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  1. Astro MixAmp PlayStation 3 Setup Guide

    1. Go to Settings > Accessory Settings > Audio Device Settings, and make sure that your MixAmp recognized and selected
    2. Go to Settings > Accessory Settings > Audio Device Settings, and make sure that your MixAmp recognized and selected
    3. Set your voice level in this menu screen--the level should just hit red when you speak loudly
    4. Go to Settings > Sound Settings > Audio Output Settings, and make sure that Digital (Optical) output is selected.
    5. Make sure that Digital (Optical) output is selected.
    6. Dolby Digital 5.1 should be selected for the best performance possible.
    7. Remember that you MUST select 'X' in order to save your settings before you exit the menu
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    December 23rd, 2009

    Setup the ASTRO A40 Audio System with the PlayStation 3

    Posted by: in San Francisco, CA under Product · 0 Comments

    Using the Astro MixAmp with the PS3

    If you have an Original A40 MixAmp (purchased before November 19th 2009), please click here for the Original MixAmp PS3 Setup Guide.

    To get the Astro MixAmp going full speed on your Playstation 3, with fully adjustable GAME/VOICE balance control, there are a few simple steps you’ll need to follow.

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    Using the Astro MixAmp with the PS3

    If you have an Original A40 MixAmp (purchased before November 19th 2009), please click here for the Original MixAmp PS3 Setup Guide.

    To get the Astro MixAmp going full speed on your Playstation 3, with fully adjustable GAME/VOICE balance control, there are a few simple steps you’ll need to follow.

    Cable Connections

    Power and Voice:

    • Connect the included USB-to-USB Mini ‘B’ cable to an available USB port on the PS3 and attach the other end to the USB input on the MixAmp. This will not only power the MixAmp, but it will also provides the voice channel input and output.

    Game Audio:

    • To provide the best audio to your MixAmp, we recommend using a TOSlink optical cable (sold separately) for full Dolby® Digital Surround Sound. Connect it directly from the rear of the PS3 to your MixAmp.

    • You can also connect your MixAmp to the PS3 via the included RCA cables or from the PS3 AV cable directly to the Left/Right RCA inputs on the back of your MixAmp, providing Dolby ProLogic II Surround Sound via Dolby Heaphone.

    • To see the “better” and “best” setup solutions for your PlayStation 3, you can read the Astro MixAmp manual here.

    Software Settings

    Here’s how to get your PS3 software setup to best work with the MixAmp. Don’t forget to flip through the pictures above as well – we’ve got screenshots of the harder to find menu items that you might otherwise miss.

    Go to Settings > Accessory Settings > Audio Device Settings, and make sure that the “ASTRO Gaming USB MixAmp” is recognized and selected for the Input/Output devices.

    • You can also set your voice level in this menu screen. The default level is set at three (3) which is ideal for most gamers. We recommend adjusting it so the bar graph on the top just reaches the red section when you speak loudly.

    • You can hear how you’ll sound to other players if you go back to the Accessory Settings menu and select the Voice Changer option.

    • Go back and double check that you are connected properly and your mic is set to the optimal level if you experience problems.

    PS3 Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound Settings

    If you use a TOSlink optical cable to experience enhanced Dolby Digital 5.1 output from your PS3, you may need to adjust your PS3 settings based on how you connect your PS3 to your display device.

    HDMI

    • If you are connecting your PS3 to your TV with an HDMI cable and use an optical cable from the TV to your MixAmp, go to Settings > Sound Settings > Audio Output Settings and specify the HDMI output.

    • Then manually choose your method of output and select “Dolby Digital 5.1 Ch”. Make sure that “DTS 5.1 Ch” is NOT checked.

    • Please note that most TVs are capable of audio HDMI to TOSlink optical pass-through but if you are not sure if your TV supports this option, please contact your TV manufacturer.

    TOSlink Optical Cable

    • If you are connecting your PS3 to your Astro MixAmp directly with a TOSlink optical cable, go to Settings > Sound Settings > Audio Output Settings and specify the Optical Digital output.

    • Then select “Dolby Digital 5.1 Ch.” for the output format. Again, make sure that “DTS 5.1 Ch” is NOT checked.

    Any questions? Give us a shout at support@astrogaming.com!

    Happy gaming!

    –The ASTRO Crew

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  2. PS3Vault Reviews the A40 Audio System – 9.9/10

    December 21st, 2009

    ...we have met the king of gaming greatness and thy name is The A40 Audio System

    Posted by: under Reviews · 0 Comments

    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.

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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.

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  3. Worried if your Headset will Arrive in Time for Christmas?

    December 15th, 2009

    Astro Gaming extends holiday ground shipping date!

    Posted by: in San Francisco, CA under ASTRO News · 0 Comments

    Don’t be! We have extended our “Christmas Arrival Shipping Date” with ground shipping to December 21st. Get your orders in by Monday the 21st at 1PM Pacific Standard Time to get your ASTRO Gaming gear just in time for X-Mas with regular ground shipping. This applies to shipping to contiguous 48 States in USA.

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    Don’t be! We have extended our “Christmas Arrival Shipping Date” with ground shipping to December 21st. Get your orders in by Monday the 21st at 1PM Pacific Standard Time to get your ASTRO Gaming gear just in time for X-Mas with regular ground shipping.

    This applies to shipping to contiguous 48 States in USA. Unfortunately, this does not apply to international shipments. However, you can upgrade (3day, 2day, or next day) to have it delivered by Christmas Eve.

    Past the 21st? Please check our shipping calendar to see which shipping option is appropriate to ensure Christmas arrival.

    *Please note: Acts of god, weather, alien invasions, and other extraordinary situations may cause delays. We ship via our most reliable shipping partner, UPS and will do everything we can to deliver like Santa Claus.

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  4. Tom’s Guide Reviews the A40 Audio System

    December 12th, 2009

    'The sound quality in this headset and mixer are amazing and second to none in the headset market.'

    Posted by: under Reviews · 0 Comments

    Ever since the original launched back in 2008, the A40 Audio System from Astro Gaming has been considered one of the best, if not the best PC and console gaming solutions available. Now it’s 2009, and the A40 is back with some adjustments and improvements that make it even better.

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    Ever since the original launched back in 2008, the A40 Audio System from Astro Gaming has been considered one of the best, if not the best PC and console gaming solutions available. Now it’s 2009, and the A40 is back with some adjustments and improvements that make it even better.

    The A40 system comes in two large black boxes. In one box, there is the A40 headset, its hard-shell case, detachable mic, three speaker tags (plates that go on the outside of the cans), sound-dampening padding, a quick-release to stereo connector, and a quick-release to 3.5 mm audio/mic cable. The USB MixAmp comes with a daisy-chain connector, RCA cables, an Xbox-controller audio cable, and a USB cable (regular to mini-B). We also received a six-foot TOSlink optical cable ($19.95) and a rechargeable battery pack (also $19.95), but neither of these are included with the headset or MixAmp.

    The design of the A40 system hasn’t changed greatly since the original came out. The headset looks identical, but has improved wiring and a different kind of driver in each can. The headset still comes with brackets that attach the cans to the headband, while the rest is wrapped in plastic (in this case, a clean matte black). The cans still leave plenty of room for your ears, which is conducive for long gaming sessions with no worries about sore ears or migraines. Astro has also added a limited run of red, blue, and green color options for its A40 headset.

    Like the A40′s design, the MixAmp is also largely unchanged, expect that its USB connection now sends and receives audio as well as power. This is how the A40 MixAmp is PC- and PlayStation 3-friendly right out of the box. The button layout on the MixAmp is simple and intuitive. There are two volume knobs, a power button, and a Dolby Digital-control knob. Once the MixAmp is powered on, the Dolby decoder immediately activates without any tinkering. In short, the MixAmp is simple and effective.

    The A40 isn’t as comfortable as some of our less expensive headsets, but it beats out the AX 720, its primary competition. The A40 is light, but sturdy, and even if the Siberia v2′s are more comfortable, the A40 isn’t a bad experience for your noggin by any means.

    The detachable microphone can be fastened to either can and is completely bendable. The action on the mic is very fluid, but not to the point where the mic won’t stay in place. This means there’s no hassle when you need to move the mic away from your mouth while you’re cursing out the teammate that just got you killed.

    The A40 system comes with an easy-to-read diagram mapping out the different ways you can set up the A40 system with the 360, PS3, and PC, while each system has a “good,” “better,” and “best” connection method. The included accessories ensure that you can connect to both consoles and your PC in some way, but the lack of an optical cable in either box means you have to dish out some extra cash for the pleasure. The rechargeable battery pack might be a luxury, but when you’re talking about a $250 gaming headset and mixer, an optical cable should come free of charge.

    Once you connect your A40 system to a console, you will understand why the A40 system costs over $200. The sound quality in this headset and mixer are amazing and second to none in the headset market. The bass/lows are right where they should be and are thunderous but not overwhelming. The mids and highs are crisp and clear. All told, the audio capabilities combined make ODST and Killzone 2 sound fantastic.

    Much like the AX 720, the A40 MixAmp wouldn’t agree with our onboard sound. Sparing ourselves another several hours of troubleshooting, we went right to the 3.5 mm connector adapter and plugged the A40 headset directly into the motherboard. Yet again, the A40s did not disappoint.

    What else can we say? The Astro A40 system is easily one of the best headsets/gaming audio systems we have ever tested. Expensive? Yes, but if you plan on using it with your PS3, 360, and PC, then it’s a sound investment. Overall: 4.5/5

    If you want to check out the A40 Audio System and all other things Astro Gaming, head over to their website for pricing and purchase.

    To read the original review, please click here.

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  5. ASTRO Gaming Announces New Headset Stand

    Image 1 of 5

    December 10th, 2009

    It's here and it lookin' fine

    Posted by: in San Francisco, CA under ASTRO News · 0 Comments

    Picture this. You’re sitting at home, rockin’ it in Modern Warfare 2 and you have to run. Could be your girl/boyfriend texting you to go hang out, dinner might be ready, or you have to meet your friends at a show. You can throw your A40s on your couch, desk or whatever…

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    Picture this. You’re sitting at home, rockin’ it in Modern Warfare 2 and you have to run. Could be your girl/boyfriend texting you to go hang out, dinner might be ready, or you have to meet your friends at a show. You can throw your A40s on your couch, desk or whatever.

    …Or you can carefully place you A40s on our sleek new ASTRO Headset Stand, which happens to be made out of SOLID ALUMINUM with a durable bright silver anodized finish and subtly branded with a debossed ASTRO logo. The Stand will keep your A40s safe and sound all while looking awesome. Your friends will come in and marvel at not only your A40 Audio System, but how beautifully it is displayed.

    Protect your investment from spills, abrasive wear, Cheeto dust and other desk or tabletop hazards, while displaying your ASTROS with pride with the ASTRO Headset Stand.

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  6. ASTRO Gaming Sponsors Umloud!

    December 8th, 2009

    A Rock Band night for Child's Play Charity

    Posted by: in San Francisco, CA under Events · 0 Comments

    Ever wanted to play Rock Band on a stage AND do some good?

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    Ever wanted to play Rock Band on a stage AND do some good?

    Come join ASTRO Gaming at Umloud! this Wednesday night (12/9/09) at 7PM to partake in an awesome fund raising event for the Child’s Play Charity! You come in, play some Rock Band, donate some money to get in on the raffles, and have way too much fun.

    Umloud! will be held at 7PM to 2AM at the DNA Lounge on 375 Eleventh Street here in San Francisco, CA.

    We’ll be donating the following to the prize raffle:

    - 1x White A40 Audio System
    - 1x Black A40 Audio System
    - 1x Scout Backpack

    You can see the rest of the awesome prizes being given away on the Umloud! Blog. If you can’t make it and want to donate something, just go to their Umloud! Donate! page.

    Hope to see some of you Bay Area gamers there!

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  7. ASTRO Gaming’s BXR Edition Stock Update

    December 7th, 2009

    Keeping you in the know.

    Posted by: in San Francisco, CA under Product · 0 Comments

    Just want to give you an update with our BXR line of headsets…

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    Hey everyone,

    Just want to give you an update with our BXR line of headsets.

    Update:

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

    We’ll definitely continue to bring more Special Edition versions of ASTRO gaming equipment in the future as we’re committed to serving our loyal ASTRO fans. We invite you to be the first to know on our next set of Special Edition products by signing up to our newsletter here.

    If you have any questions, please sign-up on our forums and let us know.

    Cheers,

    - ASTRO Stanimal

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  8. ASTRO & Upper Playground Twitter Giveaway

    December 4th, 2009

    Making retweeting fun

    Posted by: in San Francisco, CA under Events · 0 Comments

    You know we love you guys, right? To show that love, we’ve decided we should do a little giveaway to get you guys all jazzed up about our latest Upper Playground Artist Series release.

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    You know we love you guys, right? To show that love, we’ve decided we should do a little giveaway to get you guys all jazzed up about our latest Upper Playground Artist Series release.

    Yesterday, we launched our 2nd Edition of the UP Artist Series and we’re giving you guys a chance to win one A40 Audio System with one of the new speaker tags of your choosing.

    Here’s how it works:

    To enter (1) follow both @UpperPlayground and @AstroGaming on Twitter.com ; and (2) “tweet” or “retweet” the following text:

    Retweet this for a chance to win one of the new @upperplayground A40 Audio Systems! http://bit.ly/6x6c8H #astroupcontest

    Once you’ve tweeted/retweeted, you will automatically be entered for a chance to win. Only one “retweet” post will be accepted so no need to spam it over and over. If you live outside the US, you’re more than welcome to participate too. Just remember to follow @UpperPlayground and @AstroGaming because we will be checking when we pick our winner. Limit one prize for one winner or group of winners, per Twitter account.

    The contest will run from Noon, December 3, 2009 and end on Midnight, December 11, 2009 Pacific Standard Time. We’ll announce the winner over Twitter on Monday the 14th so be sure to check back then.

    That’s the basic of the legal-schmegal stuff but if you want the full rules, you can check them out here.

    So there you have it. Do your tweet thing, good luck, and have fun everyone!

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  9. ASTRO & Upper Playground Reveal Artist Series 2nd Edition

    December 3rd, 2009

    They just keep getting better and better.

    Posted by: in San Francisco, CA under ASTRO News · 0 Comments

    Greetings ASTRO devotees,

    We’re very pleased to announce today that our partnership with Upper Playground, leaders in today’s progressive art movement, has produced the 2nd Edition of A40 Artist Series Speaker Tags.

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    Greetings ASTRO devotees,

    We’re very pleased to announce today that our partnership with Upper Playground, leaders in today’s progressive art movement, has produced the 2nd Edition of A40 Artist Series Speaker Tags.

    It was only a matter of time before more incredible art would descend upon us from our friends at UP. That time has come with three brand-new speaker tags featuring Sam Flores’ instantly recognizable signature character and two fresh takes on the distinctive Upper Playground Walrus logo.

    We just want to take a moment and thank to all our ASTRO fans for making the 1st Edition of Artist Series Tags a huge success. It’s your love for self-expression and gaming that makes us want to release more special editions for you.

    The Upper Playground Artist Series Speaker Tags are available as part of the Upper Playground Edition A40 Audio System and as standalone Speaker Tags (Bone Shield, Propaganda, and Raygun) in limited quantities. All are sold exclusively online at www.astrogaming.com and www.astrogaming.co.uk.

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ASTRO Gaming's mission is to produce the world's finest gaming equipment. We've produced a number of award winning headsets including the classic A30s, A40s, and the wireless A50. Each of our headsets can be paired with our 2013 MixAmp Pro, giving you Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound, four EQ modes, and the ability to adjust your game-to-voice balance.

We are always working to push the limits and evolve as our industry grows. Get rid of your old headphones, hear the difference, and feel the power of ASTRO Audio. Let 'em know you mean business with our travel bags and brand new Apparel Collection. Don't forget, with any ASTRO purchase you have access to our unparalleled customer service, where help is only a click away. Gaming is more than just fun, it's a lifestyle. So whether you're a seasoned professional, avid gamer, or just beginning, ASTRO Gaming has you covered.