Sorry for the delay in getting this out. I had some issues I was working through with Astro, as I lay out in the video. This is kind of a long one, so here are some times to skip around for your convenience. Design 0:50 Comfort 7:58 Sound performance 9:08 Microphone performance/tests 13:18 Software 16:06 Summary 17:40 Astro A40 TR + Mixamp Pro Gen 4 (2019) Xbox One and PC on Amazon: amzn.to/2LFS9Y3 Astro A40 TR headset only: amzn.to/2S3YSw4 Astro Mixamp Pro Gen 4 (2019) only: amzn.to/2JfRmv9 Giveaway entry ends on 07/19/19!
Same! Been eying the 35x or even ls41 against the Arctis 9x and the new A40’s. I primarily use Dolby Atmos on a tv sitting about 7’ away. Decisions decisions. Not sure the Bluetooth is a need either but may be handy.
@@gamegeartv8167 I actually bought this headset to just try it out and ended up keeping it lol! When i plug the LS35X into the mixamp all i get is static. I dont think the sound is as rich as the ls35x but i did end up getting so use to it after weeks of use that i no longer use the ls35x =/. I do suffer from the same issues you had where i have to switch the button from pc back to xbox everytime i turn on my xbox so i can use the mic. Also the lights on the mixamp never power off. I read on a reddit post that Astro is aware of the switch from pc to xbox to get the mic to work issue and a representative said they did it on purpose. I love this headset though, i just think for the price i paid the sound should be a little richer but like i said im use to it now.
@@qandmarco8994 I was just thinking about the LS35x with mixamp question and your comment. I see you tried it out already! I agree they don't seem to really be meant for each other. The LS35x really needs to be powered on and synced to get the best use out of it, and it just clashes with the Mixamp when you do that.
While using Dolby Atmos what preset should I use on the mix amp while in pass through? Having a hard time getting the sound right in a game like Call of Duty and Warzone. Great review!
You may need to play around with the EQ settings in the command center app. I usually used from the default options either 1 or 3 for the best sound. But as long as your in pass through it should play nice with Atmos. Warzone just has a terrible audio engine.
What's hilarious is that they don't even give you an inline mute cable to go from the headset to the mixamp when you order the new Mixamp Pro. They make you buy the cable that is necessary to use the headset with the mixamp. And on amazon they're price gouging it for $28 when it's an $8 cable. I originally got the A40 with the Mixamp M80 and upgraded to the mixamp pro. With the M80 and headset combo they give you a cable that will work(no mute button, just a straight cable) but it's like 2.5ft so I am literally putting the mixamp in my chair just to use all of this. I imagine the $8+ shipping will be super slow compared to amazon prime shipping so this sucks. Also, this headset is not comfortable at all compared to my old Sennheiser HD558's and it's way heavier. But I needed a headset so I have a microphone for games since my old(but superior) HD558's are just headphones. And I figured since I play CoD I could use the mixamp anyways to get great surround sound. Hopefully they last as long as my Sennheisers.
Yikes, I haven’t looked at the standalone mix amp. I guess they are banking on other headsets might have their own mute functions. Have you considered putting a mod mic on your 558’s?
@@gamegeartv8167 I literally just learned about mod mics today. I wish I knew about them in the past. I imagine the sound would be even better than the A40's if I had the 558's connected to the mixamp. But my gf bought my a40's for me so I'd feel bad not using them.
The whole video, you can tell you're just not completely happy with these, but they are that much better than most other options, that you don't want to not keep them. I hope they get refreshed with things like USB C, and a better headband.
Love the videos and cool idea to do a giveaway! I came here from the Arctis 9x review I waited a bit but unfortunately since your unboxing I ended up purchasing the Arctis 9x (wasn’t pleased with the volume of the audio unfortunately) and returned them and purchased a pair of Cloud Alphas from Hyper X instead. Pretty great for the money had a wire issue but it should be resolved soon! Regardless happy with the purchase and thank you for these reviews. Definitely can’t wsit to see what else you drop soon
HELLO I have a problem FOR PC, in the mixp when I put in game mode all the volume of voice and game is lowered, and when I put in voice it stays normal, not its be or low, I hope you help me with that.
Yeah, they should have put a mute switch on the mix amp, and an on/off button as well for that matter. With the xbox one, the usb ports are always on in standby mode. So the mix amp always stays on and is lit up. I personally don't like to have to unplug it every time since I feel it puts unnecessary wear on the usb connectors (whether unplugging the port on the mix amp itself, or unplugging it from the xbox) Also, the quality of the mic sucks, all my friends complain about it and don't like it. It gets loud and soft randomly and everybody says I sound far away with lots of bass. However, I like the mix amp with the control center app, but the headset audio quality itself is just good, nothing special. Also, I have the same issue with my mix amp, it doesn't recognize my mic each time i turn it on. I have to unplug and replug it in to power cycle mine as well. Shouldn't be that way. Don't they test these things before they start selling them? C'mon Astro!
You should do a video of the best settings and the actual setup for these. I just got them and got them setup but I think I’m doing something wrong. Idk.
GameGear TV I just commented it on your other video. And on top of that , do I have the box checked off or no , talking about the box in the Xbox settings that says “ using hdmi or optical audio output “ .. if you could make a video on the settings on your Xbox one and the setup that would be amazing and I haven’t seen any other videos o it
If you have the Xbox on and you've done the things you said and the firmware is up to date I would say you have a bad mixamp and should take it back or warranty it with astro.
I’m thinking about getting this headset sometime this or next week, do you still recommend? And how does it do with footsteps, I like to play competitively in games such as Cod, and Rainbow 6. This would be my first Astro product as well. Thanks.
Kareem Soliman I just got these for Christmas and a lot of people like me are having problems with not being able to talk in party chat (that’s my problem) and so Much more. Im going to bring mine back and get one that’s just plug and play. But that’s my problem is
Kareem Soliman jist something cheaper. I’m not tech savy and people said to update the firmware to fix the mix amp but I don’t have access to a CPU. But something like A10 or my brother just got some razr headphones and said they were awesome so might get the same as him
Footsteps are great. My general feeling is the headset is so-so but the mix amp is good. I would consider getting a separate headset like the sennheiser game one and the mix amp.
I take fine care of them. I bought this setup purely for review purposes and had this issue within 2 weeks of having them. Regardless this shouldn’t be an issue.
hey since you've had the astro a40 TR (2019) for the xbox one, have you had an issue with turning off the xbox and the mix-amp still remaining on while the system still being on?
Yeah, there is no on/off button and the USB port on the xbox remains powered when the Xbox is in standby mode. Xbox should have an option to turn of USB ports when xbox is on standby, but they don't. Also, the mix amp should really have an on/off button.
I prefer the 2019 because the Dolby does not sound like your running in a tin can. But it lacks a dedicated off/on switch. Other than that they are fairly similar
Hey, so I have that same issue of the Xbox not picking up the mic. I tried power cycling like you did (both switching the PC/Xbox switch back and forth and unplugging and plugging the micro USB) but this still does not work. I'm at a loss of what to do. I've tried updates, checking cables, everything. It works perfectly on PC, just no mic registering whatsoever on Xbox. Do you have any additional information to help? Thanks in advance!
USB plugged into Xbox, headset audio set to optical, all updates installed and power cycled. It would appear you’ve done all of that, so I would warranty it or exchange it at the store if your still within your window.
@@gamegeartv8167 I put in a ticket with Astro. It was a firmware issue, when I updated mine it didn't work correctly so they had me uninstall the ACC, reinstall it, and manually install an update that they sent. Works like a charm now. Thanks for the reply!
Depends on the keyboard and the noise gate you use on the mic. It is pretty good at blocking out background, sometimes to the detriment of cutting off your voice if the noise gate is too strong.
Did you get the microphone/ mixamp problem fixed? Mine out of the box will not work. I can hear the game and my teammates, but no-one can hear me. Frustrating, I want to like these.
Just a quick question. Do you think these headsets are sometimes down to personal preferance as to the individuals taste. Some like bass or richer back ground sounds for multiplayer ect ???.
Sure, some people absolutely prefer different signatures, such as more or less bass. But a good pair of headphones will be better regardless. From the separation of the sounds, size of soundstage, clarity and lack of distortion, etc...
Leave it to Astro to come out with a new model of their wireless A50s. They are looking like me best option to replace my Lucidsound ls35x. As long as the A50s have the sound gates also. Another great video. Keep it up
You've said the audio is better on these A40 TRs compared to the Arctis 9x. I'm assuming you can hear where people are at in a game better on the A40s as well?
Like with most things it depends on the game, but generally the directionality is a bit better than the Arctis. But they are both very good in that regard.
What systems are you running? If you're primarily on Xbox, skip the Arctis Pro if you plan on using chat. If your a PC or PS4 player the Arctis Pro would be my pick for the wireless and build quality/design.
GameGear TV lol dude I want that and I don’t at the same time cause I feel dumb for owning 3...I’m definitely picking up the a50’s because I enjoy the chatmix feature where as on the Arctis pro Wireless I feel the chatmix balance isn’t very good, I always hear too much of my friends or too much game...it’s not horrible it’s just Astor does the part better. Other than that the Arctis Pro Wireless is great
GameGear TV that and the fact that the Arctis Pros are already over 1 year old already...wondering about the next ones coming...more than likely even though I love the A40’s I’ll probably take em back when the Arctis Pro Wireless goes on sale, I’m not paying full price again
Interesting. I had the Original one in 2011 recently getting a 2nd or 3rd gen online not too sure which one. But I like astros over turtle beach for comfort and bass
I definitely like the Gen 4 mixamp over the three. If you like Astros the systems good performer. If you don't mind splitting up the system consider getting the Mixamp and a different headset.
I'm still doing some tests for microphone quality. Sound wise the Sennheiser GameOne is always a solid choice. I'll update soon with tests with some other headsets. Audio Technica recently came out with a new gaming headset that I would like to try.
On the mic not been recognice ,,,, are u using a strike pack or 3rd party controller or usb pf some kind remember those are recognice and assigned to player u just have to turn off the headset and turn on againg asinged to your gamertag and mic is back working....
I just got the new astro a40 headset and mixamp gen 4 mixamp the one in this video 2 issues happening to me. 1st is the mixamp wont turn off for me when I power my xb1 x down 2nd is the headset does not recognize my account on xbox so i have to toggle the switch on the back to PC back to xbox for it to work.
@@gamegeartv8167 Oh, okay, thank you for that clarification. Honestly, at the higher end Xbox headset market there really is only this and the Arctis 9x.
I definitely prefer the 9x. It’s more comfortable to me, build quality is better, wireless and the A40TR has some strange issues like having to power cycle the mix amp to get the xbox chat to work.
Hello with the mixamp can I change the sound of my mic on the head set so when I’m talking I can hear my own voice in my headset when using the mic (mic monitoring)
What were your thoughts on the Mic Monitoring? Just bought these 2 days ago and the mic monitoring at least to me is abysmal, can’t hear yourself at all
Question! Did you get the Astro Gen4 headset replacement? If yes, would appreciate an update. Is the finish better on the replacement or is it just as bad as the first ones you got?
I did get it. The finish hasn't flaked off yet, but I have not used it much since getting it back. I have seen other reports about finish issues. I have been very busy outside of RU-vid lately. I hope to get a new video out soon talking more about the A40
OooOoOo I love astro headphones I found my favourite gamer because he uses Astro headphones lol also I’m a little confused on the giveaway think can u clear it up? Love ya vids!
Thanks for the support! For the giveaway, just like and comment on the video and be a subscriber. I'll take the names of everyone who does that and select one at random to select the winner.
Just so everyone knows , these + mixamp went on sale at Best Buy and astros website. Only 200$ now instead of 250$. Kinda salty cause I bought mine like 3 weeks ago for 250
Good review, I returned mine 2 weeks after of owning the new gen 4 because of the poor quality of materials used with this new gen. Had paint chipping off headset same as you and I took good care of them and putting on and taking off headset the plastic would creek. Simply a downgrade build wise compared to my 2013 editions.
Is the mix amp good to use with a yetti mic to stream with. Last thing I need is a headset to start streaming so I’m trying to make a good choice please help thanks
Since I am slow at getting videos out lately, I will give you my thoughts specific to that setup. As far as the Dolby surround is concerned it makes the soundstage feel massive with the open back. The Mixamp makes the Game One's microphone very sensitive to breathing and background noise and adds a bit too much processing to it. So disappointing in that department. As far as sound is concerned, it is good and allows you to add some bass to the Game One's very flat signature, but it has added some muddiness to it. I have not played around a lot with the EQ with the Game One, but with the out of the box settings, I would call it a wash. It does not really improve the sound quality but gives some customization options. When I have time I will play with the EQ more and see if I can really make it shine.
So, I know I have not put out a video, but I was thinking about your comment. The GameOne works really well with the new Mixamp. I like to use the night or streamer noise gates for the mic and it seems to come through pretty clear without picking up too much background. The soundstage is impressive with the Dolby activated.
I like the 9x more. For me, it's more comfortable and the wireless is far more convenient. It also seems more durable and better made. The A40 has better noise cancellation in the mic and the soundstage feels larger.
@@Captain-Chats They sound pretty good, but not as good as with the Mixamp. I'm forced to play like that due to my mic not being registered by the Xbox. It's really frustrating. Haven't found a fix for it yet.
A40 has a bit better sound and mic. Arctis has a better build, is more comfortable and wireless. I have tended to go to the A40 since I've been testing them.
So Is the star emblem for using Dolby atmos which I understand is different then Dolby on the amp. Just confused which one I should be using with my pc I just installed the Dolby atmos and got the headset today. Please help.
The star is pass through. So it can be used for straight stereo, atmos or windows sonic. The other emblem is for Dolby surround, which is different than atmos
GameGear TV so should I be using the star? I seen in your video you have a complaint on not being able to turn it off. I’m not very smart on this tech stuff I’m an old man but your video was very informative. I’m just trying to have the best directional sound possible on my new headset. Thanks
It depends on what your doing. For big open world story games I like the Dolby surround (headset icon) because it makes everything feel bigger. For competitive shooters I like to use the star with atmos for positional cues. I’m glad the video has been helpful!
Heisenberg White ok just got mine working. I restarted Xbox and I don’t know if this made any difference but before the Xbox came back on I put the mixer in pc mode and didn’t connect my controller until the dashboard loaded up. When the dash board loaded I switched it to Xbox mode and then connected the controller.
Look, for sound quality steel series, comfort astros, if you like that fake 3D audio sensation the Astro feel a lot wider but the terrible sound quality lets it down hard. The steel series sound a lot better and a lot cleaner. Steel series for me.
I don’t take care of it? I had the thing for a couple of weeks strictly for review purposes and the finish comes off. That’s poor material or QC not rough handling.
I think the performance is better than last Gen. Has a few issues though, obviously. I think audio and mic performance is better than the 9x also. But 9x has wireless good was and is more comfortable to me.
I've been using the A40 more. It sounds a bit better and the microphone is better at cancelling out other noise which is helpful since I play in the same room as my wife. I think it's a little over priced for what the headset itself gives you. I think I would pick up a game one or elite pro and a separate mixamp. Cheaper and as good or better.
I didn’t even care about the eq’s bc the mix amp not being able to turn it off was a deal breaker for me, plus they feel cheap now. There made out of something different. I love my artics 9x and glad I took a40s back and got them