#ASTROe3

When the ASTRO team went up to E3 this year I expected to land in the middle of an all-out console war. I expected to spend my first few days playing with the new hardware, trying to extract any information I could. I thought my days would be spent taking pictures of the display models and talking to Sony and Microsoft reps. I’m not a very good planner, I cannot see the future, and next-gen consoles were definitely not the driving force behind E3 2013.

Software was king at this year’s show. Talk of new consoles, DRM, and constant connectivity did permeate the scene, but the buzz was being generated by some outstanding titles: Watchdogs, TITANFALL, Battlefield 4, Destiny, Call of Duty: Ghost, Disney Infinity, Final Fantasy, and Metal Gear. I could easily go on, but carpal tunnel would set in long before I finished. I know it sounds like hyperbole, but in truth the show floor was saturated with games that could easily have taken home the Best of E3 title any other year.

One of the greatest things about E3 2013 for the ASTRO team was the fact that ASTRO A40 & A30 systems were being used to demo some of our favorite titles: Battlefield 4, Need for Speed: Rivals, Duck Tales Remastered, Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney, Castlevania: Lords of Shadows 2, Watch Dogs, Assassin’s Creed IV, Final Fantasy, and Kingdom Hearts 1.5 Remix, to name a few.

Over the next few days we will be showing off some of our top picks from E3 2013, and in the end, giving away a huge bag of swag that we complied. If you were not able to make the show or if you did go but didn’t feel like standing in line forever for t-shirts and stickers, we have your hook-up. Keep checking back here for the ASTRO team recap of E3 and to find out how to win tons of gaming swag

And as always you can you can find more E3 information on all the ASTRO Social networks:

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Let the games begin!

E3 is just around the corner June 11-13; with less than a week to go the ASTRO team is hard at work putting together an amazing experience for attendees, and fans at home. Like last year those attending E3 will be able to experience the stellar quality of ASTRO Audio at multiple booths around the show:

• Capcom (Booth #2101)
• Deep Silver (Booth #406)
• Electronic Arts (Booth #1601)
• Konami (Booth #2401)
• Square Enix (Booth #1647)
• Ubisoft (Booth #1023)

This E3 the ASTRO & Skullcandy family are coming out in full force, with more news & surprises than ever before.

ASTRO is excited to announce an on-site location in the West Hall #513. And we won’t be coming alone. This year we’re not only showing off our line of A30s, A40s, and A50s, but we will be joined by Skullcandy Gaming for their first E3 experience. Skullcandy brings their blend of performance, aesthetic, and life-style design to the gaming world with their SLYR and PLYR series of headsets. We will be using this amazing space at E3 to announce new partnerships, and demonstrate new and upcoming products.

Our video team will also be on the show floor providing daily interviews with some of our partners. As always our video content can be found on our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/AstroGaming

We will also be launching a brand new Tumblr site where fans will be able to catch all of the action from the show in the form of photos and videos. www. Astro-Gaming.tumblr.com

And as always you can you can find more E3 information on all the ASTRO Social networks:

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Refurbished Astro A40 and A50 systems now available on our Ebay Store!

ASTRO Ebay Store: http://ow.ly/lFSNt 

ASTRO Refurbs are pre-owned and opened-box products that undergo ASTRO’s quality assurance testing for resale. They are only sold if they meet the same technical requirements as brand new ASTRO products. We test and verify all refurbished products and offer our standard 1-year warranty with full support from our customer service team. There is often a limited supply, but products are added upon availability.

ASTRO Certified Refurbished Products

• –  Quality ASTRO audio at a great price
• –  In depth testing & rework prior to sale
• – Covered by ASTRO’s Standard One-Year Warranty
• – Supplies are limited

What’s included with my Refurb?

• • –  Fully refurbished ASTRO Audio System
  • –  Headset, MixAmp (if applicable) , Boom Mic, Speaker Tags (A40 systems only) & all necessary Power, Console, & PC cables
  • –  Quickstart Guide

ASTRO Refurbishment & Quality Assurance Process:

• • –  Initial testing and evaluation to measure audio, power, and physical quality.
  • –  Any defective components identified in testing are replaced with new parts.
  • –  All components are thoroughly inspected & cleaned (including new ear pads)
  • –  Updated Firmware
  • –  Verified Post-rework testing of audio, power, and physical quality.
  • –  Repackaged & marked with an ASTRO Refurb sleeve/sticker, confirming the QA inspection for function, cleanliness, and comfort.
  • –  All refurbished items have unique part numbers & serial numbers.
  • –  Refurbished products are only sold via the ASTRO Gaming Ebay store, with continued customer service provided by: http://www.AstroGaming.com/support/

Current FIRMWARE Update Included:

Sometimes even the best made products need a little tweak here and there. The ASTRO Quality Assurance team has updated & tested every Audio System with our most current firmware option to provide you with a premium audio experience. To check the Firmware status of your Audio System, visit: http://www.AstroGaming.com/firmware and download the Firmware tool. Be sure to follow ASTRO Gaming on Twitter for news about future firmware & product updates. https://twitter.com/AstroGaming

Customer Support:

We want you to be satisfied with all your ASTRO Products. All ASTRO Refurbished Products are covered by ASTRO’s standard One-Year Warranty. For a formal and detailed solution please submit a support request at: http://www.AstroGaming.com/support/ Our experienced support team is ready to help with the installation & use of all ASTRO products. First, please search for a solution using ASTRO’s QuickStart guides, user manuals, YouTube videos, FAQ/Knowledge Base, and social networks prior to contacting Customer Support. For Billing & Ordering questions only, please call: 800-374-7401 (7AM-7PM, M-F Mountain Standard Time.)

Certified Refurbished ASTROs: http://ow.ly/lFSV9 

http://stores.ebay.com/astrogaming

Check out the ASTRO Gaming website for more speaker tags, accessories, & upgrades:

http://www.astrogaming.com/accessories

http://www.astrogaming.com/apparel-bags

http://www.astrogaming.com/custom-tags

http://www.astrogaming.com/tags

Stay tuned to our social networks for future ASTRO UPDATES and product announcements.

-ASTRO Lovehammer

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A50 Firmware Updates

We’ve got some firmware updates and release notes for your A50s and TxD MixAmps. Once you have the firmware tool downloaded on your PC or MAC, plug in your A50, TXD MixAmp, or 2013 MixAmp Pro. The firmware tool will automatically recognize your current firmware status.

http://www.AstroGaming.com/Firmware

A50 Update: Version 1.4 – 5/6/2013 – 04142/04143 -  *If you update to the newest firmware all previous versions/builds are installed as well.

NEWEST A50 Update: Version 1.4 – 5/6/2013 - 04142

-Improved A50 mic audio quality.

-Improved A50 mic noise gate.

-KleerNet compatibility updates.

NEWEST A50 TxD Update: Version 1.4 – 5/6/2013 - 04143

-KleerNet compatibility updates.

Previous A50 Firmware Updates:

A50 Version 1.3 – 1/22/2013 – 3302

- Fixes issue where LED remains amber when not charging.

A50 Version 1.2 – 11/1/2012 – 3156

- Reduced volume level of beeps, now easier on the ears.

- Sidetone volume level improvements, no longer mutes at 100% game volume.

- Master volume adjustment rate increased, volume moves up or down faster when moving the wheel quickly.

- KleerNet compatibility updates.

- PS3/PC battery life improvements.

TXD Version 1.2 – 11/1/2012 – 3155

- KleerNet compatibility updates.

A50 Version 1.1 – 8/15/2012 – 2855

- KleerNet compatibility updates

- Improved pairing reliability.

- Various audio and volume leveling adjustments.

- Reduced background noise.

- Improved noise-gate for PC and console voice chat.

- Master volume and game/voice balance settings are saved on power down.

TXD Version 1.1 – 8/12/2012 – 2856

- Improved pairing reliability.

- KleerNet compatibility updates.

- Fixed occasional optical audio drop

Visit our Firmware Update page to download your updates for Mac or PC. If you have any questions, please contact our support page.

Stay tuned to our social networks for future ASTRO UPDATES and product announcements.

-ASTRO Lovehammer

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A40 NEON SERIES

 http://www.astrogaming.com/a40-audio-system-neon-color-series

ASTRO has led the way in gaming with innovative technology, grass roots support, and groundbreaking personalization since they day we started. Our culture is new, still taking it’s shape, with old school stereotypes finally biting the dust.  As gamers, our competitive nature makes us passionate and zealous creatures, who strive to win. But, it’s a healthy competition that does not divide us. In turn, it brings opposing creeds and corners of the world together. Ones who may have never taken notice to each other, had it not been for their shared love of gaming. We are a community, but there is no denying we still pride ourselves in independence, creativity, and style. Those are some of the same traits that make our favorite video games so much fun! At ASTRO we celebrate these differences, embrace the ever changing industry, and push to grow with our community.

Since the release of our BXR editions and the Saints Row 3 styles, fans have been clamoring for a wider palette of the ASTRO A40s. Well have no fear, cause the NEON Ninjas are here!  Today we bring you the highly anticipated refresh, with the A40 NEON Color Series. The NEONS join our A40 family with a BANG, as the four most requested colors – Pink, Yellow, Orange and Red.

Can Neon Colors Improve Gaming Performance?

“ASTRO Gaming has one of the most passionate fan bases in the gaming industry and we’ve always paid close attention to their suggestions for product improvement – it’s a critical part of how we’ve maintained our edge, delivering technologically superior, professionally performing and cutting-edge products year after year after year. While there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence that Neon Colors can improve gaming performance there is no question that any player sporting a new set of Neon A40s is going to stand out in a crowd and may even distract a few opposing players!” - Aron Drayer, Director of Marketing.

The recently revealed 2013 Edition A40 Pro-Gaming Headset, including our new NEONS, feature an update to the popular Quick Disconnect Cable System, with the addition of the new Media Cable. All 2013 A40 headsets have re-tuned drivers and enclosures that give improved low-end response with less distortion at peak volume. We’ve also recently announced a significant permanent price reduction on our most popular headset, the 2013 ASTRO A40 Headset. Available now as NEONS for $149.99. Our NEONS are also available with our 2013 MixAmp pro as a NEON A40 Audio System for $249.99.

2013 ASTRO A40 Features:

• New Neon Colors – Customize your cans with four new high-style, neon color choices now available for the ASTRO A40, including Orange, Yellow, Pink, and Red.  The new neon colors join the A40’s existing black and white choices for a total of six color options.

• Quick Disconnect Cabling System – Updated version of the ASTRO Quick Disconnect system, offering the same flexibility of using multiple cable types and lengths, but now plugging directly into the headset via a 3.5mm 4-pole jack instead of the original mid-cable release.  This increases reliability and durability while also making it easier to change to preferred cable lengths and update cables as desired.

• Media Controller Cable – Designed to move freely between mobile, console and PC gaming, the ASTRO A40 Headset features a unique Media Controller Cable providing total audio control featuring: an in-line mic; an in-line mute;  a switch that toggles between in-line and boom mics; a multi-use call/pick-up/music track control button; and, a volume control wheel.

• Best Sounding ASTRO Headsets Ever – The 2013 Edition ASTRO A40 has re-tuned drivers and enclosures with improved low-end response and less distortion at high volumes making them the most accurate ASTRO headsets ever

• ASTRO Audio Experience – Engineered specifically for gaming, ASTRO Audio delivers audiophile-grade sound in a richly detailed positional audio experience.  ASTRO A40 headsets are designed for extended game playing, movie watching and music listening sessions and feature superior fit and finish.

• Removable Mic System – The ASTRO A40 features a highly precise, removable boom mic, which can be removed and swapped from ear to ear for a more customizable in-game communication experience.

• Customizable Speaker Tags:  ASTRO A40 headsets feature a magnetic, removable and customizable Speaker Tag system.  Tags can be designed online to create a unique look for teams, clans, guilds or simply for pure personal expression.

Pink, Yellow, & Orange NEONS are available now at AstroGaming.com as NEON PC Edition A40s and NEON A40 Audio Systems, bundled with the MixAmp Pro. Coming this Summer 2013: RED NEONS and the release of our NEON COLOR SERIES in the UK.  www.AstroGaming.co.uk  

Stay tuned to our social networks for future ASTRO UPDATES and product announcements.

Check out all the great ASTRO products to help make gaming your lifestyle.  2013 Apparel Collection, custom speaker tags, and our ASTRO transport bags.

ASTRO Lovehammer

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The ASTRO Gaming Apparel Collection was designed with the highest regard to quality as you’ve come to expect from everything we develop. Utilizing premium materials and details, we’ve crafted a tactfully versatile line of clothing for your body’s enjoyment. Whether you’re gaming hard, headed to an event, or just straight chillin’; we’ve got you covered (literally). Over the past year we’ve made sure every stitch, color, and fit would be worthy of wearing here at ASTRO HQ in San Francisco and now, with incredible pride, we’d like to offer our Collection to you.

Behind the Scenes

Shot by Enrique Espinoza

The Lookbook

Shot by Curtis Buchanan – (Download)

View the gear for yourself.

-ASTRO Nexy

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ASTRO gaming provides the best PC compatible headsets for you to game like a pro, with our new 2013 A30 and A40 PC Editions. Our new headsets maintain a superior fit and finish, excellent audio quality, and our customizable speaker tags.  The 2013 PC editions are designed to move freely between PC and mobile gaming platforms, with some newly added features to help keep you in the game.

What’s new with the A30 and A40 2013 PC Editions:

- New Media Cabling System – The Media Cable is has been optimized for PC, Notebook, and  Mobile gaming by putting the controls right at your fingertips. We’ve updated the Quick Disconnect system, with our new Media Cable that plugs directly into the headset via a 3.5mm 4-pole jack.  The Media Cable offers an in-line microphone, in-line/boom mic switch, a mute switch, a volume control wheel, and a call/pickup/tracking button.

- Best Sounding ASTROs Ever – The 2013 Edition A30s & A40s have re-tuned drivers and ear cushions that make these the most detailed and accurate ASTRO headsets ever. At ASTRO we pride ourselves on working hard to push the limits and evolve with the industry. Now, with improved low-end response and less distortion at high volumes, you wont miss a beat.

PRICE DROP!

With our new cable system, we’re able to pass the savings on to you by offering all PC Edition headsets for a new low price. Our 2013 A30 PC Editions are now $99.99! and the 2013 A40 PC Editions are now $149.99!  How could you pass up a deal like that?

The new PC Editions still maintain our classic premium features that set our headsets apart from the rest and make us who we are.

TUNED WITH ASTRO AUDIO®

Working closely with pro gamers and top audio designers to deliver the highest level of clarity at every frequency, ASTRO AUDIO® is designed to make your games, music, and movies sound the absolute best.

CUSTOMIZABLE SPEAKER TAGS

Change-up your style on the A40 or A30 headsets with our magnetic Speaker Tag system. Or, customize your setup by designing your tags at our online Speaker Tag Customizer.

SUPERIOR FIT & FINISH

Wear your ASTROs flat around your neck pro-style or clamp them on your dome for days of play in ultimate comfort. Designed with superior materials & fit, over-ear cushions and in-line mic controls.

Lookin’ to give your ASTRO Gaming a boost? Don’t forget about our 2013 MixAmp Pro! The 2013 MixAmp Pro enables Dolby Surround Sound, has a streaming output, and four ASTRO EQ presets. If you game on PC and console the MixAmp is a great companion for you, and can be purchased in an A30 Audio System,  A40 Audio System, or as a standalone add-on.

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As the world falls into darkness at the hands of rogue cybernetic soldiers, Raiden returns, with a few surprises of his own. The cyborg ninja rises from the ashes, seeking revenge against those who’ve wronged him and countless bystanders. Powered by machine and vengeance, armed with a high-frequency blade, the stage is set to slice through the chaos and restore Raiden’s glory… bad days never stood a chance.

The Metal Gear saga continues with a new story, full of pumped up action, fierce warriors, and brutal new weapons. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance will take you places no other game has before. Designed by top notch developers, Kojima Productions and Platinum Games, Konami strikes again, expanding the Metal Gear universe with radical new game-play.

This isn’t the first, or last time you’ve seen Metal Gear Edition headsets by ASTRO Gaming. It’s been a true honor to maintain our partnership with Konami, as the official gaming headset for METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE. The game is available on 2/19/2013, so there’s still time to join the battle with an MGR Edition A30 and A40. Plug in your A30 or A40 with the 2013 MixAmp Pro and power up with Dolby Digital 7.1 surround sound as you help Raiden slash his way to victory.

Check out the A30 and A40 Metal Gear Rising Revengeance headsets, available now!

We are currently offering a variety of different Metal Gear Rising Editions to meet your needs:

Metal Gear Rising 2013 A40 Audio System 

Metal Gear Rising 2013 A40 PC Edition Headset

Metal Gear Rising 2013 A30 Audio System

Metal Gear Rising 2013 A30 PC Edition Headset

Metal Gear Rising 2013 A30 and A40 Speaker Tags

For more info about Konami’s Metal Gear Rising Revengeance, visit http://metalgearsolid.com/

Cut what you will…

-ASTRO Lovehammer

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BLOG and FIRMWARE UPDATE  - 2/14/2013 :

After launching the last Firmware Update Version 1.3, some users began experiencing an audio drop issue. We’ve isolated the source and released a new 2013 MixAmp Pro firmware patch update, Version 1.3.1.

2013 MixAmp Pro -Version 1.3.1 - 2/14/2013 - 3374

- Fixed bug that caused some MixAmps to lose audio after updating to 1.3

At ASTRO, we’re always working to stay current and evolve as needs change. We’ve listened to your feedback on the quality of voice communication for the 2013 MixAmp, and our newest firmware update Version 1.3, was developed with your concerns in mind. If you’ve had any symptoms with incoming voice, outgoing voice, or the noise gate on your 2013 MixAmp, please review these release notes as we have solutions to your issues.

2013 MixAmp Pro Firmware Updates

Newest Firmware Patch launched 2/14/2013 *If you update to the newest firmware v1.3.1, all previous versions are installed as well.

2013 MixAmp Pro -Version 1.3.1 – 2/14/2013 - 3374

- Fixed bug that caused some MixAmps to lose audio after updating to 1.3

2013 MixAmp Pro – Version 1.3 – 2/7/2013 – 3356

- Fixed USB mic glitch bug.

- Reduced voice volume in live stream output.

- Adjusted PS3 mic level.

- New default presets, optimized for quiet environments.

Preset changes

1 – Pro: Improved Voice EQ, Improved Noise Gate

2 – Core:  Improved Voice EQ, Improved Noise Gate

3 – Media:  Improved Voice EQ, Improved Noise Gate

4 – LAN: LAN Friendly Voice EQ, LAN Friendly Noise Gate

Previous 2013 MixAmp Pro Firmware Updates

2013 MixAmp Pro – Version – 1.2 – 11/28/2012 – 3198

- Fixes audio dropout experienced by some users after updating to 1.1.

2013 MixAmp Pro - Version 1.1 – 11/8/2012 – 3168

- Increased outgoing chat volume.

- Increased daisy chain volume.

- Improved EQ presets.

Visit our Firmware Update page to download your updates for Mac or PC. If your problem still persists or you have any questions, please contact our customer support team.

-ASTRO Lovehammer ^L

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We’ve got some firmware updates and release notes for your A50s and 2013 MixAmp Pros.

Once you have the firmware tool downloaded, plug in your A50, TXD MixAmp, or 2013 MixAmp Pro, and the tool will automatically recognize your current firmware status.

A50 Firmware Updates:

Newest Firmware launched 1/22/2013 *If you update to the newest firmware all previous versions are installed as well.

A50 Version 1.3 – 1/22/2013 – 3302

- Fixes issue where LED remains amber when not charging.

Previous A50 Firmware Updates:

A50 Version 1.2 – 11/1/2012 – 3156

- Reduced volume level of beeps, now easier on the ears.

- Sidetone volume level improvements, no longer mutes at 100% game volume.

- Master volume adjustment rate increased, volume moves up or down faster when moving the wheel quickly.

- KleerNet compatibility updates.

- PS3/PC battery life improvements.

TXD Version 1.2 – 11/1/2012 – 3155

- KleerNet compatibility updates.

A50 Version 1.1 – 8/15/2012 – 2855

- KleerNet compatibility updates

- Improved pairing reliability.

- Various audio and volume leveling adjustments.

- Reduced background noise.

- Improved noise-gate for PC and console voice chat.

- Master volume and game/voice balance settings are saved on power down.

TXD Version 1.1 – 8/12/2012 – 2856

- Improved pairing reliability.

- KleerNet compatibility updates.

- Fixed occasional optical audio drop

2013 MixAmp Firmware Updates

Newest Firmware launched 11/28/2012 *If you update to the newest firmware all previous versions are installed as well.

2013 MixAmp Pro - Version 1.2 – 11/28/2012 – 3198

- Fixes audio dropout experienced by some users after updating to 1.1.

Previous 2013 MixAmp Firmware Updates

2013 MixAmp Pro - Version 1.1 – 11/8/2012 – 3168

- Increased outgoing chat volume.

- Increased daisy chain volume.

- Improved EQ presets.

Visit our Firmware Update page to download your updates for Mac or PC. If you have any questions, please contact our support page.

-ASTRO Lovehammer ^L

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