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September 2008
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Setting up the ASTRO A40 Audio System with the Playstation 3
If you were wondering if the A40 MixAmp and A40 Headset are compatible with the voice features of the PS3 - the answer is YES!
To get all of the features of the A40 MixAmp going full speed -- like fully adjustable GAME/VOICE balance control, we recommend the ASTRO USB Mic Adapter for the Playstation 3. This driverless USB adapter enables you to run voice communication as a dedicated voice channel -- vital if you want to use the balancing features of the A40 MixAmp.
First, a little primer on what a USB microphone adapter does -- and which ones will work best in this configuration. USB devices can be used to input microphones (standalone or headsets) or “line-level” audio devices (devices that are already amplified) into the PS3’s USB input. The A40 MixAmp acts as a “line-level” device because it already powers the A40 Headset’s microphone and sends out a full-power signal. USB adapters that ASTRO Gaming sells are designed for this kind of line-level signal.
Just getting by: Using the A40 MixAmp with the Singstar USB adapter
Other USB microphone adapters will work better, but if you’ve already got the Singstar adapter and would like to give it a try, it’ll get you by for a while. Because the Singstar adapter is designed for non-powered devices that need more amplification, you’ll need to turn the volume down in the software as much as possible in the software settings (more on that later). In other words, if you use a Singstar adapter with the A40 MixAmp, your microphone will be loud and accompanied by a constant whine or hum. Additionally, the adapter isn’t recognized by the PS3 as an output device, so the Singstar is incompatible with incoming chat (you can only send outgoing voice signals). The incoming game sounds carry the incoming voice chat, which sounds ok -- but unfortunately disables the Voice/Game balance control feature of the A40.
The better solution: Using the Music Fairy with the A40
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a switchable adapter. The Music Fairy that ASTRO sells for $9.95 is fully compatible with the PS3 out of the box. However, pay special attention to wiring the Music Fairy -- it’s a bit different than most other adapters we’ve tried. The best way that we’ve found to wire the outgoing voice chat is to connect one of the included 3.5mm-to-3.5mm cables from the A40’s PC MIC output to the RED connector on the Music Fairy. A second 3.5mm-to-3.5mm cable is included in the Music Fairy package -- connect this to the GREEN jack on the Music Fairy, and then attach it to either one of the Daisy chain ports (after the red Daisy chain connector is removed).
Devil in the details: the PS3 software settings
This is where we walk you through the PS3 software setup. Don’t forget to flip through the above pictures 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 your USB adapter is recognized and selected for the input/output options you want (once you find an appropriate USB adaptor). Typically you’ll want the incoming and outgoing mic set to the USB adapter (unless you have a Singstar).
You’ll also be able to set your voice level in this menu screen. The level will vary greatly depending on the adapter you use, but set it so that the bar graph on the top just hits the red when you speak loudly. You can hear how you’ll sound to others if you go back to the Accessory Settings menu and enter the Voice Changer.
If something sounds funny, go back and read the appropriate section on the type of USB adapter you have and make sure that you are connected properly. Remember to hook up the right way and get your incoming mic to the optimal level.
Any questions? Give us a shout at info@astrogaming.com!
Happy gaming!
--The ASTRO Crew
If you were wondering if the A40 MixAmp and A40 Headset are compatible with the voice features of the PS3 - the answer is YES!
To get all of the features of the A40 MixAmp going full speed -- like fully adjustable GAME/VOICE balance control, we recommend the ASTRO USB Mic Adapter for the Playstation 3. This driverless USB adapter enables you to run voice communication as a dedicated voice channel -- vital if you want to use the balancing features of the A40 MixAmp.
First, a little primer on what a USB microphone adapter does -- and which ones will work best in this configuration. USB devices can be used to input microphones (standalone or headsets) or “line-level” audio devices (devices that are already amplified) into the PS3’s USB input. The A40 MixAmp acts as a “line-level” device because it already powers the A40 Headset’s microphone and sends out a full-power signal. USB adapters that ASTRO Gaming sells are designed for this kind of line-level signal.
Just getting by: Using the A40 MixAmp with the Singstar USB adapter
Other USB microphone adapters will work better, but if you’ve already got the Singstar adapter and would like to give it a try, it’ll get you by for a while. Because the Singstar adapter is designed for non-powered devices that need more amplification, you’ll need to turn the volume down in the software as much as possible in the software settings (more on that later). In other words, if you use a Singstar adapter with the A40 MixAmp, your microphone will be loud and accompanied by a constant whine or hum. Additionally, the adapter isn’t recognized by the PS3 as an output device, so the Singstar is incompatible with incoming chat (you can only send outgoing voice signals). The incoming game sounds carry the incoming voice chat, which sounds ok -- but unfortunately disables the Voice/Game balance control feature of the A40.
The better solution: Using the Music Fairy with the A40
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a switchable adapter. The Music Fairy that ASTRO sells for $9.95 is fully compatible with the PS3 out of the box. However, pay special attention to wiring the Music Fairy -- it’s a bit different than most other adapters we’ve tried. The best way that we’ve found to wire the outgoing voice chat is to connect one of the included 3.5mm-to-3.5mm cables from the A40’s PC MIC output to the RED connector on the Music Fairy. A second 3.5mm-to-3.5mm cable is included in the Music Fairy package -- connect this to the GREEN jack on the Music Fairy, and then attach it to either one of the Daisy chain ports (after the red Daisy chain connector is removed).
Devil in the details: the PS3 software settings
This is where we walk you through the PS3 software setup. Don’t forget to flip through the above pictures 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 your USB adapter is recognized and selected for the input/output options you want (once you find an appropriate USB adaptor). Typically you’ll want the incoming and outgoing mic set to the USB adapter (unless you have a Singstar).
You’ll also be able to set your voice level in this menu screen. The level will vary greatly depending on the adapter you use, but set it so that the bar graph on the top just hits the red when you speak loudly. You can hear how you’ll sound to others if you go back to the Accessory Settings menu and enter the Voice Changer.
If something sounds funny, go back and read the appropriate section on the type of USB adapter you have and make sure that you are connected properly. Remember to hook up the right way and get your incoming mic to the optimal level.
Any questions? Give us a shout at info@astrogaming.com!
Happy gaming!
--The ASTRO Crew