Astro A40 TR + MixAmp Pro TR Review
The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2019 is a high-quality gaming headset with a responsive and clear microphone. Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 has a warm sound profile and the same pleasant and robust design as its predecessor. The MixAmp now has a new design but still has the same number of inputs and flexible settings.
The headphones do not isolate the user from their surroundings due to their open-back design. Although we could use our Xbox One model on the PS4 in PC mode, you may not have the same luck if you try to use the PS4 variant on the Xbox One. There have been complaints of major problems with the program, and you can learn more about them in the App Support section.
Astro A40 TR + MixAmp Pro TR Specifications
| Product Dimension | 13.69 x 7.98 x 3.78 cm |
| Item Weight | 665 g |
| Type | Over-ear |
| Noise Cancelling Control | NO |
| Volume Control | Yes |
| Call/Music Control | No |
| Analog Audio | Yes |
| Type | Wired USB dock |
| Frequency Response | 20 – 20,000 Hz |
Pros
- Superb audio quality
- Strong materials and high-quality construction
- Personalized astrological signatures
- Updated style
- MixAmp has several new features.
Cons
- Extremely costly
- The audio quality isn’t significantly improved than the previous edition.
- The ear cup might get pretty hot.
Design and Features
Astro might not make the most beautiful headphones, but the A40 is definitely a game headset, and its style hasn’t changed much over the years. No matter what, it has the same big ear cups, flashy metal rods, and a microphone that can be moved. On the other hand, the new A40 TR is less flashy. It has black plastic and either blue or black speaker tags. (As a side note, I’d like to say that the Xbox One version’s black and red highlights look very classy without being too Xbox-like.)
The A40 TR doesn’t need much tuning. The mic, speaker tags, and cushioned headband are all easy to take off. Like its predecessors, Astro’s “Mod Kits,” which include things like a noise-cancelling microphone, a new collar, and noise-cancelling synthetic leather ear cups, cost extra. They should come with this $250 wired headset, but you don’t need them unless you want to block out more noise.
Sound Experience
The Astro A40 headset is fine, but it doesn’t blow my mind at $150 when connected directly to an Xbox One controller via 3.5mm. Even though open-back headphones let more sound in, they also leak more sound than closed-back headphones. But the “TR” in Astro A40 means that this package is “Tournament Ready,” which means that it isn’t exactly meant for people who want something to use in public places that are quiet.
The headset’s monophonic sound is great, with a deep bass and the high tones turned up in a smart way. The open-back cups make explosions feel more powerful, and the Dolby Atmos software that comes with the headset improves your sense of space. Even so, it’s still pretty rare for games to have real Dolby Atmos support. I’ve gotten a few kills in Battlefield V thanks to the A40. Its high tones, like footsteps and moving clothing, make it easy to figure out where an enemy is. The MixAmp, on the other hand, takes the experience to a whole new level.
Gaming Option
The layout of the new Mixamp has been well thought out. Because the scale is not symmetrical and has warning lights, it is easy to make changes without looking. I don’t like how bright these lights are, but they help you see which number you’re holding. I also like that they don’t pulse, flash, or do any of the other annoying things that game equipment often does.
The heavy little box looks sleek from the front because the only port on the front is the headphone jack. The rest of the ports are on the back, which is ugly but useful. Even if you have the best-looking mixer and headset on the planet, if their lines have to run across your living room, the whole setup loses its sleek look. If you play computer games while sitting on a couch across the room from a TV, there will be wires everywhere.
The Mixamp isn’t as easy to unplug as it might seem because it has two lines, one that connects to the optical audio port on the back of your machine and the other to the USB port on the front or side. The Mixamp, on the other hand, has a professional and stylish look for PC and Mac desktop players. Even so, there was a small bit of comfort in looking at the wires all over my floor. Like all A40s, these offer great ease. Even though my head is a size 7 5/8, playing for long stretches didn’t make it hurt.
Verdict
The new A40s have a more powerful bass and a richer sound overall, but the MixAmp is the show’s true star. Streamers, in particular, will love the new features in Astro, such as the ability to fine-tune the stream’s output or the Game/Voice mix on the fly. Those who can only play video games while tethered to the sofa will eventually tires of their plugged-in purgatory.
