I just bought the Astro a40 today just bc it is iconic. The Astro mix amp surprised me. It powered the dt 900 pro x perfectly and the HD 560s about 80% volume load enough to play
Thank you for your detailed review, i've just ordered my set of both the headphones and the mixamp, it was on discount paying a total of 215 USD for it.
@@ice.3000 well worth it to me. Sound quality is excellent and i can really hear bad guys coming when using it with counter CS:go and Infestation. The mixamp for me makes it even better as i tend to talk to people on discord and i can just turn the knob and hear them better rather then playing around with sound settings in games.
Thanks for putting this together. There are longer videos out there with far less useful details. I wouldn't have thought about the ground disparity causing noise interference for certain possible uses of the aux input port and am glad you mentioned it.
If you use the Aux port I would highly recommend getting a ground loop isolator off Amazon. It’s just a little thing that goes between the auxiliary port and the source on the cable. Does a great job and worked well when I used it. It’s pretty cheap too like 10-15
Something he mentioned but didn’t emphasize is that if you have an optical output, which most new TVs do have, then you won’t be sacrificing video or sound quality. It’s be just the same as if your plugging directly to the console. As for monitors, most do not have optical outputs which you’d have to use the hdmi adapter
@@GadgetryTech then on the Xbox I set it as “using HDMI audio headset” and the it on Dolby atoms for headphones? Also thank y’all soooo much I’m so happy I found this.
Seems like Astro really needs to just release new models of the A40 & A50 specifically designed for the new consoles. Not exactly their fault the optical port was removed but they as a company can react and put something out. It's a chore to get them working on the new consoles let alone to have the sound quality Astro is known for.
@@GadgetryTech I'd love for that and even if they don't release new A40s, at least a revised Mixamp that doesn't rely on the optical port. If they can release as new A20 model then they can do something for their flagship models.
I just bought this for my series X and I can’t figure out how to fix the direction of shots at me or footsteps they are all in the opposite direction. I’ve tried presets people have none seem to make a difference. What am I doing wrong?
Great review. Thank you for taking the time to go over everything. I was able to get a Xbox series X that is arriving on the 16th so i'm now learning what to do with my A40's. You touched on the TV's optical out briefly. In the review you expressed do you want it to sound good or look good so you have to choose.(im assuming choosing the extractor or optical out) Does that mean the optical out from the TV downgrades the sound? I'm a tad confused. I've read that's the hot ticket. You still get 4K @ 120FPS with no downgrade in sound like USB. Thanks for the time and again great review.
dolby atmos and dts will pass thru whatever you connect optical 3.5 jack usb there is nothing speacil anbout optical your 3.5 jack supports upto 24 bit 96000hz dolby atmos for headphones works on 16bit no issse..if you connect a usb its atmos if you connect a optical its atmos if you connect a 3.5 jack guess what its atmos
For PS5: You can send chat audio to headphone in the PS setting rather than the all audio option to split the two. Allowing you to use the mix knob and not turn everything down like the main volume knob. I dont care for it all that much though honestly it doesn't sound like a great mix. Essentially the party chat and game chat stay at the peak volume and then the mix knob mixes one or the other out. It takes away volume rather than adding it to either side. On that note i got these headphones not knowing all these things and luckily i had an HDMI audio extractor laying around. But with that aside i absolutely love the headphones. They feel great and sound amazing in my opinion.
Thankfully my lg 4k has a sdif audio out so I don't need the extractor as it's limits the ps5 to 60hz on the TV or monitor otherwise using the audio splitter.
I’ve seen a lot of people get this wrong. To get good Dolby, you need to use an optical cable with the PC, etc. Without it, you aren’t getting real Dolby…
the 1st gen mix amps work on the new gen consoles so yes theyre ready, and if you want to use a the audio cable they have HDMI connectors that you can plug your audio cable into, or just do the update and plug your USB into your console and youre good to go
I have the A40's for about 2 years now and they are still great! TBH i bought the turtle beach next gen and gave it the next week to a friend, I didnt like the audio quality.. the mix amp is doing its work and I am so glad I didnt sell my Astro's
In my experience the Astro's have a more durable, long-lasting build quality so even if you had been happy with the other's sound, they may not have lasted as long.
A 3.5m Ground Loop noise Isolator should solve your AUX audio issues. You would connect the 3.5m ground loop noise isolator on your computers audio output and then use a 3.5m male to 3.5m male stereo cable from the noise isolator to the AUX input on the mixamp. This is what I do to take audio from my PC into a Yamaha MG12 audio mixer and remove the audio buzzing that happens when you link your ocmputer to another audio device via 3.5m. You can get them on Amazon for about £12/$12
I found that ground loop isolators negatively impact the sound quality as well but yes it would definitely fix the problem. I haven't found one that hasn't affected the treble in some way in the past.
Also there is a weird thing that goes on with Xbox series x. If you just turn on your Xbox your a40s will be quiet. If you unplug the USB from your mix amp for 5 seconds and plug it back in it make the sound normal.
Optical digital solution for some users who want 4K 120hz and use the optical digital extractor as long as your TV has an E-ARC(Enhanced Audio Return Channel) HDMI input port: 1. Connect your XBOX Series X directly to one of your TVs non-E-ARC HDMI inputs using a 4k 120hz compatible HDMI cable. 2. Now, connect another HDMI cable from your TV's HDMI E-ARC input port to the HDMI to optical digital extractor that he is talking about in the video. 3. Next you need to go into your TV settings and enable E-ARC. 4. You may need to change the outstream on your TV from BITSTREAM to PCM since most of these optical digital extractors only read PCM. Abracadabra, you have both 4K 120Hz going to your TV and your TV is outputting the audio to your E-ARC HDMI cable to your optical digital extractor. If you have a surround sound receiver or soundbar you can connect a third HDMI cable from the HDMI output on the extractor to your receiver or soundbar to use in conjunction with your headset. NOTE: E-ARC allows audio to flow backwards from the TVs HDMI E-ARC input down the HDMI cable to an audio source.
Thank you so much for this video. You helped me save a lot of time and money. I am on the Ps5 and enjoy gaming at 120hz so with everything being said I think I will be going with a pair of Arctis 7p's. Thanks again man I really appreciate it.
18:31 i just got one of those groundloop isolator from amazon to get my PC connected without the annoying buzz. They're like 10 bucks. I'm thinking once my Astro headphones need to be replaced i'll try using the Razer Blackshark v2 with the mixamp.
Good review - I'd just add (for anyone who's interested) if you're using in optical mode through an Xbox-Series X (via the audio extractor) the USB power cord has to go into the back of your PC for it to function properly. I tried plugging into the wall to power but just got flashing lights.
I got these with the amp and mod kit...they sound great but it's like paying 300% more for like 30% better quality of just the run of the mill 90 dollar pair. It's a luxury for sure.
Not without a adapter unfortunately. They don't work with just usb on next gen consoles. Sure you can change and update them but unless your tv has a optical port or you have a hdmi audio extractor. You'll have to use Dolby atmos for eq presets.
Great informative review! Just wanted to know is this headset still usable now in 2024 for pc competitive gaming? I found a new pair for $170 that’s why I’m asking .
When I was with Harman Kardon the ex head of R&D for Astro group came into our JBL group to head the research division. He said that after Astro was sold that the quality of QC went down. They used to be the best of the best, hopefully they can recapture their former glory. I've had every A50 since launch and they've all eventually had a crippling issue. Mostly battery related. My original A40s and mixamp pre sale from 2011 are still rocking. On an unrelated note their line of luggage products the backpack the duffel bag the guitar case all that stuff was of incredible quality, I mean world class. They're scout backpack I've had now over 11 years and I have beat it to absolute hell and all I do is throw it in the washing machine and it still looks new super durable if you can find one used on eBay definitely buy it,worth every penny. I really like your channel, I came across it by mistake. Your reviews are very detailed it well spoken you going to a lot of the minutiae that people who buy this stuff care about. You're not flamboyant or goofy or snarky you're just pretty straight to the point about the product. Kudos new subscriber.
It seems like with Xbox and Sony removing their optical port for their next gen consoles it really screwed over Astro and the compatibility for their mixamp. IMHO the hassle isn't worth it but if you know you are plugging this into a TV/Monitor with HDMI 2.1 and an optical out then simply plug the mixamp into the TV's optical port. If not then it's not worth the investment and wait until the next generation of a40s come out when they resolve the issue. The quality is great if you can just figure out the setup.
Mixamp Pro seems to be what I’m looking for. Annoyed by the Xbox Controller headphone jack. Missing the optical output for Kanto YU6 speakers. Astro having the optical plug got me excited, but it’s input.😢 Both Sony and Microsoft tightening the screws with licences for 3rd Party hardware, but I really don’t need wireless audio at home and DAC compatibly is frustrating. Hardware switch for PC and Xbox is nice, but it probably won’t run with iPad. Insightful review
Great video and explanations…. I’ve watched a ton of videos trying to research these headphones and you gave me more info than watching 15+ videos. Is the HDMI audio extractor still required for Xbox Series X to utilize EQ settings?
Thanks Randall! Yes it is unless your TV has optical out which is actually the preferred option. My videos are longer than normal because I try to cover everything I can, so I’m glad you found it helpful!
@@GadgetryTech may I ask: I got Xbox series x with this mix amp pro, if I use hdmi extractor , I will be able to use optical connection , however , can I still be able to use the mic attached on headset ? Thank you
@@tonyngai9203 yes you can. You still need to connect the Mixamp to the Xbox with usb. The usb is used for chat and optical will be used for game volume.
Some of us sit far from our MixAmp so the in-line Mute switch is PERFECT AS IS!!! Mine sits on the corner of my entertainment center and I sit about 8’ away and have to run an extension so I can sit comfortably while I game, but that means my MixAmp is too far to touch it. Some of us have been playing with Astros for over 10 years and there’s a reason for that!!!
So i got the a40 TR with mixamp for series x. Then seen this video. Got the astro adapter and the sound is just amazing especially when playing warzone. Only trouble is the adapter doesn't allow VRR so you get some issues with the game especially when you're slider cancelling everywhere looooooooool just gotta jump through absolute hoops to get these working its pretty tilt but it'll do for the mo just hopefully they make a 2.1 hdmi splitter if they care about us
Where has this video been the past few days? I've been searching everywhere for info on how to get my a40s to work on the series X. I may have the gen 3 a40s w/mixamp but it all seems the same. When I was going to setup my mixamp to my series X I realized there was no optical cable port. This is the first video that genuinely helped me understand what it is and how to work around the port not being on the console. I had seen on articles and from other a40 users that using the Dolby Atmos app would improve the horrible sound quality but from my experience, it only made it slightly better. Not to what it used to be on my Xbox One. The way I found this video was from heading to your channel after watching your Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 review and the Wireless Headset Roundup videos. As much as I love my a40s, after watching those videos (as well as a few other sources) I've decided to buy the Stealth 700s. So thanks for your detailed reviews. They really do help. It's a shame Xbox and Playstation couldn't have just left the optical port alone.
@@steaddyslabbin hmm I haven't had any distortion issues at all. If you're xbox audio is set to Dolby Atmos, be sure to change that back to Windows Sonic. That's what the headset is made for. Other than that, I haven't messed with any of the eq presets so I don't really know much about them
Hello! Best video review I've seen ... Great! One question : What happens with the Dolby Atmos? Is it free with the set or I have to pay extra to have Dolby? I use it most on PC and Dolby access App, has a 26 hours trial ... Any help with that? I am a little bit confused.
Thanks! I'll try to bust that out sometime next month. Basically it's console HDMI out to audio extractor HDMI input, then audio extractor HDMI out to TV/monitor/capture card. From there just connect an optical cable from the extractor to your Mixamp Pro.
I'm just saying I don't know if you knew this but on Xbox series x if you download the Dolby access app for Dolby atmos and allows you to access the adjusters and stuff that were on the Astro command center so you can still make it sound the same way as it did with the audio settings that were on the presets you can remake your own presets so that it sounds the same as it did on your old console
Really nice video! One question? Do you loose any audio quality when using the astro adapter in comparison to how it sounded on ps4 with the optic cable the way it is supossed to connect? My old astros broke last week and i want to buy new astros but i am in doubt.. do i buy this one or should i wait for gen 5 to release? But then who knows when....? Thanks in advance
Great video and explanation! Thank you! Quick question...if I am using the HDMI audio extractor does this mean I would need 2 Ultra High Speed HDMI cables combined with an extractor that supports HDMI 2.1 to maintain 4k 120? The Series X/PS5 comes with one HDMI 2.1 cable but it seems like the extractor requires two HDMI cables (IN/OUT)?
Does the Astro HDMI to Optic adapter support 1080p @120hz? You mentioned that they only support 4K 60Hz but what about lower resolutions? thanks and great video, very informative
Awesome video. I have both consoles and just got this headset. Answered most of my questions but one. Why do I or my teammates hear static at times. How can I fix this?
You might hear what is basically called white noise I’m on pc so I just noise gated it out on discord so others don’t hear it if your on pc you might just need to turn off the thing where you can hear your own voice on console I would not know how to help
PS5 does not seem to support using 3D audio over hdmi-optical to headphones. If you want 3D you might be better off using the PS5 built in game/chat Mix and just USB to the mixamp. This also allows you to use the optical for your PC or last gen console at the same time.
This is the most helpful review by far, I was ready to pull the trigger on these until you mentioned the noise issue with the AUX input, I use my PC for music/Netflix while gaming on my Xbox, looks like I will save some money and buy the xbox headset instead
I didn't even notice that the game/chat was an issue on Playstation, I've been using this headset for like 2 years and I have it set up with optical out the TV port and USB to my laptop for discord. so for me the nob is like a Game/PC works great for me. guess you just got to make sure your monitor has an optical digital out
Great review. Could you just elaborate a little more on if the usb update for Xbox really isn’t as good as using the optical cable and usb. I’ve read that usb sound is inferior to optical In general. However Astro says it should be fine and not noticeable?
Aries Guzman I don't know about Xbox but with PS5 you need the optical to get the full range of 5.1 support. Just using USB doesn't sound no where near as good (even with Sony's 3D sound option turned on). However I've always preferred Xbox's Dolby Atmos app to Sony's 3D sound, so it could be different on Xbox
Excellent and through breakdown of these headphones. I just wanted to add that these are phenomenal media headphones as well. I've been trapped in my bedroom for 11 days due to covid and today I yanked these from my steam deck dock and hooked them up to my bedroom tv toslink to watch tv, and the fidelity is incredible (keep that Dolby 3d shit off tho)
Did the firmware updates With Xbox for the headset and mix amp fix the issue with the mixes not working? Or would one still need the HDMI audio extractor?
I just recently bought a pc to enter the competitive realm of warzone as well as stream for tournamnets, would you recommend anything better? i grew up with turtle beaches so thats all ive owned and im looking to upgrade. thank you for the insightful review this video has brought.
They never fixed it if you do not have optical. It's a bugged firmware so they just give everyone lifetime Atmos now on new purchases of the A40+Mixamp or the A50.
Hi Lebo! You bet! Be sure to sub and enable notifications, as I have already purchased this model for review and will be covering it on consoles as well.
I went through 30-40 videos covering the A40 to xbox SPDIF solution and finally, found in detail the proper breakdown. Thankyou On another note, using an Extractor and it being 2.0. I currently game in 1440p. Will the 2.0 still provide full quality at 144fps?
I also want to mention, being I need sound from my pc for Alerts. The 3.5mm jack I agree has buzz feedback but a simply addition from Amazon "Ground Loop Isolator" kills the feedback. Thanks again for a great video
I have these and use the optical out on my tv. There amazing for me. I can always hear footsteps direction on Cod better than my team mates and they all have turtle beaches or the artic, 1 other has the a40s but dosnt have the aux. For me theve been the best quality with the mixamp set to the lower left setting whatever settings those are
17:55 so I’m having issues with this part. I can hear all audio and My mic moves in party chat. How ever I can not hear the game chat or speak in game chat. Not even by being in party and switch to (game chat in party) I’m on Xbox s. And don’t have a PC to do firmware updates… do you think that that is probably why I can’t hear the chat? Im also using the optical adapter.
i am dying to know if the astro is comparable to say an Audio Technica or Beyerdynamic , top of the line Bose or Sennheiser. I own the Gen 1 Astro A40 and HyperX Cloud Alpha. The Alpha is considerably louder, and the Astro has clearer sound stage but is often dampened. Both are perfect for BR. But with PS5 i’m running into issues.
![Astro A40 TR with MixAmp vs Astro A50 [Review and Comparison]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3KmiYBkUTVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I love his description of the headphone sound he explained it perfectly, he was 100% spot on great review
Thanks Jay!
Love your unbiased no BS to the point quality review on these headsets
Thanks Mark! I try to be as fair as possible. No fanboy stuff here
This was the most informative review I could find on this headset. GG
Most thorough and informative review of these I've seen to date and I've seen a fair few! Awesome!
Its 2022 and this review is still accurate, great job!
Here we are a Year later and your review helped me in making a decision. I got the A50 for PC. Thanks for being unbiased and straight to the point.
Dude this is the best review that I have seen on the A40's + mixamp tr pro!!!! You got a sub dude, no BS stright to the point man!!!.
I just bought the Astro a40 today just bc it is iconic. The Astro mix amp surprised me. It powered the dt 900 pro x perfectly and the HD 560s about 80% volume load enough to play
Thanks for the review, my local store is having clearance sale for this a40+amp for $150 USD equivalent, looks like its worth to buy
Thank you for your detailed review, i've just ordered my set of both the headphones and the mixamp, it was on discount paying a total of 215 USD for it.
Where did you buy it?
@@killamike5593 a dutch website.
how are they ?
@@ice.3000 well worth it to me. Sound quality is excellent and i can really hear bad guys coming when using it with counter CS:go and Infestation. The mixamp for me makes it even better as i tend to talk to people on discord and i can just turn the knob and hear them better rather then playing around with sound settings in games.
@@ELVISDINNERSHOW did you have any problems with them yet ?
Thanks for putting this together. There are longer videos out there with far less useful details. I wouldn't have thought about the ground disparity causing noise interference for certain possible uses of the aux input port and am glad you mentioned it.
No problem, and thanks. Glad it helped!
If you use the Aux port I would highly recommend getting a ground loop isolator off Amazon. It’s just a little thing that goes between the auxiliary port and the source on the cable. Does a great job and worked well when I used it. It’s pretty cheap too like 10-15
You covered every question I had and in great detail. Just earned my sub. Keep up quality content like this and I'll be here for years
QUICK TIP: you can gain EQ functionality through USB on Xbox if you use the Dolby Atmos App
Something he mentioned but didn’t emphasize is that if you have an optical output, which most new TVs do have, then you won’t be sacrificing video or sound quality. It’s be just the same as if your plugging directly to the console.
As for monitors, most do not have optical outputs which you’d have to use the hdmi adapter
Thanks for bringing it up Hugo!
So you can plug the mix Amp into the TV and not the console and then the audio problem is solved?
@@GadgetryTech can we elaborate on this? I have a lg nano 90. If I connect the optical from the tv to the amp then I won’t have any 120hz 4K issues?
@@steaddyslabbin that’s correct. It will keep everything working correctly
@@GadgetryTech then on the Xbox I set it as “using HDMI audio headset” and the it on Dolby atoms for headphones? Also thank y’all soooo much I’m so happy I found this.
Thank you, this answered so many of my questions. Very informative. I’ve been looking for someone who has talked about this for a while now
Spot on review!
Seems like Astro really needs to just release new models of the A40 & A50 specifically designed for the new consoles. Not exactly their fault the optical port was removed but they as a company can react and put something out. It's a chore to get them working on the new consoles let alone to have the sound quality Astro is known for.
I'm really hoping to see a Gen5 A50 this year.
@@GadgetryTech I'd love for that and even if they don't release new A40s, at least a revised Mixamp that doesn't rely on the optical port. If they can release as new A20 model then they can do something for their flagship models.
Thanks for the super technical video! These just dropped $50 and I’m on my way to bestbuy now!
I just bought this for my series X and I can’t figure out how to fix the direction of shots at me or footsteps they are all in the opposite direction. I’ve tried presets people have none seem to make a difference. What am I doing wrong?
@@spacedragoncollectibles I’m not being a douche, do you have them on the right ears? Is your mic on the left side?
@@zachschweitzer7972 Me and my brother law laughed our asses off about this i felt so dumb 🤣
@@spacedragoncollectibles I’m assuming you guys found what the problem was? 😉
Great review. Thank you for taking the time to go over everything. I was able to get a Xbox series X that is arriving on the 16th so i'm now learning what to do with my A40's. You touched on the TV's optical out briefly. In the review you expressed do you want it to sound good or look good so you have to choose.(im assuming choosing the extractor or optical out) Does that mean the optical out from the TV downgrades the sound? I'm a tad confused. I've read that's the hot ticket. You still get 4K @ 120FPS with no downgrade in sound like USB. Thanks for the time and again great review.
dolby atmos and dts will pass thru whatever you connect optical 3.5 jack usb there is nothing speacil anbout optical your 3.5 jack supports upto 24 bit 96000hz dolby atmos for headphones works on 16bit no issse..if you connect a usb its atmos if you connect a optical its atmos if you connect a 3.5 jack guess what its atmos
Answered every question I has especially about the xbox on working with ps5
For PS5: You can send chat audio to headphone in the PS setting rather than the all audio option to split the two. Allowing you to use the mix knob and not turn everything down like the main volume knob. I dont care for it all that much though honestly it doesn't sound like a great mix. Essentially the party chat and game chat stay at the peak volume and then the mix knob mixes one or the other out. It takes away volume rather than adding it to either side.
On that note i got these headphones not knowing all these things and luckily i had an HDMI audio extractor laying around. But with that aside i absolutely love the headphones. They feel great and sound amazing in my opinion.
Thankfully my lg 4k has a sdif audio out so I don't need the extractor as it's limits the ps5 to 60hz on the TV or monitor otherwise using the audio splitter.
I’ve seen a lot of people get this wrong. To get good Dolby, you need to use an optical cable with the PC, etc. Without it, you aren’t getting real Dolby…
the 1st gen mix amps work on the new gen consoles so yes theyre ready, and if you want to use a the audio cable they have HDMI connectors that you can plug your audio cable into, or just do the update and plug your USB into your console and youre good to go
Great video man! Best review I ever seen! Thank you so much for this detailed information. Now I know the A40 isn't for me.
This review was perfect glooks man!
I have the A40's for about 2 years now and they are still great! TBH i bought the turtle beach next gen and gave it the next week to a friend, I didnt like the audio quality.. the mix amp is doing its work and I am so glad I didnt sell my Astro's
In my experience the Astro's have a more durable, long-lasting build quality so even if you had been happy with the other's sound, they may not have lasted as long.
2022. just bought these for half price, great investment. Thanks for a top rate, in depth review. Keep making the interwebs a good place.
Where did you buy?
@@TheEgb18c Just ordered mine off ebay, but mercari is a good place too.
A 3.5m Ground Loop noise Isolator should solve your AUX audio issues.
You would connect the 3.5m ground loop noise isolator on your computers audio output and then use a 3.5m male to 3.5m male stereo cable from the noise isolator to the AUX input on the mixamp.
This is what I do to take audio from my PC into a Yamaha MG12 audio mixer and remove the audio buzzing that happens when you link your ocmputer to another audio device via 3.5m.
You can get them on Amazon for about £12/$12
I found that ground loop isolators negatively impact the sound quality as well but yes it would definitely fix the problem. I haven't found one that hasn't affected the treble in some way in the past.
Best headset reviews on YT thanks man iv bought two headsets cause of ur great reviews straight to the point no b.s
Also there is a weird thing that goes on with Xbox series x. If you just turn on your Xbox your a40s will be quiet. If you unplug the USB from your mix amp for 5 seconds and plug it back in it make the sound normal.
Optical digital solution for some users who want 4K 120hz and use the optical digital extractor as long as your TV has an E-ARC(Enhanced Audio Return Channel) HDMI input port:
1. Connect your XBOX Series X directly to one of your TVs non-E-ARC HDMI inputs using a 4k 120hz compatible HDMI cable.
2. Now, connect another HDMI cable from your TV's HDMI E-ARC input port to the HDMI to optical digital extractor that he is talking about in the video.
3. Next you need to go into your TV settings and enable E-ARC.
4. You may need to change the outstream on your TV from BITSTREAM to PCM since most of these optical digital extractors only read PCM.
Abracadabra, you have both 4K 120Hz going to your TV and your TV is outputting the audio to your E-ARC HDMI cable to your optical digital extractor. If you have a surround sound receiver or soundbar you can connect a third HDMI cable from the HDMI output on the extractor to your receiver or soundbar to use in conjunction with your headset. NOTE: E-ARC allows audio to flow backwards from the TVs HDMI E-ARC input down the HDMI cable to an audio source.
Im confused how would this work I have the extractor but im losing my dolby atmos 7.2.1 setup going the extractor route
@@luigimartinez1748 If you are outputting PCM you will not have Atmos. PCM can only handle 5.1 and standard 7.1.
Just got this at 54% off sealed pack. Could not resists myself. A40 Audio V2 ones. Thanks for your review as always
Same, how are they so far?
@@FOPEZdamn
seriously a great review. subbing for that.
Thank you so much for this video. You helped me save a lot of time and money. I am on the Ps5 and enjoy gaming at 120hz so with everything being said I think I will be going with a pair of Arctis 7p's. Thanks again man I really appreciate it.
18:31 i just got one of those groundloop isolator from amazon to get my PC connected without the annoying buzz. They're like 10 bucks. I'm thinking once my Astro headphones need to be replaced i'll try using the Razer Blackshark v2 with the mixamp.
Good review - I'd just add (for anyone who's interested) if you're using in optical mode through an Xbox-Series X (via the audio extractor) the USB power cord has to go into the back of your PC for it to function properly. I tried plugging into the wall to power but just got flashing lights.
Can you explain this a little better. My a40's arrive on Friday and I ordered a 4k @120hz extractor.
Such great information. I love your breakdowns on these. thank you.
I got these with the amp and mod kit...they sound great but it's like paying 300% more for like 30% better quality of just the run of the mill 90 dollar pair. It's a luxury for sure.
18:35 common issue with line in even on something like the GoXLR. plug in a ground loop isolator and all issues are gone.
For those of you here a year later. You can use the astro app for custom eq on next gen. And you leave it on star mode.
Not without a adapter unfortunately.
They don't work with just usb on next gen consoles.
Sure you can change and update them but unless your tv has a optical port or you have a hdmi audio extractor.
You'll have to use Dolby atmos for eq presets.
Most LG 120hz 4k TVs have an optical out port so you don't need the breakout box and still get 4k 120hz
I need a mix amp that'll work with Xbox Series X without the problems that the astro version does
Great review, I agree the mute slider is rubbish
Great informative review! Just wanted to know is this headset still usable now in 2024 for pc competitive gaming? I found a new pair for $170 that’s why I’m asking .
Great video answered all questions.
For anyone wondering why ps5 doesnt have optical jacks. Its because almost every tv now days will. So run audio threw tv for 5.1
When I was with Harman Kardon the ex head of R&D for Astro group came into our JBL group to head the research division. He said that after Astro was sold that the quality of QC went down. They used to be the best of the best, hopefully they can recapture their former glory. I've had every A50 since launch and they've all eventually had a crippling issue. Mostly battery related.
My original A40s and mixamp pre sale from 2011 are still rocking.
On an unrelated note their line of luggage products the backpack the duffel bag the guitar case all that stuff was of incredible quality, I mean world class. They're scout backpack I've had now over 11 years and I have beat it to absolute hell and all I do is throw it in the washing machine and it still looks new super durable if you can find one used on eBay definitely buy it,worth every penny.
I really like your channel, I came across it by mistake. Your reviews are very detailed it well spoken you going to a lot of the minutiae that people who buy this stuff care about. You're not flamboyant or goofy or snarky you're just pretty straight to the point about the product. Kudos new subscriber.
Nice, im buying this today
It seems like with Xbox and Sony removing their optical port for their next gen consoles it really screwed over Astro and the compatibility for their mixamp. IMHO the hassle isn't worth it but if you know you are plugging this into a TV/Monitor with HDMI 2.1 and an optical out then simply plug the mixamp into the TV's optical port. If not then it's not worth the investment and wait until the next generation of a40s come out when they resolve the issue. The quality is great if you can just figure out the setup.
awesome review, everything explained very comprehensibly
Mixamp Pro seems to be what I’m looking for. Annoyed by the Xbox Controller headphone jack. Missing the optical output for Kanto YU6 speakers. Astro having the optical plug got me excited, but it’s input.😢
Both Sony and Microsoft tightening the screws with licences for 3rd Party hardware, but I really don’t need wireless audio at home and DAC compatibly is frustrating.
Hardware switch for PC and Xbox is nice, but it probably won’t run with iPad.
Insightful review
Thanks for not wasting my time great video.
I just got this for 149.99 and my presets do work on xbox series x via usb.
Great review 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Did you noticed the volume being kind of low even at full volume without the optical cable as well?
Great video and explanations…. I’ve watched a ton of videos trying to research these headphones and you gave me more info than watching 15+ videos. Is the HDMI audio extractor still required for Xbox Series X to utilize EQ settings?
Thanks Randall! Yes it is unless your TV has optical out which is actually the preferred option. My videos are longer than normal because I try to cover everything I can, so I’m glad you found it helpful!
@@GadgetryTech may I ask: I got Xbox series x with this mix amp pro, if I use hdmi extractor , I will be able to use optical connection , however , can I still be able to use the mic attached on headset ? Thank you
@@tonyngai9203 yes you can. You still need to connect the Mixamp to the Xbox with usb. The usb is used for chat and optical will be used for game volume.
Some of us sit far from our MixAmp so the in-line Mute switch is PERFECT AS IS!!! Mine sits on the corner of my entertainment center and I sit about 8’ away and have to run an extension so I can sit comfortably while I game, but that means my MixAmp is too far to touch it.
Some of us have been playing with Astros for over 10 years and there’s a reason for that!!!
So i got the a40 TR with mixamp for series x. Then seen this video. Got the astro adapter and the sound is just amazing especially when playing warzone. Only trouble is the adapter doesn't allow VRR so you get some issues with the game especially when you're slider cancelling everywhere looooooooool just gotta jump through absolute hoops to get these working its pretty tilt but it'll do for the mo just hopefully they make a 2.1 hdmi splitter if they care about us
How did you get it working for the next gen Xbox
Where has this video been the past few days? I've been searching everywhere for info on how to get my a40s to work on the series X. I may have the gen 3 a40s w/mixamp but it all seems the same.
When I was going to setup my mixamp to my series X I realized there was no optical cable port. This is the first video that genuinely helped me understand what it is and how to work around the port not being on the console.
I had seen on articles and from other a40 users that using the Dolby Atmos app would improve the horrible sound quality but from my experience, it only made it slightly better. Not to what it used to be on my Xbox One.
The way I found this video was from heading to your channel after watching your Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 review and the Wireless Headset Roundup videos. As much as I love my a40s, after watching those videos (as well as a few other sources) I've decided to buy the Stealth 700s. So thanks for your detailed reviews. They really do help.
It's a shame Xbox and Playstation couldn't have just left the optical port alone.
Have you gotten any good setting down for you 700’s I got mine in today and think they are horrible, everything in Warzone is extremely distorted.
@@steaddyslabbin hmm I haven't had any distortion issues at all. If you're xbox audio is set to Dolby Atmos, be sure to change that back to Windows Sonic. That's what the headset is made for.
Other than that, I haven't messed with any of the eq presets so I don't really know much about them
great review, thanks!
So technically if your tv has am optical out, you don't need an audio extractor, correct?
Yes you dont need one
Perfect review,is hdmi splitter can give 2k 120hz in gaming monitor for xbox series x
Hello! Best video review I've seen ... Great!
One question : What happens with the Dolby Atmos?
Is it free with the set or I have to pay extra to have Dolby? I use it most on PC and Dolby access App, has a 26 hours trial ...
Any help with that? I am a little bit confused.
Dolby Atmos is a subscription service
Thanks for the details instead of basics! Man they really messed up on sound this gen, hardly any affordable options for dacs on xsx...:(
good video. can u do a brief video that shows how the hdmi audio extractor connects?
Thanks! I'll try to bust that out sometime next month. Basically it's console HDMI out to audio extractor HDMI input, then audio extractor HDMI out to TV/monitor/capture card. From there just connect an optical cable from the extractor to your Mixamp Pro.
I'm just saying I don't know if you knew this but on Xbox series x if you download the Dolby access app for Dolby atmos and allows you to access the adjusters and stuff that were on the Astro command center so you can still make it sound the same way as it did with the audio settings that were on the presets you can remake your own presets so that it sounds the same as it did on your old console
so i really need to know... where did you get your table ? it looks so nice
Really nice video! One question? Do you loose any audio quality when using the astro adapter in comparison to how it sounded on ps4 with the optic cable the way it is supossed to connect?
My old astros broke last week and i want to buy new astros but i am in doubt.. do i buy this one or should i wait for gen 5 to release? But then who knows when....?
Thanks in advance
I have bought the Dolby atmos app on my Series X. Won't that be as good as the eq you're talking about here? Great review by the way. 👍
Great video and explanation! Thank you! Quick question...if I am using the HDMI audio extractor does this mean I would need 2 Ultra High Speed HDMI cables combined with an extractor that supports HDMI 2.1 to maintain 4k 120? The Series X/PS5 comes with one HDMI 2.1 cable but it seems like the extractor requires two HDMI cables (IN/OUT)?
Exactly the video I was looking fot
Does the Astro HDMI to Optic adapter support 1080p @120hz? You mentioned that they only support 4K 60Hz but what about lower resolutions? thanks and great video, very informative
According to Astro it supports up to 240hz at 1080p.
Supports:
HDMI 2.0b Pass-through
Max Resolution: 4k
Max 4k Frame Rate: 60Hz
HDR: Yes
HDCP Certified: Yes
HDMI Certified: Yes
Audio Extraction:
2ch PCM
Dolby Digital AC3 / Bitstream (When Present)
Resolution / Frame Rates:
720p / 120 Hz
1080p / 240 Hz
1440p / 144 Hz
4k / 60 Hz
Very informative, i found your review to be really helpfull, thanks.
Great review also!
This really helped me. Thankyou so much
Awesome video. I have both consoles and just got this headset. Answered most of my questions but one. Why do I or my teammates hear static at times. How can I fix this?
You might hear what is basically called white noise I’m on pc so I just noise gated it out on discord so others don’t hear it if your on pc you might just need to turn off the thing where you can hear your own voice on console I would not know how to help
PS5 does not seem to support using 3D audio over hdmi-optical to headphones. If you want 3D you might be better off using the PS5 built in game/chat Mix and just USB to the mixamp.
This also allows you to use the optical for your PC or last gen console at the same time.
Excelente análisis!! (excelent Review sound) 👋👋👋💪 thanks!
This is the most helpful review by far, I was ready to pull the trigger on these until you mentioned the noise issue with the AUX input, I use my PC for music/Netflix while gaming on my Xbox, looks like I will save some money and buy the xbox headset instead
Great review
@gadgetrytech can you do astro A40 vs epos h6 pro. I couldnt find a comparison video on these 2 anywhere.
I didn't even notice that the game/chat was an issue on Playstation, I've been using this headset for like 2 years and I have it set up with optical out the TV port and USB to my laptop for discord.
so for me the nob is like a Game/PC works great for me. guess you just got to make sure your monitor has an optical digital out
Great review. Could you just elaborate a little more on if the usb update for Xbox really isn’t as good as using the optical cable and usb. I’ve read that usb sound is inferior to optical In general. However Astro says it should be fine and not noticeable?
Aries Guzman I don't know about Xbox but with PS5 you need the optical to get the full range of 5.1 support. Just using USB doesn't sound no where near as good (even with Sony's 3D sound option turned on). However I've always preferred Xbox's Dolby Atmos app to Sony's 3D sound, so it could be different on Xbox
I have the Astro a50 gen4 and yes I’m using the optical out with my ps5
Excellent and through breakdown of these headphones. I just wanted to add that these are phenomenal media headphones as well. I've been trapped in my bedroom for 11 days due to covid and today I yanked these from my steam deck dock and hooked them up to my bedroom tv toslink to watch tv, and the fidelity is incredible (keep that Dolby 3d shit off tho)
Great to hear you enjoy them so much! So sorry to hear you're sick. At 11 days in, hopefully you're doing much better now. Have a good one
Did the firmware updates With Xbox for the headset and mix amp fix the issue with the mixes not working? Or would one still need the HDMI audio extractor?
Seems like now we do have 4K 120Hz audio extractors. But are they needed for PS5 or has Sony updated it so you don’t need it?
I just recently bought a pc to enter the competitive realm of warzone as well as stream for tournamnets, would you recommend anything better? i grew up with turtle beaches so thats all ive owned and im looking to upgrade. thank you for the insightful review this video has brought.
all the pros of warzone and cod uses this headphones so.... yeah they should be a good upgrade
Great video , but was this ever fixed for Xbox ? I remember a lot of people reporting static or it not working at all ?
Audio extractors are annoying it seems like all “premium products “ now and days need dlc
They never fixed it if you do not have optical. It's a bugged firmware so they just give everyone lifetime Atmos now on new purchases of the A40+Mixamp or the A50.
I bought that adapter for my Astros a40 but now It won't give me 1440p at 120hz
How do You connect all the different things to get it working in a Xbox Setup?
Could you please review Razer Blackshark V2 pro and include console performance. thanks
Hi Lebo! You bet! Be sure to sub and enable notifications, as I have already purchased this model for review and will be covering it on consoles as well.
I went through 30-40 videos covering the A40 to xbox SPDIF solution and finally, found in detail the proper breakdown. Thankyou
On another note, using an Extractor and it being 2.0. I currently game in 1440p. Will the 2.0 still provide full quality at 144fps?
I also want to mention, being I need sound from my pc for Alerts. The 3.5mm jack I agree has buzz feedback but a simply addition from Amazon "Ground Loop Isolator" kills the feedback. Thanks again for a great video
HDMI 2.0 supports 1440p @ 144hz so you're good to go there.
Does the audio extractor supports VRR@1080p@120hz? I play my Xbox series X on a BenQ ex2510
I have these and use the optical out on my tv. There amazing for me. I can always hear footsteps direction on Cod better than my team mates and they all have turtle beaches or the artic, 1 other has the a40s but dosnt have the aux.
For me theve been the best quality with the mixamp set to the lower left setting whatever settings those are
elgato chatlink pro elimitated the buzzing when using with the aux port
17:55 so I’m having issues with this part. I can hear all audio and My mic moves in party chat. How ever I can not hear the game chat or speak in game chat. Not even by being in party and switch to (game chat in party) I’m on Xbox s. And don’t have a PC to do firmware updates… do you think that that is probably why I can’t hear the chat? Im also using the optical adapter.
i am dying to know if the astro is comparable to say an Audio Technica or Beyerdynamic , top of the line Bose or Sennheiser. I own the Gen 1 Astro A40 and HyperX Cloud Alpha. The Alpha is considerably louder, and the Astro has clearer sound stage but is often dampened. Both are perfect for BR. But with PS5 i’m running into issues.
I was wondering the same thing. I'm contemplating buying a $300 paid of beyerdynamics
have you tried a ground loop isolator on the aux port to try an address the buzzing? They're like $8 on Amazon. Worth a try.
Works great for me.
Very good exactly what I was looking for about PS5 use thanks
How can I pull up that menu on a ps5 or is it only for pc
The Astro software is only for PC. You would have to make your changes there and save them.