Sound is what makes up the most important aspect of video games and how they create an immersive experience. So when it comes down to headsets it will come to no surprise that there are many on the market all offering different immersive experiences.
With the Astro A50’s it’s a game-changer, experience enhancing headset sat at £250 ($300), while it may be a high price point for some who maybe upgrading from lower cost headsets, the experience more than makes up for the price. As a 5.8GHz device, the A50 stands among the best in class when it comes to signal reliability, with a distance of up to 35-ft.
Thanks to the Dolby Pro Logic IIx, it offers very high quality digitally mixed 7.1 simulated surround sound. Equipped with three equalizer settings: Media increases bass, Core evens out all levels and Pro turns up the treble for better gunshots and footstep detection. It’s exactly what you need to hear those foots steps afar or that alien creeping through the air ducts above you, before hurling bullets whip past your face.
The Astro A50’s are also compatible with Xbox 360 (Voice chat requires a separate cable), PlayStation 3, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and any PC/Mac, making it more versatile than majority of its competition. Online gamers will enjoy that its super bendy and durable microphone provides a nice clear quality, perfect for arranging those tactics for overrunning your enemies. Placing the microphone directly up in its lock position mutes the microphone.
Providing a great experience in a video game maybe the main point of buying the headset but it also works great with music and movies. Offering a deep bass, crisp highs, thanks to the Dolby Pro Logic IIx capability, offering sound mixing as good as any 7.1 headset on the market. Battery life sits in at a generous 12 hours, making its only flaw is the length of the charge cable being a little too short for majority of gamers, depending on where you place the MixAmp TX (Transmitter), making it essential ordering a 3 metre cable separately from Astro for around £5.40 ($7.20).
Firmware updates are also available for the Astro A50’s that fix Xbox One chat compatibility, so be sure to download and update your A50’s if you do purchase. Xbox One gamers should also be aware to update their controller firmware via their Xbox One to the latest version to ensure full compatibility.
The Astro A50’s offer a nice comfortable experience, its earpieces and underside of the headband are covered in soft, foam-like cloth, while you notice the weight of the A50s sitting on your head the gentle points of contact make it easy to wear. During long gaming/movie sessions you’ll forget you’re wearing it. Currently available in three different colour designs Black, White and Dark Green.
The Astro A50’s price point is considerably easier to digest knowing the headset can support all the modern consoles as well as PC & Mac, with great audio fidelity, perfect for immersing you into that gaming experience. It is disappointing that Astro didn’t include a longer charge cable, it’s something you’d expect once you’ve paid £250 ($300) to be included with the headset.
We highly recommend the Astro A50’s to any gamer who wants a powerful versatile headset with one of the best immersive gaming experiences we’ve had with a headset to date. If you do go ahead and buy the Astro A50’s be sure to buy the 3-meter charge cable, and make sure to download the latest firmware update.