ASTRO A40 MixAmp Manual
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Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the ASTRO Gaming A40 Headset!
Whether you are a professional video gamer, a casual player, or a hardcore
hobbyist, we’d like to welcome you into the ASTRO family of performance
gaming accessories.
The A40 Headset is the result of countless hours of research and development
by the foremost experts in the audio industry, extremely talented industrial
designers, and an elite cadre of professional video gamers.
While the A40 Headset is part of the ASTRO A40 Audio/Wireless Systems,
it is a standalone product in its own right. The A40 Headset comes com-
plete with audio cables that enable you to connect to virtually any type of
audio product or gaming device.
Underneath its sleek exterior, The A40 Headset contains several features that
you haven’t seen before in a gaming headset. Customization and versatility
are the hallmarks of ASTRO Gaming products, and this guide will show you
how to set up your headset the right way. Please also keep it for later refer-
ence: it contains important warranty information, and a handy troubleshoot-
ing guide.
About the A40 Headset
The A40 Headset was developed specifically for enhancing the audio and
communications experience of video gaming. Premium 40mm drivers com-
bined with a fully user-configurable uni-directional microphone set the audio
standard for next-generation gaming.
Whether you’re gaming at home alone on a console or a PC, socially with
friends, or out on the road with a portable system, the A40 Headset is the
perfect audio solution.
About the A40 Audio/Wireless Systems
The A40 Audio System consists of the A40 Headset (described herein) and the
wired tournament proven MixAmpTM Pro. Our wireless option, the A40 Wireless
System combines the A40 Headset with our interference free MixAmpTM 5.8.
All high-performance products in their own right, both A40 Systems represent
the ultimate gaming audio solutions. Both of the MixAmpsTM integrate the latest
Dolby® Digital and Dolby® Headphone surround technology, delivering 7.1 sur-
round sound to any set of stereo headphones. Additionally, the MixAmpTM Pro
also integrates a private voice communication channel between you and your
teammates via ASTRO’s patent-pending daisy-chain mixing circuit. The A40
Headset utilizes premium 40mm drivers to deliver accurate high fidelity sound
along with unsurpassed voice-communication quality in the adjustable micro-
phone boom.
introduction about the a40 headset
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A40 headset Package Contents & Description
A40 Headset and Quick Disconnect
The A40 Headset comes with a special Quick Disconnect (or QD, for short) that
enables the easy connection of specialized audio connection cables. Use the
Standard QD Cable to connect to your MixAmp™ or any other standard audio
source or pair with the PC Splitter for use with a PC. Other specialty QD Cables
are sold separately online.
Important: Always keep the Quick Disconnect fully inserted and seated for
proper operation. An incorrectly seated QD may cause feedback or other
interference.
Speaker Tags
Not only for looks – Speaker Tags limit incoming noise, or allow a little bit
in – for when you can’t be completely isolated from your environment.
A40 Microphone
Electronically grounded and uni-directional, the A40 boom mic isolates
your voice, regardless of background noise to provide crystal clean voice
communication.
Standard QD Cable
This cable connects to the A40’s upper Quick Disconnect and provides
a simple stereo connection for use with standard audio devices and any
MixAmp™.
PC Splitter
This cable connects to the end of the Standard QD Cable to provide stan-
dard microphone and stereo audio. Use it to connect your A40 directly to
your PC.
A40 headset Package Contents & Description A40 headset Package Contents & Description
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Setting up the A40 Headset
While the ASTRO Gaming A40 Headset contains more features in a headset
than you may be used to, configuration is quite simple.
The iconic plates on the outside of your A40 Headset are fully removable
and user configurable – we like to call them SPEAKER TAGS. They are each
held on with eight very powerful neodymium magnets (don’t worry – the
magnets do not affect audio quality!). The A40 Headset comes with one
solid Tag and one with a small hole in its middle.
WARNING: While ASTRO Gaming SPEAKER TAGS make great refrigerator
magnets, keep them away from small children and animals. The magnets are
VERY harmful if swallowed (and they taste really bad).
You’ll find a receptacle for the A40’s MICROPHONE BOOM on both sides of
the headset. Simply insert the boom into the jack and adjust the end of the
mic so it resides near to your mouth. The A40’s microphone has excellent
noise-rejection properties – you’ll find that swinging the mic up and away
from your mouth is a convenient way to self-mute when talking to someone
in the room if you are speaking at a normal volume. Otherwise, keep the
microphone close to your mouth for the best fidelity.
Important: For proper performance, make sure that the microphone is FULLY
SEATED in the headset receptacle. Press the MICROPHONE BOOM firmly
into the socket until you feel it snap into place.
Many devices have voice communication capabilities, but a boom mic isn’t
necessary or welcome in every situation -- especially while traveling. There-
fore, we’ve built a stealthy inline microphone into our QD system. This way,
you’ll have voice communication capability at all times. The inline micro-
phone is perfect for general voice duties, but we recommend using A40’s
boom microphone for the highest fidelity sound.
There are two switches on the Quick Disconnect: a small switch on the side,
and a large switch on the face. The small A/B switch is the MIC SELECTOR
and selects the microphone you would like to use. Position A (or UP) selects
the boom microphone, while Position B (or DOWN) selects the inline micro-
phone. The large switch mutes both microphones. When the large switch
indicates RED, the mic is muted.
MIC SELECT
A: BOOM MIC
B: INLINE MIC
Setting up the A40 Headset Setting up the A40 Headset
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Using the A40 Headset with a MixAmp™ Pro/5.8 (Figure A & B)
Connect the Standard QD Cable to the A40 Headset’s upper Quick Dis-
connect. Make certain that the two halves of the QD are fully inserted and
seated. This special 4-pole connector enables the A40 Headset to blend
in microphone functionality with a single connection when used with any
MixAmp™!
Using the A40 Headset with a PC (Figure C)
When you are ready to game with a PC and communicate with the A40
Headset’s high-quality uni-directional microphone, connect the PC Splitter
to the end of the QD Cable of the A40. Plug the microphone and audio con-
nectors into their corresponding jacks on your PC. Usually these are pink
(for microphone) and green (for audio). Consult your PC’s motherboard
and/or sound card manual for further information.
Using the A40 Headset with a Standard Audio Source (Figure D)
Connect the Standard QD Cable to the A40’s upper Quick Disconnect. You
can use the A40 with any device that has a 3.5mm stereo output.
The Standard QD Cable doesn’t have a volume control – this cable should
be primarily used with sources that have an easy-to-control volume level,
like mp3 players, portable gaming systems, and of course, any MixAmp™.
Important: The Standard QD Cable might have built in voice functionality when
you use it with any MixAmp™, but it won’t interfere with your portable devices’
audio output (i.e. mp3 players and portable gaming systems). Simply connect
the 4-pole jack to any 3.5mm socket to use the A40 Headset as conventional
headphones. (You might also want to remove the MICROPHONE BOOM when
you are out in public or on the road, Commander).
Connecting the A40 to an Audio Source
Attaching the Quick Disconnect to the A40 Headset
The A40 Headset includes a Quick Disconnect Cable. The cable includes
an A40 Quick Disconnect jack, and the other side contains a single 3.5mm
4-pole connector for connecting to a MixAmp™ Pro, MixAmp™ 5.8 or any
standard audio jack.
The upper part of the Quick Disconnect (attached to the A40 Headset itself)
contains a mute control that shuts off any outgoing voice signals. To plug
either of the two included headset cables into the QD, make sure you have
the 2.5mm and 3.5mm connector jacks properly aligned (one is smaller and
one is larger).
FIG. A
(MixAmpTM 5.8)
FIG. B
(MixAmpTM PRO)
FIG. C FIG. D
Connecting the A40 to an Audio Source Connecting the A40 to an Audio Source
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Warranty
All ASTRO Gaming products carry a one year warranty on parts and labor
from date of purchase. There is no need to register to obtain this warranty.
What is covered
All defective parts or faulty workmanship.
What is not covered
The warranty does not cover damage caused by accident, misuse, abuse,
neglect, lightning, power surges, other acts of nature/god(s), unauthorized
product modification or repairs, or failure to follow the instructions outlined
in this Setup Guide.
What we will do
We will repair or replace any defective parts within a reasonable amount of
time and free of charge at any time within the warranty period. After service,
we will ship your product back to you at our expense.
What we ask from you
You will be responsible for shipping or transportation charges to us. We rec-
ommend that you keep the original shipping materials, as it is important that
the product will not be damaged during shipping. ASTRO Gaming cannot be
responsible for damages incurred during shipping due to poor packing.
How to obtain ASTRO Gaming warranty service
If you have any questions about your warranty coverage, need help, or you
think you may need service, email the ASTRO Gaming Authorized Service
Center at: support@astrogaming.com. We will do everything we can to an-
swer your questions and resolve any issues within 24 hours.
Exclusive remedy
This Limited Warranty is fully transferable provided that the current owner fur-
nishes the original proof of purchase. THE MAXIMUM LIABILITY OF
ASTRO GAMING SHALL NOT EXCEED THE ACTUAL PURCHASE PRICE PAID
BY YOU FOR THE PRODUCT. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASTRO GAMING BE LIA-
BLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INDIRECT DAMAGES.
Basic Troubleshooting
If the A40 Headset has no sound, check…
• If you are connected to a PC, are the microphone and audio jacks (pink
and green connectors) properly inserted? Make sure that the microphone
connector is plugged into the proper jack (usually pink in color). The
audio connector should also be connected to its corresponding jack
(usually green in color).
• If you are using a PC or other audio device, make sure that its volume
level is not set to minimum or muted.
If the microphone does not operate properly, check…
• If you are connected to a PC, are the microphone and audio jacks (pink
and green connectors) properly inserted? Make sure that the microphone
connector is plugged into the proper jack (usually pink in color). The
audio connector should also be connected to its corresponding jack
(usually green in color).
• Is the MUTE control on the Quick Disconnect turned off?
• Is the MICROPHONE BOOM properly inserted and seated? (Insert it
firmly into the socket until you feel it click into place).
• If you are using a PC, make sure that the microphone is enabled, and
that output level is not set to minimum or muted.
If sounds seem reversed while using the A40 Headset, check…
• Is the A40 Headset on backwards? If so:
• Step 1: Turn A40 Headset around so that your left ear is listening to the
can indicated with the ‘L’.
• Step 2: Chuckle lightheartedly at self.
Support
If you have an issue and you need further help to resolve, please contact us
via the “Got A Question Form” at http://www.astrogaming.com/support/
Basic Troubleshooting warranty
www.astrogaming.com
www.astrogaming.co.uk
www.astrogaming.com/support
© 2010, 2011 Astro Gaming, LLC. All rights reserved
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