Asus Launches Its First ROG-Branded Soundbar for $599
Asus's gaming-focused ROG brand has expanded into the soundbar market with the $599, Dolby Atmos-supported ROG Gjallar . It was announced in July, but you should be able to get your hands on it in the US in the coming weeks.
Designed to offer immersive audio from a speaker beneath your gaming monitor , the ROG Gjallar takes its name from the Gjallarhorn used by the Asgardian god Heimdall in Norse mythology.
"The ROG Gjallar features a 5.1.2-channel speaker configuration with dedicated up-firing drivers that enable Dolby Atmos height effects, creating a three-dimensional soundstage that places footsteps, environmental cues, and in-game effects with greater precision," Asus says.
The soundbar also supports Bluetooth 5.3 and HDMI 2.1 with eARC 4K at 120Hz pass-through for lossless high-resolution audio. It's compatible with all the major game consoles, as well as iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.
Although the product isn't cheap, it comes with a 65-watt wireless subwoofer that weighs 12.5 pounds and is designed to deliver "room-filling bass for impactful explosions."
The Gjallar also stands out for the "all-in-one" control hub connected to the soundbar via a cable. The hub includes a circular LCD and buttons to let you view and toggle various audio settings, such as volume, playback controls, input selection, and even EQ profiles.
In addition, the product lets you ditch a headset since it supports built-in microphones with Intelligent Acoustic Echo Cancellation. "Together, these technologies intelligently filter teammate voices and in-game audio played through the speakers while suppressing ambient background noise, enabling exceptionally clear, natural voice pickup for multiplayer gaming," Asus adds.
The soundbar is being sold via Best Buy and Asus's online store . It's currently listed as out of stock, but an Asus rep says more inventory should be available by the first week of September.
PCMag and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.
