We are already the fourth generation of the A40 TR helmet from Astro. A decided top product that the manufacturer always includes with this famous MixAmp Pro TR module to increase its connectivity, comfort and functionality. Still so remarkable?
As was clear from the start: When we tested the A40 TR, we were pretty sure of the result. Since the first version marketed by Astro a few years ago, this high-end reference of the headset for consoles / PC … has been a reference. Over time, the manufacturer has tried to improve on the few questionable points, which has led them to offer us the fourth iteration today. However, since we have not followed the developments of the previous generation, we will not carry out a comparison test, but an inventory of the product currently on the market.
Aggressive design and somewhat stiff design
the opening of the imposing cardboard box, which contains all the elements of the product, is unimpressive, even if the use of transparent plastic inserts is always a little less classy than the thick black foams of some competitors. Two flaps are raised to gently discover the helmet on one side and the MixAmp on the other. We then take the helmet out of our hair and … first disappointment. In fact, the whole thing appears almost exclusively in plastic and inevitably curses the metal structures of other high-end models.
Fortunately, this relative disappointment quickly evaporates to the extent that, despite the use of plastic, the workmanship is exemplary: Nothing moves, everything looks very reliable and the general robustness does not seem to be in doubt. The central arch is relatively hard and lined with a surprisingly short pad, but quite thick: the top of the skull is the shelter. Two vertical bars are inserted into the ends of this tire. The atriums are attached to them, although we were a little surprised to find that the height adjustment of the latter is not noticeable.
However, the real disappointment for a product in this price range is the lack of rotary hinges, which allow more flexibility in positioning the ear cups. This is all the more regrettable as Astro has integrated a pivot system to turn it and to keep the helmet on the shoulders when not in use: an accessory feature, definitely much more than real rotating hinges. . All in all, as long as you have a small / medium head, we get an adjustable and comfortable product: large heads are likely to be less comfortable.
Gamers interested in their product design will be delighted to learn that the ear cups have a magnetic plate to personalize the A40 with separately available accessories. For our part, we regret that no foam is supplied as a supplement, either to change the texture of the upholstery (leather / fabric) or to replace worn upholstery. Fortunately, Basic Astro got it right: The ear cups are made of thick foam that is covered with a particularly comfortable fabric. There is nothing to be said about this level.
A practical external control box
In addition to the A40 TR, Astro provides us with a small box that answers the name MixAmp Pro TR. It acts as an external sound card and as a connection / control center, as the headset itself is equipped with the essentials. Of course, the MixAmp Pro TR first has what it takes to connect headphones, this is done on the front via a 3.5 mm jack connection. There is an indicator light to highlight the platform in question. You have to turn to the other side of the MixAmp Pro TR to discover the rest of the delights.
Here Astro did it really well with a USB or optical port to connect the box to our configuration. A 3.5 mm jack output called Stream is also included, as is an aux input, still in 3.5 mm jack format. On this page we also find the PC / Xbox switch to switch between the two platforms and the most attentive will notice the presence of two proprietary daisy chain ports: they are there to create a closed communication network around nothing knowing disruptions, for example in competition.
We discover the control part on the MixAmp Pro TR. This is to provide the controls that are normally located on the helmet itself. Logically, the left wheel, the most imposing one, is dedicated to volume, while the right one is dedicated to mixing: it allows you to set the balance between game and voice very effectively … This is of course an accessory aimed at players in the middle of a tournament . Little regret, while the mixer has a central notch, this is not the case with the volume wheel, which is flexible throughout its stroke.
There are two buttons between the two buttons. The first is related to the spatialization of sound. Astro is a Dolby partner for the occasion and Doly Atmos is part of the game: this button toggles between this mode and stereo. The second button changes the equalization profile, knowing, of course, that these were previously defined via the Astro interface. Nothing to say about this console, the exemplary design and the attention to detail down to the two LEDs on the buttons: in white the microphone is ready for use, in red it is muted.
Good quality audio, but color
The Astro Command Center software is available for Windows and MacOS and is the previously mentioned software for customizing and configuring all functions of the Astro A40TR + MixAmp Pro TR kit. Very sober, its user interface allows you to set the equalization on 5 main frequencies, but an advanced option makes it much more complete: on Hertz. Another part of the interface focuses on the microphone with the management of the threshold (noise gate). Finally, the last one is dedicated to the balance / mixture between the sources. Very good work.
Apart from the features, the quality of this dedicated console / sound card and the design of the headset, we obviously had to check the audio behavior. Astro used so-called open 40-millimeter converters and optics as the basis for relatively balanced settings, which, however, emphasize the bass, which is also very well defined. Music lovers will undoubtedly regret the fact that the sounds in the bass-midrange and up to 3-4 kHz tend to be a bit stale. Be careful, we’re demanding given the price Astro is asking, but the result can generally be convincing.
In addition, we must not forget that it is quite easy to check the equalization to get something more neutral or, on the contrary, to give our tastes a stronger color. Various presets are also offered by Astro and the manual option is still possible. Note that by looking for the most neutral equalization possible, something very pleasant is achieved without exaggerating any part of the spectrum. Finally, the voices deserve special mention, which are certainly not the most complicated to reproduce, which manage to stand out. The A40 TR is a compelling model that can be used in video games as well as listening to more music.
We’re more careful with Dolby Atmos. There are certainly effects of spatialization and the impression of a scene that may be a little deeper in some games, but it’s not noticeable. Likewise – although this time it is intentional and connected to the open design of the helmet – the sound insulation is poor … in both directions. You will not be beaten by the crowd and it is best to play in a quiet setting so as not to be disturbed while your immediate neighbors hear what is going on in your ears.
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DE RSUM | ||||
A FIRST CLASS, COMPLETE … AND EXPENSIVE SOLUTION Of course, we regret the particularly high price positioning of this Astro A40 TR with its MixAmp Pro TR box, as the quality is at the rendezvous. It is clearly one of the best products out there to support a gamer. The tournament options are very interesting, although more of a concern to the organizers, as players will be delighted to fine-tune the controls and adjust the volume between games / voices as needed. The audio quality is basically very interesting, but the equalization options allow a lot of imagination and the creation of profiles to adapt them to the situations. In order not to spoil anything, the MixAmp box adds a very complete connection and incidentally makes us regret that the kit is not open to the entire console world, even if the PC / PS or PC / Xbox versatility is already interesting. After all, there is nothing to be said about the microphone recording, which perfectly rounds off an already impeccable gaming record. |
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