Playboy’s favorite techie/gamer/playmate Jo Garcia reviews our A30 Audio System!

Jo from Gamer Next Door, the Playboy Cyber Girl of the Year 2008 takes a couple minutes to talk about the her experiences with the A30s and it’s features.

Click here to check it out!

Enjoy kids,

- ASTRO stanimal

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The interwebs is buzzing with A30 reviews from gamers, media, and audiophiles alike. Want to read why people everywhere are loving the A30s?

IGN – Astro A30 Gaming Headset Review – 9.7/10

“…in our opinion, every dollar spent is matched with high quality components, top-tier audio performance, and a level of unique style seldom seen in gaming headphones.”

MTV Multiplayer – Astro A30 Headset Impressions

“There’s no question that the A30′s are extremely well-designed (assuming you lack a huge head with equally huge glasses) and great sounding. There aren’t many high quality headset solutions out there designed with gamers in mind, so Astro is left standing mostly alone in this field, and does an admirable job.”

CNET Crave – Astro A30 gaming headphones: All-in-one solution for mobile gadget users

“We tried out a pair of A30 headphones for a good week and a half, and even without the MixAmp the audio quality was better than expected, and certainly good enough for use with an iPhone or other player.”

Complex – Gear of War: Astro A30 Headphones

“For what they deliver, though—top-tier gaming audio that’s versatile enough to work as amazing street and work headphones—it’s a small price to pay. Whether you’re in the market for gaming cans or just a new set of general-use ones, these are worth the price.”

G Style Magazine – Astro Gaming’s A30 Cross-Gaming Headset Review

“I should mention that audio quality on the Astro A30 is excellent. Audio is clear and crisp. There is just the right amount of treble without it being piercing and the bass is nice and deep.”

the macfeed – Review: Astro A30 Cross-Gaming Headset

“You will be amazed every time you put them on, and that is why we recommend the Astro A30 cross-gaming headset.”

Loud Mouthed Gamers – Astro Gaming A30 Audio System Review – 9/10

“Its sound is crystal clear, its lightweight, its price is reasonably cheap, but really? Its definitely worth the money spent.”

They just keep on pouring in… stay tuned for more reviews as they come in!

- ASTRO stanimal

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Click here to read the original review!

When we reviewed the Astro A40 Audio System, we felt Astro Gaming set the bar pretty high for not only for the gaming audio accessory industry, but for themselves. Though not without its faults, the Astro A40 system proved to be an incredibly versatile and high-performance gaming audio solution. Despite praises from us and much of the gaming press, Astro has been working diligently to expand upon the A40 headset and this week unveiled the fruits of their labor — the Astro A30 headset.

One of the most common criticisms of the A40 was that it was bulky and came with an even heftier price tag of $199 for the headset alone and $249 for the complete MixAmp system. For the A30 headset, Astro has sought to trim sizable fat from both the price and the form factor, while adding a few new features to appeal to new audiences and target on-the-go consumers.

In terms of the design, Astro seems to have ditched the blocky, road-ready aesthetic of the A40 in favor of a sleeker, sexier frame that more closely resembles traditional headphones. While still incredibly unique, the A30′s design is far less noticeable when being worn or resting on the shoulders of the user. The A30′s framework is in many ways a unibody design; while the headband can be extended and earcups rotated inward for resting around a user’s neck, it is expertly constructed to feel like one solid piece.

In addition to the drastic size differential between the A40 and A30, the weight difference between the two headsets is staggering. While the A40s are comfortable, they are pretty weighty, the A30s, on the other hand, feel almost weightless. Part of this experience is due to the A30′s on-ear earcup shape, as opposed to the over-ear padding of the A40s. Unless you’ve got exceptionally large ears, the A30′s earcups should rest comfortably on the furthest edges of your ears, with no gaps for sound to get in or out. The earcups of the A30s are closed-back for further sound isolation.

But the Astro A30s aren’t all form; a few functional improvements have been made as well. The quick release cord, which extends only a few inches below the headset and can be connected to included cables of varying length and output, now incorporates a built-in microphone. The built-in microphone provides a nice alternative to those who’d rather not to deal with a full-on boom microphone. This is especially useful for using the A30s with the iPhone or other smartphones with all-in-one audio cables. Furthermore, the inline connector now features a play/pause button for iPod and other media player control. For smartphone use, this function can be used to answer or end calls.

The inline microphone seemed to pick up spoken dialogue fairly well, but with a natural level of distance between the user and the microphone, it’s not nearly as clear as the A30′s detachable boom microphone. The A30′s boom microphone, unlike the A40′s which popped into either the right or left earcup, is fixed on the left side. The connection port is seamlessly integrated into the frame of the headset. Unfortunately, the boom microphone is permanently in the extended position unless it is completely removed. It can, however, be bent to be less intrusive when not in use.

As for audio performance, Astro has tweaked the equalization of the A30s to be slightly bassier while maintaining strong mids and crisp highs for better performance in multimedia applications; however, we found the boost to be beneficial in gaming applications as well. In fact, we found ourselves favoring the A30s for their beefier tone, especially when playing audibly-rich shooters like Battlefield Bad Company 2. As we mentioned before, the headset can be purchased with the MixAmp system, which is the only way users can get full simulated surround processing and integrate with the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Since the surround sound processing is taking place in the same product whether you purchase the A40 or A30 headset, our multi-channel audio experience was virtually identical. We were still able to locate sources of audio in a wide sound field, which is essential for gaming use.

It is important to note that Astro has revised the MixAmp hardware since we first reviewed the A40 Audio System to incorporate integrated USB connectivity with PCs and the PlayStation 3. Otherwise, users can still connect multiple devices via optical toslink cable, USB, stereo headphone jack, COAX, or RCA. Also, for those concerned about whether Astro’s customizable speaker tag system is still a key feature on the A30s, the answer is yes, however, they are of a different shape and size than those used on the A40s. You will be able to buy and create your own speaker tags, but existing pairs for the A40s will not work on the A30 headset.

At $149.99 for the headset by itself and $229.95 for the MixAmp bundle, the Astro A30 is by no means a cheap endeavor, but in our opinion, every dollar spent is matched with high quality components, top-tier audio performance, and a level of unique style seldom seen in gaming headphones.

IGN’s Ratings for Astro A30 Gaming Headset

Rating (out of 10) – Description

9.5 Build Quality – (A solid, unibody-like design that seems built to last.)

9.5 Audio Quality – (An impressive tonal range with a little extra bass, ideal for music, shooters, and action titles.)

9.0 Features – (The new built-in mic and media playback controls are perfect for gamers on the go.)

8.2 Ease of Use – (Like the A40 Audio System, it’s still a bit of a tricky setup.)

9.2 Value – (While still expensive, the A30 system is cheaper and, in many ways, preferrable to the A40s.)

10 Comfort – (The headset is practically weightless and the earcups breathe exceptionally well.)

9.7 OVERALL (out of 10)

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WHAT: Astro A30

PRICE: $150 ($230 bundled with mixamp)

COMPARE TO: Tritton AX 720, Turtle Beach Ear Force X41

WHY COMPLEX IS CO-SIGNING: Astro is already known for its hardware design (they’re the firm behind the Xbox 360 and Alienware rigs) and its headphones (the A40 is at the top of the heap for MLG gaming cans), but with this “cross-gaming” unit they take aim at the casual/commuter market. The result? +10 for headshot…

Gaming headphones are great, and really do make a difference in online multiplayer, but they suffer from a few problems: cord overload, aesthetic concerns (really, those joints are HUGE), and maybe most importantly Single Use Syndrome. Sure, they’re great for gaming, and maybe watching movies, but there’s not a chance those things are leaving your living room. And that’s what Astro’s looking to change with these. The A30s use an ingenious “QuickConnect” system that lets you swap out cords so that you can use them for console or handheld gaming (Xbox360 or PS3), or with iPhones and MP3 players.

By using Dolby Headphone sound instead of full 5.1 sound, they no longer need to cram four speakers into each earpiece, making for a much more streamlined profile: the A30 look more like Skullcandy or WESC phones than studio-quality engineer cans, and clock in at just about half the weight of the A40s (188g vs 324g) (plus actually look better than most regular headphones). Interestingly, the smaller on-ear fit, rather than an over-ear/circumaural one, means that sound leakage is all but obliterated; we’ve been around someone wearing these playing PS3 at deafening volumes without anything trickling out from their headphones.

The design legacy of Astro Studios comes into play as well. Just like the A40s, the A30s have magnetic plates that are swappable, and even fully customizable a la Nike iD. They’ve already done artist series with Upper Playground, but we have to admit we’re not even mad at the unadorned Space Invader-esque design.

But how does it sound? Surprisingly rich, to be honest. Despite the good things we’d heard about Dolby Headphone, we didn’t expect them to deliver a full gaming audio experience, but playing through Battlefield Bad Company 2 with the audio set to “War Tapes” was insane. At one point, we were running through an abandoned rebel camp and were able to track down an annoying radio that was behind us and to the left. They’re great for multiplayer, with individually adjustable game and voice volume meaning you can hear (and be heard) crystal clear, even over the ruckus of a tank. If you’re using them as subway headphones, the foam fit means that you can zone out without blasting your eardrums out (but if you want to, no one’ll know you’re doing it with a Hell Rell mixtape). As we write this, they’re plugged into a laptop for Itunesy goodness, and beat out our usual headphones for sound quality.

Are there downsides? A couple—they’re not quite perfect. Gaming with them requires Astro’s mixamp, which delivers great sound, and cuts down on the cord overload of the Trittons—but does so at the expense of running on battery power, which it sucks down like Divine Brown (word to outdated ’90s references). Four AAs that need to replaced every 8-10 hours or so means rechargeables are all but a must. And while they’re extremely comfortable, the on-ear fit means they can feel a bit snug after a couple of hours. (Of course, if you’re gaming for more than a couple of hours at a stretch, you should probably take breaks anyway, so who knows, maybe this is a public service.) For what they deliver, though—top-tier gaming audio that’s versatile enough to work as amazing street and work headphones—it’s a small price to pay. Whether you’re in the market for gaming cans or just a new set of general-use ones, these are worth the price.

Click here to read the full review!

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Samuel Huang from G Style Magazine got a chance to play with our Scout Backpack!

As an avid gamer, I sometimes run into the problem of how to transport my gear from my home to some remote location in safety. I own both an Xbox 360 and a Sony Playstation 3 and let me just say, these are not small machines nor are the light by any means. These two gaming machines are the Goliaths in the gaming industry. Both are quite large and not what one would call portable by any means. So how would one transport these consoles, not to mention the numerous wires that accompany them, the controllers, accessories, and games? This used to be a major problem I faced. In the past I would just try to pack everything up in a regular old Jansport bag but it just never felt very safe or secure in it. I was always worried about the little bumps the consoles might take or having all my gear packed so tightly together. I however never really gave much thought into purchasing a dedicated gaming backpack as I thought they were just gimmicks and not worth the price they were charging for them. Boy was I wrong.

Interested in the Scout, be sure to check out www.astrogaming.com.

Click here to see the original review.

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Here at PS3Vault we get to play with some pretty sick technology: cutting edge games, high end displays, wicked controllers and all sorts of other gamer goodies. However, we have met the king of gaming greatness and thy name is The A40 Audio System.

The A40 is actually two devices sold together as a kit or separately. First, you have the sweetest pair of gaming (and arguably audio as well) headphones that will ever grace your brainpan. Paired with them is the MixAmp audio mixing system. Put these together and you’re in gaming nirvana.

The A40 sound system is brought to you by AstroGaming, the console designers of that other, vastly inferior gaming system from Redmond, WA. But don’t hold that against them. They’ve more than made reparations for any previous transgressions by bringing the A40 to fruition. And their design skills show up long before you even open the box. Seriously, the box that this treasure comes in is a work of art. No cheap plastic clamshell that makes you rue the day polystyrene was ever invented. No flimsy cardboard that is more worthy of a cereal box than a serious gaming add-on. No, when you open up the A40, you know a lot of thought was put into the design and product. To quote a way over used line “A40, you had me at hello”.

Setting up the A40 does require reading the directions. I know, I know, how dare they?! But trust me, you’re going to want to. And like all the other well thought out aspects of the A40, the reason is awesome. The A40 can be used on a PC, a 360 and a PS3 right out of the box. But these all require slightly different configs and the cables/adaptors you need are right in the box. No late night runs to Best Buy or RadioShack to get the 8mm to 4mm adapter. Want to switch from blasting noobies in MW2 to chatting with your girl on Skype? No problem!

A40 Headset

The headset is truly a work of art. And we’re talking DaVinci level here. The cushions on the ear pieces feels like you could curl up and take a nap on them. The boom mic can be switched from the left to the right side. Earpieces move up and down with ease but don’t come out of alignment. If you want to drown out all other noises such as those annoying calls to do your homework, come to dinner or explain to your Mom why your kid sister is locked in the closet again, you can install a piece of included foam and blast away in an isolated existence. Or, if you want to actually be aware of your surroundings, leave out the foam and click in the stylin’ ear pieces (which according to the AstroGaming website can be customized) and you’re good to go.

MixAmp Audio Amplifier

The second half of the A40 package is the MixAmp audio amplifier. While I only had one unit to test, I can see how outfitting your whole gaming team with these is a serious advantage. With a separate voice chat channel, you can daisy chain together several MixAmps and chat with your team. Furthermore, you can switch the balance/volume level between this voice chat and the gaming audio. The MixAmp has the standard array of knobs and buttons (power, volume and the aforementioned voice/gaming mix knob) and like everything else in this package, is sleeker than a freshly waxed Ferrari.

Once I wiped up the drool from the packaging and design, it was time to hook up the system. The included instructions (yeah, I know, still sore about the instructions but trust me, you can still read directions *and* maintain your Y chromosome status) are quite easy to follow. Optical cable from PS3 to MixAmp, USB from MixAmp to PS3, and hook the headset up to the MixAmp. Piece of cake. The whole process took me about 5 minutes. Time to fire up Modern Warfare 2 and see how these bad boys sound.

In a word, “Freakin’ awesome!”. OK, two words, counting was never my strong suit. Unlike mere studio headphones, these 5.1 wonders allow you to hear directional sound. A combatant coming up behind you, you’ll know it (provided he doesn’t put a hole in your head but I digress). Gunshots sound as directionally accurate as they do with a full 5.1 speaker based system. In fact, since most of us have never done the full speaker placement testing for our home systems, I actually felt I had better perception with the A40’s on than from my normal setup. I will probably just play with these on my head and now my neighbors can sleep at night (yeah, when not fragging little punks, I do care about humanity).

So why only 9.9 out of 10? Trust me, this system is far and away the best I’ve tested. But two little nits keep it out of perfection. First, the volume control is on the MixAmp and the MixAmp has to be as close to the PS3 as your optical cable allows. Optical cables ain’t cheap so chances are, you have a short one on hand. The wire from the MixAmp to the headset is just fine but in order to change volume, you do need to adjust it on the MixAmp. This means occasionally getting up off the sofa/futon/barcalounger to adjust the volume. Or, just buying a longer optical audio cable works too.

Second, I tried to use these headphones for speech recognition software on my PC and the software did not like the fidelity of the mic. I listened to the playback and there was a definite lack of higher frequency pickup from the mic. My Plantronics mic did fine so I know it’s not my system. Bummer because these headphones are so comfortable, you could practically sleep in them. But this is no reason not to buy them on the PS3 or for gaming in general.

Overall, neither one of these is any reason not to get yourself a pair of these for Christmas or just to celebrate the first day of the rest of your life. The A40 combo is $249 and the pieces can be bought separately for $129.95 for the MixAmp and $199.95 for the headset. To learn more or buy, head over to AstroGaming’s website.

To read the review on PS3Vault, click here.