ROG Kithara Gaming Headset

There’re two recommended listening setup, please find two options below:

1. 1. Using DAC/Amp (Recommended for high-fidelity audio)

   For the best sound quality, use the 4.4 mm balanced plug or 6.3 mm single-ended plug with a dedicated DAC/amp. This setup provides higher power output, improved dynamics, and greater audio detail.

   • Connect the headphone plug to the DAC/amp and the microphone plug to your PC.
   • Or use a DAC that supports both headphone and microphone inputs.
   
   
   

2. 2. Using USB-C to Dual 3.5 mm Adapter

   Some devices may not deliver sufficient power through a standard 3.5 mm jack, which can result in lower volume.

   In this case, use the included USB-C to dual 3.5 mm adapter, which supports both audio and microphone connections and ensures stable power delivery with consistent, audiophile-grade sound quality across multiple devices.

ROG Kithara features an open-back design, which naturally allows some environmental sound to pass through. For this reason, we recommend avoiding use in noisy environments.
Because the earcups are open, a small amount of low-frequency energy can escape, which may make the bass feel lighter compared to closed-back headsets. However, this design delivers a more balanced and natural frequency response, along with wider soundstage and superior sound separation.

This sound is a common characteristic of planar magnetic drivers. Because these drivers use an ultra-thin, nanoscale diaphragm, sudden changes in air pressure cause the film to move and produce a slight clicking sound. This is a normal physical occurrence and does not affect the audio quality or lifespan of the headset.

To protect the diaphragm, please observe the following:

1. Wear Gently: Put on or take off the headset with a slow, steady motion to allow air pressure to equalize.
2. Avoid Sudden Pressure: Do not "slap" or forcefully compress the earcups. Avoid placing the headphones face-down on flat surfaces, as sudden pressure spikes can cause permanent deformation to the delicate diaphragm.

The ROG Kithara uses a high-sensitivity, studio-grade MEMS microphone designed for raw audio fidelity without EQ or noise-canceling algorithms. This makes it highly responsive to vocal nuances and breath sounds.

1. Solution: Ensure the pop filter is installed and position the boom mic 5–10 cm to the side of your mouth. This avoids direct airflow and significantly reduces popping and nasal tones.

Please check the following:

1. Cable connections

   Make sure both plugs on the microphone cable are connected to the correct jacks:

   • The plug with the microphone icon should be connected to the microphone jack on your PC, or the matching icon on the USB-C adapter.
   • The plug with the headphone icon should be connected to the headphone jack on your PC, or the matching icon on the USB-C adapter.

2. In-line volume control

   • The in-line volume wheel on the microphone cable may have been turned down accidentally. Rotate it upward to increase the volume.
   • Please note that the in-line volume control operates independently of your device’s system volume, so the system may show normal volume while the headset remains muted.

This may be caused by insufficient power output from your device’s audio jack. For better driving power and more consistent performance, we recommend using the included USB-C adapter.

Please check the in-line control on the microphone cable:

• If you see a red indicator, the microphone is muted.
• Slide the switch until the red indicator disappears to unmute the microphone.

Please check the microphone position and direction:

• The white arrow on the microphone boom indicates the pickup side and should face your mouth.
• Position the microphone approximately 5 cm from the corner of your mouth.
• Placing it too close may cause distortion or popping sounds.

If you cannot adjust the volume through the Windows interface, please visit the Support Site and update the USB-C adapter firmware to the latest version to restore full control.

Yes. When using the balanced cable with the USB-C adapter, please make sure the 3.5 mm connector is plugged into the jack marked with the headphone icon.

Yes, both the balanced cable and microphone cable can be connected to console controllers. However, the microphone cable separates audio and microphone signals into two individual plugs. Since most console controllers support only a single combined audio jack, the microphone function will not work when using the microphone cable with these controllers.

We do not recommend this. The dual 3.5 mm design of the microphone cable is intended to reduce crosstalk, preventing in-game audio from leaking into the microphone. Using a third-party adapter may reintroduce crosstalk issues. For optimal performance and sound quality, we recommend using the included USB-C adapter.

Please ensure proper alignment before inserting to help prevent pin damage and ensures a secure connection.

• Align the notch on the plug with the bump on the cable connector
• Insert gently without applying excessive force

Yes. The ROG Kithara features universal dual 3.5 mm female ports, making it compatible with most aftermarket upgrade cables. Whether you prefer silver-plated or OCC copper cables, the sound signature is entirely in your hands.

This may be due to an improper headband adjustment.
Please adjust the sliders on both sides of the metal headband until your ears sit comfortably inside the earcups. If the headset feels too loose, slide the adjusters downward to create a more secure and stable fit.

To check if an adjustment is necessary:

1. Hold the headset by one side of the slider and let the headset hang naturally under their own weight.
2. If the slider stays in place, it is strong enough to support the headset's weight and shouldn't slide easily during normal use (though some adjustments may still be needed while wearing).
3. If the slider drops, please follow the repair instructions below.

Repair Instructions: * Tools Needed: T7 Screwdriver.

• Adjustment: Carefully turn the screw clockwise by 1/8 of a turn (45 degrees).
• Verification: Pull the slider back and forth after each turn to check if the resistance has increased.

[!CAUTION] Do not apply excessive force or turn the screw too much at once, as this may strip the screw threads.

Open-back earcups allow air and sound to pass through the back of the earcup, creating a wider, more natural soundstage with better spatial accuracy—ideal for immersive gaming and detailed listening. However, they offer little noise isolation and may leak sound. In contrast, closed-back earcups seal the ear completely, providing stronger noise isolation, deeper perceived bass, and minimal sound leakage, making them better for use in shared or noisy environments, though with a more contained soundstage compared to open-back designs.

Planar magnetic drivers use a thin, flat diaphragm suspended between magnetic arrays, allowing the entire surface to move uniformly. This design delivers lower distortion, faster response, wider soundstage, and more accurate detail reproduction. In contrast, dynamic drivers use a voice coil and cone diaphragm driven by a single magnet, producing a more traditional, punchy sound with stronger bass, but with slightly higher distortion and less precise imaging compared to planar magnetic drivers.

MEMS microphones use a fully integrated chip design that enables a wider frequency response, higher signal-to-noise ratio, and lower distortion compared to traditional ECM microphones. This results in clearer, more natural, and more accurate voice reproduction, especially for gaming and team communication.

Separating the audio and microphone signal wiring helps ensure cleaner, interference-free communication. By isolating the two signal paths, the headset prevents electrical crosstalk, reduces noise, and minimizes distortion that can occur when audio and mic signals share the same wiring. This results in clearer voice transmission, more accurate game audio playback, and a more stable overall listening experience, especially during competitive gaming or streaming.