14 DAY TRIAL // Audio products come in many forms, and each type of sound generating device can have an entire range of specifications, aesthetic elements and endurance-enhancing components. The new Astro gaming headsets rank high in all these areas. Of course, one might say that the company, which is actually a division of Skullcandy Inc., would have to be a bit odd not to make sure that is the case.
After all, a single headset can't have a price of $99.99 / 99.99 Euro, or $149.99 / 149.99 Euro, without good reason.
The new products are called the 2013 PC Editions of the ASTRO A30 Cross-Gaming Headset and the ASTRO A40 Pro-Gaming Headset.
The $99.99 and $149.99 US prices correspond to those particular products, respectively.
The product release is unusual in that it constitutes of both an update and a price cut. Before, the A30 had a price of $129.99 and the A40 sold for $199.99.
One new feature is the Quick Disconnect Cabling System, a fairly self-explanatory name really. Multiple cable types and lengths can be connected, plugged directly into the headset via a 3.5mm 4-pole jack. Previously, a mid-cable connection design was used.
Media Controller Cable is another asset, allowing easy switching from smartphones to consoles and PCs. An in-line mic, in-line mute and a switch to change from in-line and boom microphones are included, as is a volume control wheel and a control button for call/pick-up/music track.
Needless to say, the removable mic system has carried over from the previous incarnations of the headsets.
The same goes for the customizable speaker tags (magnetic, removable tag system, with tags possible to design online for teams, clans, personal expression, guilds, etc.).
The Astro Audio Experience technology is preserved as well. It “delivers audiophile-grade sound in a richly detailed positional audio experience.”
