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March 2010
the macfeed
After the A40s, we were not sure how Astro could make another headset that is as unique, stylish, and well made as its predecessor. In-fact, before we got our hands on their new A30s, we would have bet on it. Now, we are happy to say that we were wrong as Astro Gaming’s all new A30 cross-gaming headset has just made us eat our words. Not to say that their A40s are obsolete because they are far from it. The A30 is an all new genera of headphones, it is a cross gaming-headset or in other words it is a headset designed to be used for both on the go devices and stationary consoles – which in our opinion is pretty cool.
Boxing Perfection
Apple is known for how well they pack their products, even to the point where we are forced to keep the box just because it is so beautiful. Or is that just us? Any how, Astro has joined that parade with the way they package their products. Each box has Astro’s personal touch implemented which is their well known logo, a pimped-out global map, and a few special extras (check out their website’s background for an idea). Even the speaker tags have their own box with a concealed magnetic strip holding it closed. Though it is a bit difficult to explain how a product is packed so we mine as well show you:
New Features
Since the A30s were designed for being on the go, they have added a few features that appeal to iPhone owners. For one, the A30s come with a cable that has the same inline controls as Apple’s headphones allowing you to control music as well as answer the phone. And with their built in mic (inline) you can talk on the phone from your headset even with the the boom mic detached (there is a small switch on the inline controls with the option to use the boom mic or the inline).
Design
Though the A40s and A30s have completely different layouts, their designed to have many similarities. For one, they both feature Astro’s well known speaker tags (Side note: A40’s tags are not compatible with the A30) which allow the user to customize their headset with their own image and design. In addition, both work with Astro’s MixAmp which is used to activate 5.1 Dolby and Dolby Headphone surround in the headset. Another Side Note: both inline control adapters work for both headsets
Unlike the A40s, the A30s boom mic is attached through a small silver adapter at the bottom of the left ear cup. This, to us, would have been better served on one of the sides of the headset as it does look a bit off center when the boom mic is not attached.
An important thing to beware of is that the A30s do not have the ear-cups of the A40s, they are actually on-ear headphones which means your ear will not be in a cup, but they will be completely resting on your ear. This is something many people prefer over the over-ear headphones, though a fraction of people do not. Like iPhone cases, this is solely preference. We found them different, but comfortable – especially the soft ear-cups.
Sound
Sound-wise, whether you are playing games or listening to your iPod the A30s sound great. There is no substantial difference between the sound quality of the A40s and the A30s. Both allow for great gaming as well as listening to music. The A30’s bass is actually very impressive, more so than the A4os, which stunned us when playing action shooters like Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 2 and Battlefield Bad Company 2. And with the MixAmp, you can hear audio direction leading to improved gameplay as well as the ability to locate the sounds you are hearing.
Inline and Boom
A very unique feature we mentioned earlier was that the A30 has two mic options. One being the boom mic which is the removable more sensitive mic that is aimed to be used during online gaming. The other is an inline mic which is designed for mobile devices such as the iPhone and the PSP. Out of the two, clearly the boom mic picks up the most sound, though the inline seems to work very well when used to talk on the phone and play online games.
The Mixamp unleashes the beast
Astro’s updated MixAmp is nothing far from brilliant. It allows for the use of Dolby technology as well in-game communication on game systems. Unlike most other systems, the MixAmp’s sound control is very unique. Instead of two completely different controls, by turning down the voice, the in-game volume increases and vise-versa. By turing down the master volume, everything is turned down and by turing it up all the audio volume goes up.
Cost
To get your hands on the A30, you will have to spend $149 for just the headset or $229 for the headset and the mixamp.
Conclusion
Astro’s prices are not cheap, but the product you receive, whether their bags or their headsets, will be created in such a fashion, anyone and everyone will envy them. You will be amazed every time you put them on, and that is why we recommend the Astro A30 cross-gaming headset. Now we face ourselves with a very difficult decision; the choice between the A40s and the A30s.
The A40s are designed for stationary console gaming. If you do not plan to use these on the road or with your mobile game system the A40s are for you.
If you are looking to play games on your PSP, talk on the phone (with the A30s), and play console games, the A30 is right for you. As we said above, the true decision lies with preference.
Click here to read the original review!
Boxing Perfection
Apple is known for how well they pack their products, even to the point where we are forced to keep the box just because it is so beautiful. Or is that just us? Any how, Astro has joined that parade with the way they package their products. Each box has Astro’s personal touch implemented which is their well known logo, a pimped-out global map, and a few special extras (check out their website’s background for an idea). Even the speaker tags have their own box with a concealed magnetic strip holding it closed. Though it is a bit difficult to explain how a product is packed so we mine as well show you:
New Features
Since the A30s were designed for being on the go, they have added a few features that appeal to iPhone owners. For one, the A30s come with a cable that has the same inline controls as Apple’s headphones allowing you to control music as well as answer the phone. And with their built in mic (inline) you can talk on the phone from your headset even with the the boom mic detached (there is a small switch on the inline controls with the option to use the boom mic or the inline).
Design
Though the A40s and A30s have completely different layouts, their designed to have many similarities. For one, they both feature Astro’s well known speaker tags (Side note: A40’s tags are not compatible with the A30) which allow the user to customize their headset with their own image and design. In addition, both work with Astro’s MixAmp which is used to activate 5.1 Dolby and Dolby Headphone surround in the headset. Another Side Note: both inline control adapters work for both headsets
Unlike the A40s, the A30s boom mic is attached through a small silver adapter at the bottom of the left ear cup. This, to us, would have been better served on one of the sides of the headset as it does look a bit off center when the boom mic is not attached.
An important thing to beware of is that the A30s do not have the ear-cups of the A40s, they are actually on-ear headphones which means your ear will not be in a cup, but they will be completely resting on your ear. This is something many people prefer over the over-ear headphones, though a fraction of people do not. Like iPhone cases, this is solely preference. We found them different, but comfortable – especially the soft ear-cups.
Sound
Sound-wise, whether you are playing games or listening to your iPod the A30s sound great. There is no substantial difference between the sound quality of the A40s and the A30s. Both allow for great gaming as well as listening to music. The A30’s bass is actually very impressive, more so than the A4os, which stunned us when playing action shooters like Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 2 and Battlefield Bad Company 2. And with the MixAmp, you can hear audio direction leading to improved gameplay as well as the ability to locate the sounds you are hearing.
Inline and Boom
A very unique feature we mentioned earlier was that the A30 has two mic options. One being the boom mic which is the removable more sensitive mic that is aimed to be used during online gaming. The other is an inline mic which is designed for mobile devices such as the iPhone and the PSP. Out of the two, clearly the boom mic picks up the most sound, though the inline seems to work very well when used to talk on the phone and play online games.
The Mixamp unleashes the beast
Astro’s updated MixAmp is nothing far from brilliant. It allows for the use of Dolby technology as well in-game communication on game systems. Unlike most other systems, the MixAmp’s sound control is very unique. Instead of two completely different controls, by turning down the voice, the in-game volume increases and vise-versa. By turing down the master volume, everything is turned down and by turing it up all the audio volume goes up.
Cost
To get your hands on the A30, you will have to spend $149 for just the headset or $229 for the headset and the mixamp.
Conclusion
Astro’s prices are not cheap, but the product you receive, whether their bags or their headsets, will be created in such a fashion, anyone and everyone will envy them. You will be amazed every time you put them on, and that is why we recommend the Astro A30 cross-gaming headset. Now we face ourselves with a very difficult decision; the choice between the A40s and the A30s.
The A40s are designed for stationary console gaming. If you do not plan to use these on the road or with your mobile game system the A40s are for you.
If you are looking to play games on your PSP, talk on the phone (with the A30s), and play console games, the A30 is right for you. As we said above, the true decision lies with preference.
Click here to read the original review!