Xbox Addict

Astro New Wireless A50 Headset Now Available

Astro has finally released its new and improved A50s to the masses.  As a quick history lesson, the headset was origianlly released in 2012 to positive fanfare.  Now the new and improved ASTRO A50 Wireless + Base Station delivers a host of enhanced capabilities and functionality, including updated features and refined audio characteristics.  

The original ASTRO A50 Wireless Gaming Headset is the studio’s flagship audio product. The updated ASTRO A50 Wireless + Base Station has once again raised-the-bar with a slew of feature improvements, comfort and quality adjustments, audio refinements and technological advancements. The all-new ASTRO Base Station features a 5GHz wireless transmitter that provides clear, low-latency voice communication, while making headset pairing and charging simple. Battle through long, intense gaming sessions in comfort with up to 15 hours of battery life. Hear enemies and objects from all angles with Dolby Headphone 7.1 surround sound and optimize your chat levels and game sounds with the built-in MixAmp technology. For even more flexibility, the optional A50 Mod Kit allows users to swap out the headband and ear cushions for improved noise cancellation and comfort.
 
The new ASTRO A50 Wireless + Base Station feature set includes:

• ASTRO Audio – Tuned for gaming by ASTRO’s team of gaming audio experts, ASTRO Audio delivers accurate audiophile-grade performance no matter the source.  

• ASTRO Comfort and Quality –  Engineered for extended gaming sessions, the ASTRO A50 is not only comfortable, but also durable, lightweight, and easily adjustable.

• Dolby Headphone 7.1 Surround Sound – Get the drop on opponents with stunning 7.1 channel surround sound thanks to pinpoint spatial accuracy. Also provides an expansive digital audio experience from Dolby®-encoded movies, TV, and music content. 

• Precision Boom Mic – A highly precise, noise-cancelling boom mic that’s optimized for Xbox One™, PlayStation® 4, PC, Mac®, and other voice communication. Flip-Up Mute functionality mutes voice output and conveniently stows the microphone when not in use.

• Battery Life and Auto Power– Play for extended periods with more than 15 hours of battery life.  The new Auto On/Off conserves battery life when not in use and awakes from Sleep Mode once the unit is picked up.

• Powerful ASTRO Command Center Software – Adjust Noise Gate, Side Tone, and Mic Levels for crystal clear communication.  Alter game volume, chat audio, mic, and AUX channels individually to generate custom audio mixes for streaming output.  Future A50 Headset and Base Station firmware updates will also be accessible via the ASTRO Command Center software.

• Low-Latency 5GHz Wireless – The ASTRO A50 features 5GHz technology that provides secure wireless connectivity between the A50 Headset and ASTRO Base Station Transmitter.  This helps eliminate interference from other wireless devices and keeps audio output in-sync with video sources.

• ASTRO Base Station Transmitter – The stylish new ASTRO Base Station features magnetic charging contacts for simple docking and charging. The ASTRO Base Station also provides automatic headset pairing and indication of battery status, and Dolby Surround On/Off.  Connectivity includes TOSLink (optical) pass-through, AUX input/output and USB for power and streaming on PC.

• Built-In MixAmp™– Take complete control of your audio with ASTRO’s integrated MixAmp™ technology. ASTRO’s MixAmp allows adjustment of audio levels such as Master Volume and Game:Voice Balancing for the optimal mix.

• Custom EQ Modes – Three EQ modes presets are available. These include ASTRO (tuned with precise bass for general gaming), PRO (tuned for precise mid and high detail for streaming and pro gaming) and STUDIO (neutral for accuracy and best for movies and music).  Users can create, customize, save, and share EQ profiles using ASTRO Command Center Software to suit any listening experience or environment. 

• ASTRO A50 Mod Kit Compatible – Transform your ASTRO A50 Headset with the optional ASTRO A50 Mod Kit for improved comfort, style, and noise isolation.  The A50 Mod Kit includes a synthetic leather headband and leather ear cushions that can be conveniently swapped with the original cushions and provide additional noise-cancellation and comfort.

You can check out our early look at the headset right HERE.  

Astro was also kind enough to link a new video for those looking to see, not just read, what they can expect.  You can view it right below:

We’ve gotten quite a few enquiries for you readers out there since our preview (linked above) and we have requested a review unit and hope to have an indepth write-up as soon as we can.