Topics:#usb-soundcard

ASUS has just launched its Xonar U7 USB sound device with headphone amplifier. While not ROG branded, the U7 has very clear audio at 114dB SNR, partly thanks to its Hyper Grounding PCB design (that was originally designed for the Xonar Phoebus) and a powerful 32ohm-1,50ohm headphone amplifier built in to really pump up the sounds to your (Vulcan or Orion) headset.

New for 2012 ROG motherboards and revealed this year's CES, is the ThunderFX, which is due to be bundled with the Rampage IV Formula. This is an external headphone amp and splitter, designed for renaissance gamers who have more than one gaming platform and at the same time put a premium on politeness: you don't want to disturb anyone while doing your gaming business, but nor do you want to suffer from tinny audio syndrome!

Not one but two new ROG sound products this year! The ThunderFX is our USB design geared to more than just your PC: it'll upgrade your G-series audio or simply take any analogue input into its rear ports; so that includes your Xbox 360, PS3 or HiFi too. The ThunderFX is due in the coming months and you can see our detailed first look in last weeks article.