ASTRO A40 Xbox Series X Review (2021): Is This Gaming Headset Worth It?

Next-gen consoles like the Xbox Series X deserve top-notch audio quality that next-gen ASTRO A40 headsets can deliver. Pair your headset with ASTRO’s MixAmp Pro or M80 and you’ll get a more immersive gaming experience with its Dolby Digital Surround Sound. To help you decide whether this headset is worth it, we review the ASTRO A40 Xbox Series X in more detail below.

ASTRO A40 TR Xbox Series X Review & Specs

Compatibility & Set Up

The ASTRO 40 is compatible with the Xbox Series X and S despite the lack of an optical port in these next-gen consoles

When Microsoft released the Xbox Series X that doesn’t come with an optical port, a lot of gamers became worried that their favorite ASTRO TR gaming headsets would become obsolete. Thankfully, all it takes is a quick firmware update and you can use the headset through USB or HDMI with your Xbox Series X or S.

Setting Up the ASTRO A40 and Xbox Series X Using USB

To connect your ASTRO MixAmp Pro to the Xbox Series X or S using USB, follow these steps:

• Using the USB cable provided, connect the MixAmp Pro to the Xbox Series X (ideally, the USB port on the back of the console should be used). Make sure the MixAmp Pro is set to Xbox and not PC.
• Using the audio cable provided, connect the MixAmp Pro and your ASTRO A40 TR headset
• Assign the headset to the owner if prompted
• On the settings menu, go to General > Volume & Audio Output > Party Chat Output set to ‘Headset’
• In the same tab, set Headset Audio to ‘Dolby Atmos for Headphones’
• Go to the app store and download the Dolby Access app. Once downloaded, you can configure the EQ settings to your preference.

Setting Up the ASTRO A40 and Xbox Series X Using HDMI

Another way to set up the ASTRO A40 and MixAmp with the Xbox Series X is through HDMI, which results in better, more accurate audio quality. Here’s a recommended HDMI extractor that works well and here are the steps you can follow to set it up:

• Plug your HDMI cable to the Xbox Series X “HMDI out” and connect the other side to your monitor’s “HDMI in”
• Using the optical cable, connect the HDMI audio extractor to the MixAmp
• On the settings menu of your Xbox, go to General > Volume & Audio Output > Party Chat Output set to ‘Headset’
• In the same tab, set Headset Audio to ‘Dolby Atmos for Headphones’
• Go to the app store and download the Dolby Access app. Once downloaded, you can configure the EQ settings to your preference.

Audio Quality

The ASTR 40 TR headset delivers clear and crisp audio when used with the MixAmp Pro

Equipped with the ASTRO Audio V2, the ASTRO A40 provides clear, detailed in-game sound. Connect it with the MixAmp Pro’s Dolby Atmos Surround Sound and the clarity and overall audio quality gets better by a mile. If you’re planning on getting an ASTRO headset, we definitely recommend getting the MixAmp with it as that’s when you can really hear the difference between an ASTRO and your run-of-the-mill gaming headset.

It also comes with a detachable 6.0mm uni-directional microphone for party chats. The mic is not noise-canceling, but the people on the other line will still be able to hear you loud and clear and without the annoying echo that can sometimes happen when using a cheaper headset. If you’re after a versatile gaming headset that you can also use for casual music listening and not just for your Xbox Series X, the ASTRO A40 won’t disappoint. Your purchase also comes with a 2-year free subscription to Dolby Access.

Design & Durability

The ASTRO A40 TR is durable and is comfortable enough for longer gaming sessions

Built to last, the ASTRO A40 TR for Xbox Series X is lightweight and comfortable. Its plush ear cushions ensure you can wear this headset comfortably for hours. They are wide and spacious as well, so they’re not pushing the ears when worn. Even gamers who wear regular eyeglasses won’t have any issues wearing the ASTRO gaming headset for extended periods.

The headband is adjustable, too, and the detachable boom mic can be attached either on the left or right ear cup. If you like customizing the speaker tags, ASTRO designed the A40 TR to have swappable speaker tags as well.

Accessories

The ASTRO A40 is compatible with the MixAmp and mod kit

If you’re getting an ASTRO A40 TR, you might as well get the MixAmp to go with it. The MixAmp Pro or MixAmp M80 can be connected to your Xbox Series X so you can easily adjust EQ, sound, party chat settings, and most importantly, enjoy Dolby Atmos Surround Sound.

The ASTRO A40 TR is also very customizable. You can upgrade the built-in ear cushions with a synthetic leather noise-cancelling ones. It’s also compatible with ASTRO’s voice-isolating microphone so the other players won’t hear background noise. Other mod kits available are a padded headband and ASTRO’s patented closed back Speaker Tags.

Verdict

Serious gamers will find the ASTRO A40 TR for the Xbox Series X, paired with the MixAmp Pro is well worth its premium price tag

The ASTRO A40 TR is an excellent headset for your Xbox Series X, especially when paired with the MixAmp for Dolby Atmos surround sound. While it may not be the most affordable pair of headset in the market, but its solid build, comfort, and top-notch audio quality make it well worth the purchase.

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