With MLG Anaheim behind us and MLG Orlando coming up, we finally got some our awesome photos from Anaheim for your viewing pleasure.

You can see a few of the photos above on this post so check out the links below to see all the rest:

Facebook – MLG Anaheim 2009

Flickr – MLG Anaheim 2009

Want to read all about MLG Anaheim, maybe even watch some of the matches?

Anaheim 2009 Video onDemand – MLGPRO.com

MLG Anaheim Halo 3 Wrap Up – MLGPRO.com

MLG Anaheim Gears of War 2 Wrap Up – MLGPRO.com

Top 5 Things to Takeaway from MLG Anaheim – MLGPRO.com

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Michael McWhertor from Kotaku spends a month with the A40 Audio System and shares his thoughts…

Astro Gaming’s A40 Audio System is largely pitched at the “pro gaming” market, a headset and amplifier combo that offers a private audio experience and the necessary options for voice chat while playing others.

The A40 Audio System is comprised of Astro’s A40 Headset and A40 MixAmp. Released last year, it’s a petite but powerful package that supports gaming on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC, offering 5.1 Dolby Surround and combined voice audio. But you certainly don’t need to be a “professional” to partake in the sweet sounds of the A40.

Here’s what we thought of our month-long ears on time with Astro’s audio system.

Loved
The Headphones: These things sound glorious. It wasn’t until I was forced to take them off so that other people in the room could participate in the listening experience via my antiquated receiver and surround sound set up that I realized how meaty the A40 Audio System was. The A40 headphones deliver sharp, crisp and powerful audio, which I credit with helping to improve my performance in some recent Left 4 Dead 2 and Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer gaming. And while aural advantage is great, it was while playing Dead Space with these things on that really sold me.

The Mixamp: The compact, densely constructed A40 MixAmp packs plenty of connections and power into a tiny package. It’s simply and beautifully designed, with one large dial for controlling volume, a smaller dial for controlling the mix of game audio and voice chat audio. Popping cables in and out and storing the MixAmp out of site makes the wee amplifier an easily portable option.

USB Powered: I like things that are USB powered, as each of my currently hooked up consoles and the PC on which I play games come equipped with USB ports. The device can also be powered by a quartet of AA batteries, an option I haven’t found a need for yet.

Comfortable, But Hefty: I’m not used to wearing headphones, so my initial experience wearing the A40 headset was not an altogether comfortable one. But my head adjusted, eventually feeling comfortable with the light pressure the A40 put on my skull. It’s a solid set of headphones – 324 grams/11.4 ounces – so some adjustment doesn’t seem out of the ordinary, but at this point, I use these things for nearly every solo gaming session.

Hookups Aplenty: Astro doesn’t skimp on the cables, including just about everything you’d need in the package from a connection standpoint, way more than I needed for my own personal use.

Hated
Boy, That’s Kind Of Expensive: Purchased together, the A40 Audio System, will set you back $249.99. And that’s not cheap. The package is much more expensive if the headset and MixAmp are purchased separately, so don’t do that. But they’re a great, well-built option for late night gaming or for those who move their gaming sessions around the house.

One Cord Too Short: The one cable that’s lacking is the Xbox 360 controller communicator cable, which plugs into the MixAmp and at the bottom of the pad. My own set up has just a little too much distance from couch to console and your mileage may vary. But the shorter cable, much shorter than the headphone cable, means I’m forced to play leaning forward. And to suffer this minor discomfort is the kind of thing wimps like me prefer to nitpick.

At $249, the A40 is an investment, pricier than some of the consoles, but also a sound one. I’ve mostly made the switch from my home audio set up to the A40, and not just because the other residents in my household have become annoyed with the constant din of zombies, terrorists and space aliens being aerated and liquefied by heavy gunfire. It’s not without its shortcomings, but the warm, powerful audio experience more than makes up for the minor inconveniences it’s saddled with.

Would we suggest that everyone go out and grab an A40 and make it their primary audio option? Absolutely not. If you’re already good on sound, more power to you. But if you’re in the market for a new audio option, either out of consideration for your housemates or for a better headset/mic combo, give the A40 an earful.

The A40 Audio System was developed and release by Astro Gaming. Retails for $249.99 USD. A unit was provided at a video game review event. Played through through portions of Modern Warfare 2 on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, Left 4 Dead 2 on the Xbox 360 and Dead Space on the Xbox 360 with the full A40 Audio System. Played through portions of Batman: Arkham Asylum on the PlayStation 3 using a dedicated receiver and A40 Headset.

See the original review here.

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BXR Special Edition: A40 Audio Systems & A40 Headsets – Three New Colors

Update:

All BXR Headsets are now sold out. Stay tuned for updates on future special editions.

Express your individuality and check out this fresh new take on the award-winning A40 Headset – the BXR Special Edition – now available in Red, Blue and Military Green. Each new headset color comes with a unique set of BXR SE Speaker Tags, custom designed to highlight your new headset’s eye-catching colorway. And don’t forget the bling. No makeover would be complete without a little shine – so we chrome-painted the grills underneath each tag for that little extra pop.

Better. Faster. Stronger. The New Astro MixAmp is now PS3 compatible out of the box.

The heartbeat of the serious gamer’s audio experience just got an upgrade. Not only did we give the little workhorse a cosmetic refresh, but we added built-in USB voice support for all you PlayStation3 users out there. So say good-bye to your ungainly PS3 USB Mic Adaptors, the new MixAmp™ now receives and sends voice via the included USB-to-Mini USB cable.

As it always has, the new ASTRO MixAmp™ brings games to life with authentic Dolby Digital compatibility and pinpoint-accurate 5.1 channel surround sound. Dolby Headphone transforms any standard pair of headphones into a multi-channel audio experience — without disturbing those around you. Connect your MP3 player through the mixer itself to listen to your favorite music in or out of the game.

The A40 Audio System: BXR Edition ($249.95), BXR Special Edition Headsets ($199.95), and Mixamp ($129.95) are all available immediately at www.astrogaming.com.

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If you have an original A40 MixAmp (purchased before November 19th, 2009 from the US store) and would like access to the manual and quickstart guide, see the links below to review or download either in PDF format:

A40 MixAmp Manual
A40 MixAmp Quickstart Guide

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You wanted it, we made ‘em for ya. ASTRO Gaming’s first set of wallpapers is now available for download and for you to thoroughly enjoy.

Right click and hit “Save Link As” to download your favorite style and resolution.

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Stephen Cameron from Xboxaddict.com looked at our A40 Audio System and writes…

If you play online games and the Xbox 360 as much I do, hell as much as most of the staff here on XboxAddict.com. A decent pair of headphones is a crucial element for communicating online with your allies, and ultimately to have the best online gaming experience.

Personally, I’d go through a pair of headphones a year. These cheap plastic things just didn’t last my rough gamer environment. Plus, having the kids step on them didn’t help.

I was sent a pair of Astro Gaming headphones and MixAmp, the kit is called the A40 Audio System. I immediately thought to myself, “How much better can these headphones really be?” … Well folks, it’s simply a night and day difference to say the least. The overall quality or these two items blew my mind.

The headphones are incredibly well built, plus a few of the parts are completely replaceable. Then I hooked these up on my Xbox 360 in the proper Dolby 5.1 configuration, the sound quality exceeded my expectations. Let me just say that you’re in for a real treat. Shortly after, I decided to hook this up to my PC, same great quality.

The MixAmp module is probably the smartest thing in the package. Most times, headphones are not built by video game players. They are built by manufactures that only listen to classical music, and that sip on Champaign, and no kids in their homes. Astro has built a compact amplifier that draws its power from the USB port, and you can cross fade to have the game louder of the other players voices louder. That is just smart engineering, by people that either watch gamers behind a glass window or actually play games.

At the rear of the unit it has the USB port, an optical, and coaxial digital audio jacks, RCA left and right, and pc microphone jack, and another jack to plug an Mp3 player. It also comes with every cables you’ll ever need to hook this thing up to your PC or your console.

Although, I haven’t owned the headphones nor used them for a complete year. I’m confident that they will outlast my old pair.

All, I can say, this kit is the perfect audio combo that I’ve ever put on my head and ears to date. If you play games online in any fashion, do your ears a favor and buy these.

Hopefully we’ll get to take a peek at other quality Astro products in the near future. Check them out at www.astrogaming.com.

The original review can be read here.

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ASTRO Gaming is proud to announce the launch of a new product in their Transport Series of gaming bags, the Scout Gaming Backpack. Built for gamers on the move, the Scout will help you transport your favorite gaming gear around the globe or around the block.

ASTRO’s Scout Backpack makes it safe and easy to haul your Xbox 360, Playstation 3 or full-sized (17”) gaming laptop to tournaments and LAN parties. With over 2,200 cubic inches of space, there’s also plenty of room for your controllers, cables and software too. And of course the Scout is perfect for holding your Astro A40 headset and even features a special removable pouch custom fit for the Astro Mixamp.

The Scout Backpack will ship in early December in two varieties, the standard Astro edition and the Major League Gaming (MLG) edition sporting the MLG logos to show off your competitive edge. Both include the same great features, solid construction and the awesome ASTRO style that you’ve come to expect.

We’ll have the Scout Backpack on our website for $79.95 plus tax and shipping. Want to learn more? Go check out the Scout Backpack and MLG Scout Backpack product pages to sign-up for updates and see the backpack in action!

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This past Monday night, there was no shortage of awesomeness surrounding the launch of Modern Warfare 2 and ASTRO Gaming was there at the Launch Party at the West LA Best Buy.

Activision was generous enough to bring out MW2 early so everyone could rock out the new Spec Ops multiplayer mode before release. Each Xbox 360 station was beautifully outfitted with the A40 Mixamp and two A40 Headsets linked by our powered splitters. There really isn’t a better way to experience Spec Ops on split-screen. In fact, Scott Lowe from IGN says almost the very same thing in IGN’s Modern Warfare 2 Ultimate Setup.

Sure, NYC had cool stuff too – helicopters, sports stars, Ice-T, fourzerotwo, probably lasers or something ridiculous too. But you know what? We had tanks, APCs and ASTROs too! We also had most of the Infinity Ward crew stop by and sign posters, MW2 covers and whatever else you wanted them to sign. In fact, the IW team was kind enough to sign a few extra items for us so we can give them away to all our loyal ASTRO friends.

Stay tuned on our Twitter and Facebook for MW2 giveaways and our shenanigans in the very near future.