A stellar audio combo.
There are a lot of headsets on the market, and a lot of them are very good. It is usually a matter of finding which one is right for your setup and situation. The latest pair I have had a chance to take a look at comes with a lot of features, but is also designed with a specific gamer setup in mind. Astro has become synonymous with gaming audio. They have a headset for just about every system, as well as every price range. Whether you are looking for something simple for game chat, or something more robust for professional competition, they have you covered. The A40 with Mixamp Pro is built with streamers in mind, and like their other products, suits the task wonderfully.
One of the first impressions of a new headset is its packaging. This bundle spares no expense, with a fold out case that houses all the components neatly. It’s a silly thing to get hung up on, but when someone spends over $200 on a product, they expect quality. Everything in the box is laid out neatly and setup was a breeze. It is also easy to repackage for storage or travel if needed.
MSRP: $249.99
Price I’d Pay: $249.99
There is a lot to unpack here so let’s start with the headset itself. This is the standard A40 model complete with customizable speaker plates. The construction is super high quality. This headset will stand the test of time with its enforced plastic and metal connections. One thing I love about Astro is their attention to comfort. The earcups are padded and removable for easy cleaning. Everything is adjustable too, making it a perfect fit for any head size. I never found it too tight or the earcups too overbearing.
The best part is that they are completely removable, much like the rest of the headset, for easy cleaning from those long sessions. The A40 has almost become the standard when it comes to gaming headsets, and it is little touches like these that make all the difference.
It should be noted that this bundle is aimed at people who stream, or keep their consoles close to the chest. Combining the Mixamp with the headset gives numerous options for sound levels and quality, but also comes with caveats. If you are planning to use this setup for a couch environment for example, it is not ideal. There are a lot of cords that would have to be draped across the floor. The Mixamp is designed to be right next to you during play. So sitting on a couch or a recliner will cause issues. I tested this setup and it is not ideal. This package is meant to be placed at a computer desk where the Mixamp is easily accessible.
The Mixamp makes a world of difference when it comes to sound levels though. Being able to stream the game audio directly from optical is amazing. The true 7.1 surround is absolutely stunning. Hearing all the audio cues clear as day in Overwatch, or the thumping explosions in something like Battlefield is unparalleled. There are also various EQ settings for preference, all of which can be customized when hooking this setup to your PC. I could also adjust audio between chat and game, which was perfect for streaming or recording clips. The mic monitoring is loud and clear, this headset simply checks every single box someone looking for a streaming setup could possibly want.
The Astro A40 with Mixamp is an extremely specific setup that is worth every penny of its price for those in need of this solution. The quality is unmatched and for serious gamers and streamers this bundle is more than worth the price of admission. That said it is worth noting that the price is definitely in the range of premium. For $250 it isn’t a small ask, but for those wanting to improve their streaming quality this should be the first stop on your list.
Review copy of headset provided by publisher.
