Gaming is becoming both more competitive and co-operative than ever before. From immensely popular “battle royale” titles like Fortnite and Apex Legends to team up looter shooters like Anthem and Tom Clancy’s The Division 2, the importance of great audio and crystal-clear communication is greater than ever. Today I’m taking a look at the ASTRO A40 TR gaming headset + MixAmp Pro TR for PS4, which is one headset that just might give you a leg up on the competition.
Impeccable style
My very first impression upon pulling the ASTRO A40 TR gaming headset out of the box was the sleek and incredibly attractive design. I have a similar but older A50 model at home myself, but I was immediately jealous of some of the new style upgrades in this model.
In particular, the glassy finish over metal plating on the ear cups is extremely aesthetically pleasing. It gives the headset a truly modern look and really reflects the high-end quality of the product overall. In comparison to the soft molded plastic of my older model A50’s this new design adds a wealth of visual appeal.
The headset also has a satisfying weight to it that further speaks to the quality of its design. For lack of a better way of putting it, the headset just feels that it has a proper heft in opposition to the way that cheaper headsets often feel much lighter. That said, it also, of course, provides the proper amount of comfort enhancements to ensure said weight isn’t a burden during use.
Overall the ASTRO A40 TR gaming headset simply exceeds the aesthetic standards of sight and touch. Of course, while these certainly are desirable traits in a headset, they are not nearly as important as that of sound. It’s time now to dig deeper into what really counts.
Epic sound
Audio performance is where the ASTRO A40 TR gaming headset truly does shine. Astro is well-known for crafting quality high-end gaming headsets with outstanding sound quality, and this headset is no different. I have the opportunity to experience a variety of different brands and models on a regular basis, and Astro frequently delivers the best in audio design.
The ASTRO A40 TR gaming headset has the capacity to utilize both its own proprietary ASTRO Audio V2 technology as well as Dolby Audio to deliver high-quality precision sound. You’ll definitely get the full experience of deep booming bass tones as well as clear and precise high pitches. ASTRO Audio V2 is specifically tuned with gamers in mind to deliver the best experience based on what players specifically are looking for.
Owners can also customize their headset with mods available for separate purchase. The plating over the ear cup is removable. As such the ASTRO A40 TR gaming headset can switch between a closed or open acoustic headset, for example, depending on preference.
Through testing a variety of games I can definitely say that everything sounds better coming through this headset. From blockbuster cinematic action titles like God of War to sports titles like NBA 2K19 and everything in between. The ASTRO A40 TR gaming headset creates an immersive experience with rich, colourful sound.
Mixing it up
In addition to its sleek style and incredible sound, one of the most important features of the ASTRO A40 TR gaming headset is its external control device, the MixAmp Pro TR. The MixAmp connects between the console and your headset. It provides a wealth of inputs, settings, and balancing options right at your fingertips.
Key among these settings and features is the ability to directly and easily control volume. It’s not just the main volume, however. Players can also adjust the mix ratio of game vs. chat audio with the touch of a dial.
Recently I’ve been on another binge with my favourite MMO, DC Universe Online. The MixAmp device makes it so easy to balance my dynamic audio needs in this multiplayer environment.
For example, the game contains collection nodes that contain valuable resources, which are easiest to locate through audio cues. By tuning down chat and isolating as best as possible the channel through which this audio cue comes, I can easily pick out the location of these valuable nodes. The overall sound quality and 3D surround capabilities of the headset don’t hurt this task either!
Conversely, like most MMO’s I often find myself matching with random groups for raids and alerts. With the MixAmp balancing chat and game audio from group to group is extremely simple. I can tailor my needs based on what I’m hearing between different chat channels with a few simple adjustments.
Getting connected
I generally prefer wireless headsets, (another reason why I love my Astro A50 model). That said, I was surprised how good it felt using the MixAmp as a wired extension of the headset.
Normally a wired headset connects to the PS4 controller. In the case of the ASTRO A40 TR gaming headset, however, it actually connects directly to the console.
A USB and optical audio cable run from the PS4 console to the MixAmp. The MixAmp then connects to the headset via a 3.5mm headset jack. I was a bit worried about being tethered to the console at first. Luckily however the USB and optical cables provide plenty of length.
The master volume and chat mixing dials are large and easy to locate. With the MixAmp on an end table directly to my right, it was easy to make quick, no-look adjustments on the fly. The MixAmp is so precise yet simple that I may even prefer it to an on-ear wireless solution.
The ASTRO A40 TR Gaming Headset + MixAmp Pro TR for PS4 is a high-quality choice with great functionality and incredible sound
I’m generally a fan of Astro gaming headsets, and the ASTRO A40 TR gaming headset + MixAmp Pro TR for PS4Â is near, if not at the top of, the list among those I would recommend to just about anyone. The audio quality of this headset is nearly unbeatable, and the aesthetic style is similarly the best among its peers.
There is something to be said for the convenience of a wireless set. Nevertheless, the functionality of the MixAmp Pro TR makes the wired connection a bit less burdensome. It’s so simple to use and offers such a range of options and customization. Benefiting from its features makes everything worth it. This is one headset that any gamer is likely to enjoy to the fullest extent.
