Pros
Durable, snug design
Excellent sound high quality
MixAmp M80 is an ideal addition
Cons
Fairly costly
No encompass sound
Key Specifications
Review Price: £175.00
Xbox One/PC appropriate
3 EQ settings
Removeable increase mic
Audio stability degree controls
MixAmp M80
What is the Astro A40 with MixAmp M80?
I’ve tried many gaming headsets in my time, however by no means truly had an opportunity to get my fingers (or head) on a pair of Astro A40s. Well-known for being one of many prime headsets in the marketplace, I opened up my first pair with excessive hopes for the Xbox One and PC headset, which is now in its second technology and obtainable in a number of varieties.
This explicit A40 headset comes with a model new MixAmp M80. The amp slots into the bottom of your Xbox One controller and gives you varied audio controls. I’m already impressed and I’ve not even tried them on but.
Can the Astro A40 with MixAmp M80 actually dwell as much as the hype, particularly when costs begin at £175? I’ve put the headset by means of its paces to search out out. Related: Best Gaming Headsets 2016
Astro A40 with MixAmp M80 – Design
There appears to be a development to make gaming peripherals look as garish and alienating as doable. Sadly, the identical can nearly be stated for the Astro A40. This is an over-ear headset that I wouldn’t be caught sporting on the road. But fortunately its design makes it probably the most snug gaming headsets I’ve worn in a very long time – and I’ve been by means of a good few.
The color scheme for the Xbox One/PC model of the Astro A40 with the MixAmp M80 is a wierd gray/cream combo which makes the headset really feel prefer it’s just a little soiled, although it’s model new.
The blue accents make it just a little simpler on the attention although, with the headscarf selecting up many of the colouring together with the cabling and a few accents on the earplates. The plates are merely connected by magnets, permitting you to decide on your personal when ordering, or at a later date. However, what I discovered probably the most helpful was the choice to swap over the plates and swap the mic to the opposite aspect.
The Astro A40 comes with a increase mic, which you’ll be able to both tilt up when not utilizing or take away altogether. It’s additionally fitted with an inside versatile wire that allows you to manually place the mic wherever you want.
Astro’s headset can be absolutely adjustable, the cabling cleverly coils up contained in the metallic sliders so you may readjust the peak of the earcups. Related: Best Xbox One Games 2016The earcups are coated with a smooth meshy materials that makes the headset probably the most snug to put on in the marketplace. I’ve acquired a really giant head, and even throughout prolonged play periods I didn’t really feel just like the headset was clamping in any respect. The padding extends to the highest of the headscarf too, ensuring that there’s no strain to the highest of your head both when sporting.
Astro has additionally angled the earcups so sound is immediately aimed in direction of your ears, guaranteeing you may hear each footstep and all of your mates’ expletives.
In phrases of connectivity, the Astro A40 include three cables within the field. There’s a 3.5mm jack for utilizing with cell gadgets, or a USB cable to be used with PC. However, the third choice – the MixAmp M80 – is what makes the Astro A40 probably the most spectacular Xbox One headsets in the marketplace.
Anyone who rode the Xbox One bandwagon at launch might be lumbered with the Wireless Xbox One Controller with its proprietary headset port within the base. Xbox has since launched a more moderen model with a 3.5mm jack, however for those who’re rocking the older fashions then the MixAmp M80 is about to alter your world. Related: Xbox One suggestions and tipsThis barely space-age-looking little bit of package doesn’t look too dissimilar to Microsoft’s personal Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter, but it surely does a lot extra.
It slots into the bottom of your Xbox One Wireless Controller securely – the connection is so robust I truly discovered it fairly tough to take away throughout my evaluation interval.
At the centre is the principle quantity knob, which handily has the chat mute button at its coronary heart – glowing crimson to point if no-one is listening to all of your banter.
Above that you simply’ve acquired voice and recreation buttons clearly indicated. Pressing both of those allows you to select what your chat to recreation audio ratio might be. Tap recreation and switch the dial to the best for instance lets you cut back the chatter noise ranges and improve the sport audio’s quantity. The stability is indicated by a skinny strip of LEDs too that run alongside underneath the Astro emblem, making it very glanceable mid-game.
It’s very fast and simple to regulate these ranges, and doesn’t require you fiddling about with any type of software program or menu choices. Plus, it’s all there inside thumbs attain.
Astro’s selection to incorporate the MixAmp M80 signifies that you’re not sitting there sporting a headset that’s coated in buttons. Having to study the place all of the controls are with out having the ability to see what you’re urgent is at all times a little bit of a faff. This helpful gadget takes all that inconvenience away to just be sure you know what you’re urgent always. Related: Xbox One HDD Upgrade – How to improve your Xbox One storage
Astro A40 with MixAmp M80 – Audio Quality
Now lots of it’s possible you’ll not know that Astro is definitely the gaming arm of headphone large Skullcandy. I’ve by no means been a lot of a fan of the audio high quality of Skullcandy cans or buds, however Astro is in a completely completely different league.
The A40 delivered in all areas. Bass has a robust sound, whereas nonetheless sounded wealthy and detailed. There’s at all times that low-end grunt that I’m in search of in these huge AAA moments. Mid tones are heat and full, with sharp trebles.
The soundscape as an entire is well-balanced, even at most quantity. There’s loads of element there, ensuring that you simply’re not lacking any of the footsteps of the enemies coming your manner, or the subtleties of a few of the extra orchestral soundtracks for an immersive atmosphere.
You’ll hardly discover that there isn’t native encompass sound right here, as Astro has expertly separated the channels.
The MixAmp M80 additionally gives a button the centre that’s used to change between three preset EQs. One boosts bass, whereas the others fiddle about with the treble. I caught with the default choice for many video games, however when watching motion pictures I actually appreciated that further bass. Related: Xbox One vs Xbox 360Chat audio was additionally spectacular. I had no points with distortion, with feedback and chat coming by means of crystal-clear – at all times vital when you must be incommunicado along with your Rainbow Six Siege or Division buddies.
I like the very fact it’s really easy to combine chat and recreation audio, particularly on the fly. Having the choice of dialling down your buddies once they’re gabbling otherwise you’re attempting to pay attention is at all times helpful.
All spherical, you’re a headset with a few of the most spectacular audio high quality I’ve seen and heard. Related: Xbox One FAQ – Everything you must know
Should I purchase the Astro A40 with MixAmp M80?
When it involves Xbox One headsets, the Astro A40 is the one to beat.
If you need a wi-fi headset, there’s the Turtle Beach Elite 800 however they’re £250 in comparison with the A40’s £175 price ticket, and have points relating to usability.
Anything cheaper than this of observe requires the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter, which is offered individually.
Verdict
The Astro A40 is an ideal headset for no matter you employ your Xbox One for. It’s not too costly, and the enchantment of the MixAmp M80 simply provides to its glorious audio capabilities.