HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap
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| HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap[1] | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Accessory |
| Manufacturer | HTC |
| Announcement Date | January 4, 2017[2] |
| Release Date | June 6, 2017[3] |
| Website | Official product page |
| Requires | HTC Vive[1] |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Integrated on-ear headphones with height and angle adjustment[1] |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wired 3.5 mm audio connection to the headset[4] |
| Device | |
| Headstrap | Padded hard-sided strap with rear adjustment dial[1] |
The HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap, sold as the VIVE Deluxe Audio Strap and abbreviated DAS, is a replacement head strap with integrated headphones for the original HTC Vive virtual reality headset. It replaces the Vive's fabric strap with a padded, structured frame, a rear sizing dial and adjustable on-ear earphones.[1][5] HTC announced it in January 2017 and released it on June 6 that year.[2][3]
The accessory combines headset support and audio in one assembly. Independent reviews described easier adjustment and less headset movement than with the original strap, while noting that comfort still depended on fit.[4][6] Its headphones connect to the Vive's 3.5 mm audio socket.[4] The headset's existing 3-in-1 tether is routed along the strap's right side.[7]
History
HTC introduced the Deluxe Audio Strap alongside the HTC Vive Tracker at CES on January 4, 2017. Its announcement described integrated earphones, a sizing dial and revised cable routing, with retail shipment planned for the second quarter of the year.[2] A May 2 announcement set June 6 as the purchase date and said the strap would be included with new Vive Business Edition purchases.[8] HTC's June 6 launch post confirmed that sales had begun.[3]
The strap was an upgrade for an existing Vive rather than a replacement headset. PCWorld tested it on a launch-model Vive and reported that the internal headset hardware was unchanged by the installation.[4] HTC's support documentation also identifies it as an accessory bundled with Vive Business Edition and available separately.[9]
Construction and adjustment
The strap has a hard-sided outer structure with a removable cushion inside. A hook-and-loop band crosses the top of the head, while the rear dial adjusts the side straps. Tom's Hardware described a semi-rigid main structure and metal in the adjustable side sections.[9][5] HTC presents the construction as improving weight distribution and making size changes easier when a headset is shared between users.[1]
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Rear adjustment dial | Tightens clockwise and loosens counter-clockwise to change the fit.[10] |
| Top band | Secures through the band lock on the Vive's cable compartment cover.[7] |
| Inner cushion | Detaches for cleaning; its tabs align with slots in the strap's base when reattached.[11] |
| Earphone arms | Allow vertical and angular adjustment; the earphones press into their wearing position with a click.[1][10] |
| Cable clip and cable tie | Hold the Vive's 3-in-1 tether along the right side and behind the strap.[7] |
HTC's fitting procedure begins with loosening the dial before putting on the headset, then tightening it until the fit is comfortably snug. The earphones are adjusted separately. HTC warns against forcing the dial at its travel limit or pulling the headset off without first loosening the strap.[10] Tom's Hardware found the dial convenient for changing users but cautioned that people with small or unusually large heads might find the fixed shape uncomfortable.[5]
Audio
The headphones sit on the ears and can be moved vertically and angled to match their position. They can also be raised away from the ears, which allows the headset and headphones to be put on or removed together.[8][6] The short audio cable plugs into the Vive itself; installation does not require a separate pair of headphones with a cable hanging from the user's head.[4][6]
Launch reviews assessed the audio qualitatively. Road to VR praised its reproduction of music and game audio but explicitly said it had not performed extensive audio testing.[6] PCWorld considered the sound adequate for most uses and preferred the convenience of attached headphones, while acknowledging that its separate high-quality headphones sounded better.[4]
The earphones are removable for repair or replacement. HTC documents a Phillips screw fastening each one and wiring held in clips underneath the strap cushion.[12]
Attachment and cable routing
On the original Vive, attachment uses the headset's two side connectors and the top band lock. HTC's procedure requires removing the cable compartment cover and unplugging the 3-in-1 and audio cables before detaching the standard strap. The old buckles release by rotating downward; the Deluxe Audio Strap's buckles then press onto the connectors until they click into place.[7]
The cables pass through the compartment cover's cable opening, rather than the opening shaped like the VIVE logo. After reconnecting them and replacing the cover, the 3-in-1 tether attaches to the clip on the strap's right side and to the supplied hook-and-loop cable tie under the right cushion. The top band threads through the cover's band lock.[7] This routing moves the tether away from its original path over the top of the head.[6]
Road to VR found installation straightforward.[6] PCWorld described opening the cable compartment and reconnecting the plugs as tedious.[4] UploadVR found the force and audible clicks involved in fitting the parts unsettling.[13]
Compatibility and adaptations
HTC's US product page lists the original HTC VIVE as the compatible headset.[1] The HTC Vive Pre developer headset has different side attachment points. At launch, HTC announced a conversion kit containing a replacement screw peg and T6 screwdriver, expected in mid-June 2017, to allow installation on the Vive Pre.[3] This was a separate conversion from the normal attachment procedure for the consumer Vive.[14]
Third-party Quest adaptations
The strap has also been used in modifications of the Oculus Quest and Meta Quest 2, commonly called "FrankenQuest" and "FrankenQuest 2". UploadVR reported that modders adapted it to the first Quest after that headset's 2019 launch. Its October 2020 review of the Quest 2 adaptation used 3D-printed clips sold by Business Company VR to connect the Vive strap to the Quest 2's strap mounts.[15] These are third-party adaptations; the Quest headsets are not included in HTC's stated compatibility list for the product.[15][1]
UploadVR's reviewer found the adapted strap comfortable and stable on Quest 2 after adjusting the top band. Incorrect positioning initially put pressure on the nose or left the headset too high on the face. The review also reported that the enlarged assembly did not fit many carrying cases, including the official Quest 2 case, without removing the modification.[15]
Maintenance and documented issues
HTC instructs users to detach the cushion before cleaning it, wipe it gently with a smooth cloth dampened with cold water, and let it air dry at room temperature. Its instructions prohibit soaking, scrubbing, wringing, bleaching, tumble drying, ironing and direct sunlight during drying.[16]
Earphone replacement requires detaching the strap from the headset and peeling away the cushion to reach the mounting screws and wires. HTC specifies a cross-shaped PH00x40 screwdriver. Reassembly includes securing the earphone wire in the side clip, plastic holders and base clips before replacing the cushion.[12][17]
In June 2017, Road to VR reported an owner's observation that the strap's foam deteriorated with sweat and quoted HTC as investigating the issue. UploadVR's June review mentioned these reports but did not encounter deterioration during its own use.[14][13] In August, Tom's Hardware reported that the original strap cushion absorbed sweat and was difficult to clean after shared use. It also covered VR Cover's introduction of replacement cushions, while stating that it had not tested those replacements.[18]
A separate launch-period report by Tom's Hardware described two video reviewers whose Vive side connectors came apart after installing the strap. The report identified a small T6 Torx screw in the headset's swivel connector as the apparent cause. HTC told the publication that it was working with the reviewers to investigate, while Tom's Hardware said its own sample had not shown the problem.[19]
Research use
The strap was used in the equipment setup for GazeBaseVR, an eye-tracking dataset described in a 2023 Scientific Data paper. The researchers replaced the stock strap on an SMI eye-tracking headset based on the HTC Vive to improve fit and make readjustment easier during recording. No audio was played during the experiments.[20] The paper documents use of the strap in a research apparatus, without isolating its effect on comfort or tracking accuracy in a comparison with the stock strap.[20]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 "VIVE Deluxe Audio Strap". HTC VIVE. https://www.vive.com/us/accessory/vive-deluxe-audio-strap/. Retrieved 2026-10-12.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "HTC VIVE DEBUTS NEW HARDWARE PRODUCTS TO GROW VIRTUAL REALITY ECOSYSTEM". HTC VIVE. 2017-01-04. https://www.vive.com/us/newsroom/2017-01-04/. Retrieved 2026-10-12.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 VIVE Team (2017-06-06). "Vive Deluxe Audio Strap Now On Sale!". VIVE Blog. https://blog.vive.com/us/vive-deluxe-audio-strap-now-on-sale/. Retrieved 2026-10-12.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 Hayden Dingman (2017-05-30). "HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap review: The Vive finally feels complete". PCWorld. https://www.pcworld.com/article/406896/htc-vive-deluxe-audio-strap-review-the-vive-finally-feel-complete.html. Retrieved 2026-10-12.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Kevin Carbotte (2017-05-31). "Strap In Tight With The Vive Deluxe Audio Head Strap (Hands On)". Tom's Hardware. https://www.tomshardware.com/news/vive-deluxe-audio-headstrap-review,34555.html. Retrieved 2026-10-12.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 "Vive Deluxe Audio Strap Review – I Can’t Go Back". Road to VR. 2017-05-30. https://www.roadtovr.com/vive-deluxe-audio-strap-review-cant-go-back/. Retrieved 2026-10-12.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 "Attaching Vive Deluxe Audio Strap to the headset". HTC VIVE Support. https://www.vive.com/us/support/vive/category_howto/attaching-vive-deluxe-audio-strap-to-headset.html. Retrieved 2026-10-12.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 VIVE Team (2017-05-02). "Vive Deluxe Audio Strap Available June 6". VIVE Blog. https://blog.vive.com/us/vive-deluxe-audio-strap-available-june-6/. Retrieved 2026-10-12.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "About Vive Deluxe Audio Strap". HTC VIVE Support. https://www.vive.com/us/support/vive/category_howto/about-vive-deluxe-audio-strap.html. Retrieved 2026-10-12.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 "Wearing the headset with the Vive Deluxe Audio Strap". HTC VIVE Support. https://www.vive.com/us/support/vive/category_howto/wearing-the-headset-with-vive-deluxe-audio-strap.html. Retrieved 2026-10-12.
- ↑ "Replacing the Vive Deluxe Audio Strap cushion". HTC VIVE Support. https://www.vive.com/us/support/vive/category_howto/replacing-the-deluxe-audio-strap-cushion.html. Retrieved 2026-10-12.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Removing the earphones from the strap". HTC VIVE Support. https://www.vive.com/us/support/vive/category_howto/removing-the-earphones-from-the-strap.html. Retrieved 2026-10-12.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Jamie Feltham (2017-06-16). "Field in View: A Week With Vive's Deluxe Audio Strap". UploadVR. https://www.uploadvr.com/vive-deluxe-audio-strap-week/. Retrieved 2026-10-12.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Ben Lang (2017-06-08). "Updated: Vive Deluxe Audio Strap Sells Out at Launch, Vive Pre Requires Conversion Kit". Road to VR. https://www.roadtovr.com/vive-deluxe-audio-strap-sells-launch-confirmed-incompatible-vive-pre/. Retrieved 2026-10-12.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Jamie Feltham (2020-10-24). "FrankenQuest 2 Is The Most Comfortable Way To Use Quest 2 Yet". UploadVR. https://www.uploadvr.com/frankenquest-2-quest-2/. Retrieved 2026-10-12.
- ↑ "Cleaning the Vive Deluxe Audio Strap cushion". HTC VIVE Support. https://www.vive.com/us/support/vive/category_howto/cleaning-the-deluxe-audio-strap-cushion.html. Retrieved 2026-10-12.
- ↑ "Replacing the earphones on the strap". HTC VIVE Support. https://www.vive.com/us/support/vive/category_howto/replacing-the-earphones-on-the-strap.html. Retrieved 2026-10-12.
- ↑ Kevin Carbotte (2017-08-03). "VRCover Now Offers Vive Deluxe Audio Headstrap Foam Replacements". Tom's Hardware. https://www.tomshardware.com/news/vrcover-deluxe-audio-strap-cushions,35154.html. Retrieved 2026-10-12.
- ↑ Kevin Carbotte (2017-06-03). "You’ll Want To Tighten The Screws In Your Vive When You Install A Deluxe Audio Head Strap (Updated)". Tom's Hardware. https://www.tomshardware.com/news/vive-deluxe-audio-strap-fails,34637.html. Retrieved 2026-10-12.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Dillon Lohr, Samantha Aziz, Lee Friedman and Oleg V. Komogortsev (2023-03-30). "GazeBaseVR, a large-scale, longitudinal, binocular eye-tracking dataset collected in virtual reality". Scientific Data. doi:10.1038/s41597-023-02075-5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10060927/. Retrieved 2026-10-12.