Pre-Order
Q: When will my order ship?
A: Non-pre-orders ship within 48 business hours from the time the orders is placed (as long as it is in stock). Pre-order items will ship as soon as they are in-stock. Where you see a product listed for pre-order, we also state an expected in-stock date. Shipping dates will vary by product. Upon shipment you will receive a shipping confirmation email including shipment tracking information.
Orders containing both pre-ordered and in-stock merchandise will be shipped separately in an effort to deliver your product as quickly as possible. You will not be charged for multiple shipments. Multiple shipping confirmation emails will be sent for purchases with in-stock and pre-ordered items.
I have a Plantronics C5220 USB-C headset and when I use it on Skype I can hear myself in the headset speakers, that's what they call 'sidetone' (or voice feedback). Apparently there is a native option on Windows OS to disable it, I wonder if there is any way to achieve that in macOS? As such, USB headsets for Mac became a far wiser headset choice for assured Mac compatibility. USB-C Digital Headsets For New Macs A new generation of all-digital Mac compatible USB-C headsets with mic can use the Type-C USB 3.1 / Thunderbolt 3 ports on newer MacBook Pro and Air laptops, as well as the latest iMac and Mac mini desktop computers.
Q: When will I be charged?
A: Your credit card may be charged one or two business days before your product ships. Please note that you will see an authorization charge (for the amount of your order total) on your credit card statement from the time of purchase until your order ships. If your order contains both pre-ordered and in-stock merchandise, you will see multiple settlements – each charge to represent the cost of the shipped merchandise. If you placed your order through Paypal, you will be charged immediately upon purchase.
Q: Can I cancel my pre-order?
A: Yes, you can cancel your pre-order by contacting our customer service team. Please have your order number ready for fastest service. You can find our customer service contact information here.
A50 Wireless
Q: What is included with the new A50 Wireless system?
A:
– 1.0M TOSLINK OPTICAL CABLE
Provides clear Dolby Digital Surround Sound across all platforms.
– 1.0M USB CABLE
Powers your Base Station
– Base Station
Pairs and charges your A50 Wireless Headset. Displays battery status, Dolby indicator, and is awesome.
Q: What’s the difference between the the Gen 1/Gen 2 A50s and the new A50s?
A: A few of the new features include:
Side Tone For Usb Headsets Mac Bluetooth
– Extended ~15 hour battery life
– Up to ~30 foot wireless range
– The flip to mute microphone has been redesigned to be more adjustable
– Fully wireless on both Xbox One and PS4 (No chat cable required)
– Newly designed Base Station with LED status display and magnetic charging cradle
– Optional ability to change your ear pads and headband pad to leather via the A50 Mod Kit (Sold Separately and only compatible with new generation A50)
– Access to the ASTRO Command Center for full customization of your audio experience.
Q: Can I answer a phone call with the new A50?
A: Yes, using a 4-pole 3.5mm audio cable, you can connect your smartphone to the AUX port on the Base Station in order to answer phone calls.
Q: Can I use the new A50 with the MixAmp Pro TR?
A: No. The MixAmp Pro TR does not have a wireless transmitter.
Q: Can I charge the new A50 while gaming?
A: Yes, via the USB charge port located on the side of the Base Station. Additional USB cables sold separately.
Q: Can I connect the headset wirelessly with my smartphone?
A: No, the headset does not have Bluetooth connectivity. However you can use any 3.5mm audio cable on the AUX port located on the Base Station to inject your own tunes.
Q: Does the new A50 provide Surround Sound over USB on PC?
A: Yes, the USB Game channel is a 6-channel PCM endpoint supporting Dolby 5.1. It is processed with PLIIx and Dolby headphone to give simulated surround sound. In short, it sounds good!
Q: Is a controller cable necessary for connecting the new A50 with the Xbox One controller?
A: Nope. The new A50 is fully wireless.
Q: Does the A50 work with USB hubs?
A: Yes, but results will vary depending on the quality of the USB hub being used. If there are any issues, try plugging directly into a PC to see if that remedies the issue.
Q: Can I use Speaker Tags on the new A50?
A: Unfortunately, no, due to the design of the headset.
Q: Will the new A50 work with my TX Transmitter?
A: No.
Q: Will the new A50 work with my USB TX?
A: No.
Q: My mic cuts out/is quiet/not working properly. What gives?
A: First, check to see if the mic is properly positioned. Ensure it’s close to your mouth: we recommend placing it as close to your lower lip as possible. Next, check your Noise Gate (Using the ASTRO Command Center). There are four Noise Gate options: try using a different Noise Gate option, and see if that helps. If you’re still experiencing issues, please contact Customer Support.
Mod Kits
Q: What is a Mod Kit?
A: A collection of components designed to improve noise-isolation with swappable synthetic leather ear cushions and a padded synthetic leather headband.
Q: What’s included in the Mod Kit box?
A:
– Noise-Isolating Ear Cushions
– Padded Headband
Q: Can I use my A40 TR Mod Kit on the new A50?
A: Nope.
Q: Can I use the new A50 Mod Kit on the A40 TR Headset?
A: Nope.
Q: Can I use the new A50 Mod Kit on previous generations of the A50?
A: Nope.
Base Station
Q: Can I pair multiple A50 Headsets with a single Base Station?
A: Only one headset can be paired with a single Base Station.
Q: What are the differences between the Console and PC modes?
A: Console Mode is used when gaming on your Xbox One or PlayStation 4. PC Mode is used while gaming on PC or Mac and while updating your Base Station and Headset with the latest firmware or custom EQ presets. The Lightning Bolt on the front of the Base Station display will light up red when in Console Mode, and white in PC Mode. You can switch between modes by toggling the Mode Switch located on the side of the Base Station.
Q: Can I use Gen 1/Gen 2 A50s with the new Base Station?
A: No, due to the hardware incompatibility.
Q: Can I use the Base Station to charge portable devices, such as my smartphone?
A: Some devices may not be able to be charged due to compatibility issues, and we cannot guarantee charging to any specific 3rd party device.
Q: Can I purchase a standalone Base Station?
A: Yes!
Q: Can I use the Xbox One A50 Wireless + Base Station with my PS4, or vice versa?
A:
Yes! For users with multiple gaming platforms, standalone Base Stations can be added to your set-up to enable cross-compatibility.
The Xbox One Base Station uses different hardware for voice chat over USB than the PS4 Base Station to eliminate the need for a controller cable on the Xbox One. Due to the hardware difference, this means the Xbox One Base Station is not compatible with voice chat on the PS4 console. Likewise the PS4 Base Station is not compatible with voice chat on the Xbox One. However, either version of the Base Station can be paired with either console via Optical cable for Surround Sound audio.
For set-up, please check out our video setup guides, please stay tuned!
Q: How much does a standalone Base Station cost?
A: $100 USD.
Q: What does the Base Station do?
A:
The Base Station interfaces between your gaming system and your headset for voice chat and Surround Sound audio. The cradle is used to charge and pair your headset when your headset is not in use. It also stores your 3 custom EQ settings and can be used to modify the Noise Gate, microphone levels, and other device settings through the ASTRO Command Center. The Base Station can be linked with a 3.5mm audio device or smartphone via the AUX port to inject your own sound track or phone calls.
Q: Is the new Base Station compatible with any older A50 Headsets?
A: No.
Q: Is the new Base Station compatible with any A40 Headsets?
A: No.
Q: How do I pair my headset to a standalone Base Station?
A:
To pair your A50 Wireless Headset to a new Base Station, simply drop the headset into the cradle of the Base Station you wish to pair with. The A50 Wireless Headset is not console-specific, and can be paired with either version of the Base Station. When paired successfully, you should see Battery Status bars light up on the Base Station. The amber charge light on the headset should also light up.
Q: Will there be more colorway options for the Base Station in the future?
A:
Currently, we do not have any additional colorways at this time. However, we are always working on great new products. Stay tuned to our Social Channels for the latest ASTRO updates.
Q: What kind of USB cable is used to power the Base Station?
A:
A micro USB cable. You can purchase additional cables on our website.
Q: How do I dock the A50 Wireless Headset to the Base Station?
A:
Please check out our detailed instructions on how to dock your A50 Wireless Headset here.
Q: Can I pass-through audio from the Base Station to a media center?
A:
Yes, via the Optical output on the back of the Base Station.
Xbox One & PlayStation 4 Compatibility
Q: Can I use the Xbox One/PC Headset with the PS4/PC Base Station, or vice versa?
A: Yes. You can swap by re-pairing the headset with the new Base Station by dropping it into the Base Station cradle.
Q: I have two or more users signed in on the Xbox One/PS4. Is it possible to assign the Base Station to a certain user for voice chat?
A: Yes, this can be done through the Device Settings Menu on your console.
Q: Can I use the Xbox One A50 with my PS4? Can I use the PS4 A50 with my Xbox One?
A: The Xbox One A50 (Green) uses different hardware for voice chat over USB than the PS4 A50 (Blue) to eliminate the need for a controller cable on the Xbox One. Due to the hardware difference, this means the Xbox One A50 is not compatible with voice chat on the PS4 console. Likewise the PS4 A50 is not compatible with voice chat on the Xbox One.
The Xbox One/PS4 specific technology is part of the Base Station. As noted above you can use a PS4 version of the A50 Headset on an Xbox One Base Station without issue, and vise-versa.
Both the PS4 and Xbox One A50s are MAC and PC compatible.
PC
Q: Does the new A50 work with the ASTRO Command Center Software?
A: The new A50 will have ACC compatibility via PC or Mac. Older versions of the A50 are not compatible with the ACC software.
Q: How do update my firmware?
A: There are a few steps to this process:
– Download the ASTRO Command Center. Found here.
– Install the ASTRO Command Center by following the on-screen prompts, and launch it.
– If there is a prompt for an ASTRO Command Center update, click download.
– When the ASTRO Command Center is launched, there may be a prompt to connect an ASTRO Gaming device if the Base Station is not in PC Mode.
– Plug the Base Station in and place it in PC Mode by toggling the switch on the side of the Base Station from PC to Console Mode.
Q: How can I customize my EQ modes?
A: You can use the ASTRO Command Center to modify any preset EQ mode.
Q: Can I use USB Game and Optical at the same time?
A: No, the Base Station only supports one or the other. If both are plugged in, the optical input is prioritized. USB Voice can still be used for chat.
Additionally, if both are plugged in at the same time, ensure that the optical output is playing at 48000 Hz sample rate or the outgoing mic will distort the voice.
Q: What is the difference between USB Game and USB Voice?
A: There are 3 device distinctions:
– USB Game Playback device – this is the game audio
– USB Game Line Out Recording device – this is the stream port
– USB Voice device – this is the incoming and outgoing chat
Q: What are the 3 default EQ settings?
A: There are 3 customizable EQ presets:
ASTRO
Best mode for all gamers – tuned for gaming by ASTRO’s audio experts. Precise bass for immersion. Balanced mids and highs for the optimal gaming audio experience.
STUDIO
For music and movies. Neutral for accuracy across a range of media usages.
PRO
Ideal for streamers and pro gamers. Tuned towards mids and highs for precise details. Optimizes surround sound performance as too much bass can cause spatial distortion.
These are customizable using the ASTRO Gaming Command Center Software
Side Tone For Usb Headsets Mac Pro
Q: What are the difference between the four Noise Gate settings?
A: Home: This is the default view. It’s been tuned for smaller LAN environments and typical home settings. It removes most light ambient noise, and works well with the TR Mod Kit microphone.
Streaming: This is the lowest noise gate setting. It’s ideal for quiet studio/home environments, and offers the most natural sounding voice, and will allow background noise if present.
Tournament: This is the most aggressive setting meant for voice isolation and eliminating crowd noise in loud environments. By adding a noise gate to the side tone it eliminates external sounds from entering into the headset.
Night: In between Streaming and Home, this setting is ideal for soft speakers and gaming at night when little ambient noise is present.
These can be selected using the ASTRO Gaming Command Center Software
Q: Why can’t I mix between voice and game?
A:
– Ensure ASTRO A50 Game is set as the default USB audio device. To do that, navigate to the Control Panel, then Manage Audio Devices located under Hardware and Sound.
– Set ASTRO A50 Game headphones as the default audio device.
– Set ASTRO A50 Voice as the default communications device.
– You will also want to ensure that the ASTRO A50 Mic is set as the default recording device, not A50 Line Out, unless you are intending to stream. Programs such as Steam and games which rely on these settings to know where to output the voice chat to and which microphone to use.
Q: How do I set up my A50 for Skyping/TeamSpeak/Mumble/Vent on PC?
A:
– Make sure the Base Station is in PC mode (toggling the switch from Console to PC Mode).
– Go into Audio Options for the chat program of choice.
– Under Audio settings set microphone to Headset microphone (ASTRO A50 Voice)
– Set speakers to Headset Earphone (ASTRO A50 Voice). This will allow users to mix between chat and game sounds.
Q: Will I be able to get game audio from my console while using Ventrilo/Skype/etc on my PC for chat?
A: Yes! However, you will not be able to utilize voice chat on your console while doing so.
Q: Will I be able to access voice chat on both PC and console at the same time?
A: No.
Troubleshooting
Q: My headset isn’t working/giving me issues. What can I do to troubleshoot?
A:
The first thing you should do is a hard reset on your headset. To do this, hold down the Dolby button located on the back of the right ear cup. At the same time, hold down the Game button which is also located on the right ear cup for 15 seconds.
The headset will power off and turn back on again. Dock your headset into the Base Station to re-sync it. If you are still experiencing issues with your headset, please contact Customer Support.
Mac Compatible Headsets With Microphone
Shopping for an Apple compatible wired or wireless headset with built-in mic for Mac Skype, FaceTime, Apple Dictation, Videoconferencing or Gaming?For Mac - iPad - iPhone
Currently you'll find three types of wired Apple compatible headset hardware: All-Digital USB headsets with a simple USB cable that's instantly recognized by OSX in Sound Preferences Pane. There are Analog headsets that also include a USB Audio Adapter Dongle that converts the audio and microphone signal to a single USB connection for Mac use. Apple users could also opt for newer TRRS 4-Pole Analog headsets that use a single plug like the iPhone, iPad and newer Mac's use.
Apple Compatible USB Headsets With Mic
| Business USB Headset | Best-Selling Headset |
|---|---|
| Lightweight Stereo Ideal For Business | Logitech's Newest Model On-Ear Volume and Mute |
Analog Mic Headsets For Mac : 4-Pole
More recently, Apple standardized on a single 4-Conductor 1/8th inch plug for earbuds and headsets with integrated microphones. This occured both on desktop Macintosh and MacBook laptops - along with iPads and iPhones. The PC and cell-phone world saw the appeal of this and many manufacturers are now delivering Apple compatible TRRS 4-Pole headsets with mic that use a single 4-pole plug that work the same with either Mac's or PC's.For Mac - iPad - iPhone
Many older Macs used 'Microphone Level' rather than 'Line Level' input voltages in their audio jacks. The standard 1/8th inch plug looked the same, but many PC analog headsets with microphones with 2 separate plugs, one for it's built-in mic simply did not work on a Macintosh. They failed to deliver adequate volatge to the audio in port for the microphone to produce an audible level of sound. Mono and stereo headsets compatible with Mac have been a bit problematic historically. For a long time Apple used different line voltage standards for 1/8' plug microphones that fractured the Analog headset market into those that were PC compatible and others that were Mac compatible. As such, USB headsets for Mac became a far wiser headset choice for assured Mac compatibility.
USB-C Digital Headsets For New Macs
A new generation of all-digital Mac compatible USB-C headsets with mic can use the Type-C USB 3.1 / Thunderbolt 3 ports on newer MacBook Pro and Air laptops, as well as the latest iMac and Mac mini desktop computers.Type-C or 4-Pole TRRS Connection
Shop carefully if you want a Type-C connector; there's still a million rectangular Type-A USB mic headsets out there. However, you can use them on a newer Mac with the addition of a USB-A to USB-C adapter or hub if needed. Apple compatible USB-C earbud style headphones with inline mic are easier to find because so many new smartphones are also adopting the Type-C USB-C interface for audio and charging.
Wireless Headsets For Mac
For cordless freedom, some may prefer an Apple compatible wireless Bluetooth headset with mic. You can roam a bit while in use, though headset recharging will still need to be done via USB periodically.2-Device Bluetooth Pairing Support
Headset For Mac Features To Look For
When shopping for a headset to compliment your Macintosh computer setup, consider the varied uses and OSX applications you'll likely use. For iTunes music enjoyment, ponder headsets with larger 30mm to 50mm driver elements to reproduce deep bass frequencies most music lovers and gamers prefer. For Apple Dictation needs, some may prefer a lightweight Mac mic headset design that can be worn for extended periods. Some small business and VOIP users might actualy prefer a single-ear monophonic headset so that they can more easily interact with a conventional desk phone or converse easily with coworkers.Notification - Apple and the Apple logo, Mac, MacBook Air, Mac mini or iMac, MacBook Pro, OSX and and any others are a registered trademark of Apple Inc. in the US and other countries. Other computing accessory, peripheral, upgrade, add-on and gizmo and gadget mfrs, brands and product names which may be mentioned at this web site are registered trademarks of each related technology corporate entity.