The Astro A40 TR MixAmp Pro are great gaming headphones that are advertised as console-locked to either the PS4 or Xbox One. They are well-built and very comfortable for long gaming sessions. Their audio quality is good, with overemphasized bass. They have a great microphone for online multiplayer gaming and their dock gives good controls. Unfortunately, the headset is very bulky. Due to the open-back design, they won’t be ideal to use in a loud environment. Note that we tested the Xbox One variant of this headset, but we expect similar results for the PS4 variant. Unfortunately, there have been user reports of significant issues using the software, and you can read more in the App Support box.
Our Verdict
Good for neutral listening. The Astro A40 have a powerful and extended bass, a virtually flawless mid-range, but a just okay treble that is underemphasized and lacking in detail. Their bass is also prone to inconsistencies and noticeably overdone, but some may prefer the extra thump of it. However, they sound muddy and slightly cluttered. Overall, they will be better suited for bass-heavy genres and video games with lots of explosion noises. You can also easily cycle through EQ presets on the amp, which is useful.
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Comfortable and sturdy design.
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Good audio reproduction with EQ and presets built into the amp.
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Great microphone.
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Bulky design.
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Poor noise isolation, by design.
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Sound delivery varies across users. Sensitive to glasses and fit.
Poor for commuting. These headphones are very bulky and hard to carry around. Also, they are open-back and barely isolate against ambient noise, which means all the ambient chatter and deep rumbling of engines will seep into your audio.
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Comfortable and sturdy design.
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Good audio reproduction with EQ and presets built into the amp.
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Great microphone.
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Bulky design.
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Poor noise isolation, by design.
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Sound delivery varies across users. Sensitive to glasses and fit.
Sub-par for sports. These headphones are not designed for this use case as they are very bulky and trap a decent amount of heat inside their ear cups, which will make you sweat more than usual. They are not stable and will easily fall off your ears during physical activity.
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Comfortable and sturdy design.
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Good audio reproduction with EQ and presets built into the amp.
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Great microphone.
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Bulky design.
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Poor noise isolation, by design.
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Sound delivery varies across users. Sensitive to glasses and fit.
Sub-par for the office. Their open design doesn’t isolate any noise, but it also means it will leak quite a lot, which can disturb surrounding colleagues. On the upside, you won’t have to worry about a battery life since they are wired and they are comfortable to wear during long periods of time.
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Comfortable and sturdy design.
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Good audio reproduction with EQ and presets built into the amp.
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Great microphone.
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Bulky design.
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Poor noise isolation, by design.
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Sound delivery varies across users. Sensitive to glasses and fit.
This wired gaming headset can't be used wirelessly.
Great for gaming. The A40 are comfortable for long gaming sessions, have a great sounding microphone, and their sound quality is also good. Their wired connection means you won’t have any delay when playing games, which is great but may not be as convenient as the wireless design of the Astro A50. On the other hand, they come with a great dock with plenty of controls and inputs. You can also control and customize them a bit inside their software on PC, but some people have encountered issues using the software.
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Comfortable and sturdy design.
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Good audio reproduction with EQ and presets built into the amp.
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Great microphone.
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Bulky design.
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Poor noise isolation, by design.
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Sound delivery varies across users. Sensitive to glasses and fit.
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Comfortable and sturdy design.
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Good audio reproduction with EQ and presets built into the amp.
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Great microphone.
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Bulky design.
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Poor noise isolation, by design.
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Sound delivery varies across users. Sensitive to glasses and fit.
- 7.6 Neutral Sound
- 4.2 Commute/Travel
- 5.5 Sports/Fitness
- 5.6 Office
- 6.0 Wireless Gaming
- 7.9 Wired Gaming
- 6.9 Phone Calls
- Updated Dec 23, 2022: Users have reported significant issues using Astro Command Center. As a result, we have lowered the App Support score from '7.5' to '6.0' and added information regarding the issue to this box.
- Updated Nov 05, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
- Updated Mar 26, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.4.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
- Updated Apr 25, 2019: Review published.
- Updated Apr 23, 2019: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Apr 23, 2019: Early access published.
- Updated Apr 21, 2019: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Apr 16, 2019: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Compared To Other Headphones
The Astro A40 are great gaming headphones that set themselves apart by their unique design and good amp. However, they aren’t as customizable and don’t offer as much controls as other gaming headsets with amazing software. See our recommendations for the best gaming headsets, the best PC headsets, the best headsets for Xbox One, and the best headsets for PS4.
The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 and the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are both great headsets, though their connectivity options differ. The A40 2017 can only be used wired, while the A50 2019 can only be used wirelessly. They otherwise perform quite similarly overall, though competitive gamers will likely prefer the wired A40 2017 since they have less latency.
There isn’t a big difference between the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 and the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2019. The newer model has a less bass-heavy default sound profile than the 2017 model, and they deliver sound much more consistently. Another improvement is that you don’t need to use the optical cable with the MixAmp, but that’s about it. Other differences are mainly aesthetic, like the Amp design or the color schemes of different model variants.
The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 are better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II thanks to their good controls on the MixAmp and Astro Command Center on PC, though users have reported issues using the software. Sound-wise, the Astro are a bit better, and you can change the EQ easily in the app, which you can't do on the HyperX. On the other hand, if your gaming environment is somewhat noisy, the closed-back design of the HyperX will be better than the open-backed Astro.
The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 are better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Alpha thanks to their great controls on the MixAmp and significantly better-sounding microphone. The Astro are also compatible with the Astro Command Center, which offers decent controls and a few customization options, though users have reported issues using it. They also come with a nice dock that offers controls, and great cable length, allowing you to play easily from your couch. On the other hand, the HyperX have a slightly better-balanced sound profile out of the box, but the EQ can't be changed the inside companion software like the Astro. The HyperX closed-back design also isolates more noise, and they leak less, making them better to use around other people.
The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 are better gaming headphones than the Astro A10. The A40 come with a nice amp that allows for much customization right at the tip of your fingers. They're more comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions and are also better built. The A40 are also compatible with the Astro Command Centre software, which allows sound customization with an EQ, although some users have experienced issues when using the software. On the other hand, the A10's microphone sounds better in our tests.
The Philips SHP9500 and the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 are two over-ear headphones with different uses. The Philips are more designed for critical listeners as they have consistent sound delivery with an open-back design to help immerse you in your audio. The Astro, however, are designed for wired gaming, particularly if you prefer gaming with a built-in mic. They offer controls allowing you to tweak your sound experience on the fly, have an excellent boom microphone, and receive full audio and microphone support on PC, PS4, and Xbox One, whether using an analog or wired USB connection.
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO and the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 are designed for different purposes but are both fairly versatile. The Beyerdynamic are simple studio headphones designed for critical listening, while the Astro A40 provide a customizable gaming experience. However, the Beyerdynamic can be a viable option for gamers who don't need a mic, while the Astro are also a decent choice for mixing podcasts or live streams. The biggest difference is in their sound profiles - the Beyerdynamic sound quite bright, even piercing to some, while the Astro sound less sharp but are also a bit dark. The Astro have many customization options, so you can more easily tweak their sound profile to better suit your tastes.
The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 are better-wired gaming headphones than the Logitech G Pro X Gaming Headset. The Astro have an open-back design that helps to create a wider and spacious soundstage. However, this same design means they also leak more audio and isolate less noise than the closed-back design of the Logitech. The Astro also have a better overall performing microphone, which is great for multiplayer games, and their USB dongle can be used on the PS4 and Xbox One to receive full audio and microphone support unlike the Logitech's, which only offers full support for the PS4.
For gaming, the Astro A40 TR + MixAmp Pro 2017 will be a better option than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x thanks to the boom microphone and its dock, which offers plenty of controls. The Astro are also more comfortable and have a good app that lets you EQ their sound profile, though some users have experienced issues using it. The Astro are open-backs, so they’ll feel more open-sounding, and won’t be great for everyday casual use. However, the Audio-Technica are very versatile. Also, if you have a stand-alone microphone, the Audio-Technica can be a good choice for gaming if you want a studio-style tuning.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 are two wired, over-ear headphones with very different uses. The Beyerdynamic are more suited for audiophiles, as they have a decently consistent frequency response and a more neutral sound profile. However, they don't have a microphone, controls, or companion software, so some may find them very limiting. The Astro, on the other hand, are gaming headphones that have controls so you can tweak your audio on the fly, they're slightly more comfortable, and their boom microphone does an excellent job of capturing your voice clearly, even in noisy environments. Even though they have a more inconsistent bass and treble delivery, they have companion software with a graphic EQ and presets that allow you to find the right sound for your needs. That said, some people have reported issues when trying to use the software.
The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 are the wired variant of the Astro A50 Gen 3 Wireless 2017, so they are very similar. The A40 are open-back and their microphone is better than the wireless A50. They have the same great build quality, and both can be used with the Astro Command Center software on PC, though there are a few users issues related to this software. If you prefer the freedom of a wireless headset, go with the A50. If you don’t want any latency and don’t want the hassle to charge your headphones, get the A40.
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017. The SteelSeries are wireless, closed-back headphones that can also be used with an analog connection. They have more versatile controls on the ear cups, a virtual surround feature, and a unique, swappable battery cartridge system that ensures that you always have extra battery life on hand. The SteelSeries also support Bluetooth so you can channel mix audio from your console with team chat from your mobile device. However, both headphones have inconsistent bass and treble delivery across users and use their companion software to give you more control over your audio experience. Users have also reported issues with their SteelSeries' unit breaking at the hinges over time.
The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 are better wired gaming headphones compared to the Astro A20 Wireless. The A40 are more comfortable, have a slightly better build, and their boom microphone outperforms the A20. They also have a MixAmp that allows you to make audio adjustments on the fly as well as a wired USB connection that offers full microphone and audio support to the PS4 and Xbox One. However, the A20 come in console variants, which is nice if you're dedicated to one gaming platform over another, and they have 14 hours of continuous battery life.
The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 are better for gaming than the SteelSeries Arctis 5 2019 Edition due to their very comfortable and durable build. The Astro also have a better microphone for online games, and their dock has tons of controls and input options that the SteelSeries are lacking. On the other hand, the SteelSeries have better sound quality and might offer better value than the Astro.
While the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 and the SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless are similarly performing wired gaming headphones, the SteelSeries are particularly suited for those who game exclusively on Xbox. The Astro are slightly more comfortable and have a MixAmp that some may enjoy for making adjustments to their audio. They're more versatile since they can easily be plugged into most consoles and receive both audio and microphone support. The SteelSeries, on the other hand, have a virtual surround feature, leak less sound, and can be used wirelessly. They also have a 28-hour battery life that can also be used passively when you're out of battery.
The Astro A40 TR + MixAmp Pro 2017 and the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are very different headphones that are both great for their intended purposes. The Astro are comfortable wired headphones for low-latency gaming, while the Apple have a more portable, casual design with great active noise cancelling for everyday use.
The JLab Audio JBuds Air ANC Truly Wireless and the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 are two very different headphones with different strengths. The Astro are better suited for wired gaming as they're more comfortable, feel better-built, and come with a MixAmp, which offers more gaming-specific controls. They also have a better overall microphone and have companion software to further customize them, though some users have experienced issues using it. However, the JLab are better suited for casual use as they have a more stable fit, come with a decent ANC feature, and have a wireless design that lasts over eight hours on a single charge.
The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 and the Motorola Squads 200 are two headphones designed for different purposes. The Motorola are kids headphones with an on-ear, closed-back fit. They offer a simple listening experience and even have an in-line mic for recording speech. However, the Astro are specifically designed for gaming and aren't kids' headphones. The Astro has an open-back, over-ear fit. They're more comfortable and have a MixAmp for channel mixing on-the-fly as well as companion software to customize their sound. However, some users have reported issues when using the software.
The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 and the Samsung AKG Type-C are very different headphones, so depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other. The Astro are gaming-oriented over-ears that are more comfortable and better-built. They're compatible with the Astro Command Center that lets you customize their sound, but some users have experienced issues when using it. Conversely, the Samsung are in-ears with a USB-C connection, and they're more portable. They have a more consistent audio delivery, better noise isolation, and they leak less sound.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds+ Truly Wireless and the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 are two headphones with very different uses. The Astro are over-ear, wired headphones designed for gamers. They're more comfortable and can be worn for long gaming sessions. They also have a MixAmp with sound controls that you can adjust on-the-fly, and their boom microphone captures voices clearly. However, they're not as versatile as the Samsung, which are suited for most uses other than gaming. Overall, the Samsung have a truly wireless design that makes it easier to take along with you when compared to over-ears. The Samsung isolate more noise and have a very balanced and neutral sound profile.
The AKG K371 and the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 are two different headphones that are designed for different uses. If you want a gaming headset with a boom microphone, get the Astro. On the other hand, if you're looking for a clear and well-balanced sound profile, go with the AKG.
The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 are better for wired gaming and neutral sound than the Beats Solo3 2019 Wireless. The Astro are more comfortable, better built, and have a better-performing boom microphone. They have a wired design and can be used with Astro companion software, which offers a graphic EQ plus presets. On the downside, some users have reported issues using the software, which can be a deal breaker if you want to use them on newer consoles. However, the Beats are better for casual use as they have a wireless design, a more stable fit, and their sound profile is more neutral out-of-the-box.
While the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 and the Plantronics Voyager Legend Bluetooth Headset both have a boom mic and have a focus on speech, they're designed for different uses. The Astro is a better choice if you want a gaming headset that will deliver more immersive stereo sound while you play your games and can easily be plugged into your gaming console. On the other hand, the Voyager Legend is a Bluetooth Headset that's designed for making phone calls from a mobile device, and its mono earbud won't help pull you into a game like the Astro. It's also Bluetooth-only, so it won't work with PS4 or Xbox One.
The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 and the Sony WF-1000XM3 Truly Wireless each serve different purposes, so they don't perform in the same ways. The Astro are designed for gamers who need an excellent microphone and prefer a more open sound quality, while the Sony are noise cancelling truly wireless earbuds made to help block out the noise of a busy commute or workday.
The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 and the Bose 700 Headphones Wireless are designed for different uses, but they're both great at what they do. The Astro are wired gaming headphones that come with an amplifier designed for mixing audio channels while streaming. The Bose are Bluetooth noise cancelling headphones geared towards business professionals who need good mic quality on-the-go.
The Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless are better headphones for mixed-use than the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017, but the Astro will be a noticeably better pick for gaming due to their great dock and great sounding microphone. The Sony will be better for everyday use as their ANC will block out ambient noise and are a great option for commuting or using at the office. They can be used for single-player games if used wired, which makes them a decent option for some games, but won’t be the best for multiplayer games. On the other hand, the Astro are open-back, which means they won’t be a good option for outside use.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better mixed-usage headphones than the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017, but the Astro are a much better choice for gaming due to their great dock and boom microphone performance. The Bose are better for everyday use, however, as their ANC blocks out a lot of background noise. On the other hand, the Astro are open-back headphones, which means they won’t be a good option for outside use, but maybe better for gaming or listening to music alone at home.
Both the SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition Wireless and the Astro A40 TR + MixAmp Pro 2017 are great gaming headphones that each have their own strengths. The Astro come with a great dock that offers controls and are slightly more comfortable. Their microphone sounds better and you don't have to worry about battery life since they're wired. On the other hand, the SteelSeries can be used wirelessly, although not with Xbox One. On the upside, the SteelSeries Engine offers more controls and customization options than the Astro Command Center software, and their closed-back design isolates a bit more noise than the open-back Astro.
The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 are slightly better-wired gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017. The Astro are slightly more comfortable, their MixAmp allows you to customize your audio on the fly, and they have a better overall performing boom microphone. The Astro are advertised as being console locked, and may not be the best choice if you like to move between different consoles. The SteelSeries, on the other hand, leak less sound, have a 24-hour battery life, and can also be used wirelessly. However, you won't be able use them with a wireless connection on Xbox One since they don't support Xbox One Wireless.
Test Results
The Astro A40 are very similar in design to the Astro A50, but they have a different color scheme and are wired headphones. They look and feel like gaming headphones with their bulky and flashy design, which won’t be great for outdoor use. On the upside, you can remove the mic on the A40, which you couldn’t do on the A50. These headphones look well-made and sturdy, but definitely stand out. The PS4 model variant is black, while the white model is compatible with Xbox One.
The Astro A40 Xbox One are very comfortable headphones to wear during long gaming sessions. Like the Astro A50, the cups are large and spacious, which means most ear sizes should fit in. They are a bit heavy, but the soft ear cup and headband padding distribute the pressure well. Some may feel fatigue after a while due to their weight, but they do feel a bit less tight than the A50, which some may prefer.
The A40 MixAmp have good gaming controls, but they don’t offer call and music management, which shouldn’t be an issue for most gamers. They come with an in-line remote that only has a mic-mute button, which is connected to the MixAmp, which offers multiple controls. You get a volume knob and a channel mixing one which has a notch in the middle, for an equal 50/50 mix between game and chat audio. The MixAmp also allows you to cycle through the EQ presets and enable/disable Dolby Surround Sound. The power button also allows you to switch between console and PC mode. The buttons are easy to use and offer good feedback, but the volume knob doesn’t feel as nice as the Turtle Beach Elite Pro 2 SuperAmp.
Even if the Astro A40 are technically open-back headphones, they trap as much heat as the closed-back Astro A50. However, the difference in temperature overall is not too drastic and won’t be too warm. The pads still create a good seal around the ears, which obstructs a decent amount of airflow. These are not sports headphones and won’t be a good option to work out with, but this shouldn’t be too big of a problem when gaming.
The Astro A40 TR Xbox One are very bulky gaming headphones. They are not very portable, but they do not need to be used with the MixAmp and you can detach the mic if you ever want to use them outside. The cups don’t fold into a more compact format, but they do swivel to lay flat, which makes it easier to slide them in a bag. These gaming headphones won’t be very outdoor-friendly and should stay around your gaming setup most of the time.
The Astro A40 do not come with a case or a pouch.
The Astro A40 TR MixAmp Pro are very well-built gaming headphones. The materials used are premium and the overall build feels sturdy. The cups are dense and should survive a few accidental drops without too much damage. However, like the Astro A50, the headband is somewhat open and a little hollow with only a plastic mid-section resting on the head. It's flexible but doesn't feel as resistant as a regular headband, especially those with a metal frame.
These headphones are not very stable and won't be ideal for anything but casual listening sessions and gaming. They're not too tight on the head and the ear cups are bulky and heavy, which causes the headphones to sway a lot if you use them while doing any physical activities. This means they won't be suitable to go jogging with as they are not designed for that use.
- Astro A40 TR headphones
- MixAmp Pro
- USB to micro-USB cable
- 1/8” TRRS cable
- Optical cable
- Daisy chain cable
- Manuals
The frequency response consistency is sub-par. Their bass delivery is inconsistent across our human subjects and the maximum deviation at 20Hz is about 6dB. If you have a lot of hair between the headphones and your ears, or have glasses that are not flush to your temple, then you may experience a noticeable drop in bass. In the treble range, we measured more than 9dB of deviation under 10kHz, which is not good and will be noticeable as well.
The bass range performance of the A40 is decent. The LFE (low-frequency extension) is down at 10Hz, which is excellent. The response throughout the range is very flat, but it is noticeably overemphasized. There’s an average of 4dB over our target curve in the response. This will result in excess thump and rumble, which some may like, but will also make the sound noticeably boomy and muddy. Overall, the bass of the A40 is overdone, and there is a small mismatch between our drivers in the low-bass.
Also, their bass delivery varies noticeably across users and is sensitive to the quality of the fit, seal, and whether you wear glasses. The response here represents the average bass response, and your experience may vary.
The A40’s mid-range is excellent. The response throughout the range is virtually flawless after 400Hz and follows our target curve very well. There is a small 1.6dB bump in low-mid, which is the continuation of the overemphasis in high-bass. This will result lightly make the vocals and lead instruments thick and cluttered, but this won’t be too noticeable. Overall, vocals and leads will be accurately reproduced.
The treble performance of the A40 is just okay. The response throughout the range is noticeably under our target curve. This results in a bit of lack in brightness and detail on vocals and leads. However, not everyone experiences treble frequencies the same way, so your listening experience may differ, especially since they don’t deliver sound consistently across different users.
The imaging is excellent. Their weighted group delay is at 0.17, which is within very good limits. The group delay graph also shows that the entire GD response is below our audibility threshold. This ensures a tight bass and a transparent treble reproduction. Additionally, the L/R drivers of our test unit were very well-matched in amplitude and phase response, but there was some room for improvement in terms of frequency matching. Regardless, objects (like footsteps) and instruments will be located very accurately in the stereo image on these headphones. However, these results are only valid for our unit and yours may perform differently.
The Astro A40 have a decent soundstage. The PRTF graph shows a good amount of pinna activation with good accuracy. However, there's no deep 10kHz notch present. This suggests that the soundstage will be perceived to be relatively large and natural, but located inside the listener's head, as opposed to in front. Their open-back design will help make them more open-sounding than the similarly designed, but closed-back A50.
The isolation performance is bad, but it is by design since they are open-back headphones. In the bass range, they don't isolate at all. This means they will let in all the rumble of the airplane and bus engines or the sound of a subwoofer at a gaming event. In the mid-range, important for blocking out speech, they achieve about 1dB of isolation, which isn’t very noticeable. However, in the treble range, occupied by sharp sounds like S and Ts and A/C noise, they achieve about 15dB of isolation, which is sub-par.
The Astro A40 PS4 / Xbox One have a poor leakage performance, but this can be due to their open-back design. The significant portion of their leakage is between 400Hz-10kHz, which is a very broad range, spanning both mid and treble ranges. This make their leakage more full-bodied sounding than that of in-ears/earbuds and closed-back over-ears. At 100dB SPL and a foot away, their leakage will be relatively loud. The leakage averaged 56dB SPL and peaked at 80dB SPL, which is significantly higher than the noise of an average office.
The boom mic has great recording quality. The LFE (low-frequency extension) is at 20Hz, which is excellent. The HFE of 4.6kHz is decent, resulting in a speech with presence and detail, making it very clear and easy to understand. However, it does lack some openness and airiness, and will sound slightly muffled.
Update 11/11/2021: These headphones have been updated to test bench 1.5. In this update, we made changes to the way we test noise handling. We now use a subjective evaluation of our audio clips. This new method has resulted in different results than what we had reported in our previous test bench. As a result, the scoring of this box has changed, and we have updated our results.
The boom microphone has great noise handling. In our SpNR test, it achieved a speech-to-noise ratio of 58dB, which is outstanding. It indicates that this mic can isolate speech from noise even in the noisiest and demanding environments. This microphone uses a noise gate, which you can't disable, but can select between a few different sensitivity options. Note that we tested the microphone with the noise gate set to "Night" mode.
These are passive headphones that do not need a battery.
These headphones are compatible with Astro Command Center. However, some users have reported encountering severe issues when using the software, which may be due to Astro moving the software download from their site to the Microsoft Store. Unfortunately, users are unable to update the headphones' firmware, which is necessary if you want to connect them to newer consoles. They also can't access any of the software's features, making this issue a significant drawback for using these headphones.
When working correctly, the Astro A40 Command Center provides a great graphic equalizer that you can assign to the EQ button on the MixAmp, which lets you cycle between different saved presets. You can also create your own EQ presets. Furthermore, the microphone tab gives you control over the mic level and the noise gate. However, the EQ only offers 5 bands, which won’t be as customizable as the Logitech G635 and Logitech G935 Wireless with the Logitech G HUB.
These gaming headphones don’t have Bluetooth compatibility. If you want a Bluetooth-capable gaming headset, check out the Turtle Beach Elite 800, the HyperX Cloud Mix, or the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless.
Thanks to their wired connection, the A40 practically don’t have any latency, which is great for watching video content and playing video games without any delay.
These headphones can be used with or without their USB dock. They have a normal 1/8” analog connector that will offer audio and microphone on all consoles when plugged into the controllers. Over USB and optical, you can have audio and mic on PS4 by using the PC mode of the amp, while you need to use console mode for the Xbox One.
Update 11/11/2021: We originally reported that our PC/Xbox variant had full audio and mic compatibility audio with both PS4 and Xbox One consoles. However, these headphones are console-locked, and when connected to a PS4 while using the MixAmp, the PC/Xbox variant can only receive audio. The console recognizes the mic, but it results in a high-pitched screeching noise that makes the mic unusable. However, you shouldn't experience this issue if you use the PC/PS4 variant with your PS4. We have updated our results to reflect these changes.
The Astro A40 come with a great USB dock that offers plenty of inputs and controls. They have a regular line-in audio jack, an optical input, and audio via the USB cable when plugged into your PC or console. These headphones are advertised as Xbox One or PS4 compatible, so you need to make sure you get the right variant for your console.