations. It includes HDMI 2.1 with eARC and 4K/120Hz passthrough, USB-C, optical, 3.5mm AUX, and Bluetooth 5.3. This soundbar supports PCs, Macs, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, TVs, and mobile devices, while two USB-A ports accommodate dongles and other accessories.
The control hub enables users to switch inputs, modify EQ settings, manage playback, and control the necessary Aura RGB lighting without needing to access software. While $600 is a significant investment for desktop audio, during our review of LG’s $500 UltraGear GP9, we noted the challenge of justifying the price despite offering outstanding gaming audio and a built-in microphone. ASUS’s Gjallar, priced an additional $100, includes a proper wireless subwoofer, dedicated height channels, HDMI 2.1, and enhanced connectivity. However, I would need to test the soundbar before determining if these features justify the $600 price tag.
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ASUS's $600 ROG soundbar allows you to communicate during games without needing a headset, and it's now available in the US.
The initial ROG gaming soundbar from ASUS features 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos, a wireless subwoofer, and integrated noise-canceling microphones intended for multiplayer gaming without a headset.
