Posted Tue Oct 13, 2015 at 09:31 AM PDT by Brian Hoss
New headset has open/closed options, and new MixAmps have special streaming capabilities.
Today, ASTRO Gaming's new TR series of headsets and MixAmps becomes available to the public. The A40 TR represents the most siginificant design changes from ASTRO in years, and at the same time, the new MixAmp Pro TR is a smart upgrade for current A40 owners.
One important thing to note about the new MixAmp Pro TR: the black MixAmp Pro TR connects via USB to a PS4, PC, or Mac, while the white MixAmp Pro TR connects via USB to a Xbox One, PC, or Mac. That means that users need to get the right MixAmp Pro TR depending on whether it's for the PS4 or Xbox One.
The chief thing to know about the A40TR is that carries the classic A40 design forward into a model that allows for an unprecedented level of user customization via ASTRO's new Mod Kits. With the official Mod Kits, the A40TR can use different mics, different ear pads, different speaker tags, and different headbands. Not only does this allow for different looks (including the 'Black Ops III' look) and different materials (in the ear cups and headband), but the A40TR can even be set up as either a open-backed headset (the default and classic design) or a closed, passive noise-isolating design (suitable for use in loud areas).
The A40TR is being offered paired with the new MixAmp Pro TR in both black (PS4) and white (Xbox One) variants:
While the A40TR may draw the eyes along with its open/closed flexibility, the new MixAmp Pro TR has been built from the ground up to be all-digital (only two analog connections) and to have zero lag (>1ms) with both teammates and when livestreaming. The MixAmp Pro fully supports both PCs and Macs via USB and can be digitally daisy chained. The MixAmp Pro TR is the one new upgrade that can be used with all existing A40 headsets.
In addition, the white MixAmp Pro now lets A40 users connect to the Xbox One with the extra chat cable connection. It's just a single cable to the MixAmp Pro.
The MixAmp Pro TR pairs with ASTRO's new ASTRO Command Center software, which lets users customize EQ, sidetone, Dolby output (for streaming) and more. And yes, being able to stream with built-in Dolby Headphone encoding is going to be a big feature for streamers.
Additional MixAmp Pro TR capabilities include:
Customize EQ settings that can be stored, shared and easily loaded onto the MixAmp Pro TR
Customize outgoing voice chat with adjustments for mic level, noisegate and sidetone
Customize stream output for the precise mix of game sound and voice chat desired, including two-channel Dolby Headphone Surround Sound output
As for the Mod Kits, the Call of Duty Black Ops III Mod Kit is a great example of how the A40TR can be changed.
The kit includes closed back 'Black Ops III' speaker tags, noise-cancelling ear cushions, a 'Black Ops III' padded headband, and a voice-isolation mic. Ear cushions and speaker tags attach via magnets, and all Mod Kit parts are simple to change out. (Mod Kits will be priced starting at $60 and will be available starting in early November.)
The ASTRO Green TR Mod Kit features identical contents, but with Tournament Ready branding and coloring in place of the 'Black Ops III' designs.
The A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro TR (black) for PS4 is $249.99 (Order here.)
The A40 TR headset + MixAmp Pro TR (white) for Xbox One is $249.99 (Order here.)
The black A40 TR PC headset is $150.00 (Order here.)
The white A40 TR PC headset is $150.00 (Order here.)
The MixAmp Pro TR for PS4 (black) is $130.00 (Order here.)
The MixAmp Pro TR for Xbox One (white) is $130.00 (Order here.)
Source: ASTRO
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