Posted Wed Oct 8, 2014 at 12:26 PM PDT by Brian Hoss
Xbox One sets still to come.
As revealed last month, ASTRO Gaming has been working on new flavors of their renowned wireless A50 and wired A40 headsets. The first release of this new wave includes the "ASTRO Editions" of the A50 Wireless System, the A40 + MixAmp Pro and the standalone MixAmp Pro. Out of the box, these three offerings are compatible with the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PC and Mac. The previously revealed "Xbox One® Editions," are still to come. These new headsets and MixAmps feature new color schemes and updated audio performance (like PS4 tuning). The A50 Wireless System ASTRO Edition ($300), the A40 + MixAmp™ Pro ASTRO Edition ($250), and the MixAmp™ Pro ASTRO Edition ($130) are now available at select retailers nationwide and directly from ASTRO Gaming at www.astrogaming.com.
For those wondering how these models differ from previous offerings, there is more to it than just simple style and packaging. These models have been specifically tuned to match the needs of the four listed platforms. The chief platform, from which the the ASTRO A50 seems to derive its styling is the PS4, but these headsets and the new MixAmp are meant for use with the PS3, PC, and Mac as well as the PS4. As with other ASTRO headsets, these ASTRO editions can be used with an Xbox One, but a Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter is needed for chat. The upcoming Xbox One Editions will have their own ASTRO solution.
From Aron Drayer, VP of Marketing, ASTRO Gaming,
At ASTRO, we feel that the faithful reproduction of high-quality gaming audio if of the utmost importance to the gaming experience.
However, you simply can’t stop there. Gaming headsets need to be comfortable to wear during marathon sessions, the microphones need to provide total voice clarity and the wireless signal needs to be steady and powerful. This is why we spend so much time testing and developing padding and cushioning materials for our ear pads and we only use the highest end components and technology in our headsets. We also believe gaming headphones should have style and customization options that allow the gamer to proudly proclaim his or her passion for gaming, as evidenced by our design aesthetics and our customizable speaker tag system.
Multiplatform Gaming & Entertainment Solution - Designed to allow you to game when, where and how you choose, the A50 Wireless System is compatible with PS4, PS3, PC, and Mac.
Dolby® 7.1 Surround Sound – Hear the details you’re missing and get the drop on your opponents with stunning surround sound, pinpoint spatial accuracy and crystal clear definition.
ASTRO Audio® Experience - Engineered specifically for gaming, music and movies, ASTRO Audio delivers audiophile-grade sound in a richly detailed positional audio experience with three custom audio modes.
KleerNet™ 5.8GHz Wireless Technology - Operating at a higher frequency than most wireless devices, the A50 Wireless System provides clarity and range with less interference using the best 5.8GHz chipset available today. Point to Multipoint - pair multiple ASTRO A50 headsets with a single transmitter. Totally uncompressed, lossless, and lag free.
Superior Fit & Finish – Highly durable and designed specifically to be easily adjustable, lightweight and supremely comfortable, the A50 Wireless System can capably accommodate marathon game playing, movie watching or music listening sessions.
Built-in ASTRO MixAmp™ 5.8 - The A50 Wireless System puts the audio authority at your fingertips, with integrated wireless MixAmp™ 5.8 technology with embedded controls for Master Volume and Game-to-Voice balancing making all critical audio options available for on-the-fly adjustments.
Embedded Battery & Display Stand - Lithium-ion battery system rechargeable via USB. Show-off and charge your A50 Wireless System on the included display stand.
New Custom Color Scheme – The new A50 Wireless System features a new custom color scheme -- Black headset with Steel accents and Royal Blue wiring highlights.
Multiplatform Gaming & Entertainment Solution - Designed to allow you to game when, where and how you choose, the A40 + MixAmp™ Pro is compatible with PS4, PS3, PC, and Mac.
MixAmp™ Pro – A personal audio mixer and headphone amplifier, the MixAmp™ Pro delivers Dolby® Digital 7.1 surround sound, game-to-voice balancing, the ability to capture game audio for livestreaming, four custom EQ modes, including Pro, Core, Media and LAN or even connect multiple MixAmp™ Pros together to create a lag-free private voice network.
ASTRO Audio® Experience - Engineered specifically for gaming, music and movies, ASTRO Audio® delivers audiophile-grade sound in a richly detailed positional audio experience.
Media Controller Cable – Providing total audio control featuring an in-line mic; an in-line mute; a switch that toggles between in-line and boom mics; a multi-use call/pick-up/music track control button; and, a volume control wheel.
Removable Mic System – A highly precise, noise-canceling removable boom mic, which can be removed and swapped from ear to ear for a more customizable in-game communication experience.
New Custom Color Schemes – Featuring a two new custom color schemes – Steel Gray with Light Gray accents and highlights or Light Gray with White and Red accents and highlights.
Customizable Speaker Tags – A patented ASTRO feature, Speaker Tags represent a magnetic, removable and customizable system for personalizing your A40 Headset. Special edition tags can be purchased or use the Speaker Tag Customizer to create a unique look for teams, clans, guilds or simply for pure personal expression.
Here's the upcoming (October 20th, $299.99) Astro A50 Xbox One Edition:
Source: ASTRO Gaming
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