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.

Close...

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.

Close...

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.

Close...

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
Well first off, knowing that this bag was coming from ASTRO I already assumed that it was going to be kick ass. Right from the packaging, just like the A40s, you know that you’re getting a high quality product. The interior caught my eye; it had an urban style and coloring, which kind of reminded me of a shirt from Rogue Status. The zippers didn’t get stuck and the straps seemed to be solid enough to hold anything you put in the bag. At first glance, I was extremely impressed and my teammates were extremely jealous.

MISSION BAG ON THE GO: Airports and Traveling

At first I thought to myself, "WTF am I going to put in this bag?"…I threw away my old "personal item" and adopted the Mission Bag as my new carry on. The bag went with me to MLG Vegas where I used it to carry all of my gaming accessories from the LAN, my laptop, and random junk that I didn’t want to have in my checked baggage. I used the side pouches above the zipper to hold my boarding pass and any beverages, which was really convenient. I’m not sure if that’s what it was designed for but after flying 4-5 times with the bag I’ve used that pouch every time. The size of the bag allows you to use it for much more than a gaming accessory, which is nice. I’ve easily fit clothes/liquids in a Ziploc bag/gaming materials/etc. during my Christmas trip to see family in Florida. When I wore the bag around my shoulder using the strap, it was super comfortable on both my shoulders and my leg. The smooth but firm backside of the bag makes it extremely comfortable so you can avoid getting poked by your Xbox in your leg over and over again. For one trip I took, I had a roll-away bag as my carry-on and the Mission Bag as my personal item. The straps were strong enough to put over the handle and the bag was the perfect size for me to just throw it on top of my roll-away. That made it a lot easier for me to get around the airport.

Complaints about using the Mission Bag for travel:
*The bag doesn’t really have a place to set my laptop comfortably. I feel like the random loop (the wireless 360 controller holder) in the backside could have been turned into a place to slide your laptop in, sort of like an accordion folder.
*Going back to the wireless controller loop, I don’t use a wireless controller. I know that they stopped manufacturing wired ones, but I’m really picky about where my controller is placed. Sometimes I even take it out of the bag and carry it so it doesn’t get smooshed. The loop serves me no use and I have yet to use it since I’ve had the bag.
*The bag doesn’t fit under the seat in front of me (length wise), so if I did want to get my laptop, I would end up having to get everyone off their butts to reach into my bag.
These are all obviously minor complaints but I feel the laptop idea is something that the ASTRO guys should look into. It very well may be the only thing holding this back from being the perfect bag for me.
My overall grade on the Mission Bag for traveling: 8 out of 10

Mission Bag goes pro: MLG Tournaments
At tournaments, I always need a bag that is big enough to carry my controller, A-40s, sweater (since its so damn cold in the venue), and some Germ-X…without looking like a dork of course. There was no doubt about it, the Mission Bag carried all that…PLUS my 3 teammates stuff. I could see this becoming extremely useful in certain tournaments where the venue is a longgggg walk from the hotel (Meadowlands for example). I only got a chance to use the bag during MLG Vegas, but when I was there I put it to good use. It was jammed pack with controllers, A-40s, sweaters, Vegas trading cards, and a couple of poker chips from the roulette table. I’m not going to get into the pros or cons here of the Mission Bag at tournaments because there isn’t really any cons. The bag is perfect for holding everything you need at competitions and more importantly, looking good while doing it. The only potential problem I see is a "Mission Bag MIXUP." If a decent amount of people purchase this bag and walk around with it at the tournament…we're going to have a lot of Mission Bag MIXUPS going down. Maybe there will be a way to customize your Mission Bag with embroidery, stickers, or a little tag on the inside to write your name/gamertag. Either that or don’t be a dumbass and leave your bag on the ground (which I do all the time).

My overall grade on the Mission Bag for MLG Tournaments: 10 out of 10
My overall grade on the Mission Bas as a whole: 9 out of 10

--Tom T-Squared Taylor

Like what T-Squared says? Check out the MLG Mission Bag and Regular Mission Bag!

Close...