[Gaming Audio] Astro MixAmp presets + Best Audio Gear Guide + Headphone Reviews

[DanielClem]

Alan thank you for the replies.  I did figure out how to play with the EQ settings you suggested from Emperor so thank you for stearing me to that.  Sounds better I feel like than the default Atmos selections.  I still don't have the precision directional accurancy/separation that I would desire.  I have been reading reviews about the pc38x, 660s and others.  If you think that the headphones with the setup discussed before will make that difference in this aspect I think I will go for the hd660s to be a compliment to my X2s if it will make a significant difference.

thelastword thats what I am running on XSX is a astro mixamp and X2s using the atmos app and have been playing around with the EQ settings.  I've never really had hi fi equipment before so I probably don't know any better but I think it does sound pretty good.  It would be nice to have the option to have high end equipment hooked to the XSX console.  I really want to have a shot at the best experience as a console player which is why I have been inquiring about better headphones here.

[AMG]

Hey alanmcgregor ! I hope you're doing well

So I have my Xbox Series X arriving in a few days but I think I find myself in a bit of a pickle regarding audio!

My current setup on PS4 is: Topping D30 DAC, JDS Labs Atom Amp, Blue Yeti Mic and DT990 Pro. This is all connected using optical for the DAC and Amp and USB for the mic.

Now with XSX, there is no optical option but I've also come to the conclusion that Xbox are not even that flexible with third party audio options either. Eg. My mic likely won't work plugged in via USB(?)

So with my equipment in mind, what solutions do you think I have? My monitor does not have an optical connection. I have heard about hdmi optical splitters, but I'd hate to use this if it means it will compromise things such as the ability to achieve 120fps.

If the hdmi optical splitter/audio extractor meant that it would cause side problems such as inability to reach top frames per second, or some lag - I would much rather avoid it completely and just buy new equipment that would work with XSX

FYI my monitor is AOC 24g2u 1080p 144hz hdmi 1.4 with freesync capabilities and as far I understand the hdmi 1.4 /freesync capabilities means I can play games at up to 120fps with 1080p.

It almost seems as if I might be forced to buy an Xbox licenced mixamp such as Astro mixamp and a new headset such as Sennheiser GSP 500 in order to have top audio with the new console.

I'd really appreciate your thoughts.

Best regards
JamesFPS

Hey JamesFPS welcome! 
Lucky guy I can't get my hands on a XBSX I will wait for next year I guess.

You have a really nice audio setup, congrats!. Exactly just like misdah put it, you need a proper splitter or extractor.

SPDIF Audio Extractors doesn't add input lag at all, they are only cables routed in to a different format, takes out the digital audio signal from the HDMI and put it on SPDIF (USB is another way to pass digital audio). Digital video signal is passed through, you only concern on this should be how? which format outputs.

Ideally for a device that outputs HDMI 2.1 having a HDMI 2.1 Audio Extractor should be the best match. Currently there are only HDMI 2.0 which does 1080p / 144Hz and 4K / 60Hz.

HDMI 2.1 does 4K /120Hz, I doubt current gen can do that on AAA games, and that's why mainstream audio extractors are settled to 2.0b, some important devs are acknowledging 4k/60Hz steady it will be the goal for "performance mode" on most games, you wonder why XBSX and PS5 went for HDMI 2.1 then? for 8K playback.

For 1080p at 120Hz you need a monitor with a HDMI 2.0a or HDMI 2.0b input. Unfortunately yoursr is HDMI 1.4 it can do 1080p at 120Hz only via Display Port. If you want to keep the monitor, get either an active cable Display Port 1.2 to HDMI 2.0 or and an adapter, both are transparent.

Now for your Blue Yeti Mic.

Microsoft Xbox has a closed audio ecosystem compare to Playstation where is compatible with a wide variety of USB Audio Codec, that's why Blue Yeti works directly with PS4/PS5 via USB same as almost any USB sound card.

In order to make your incompatible Blue Yeti USB Mic work on Xbox Series X, you will need a device that works with Xbox Series X and gives you: Mic Input then feed this input with your Yeti Blue output signal(your voice) coming from mic's headphone jack, mic requires to be connected USB for power.

That's how was done on XB1X, put the headset adapter, use a Mic/Headphone Y splitter connect the mic input from the adapter to the Blue Yeti Mic Headset output using a 3.5 male-to-male extension, connect the Yeti's USB to the console for power, control levels at the console audio menu.

Not entirely sure if the Official Stereo Headset Adapter(the one goes under the controller) is compatible for XBSX (it should be according Microsoft). MixAmps does.

Official Headset Adapter for Xbox Consoles


Keep in mind: if you are using your Blue Yeti Mic for streaming broadcasting your voice to your viewers only, then you don't need to be working on the Xbox Console, connect the blue mic USB to your streaming computer. However if youe you are using the mic to talk with your team on Xbox then, you need the adapter.

Hope it helps!

DanielClem
Yeah I agree with thelastword get the amp get the HD660S and enjoy. I can't make the same recommendation to JamesFPS or any other fella who has tried/delighted decent audiophile DAC. But being completely honest, I have to say in order to get the best audio experience on a better headphones, you need an equally good DAC/Amp and MixAmp isn't, far from it.

[AMG]

Quickly, on messages often ask me on how can I choose a good DAC, what values or numbers should you pay attention.

20Hz to 20K Hz is what human hearing can hear, so all the DAC's makes you know about this.

Some gaming audio gear claims 5Hz to 56K Hz, - are you a dog or something? is just marketing BS.

THD measurements leads to good sound? - less is better?
THD stands for Total Harmonic Distortion, is an indicator on how something sounds how well is represent or reproduce, uses a value express on %, anything below 10% is accepted, 1% or less is desired, most high performance DAC's goes 0.0X or lower.

So less THD % is better, yes and now... honestly you have to hear it.

Analogy: imagine you have a Denzel Washington in a room with two voice impersonators, both sounds like Denzel but with differences. Maybe one by measuraments is more accurated than Denzels voice but the other one has a more funny impression.

Denzel Washington voice is the Sound.

The Total Harmonic Distortion on this weird analogy is each impersonators particular voice cords and mouth and how their voice came out. The are distorted, no 100% identical to Denzel.

Again 10% or less is accurated for all of us. Going lower in numbers is better, but you might like how a more distorted representation sounds.

[JamesFPS]

Hey alanmcgregor ! I hope you're doing well

So I have my Xbox Series X arriving in a few days but I think I find myself in a bit of a pickle regarding audio!

My current setup on PS4 is: Topping D30 DAC, JDS Labs Atom Amp, Blue Yeti Mic and DT990 Pro. This is all connected using optical for the DAC and Amp and USB for the mic.

Now with XSX, there is no optical option but I've also come to the conclusion that Xbox are not even that flexible with third party audio options either. Eg. My mic likely won't work plugged in via USB(?)

So with my equipment in mind, what solutions do you think I have? My monitor does not have an optical connection. I have heard about hdmi optical splitters, but I'd hate to use this if it means it will compromise things such as the ability to achieve 120fps.

If the hdmi optical splitter/audio extractor meant that it would cause side problems such as inability to reach top frames per second, or some lag - I would much rather avoid it completely and just buy new equipment that would work with XSX

FYI my monitor is AOC 24g2u 1080p 144hz hdmi 1.4 with freesync capabilities and as far I understand the hdmi 1.4 /freesync capabilities means I can play games at up to 120fps with 1080p.

It almost seems as if I might be forced to buy an Xbox licenced mixamp such as Astro mixamp and a new headset such as Sennheiser GSP 500 in order to have top audio with the new console.

I'd really appreciate your thoughts.

Best regards
JamesFPS

Hey JamesFPS welcome! 
Lucky guy I can't get my hands on a XBSX I will wait for next year I guess.

You have a really nice audio setup, congrats!. Exactly just like misdah put it, you need a proper splitter or extractor.

SPDIF Audio Extractors doesn't add input lag at all, they are only cables routed in to a different format, takes out the digital audio signal from the HDMI and put it on SPDIF (USB is another way to pass digital audio). Digital video signal is passed through, you only concern on this should be how? which format outputs.

Ideally for a device that outputs HDMI 2.1 having a HDMI 2.1 Audio Extractor should be the best match. Currently there are only HDMI 2.0 which does 1080p / 144Hz and 4K / 60Hz.

HDMI 2.1 does 4K /120Hz, I doubt current gen can do that on AAA games, and that's why mainstream audio extractors are settled to 2.0b, some important devs are acknowledging 4k/60Hz steady it will be the goal for "performance mode" on most games, you wonder why XBSX and PS5 went for HDMI 2.1 then? for 8K playback.

For 1080p at 120Hz you need a monitor with a HDMI 2.0a or HDMI 2.0b input. Unfortunately yoursr is HDMI 1.4 it can do 1080p at 120Hz only via Display Port. If you want to keep the monitor, get either an active cable Display Port 1.2 to HDMI 2.0 or and an adapter, both are transparent.

Now for your Blue Yeti Mic.

Microsoft Xbox has a closed audio ecosystem compare to Playstation where is compatible with a wide variety of USB Audio Codec, that's why Blue Yeti works directly with PS4/PS5 via USB same as almost any USB sound card.

In order to make your incompatible Blue Yeti USB Mic work on Xbox Series X, you will need a device that works with Xbox Series X and gives you: Mic Input then feed this input with your Yeti Blue output signal(your voice) coming from mic's headphone jack, mic requires to be connected USB for power.

That's how was done on XB1X, put the headset adapter, use a Mic/Headphone Y splitter connect the mic input from the adapter to the Blue Yeti Mic Headset output using a 3.5 male-to-male extension, connect the Yeti's USB to the console for power, control levels at the console audio menu.

Not entirely sure if the Official Stereo Headset Adapter(the one goes under the controller) is compatible for XBSX (it should be according Microsoft). MixAmps does.

Official Headset Adapter for Xbox Consoles


Keep in mind: if you are using your Blue Yeti Mic for streaming broadcasting your voice to your viewers only, then you don't need to be working on the Xbox Console, connect the blue mic USB to your streaming computer. However if youe you are using the mic to talk with your team on Xbox then, you need the adapter.

Hope it helps!

DanielClem
Yeah I agree with thelastword get the amp get the HD660S and enjoy. I can't make the same recommendation to JamesFPS or any other fella who has tried/delighted decent audiophile DAC. But being completely honest, I have to say in order to get the best audio experience on a better headphones, you need an equally good DAC/Amp and MixAmp isn't, far from it.

Hey, really appreciate your reply!

I have to be honest, I must say its far from ideal the steps we have to take to get our favourite audio equipment to work

I also did a little research since my initial post and I've decided for simplicity to use my current DAC and Amp for PC and to purchase the Astro mixamp and Sennheiser GSP 500. This should allow me to have at least somewhat close audio quality as before and cut the corners of the extra wires and having to search for headset adapters etc. I'm actually more excited about this new setup as the mixamp seems interesting and more tailored for gaming.

By the way - regarding 120fps 1080p using HDMI 1.4, I feel there's a bit of confusion regarding this. So my monitor manufacturer confirmed to me that I can get 120fps via HDMI 1.4 on 1080p, and I currently have the monitor hooked up to my pc via 1.4 HDMI and I am able to set it to 120 hz via advanced display settings on Windows. (I also have a frame counter that clearly shows me 120 when activated using the mentioned connection)

I found this video really helpful regarding this: https://youtu.be/x3ahOGMlBR0

My XSX arrives tomorrow so I will be able to confirm if I can get 120hz 1080p via hdmi 1.4 and will update here.

Best regards
JamesFPS

[d1sable]

Of any of you fine people could help i would be very thankful.

I have astro a40 tr mix amp, think gen 3 as its black but not with the double dial.

Works perfectly on ps4 using optical cable

I just got a series X which has no optical cable.

And now i have no sound at all

Folllowed guides online but nothing.

The below link says something about an update that will help however when i plug my amp into pc and go to the command centre there is no firmware update to get.

https://blog.astrogaming.com/2020/09/xbox-series-x-and-playstation-5-compatibility/

Very frustrating coz now i cant play

[The prodigy]

I have astro a40 tr mix amp, think gen 3 as its black but not with the double dial.

I'm pretty sure the PS4 version won't work with any Xbox.   This has always been the case for Astros.

https://www.astrogaming.com/en-gb/products/mixamps/mixamp-tr-gen-3.html

If you check on there site it says so right above "Buy Now"   

[AMG]

Hey, really appreciate your reply!

I have to be honest, I must say its far from ideal the steps we have to take to get our favourite audio equipment to work

I also did a little research since my initial post and I've decided for simplicity to use my current DAC and Amp for PC and to purchase the Astro mixamp and Sennheiser GSP 500. This should allow me to have at least somewhat close audio quality as before and cut the corners of the extra wires and having to search for headset adapters etc. I'm actually more excited about this new setup as the mixamp seems interesting and more tailored for gaming.

By the way - regarding 120fps 1080p using HDMI 1.4, I feel there's a bit of confusion regarding this. So my monitor manufacturer confirmed to me that I can get 120fps via HDMI 1.4 on 1080p, and I currently have the monitor hooked up to my pc via 1.4 HDMI and I am able to set it to 120 hz via advanced display settings on Windows. (I also have a frame counter that clearly shows me 120 when activated using the mentioned connection)

I found this video really helpful regarding this: https://youtu.be/x3ahOGMlBR0

My XSX arrives tomorrow so I will be able to confirm if I can get 120hz 1080p via hdmi 1.4 and will update here.

Best regards
JamesFPS

No problem! , well if you monitor maker told you and you can see it work at 120Hz then is one of those rare 1080p 120Hz HDMI implementations, with a lower color palette and bandwidth.

See back in the day HDMI 1.4 had many quirks like chromatic aberrations, jitter/stuttering while running above 60Hz some needed to turn off digital audio from HDMI in order to work properly. Pretty fast HDMI 1.4b introduced some fixes for it. When HDMI forum approved the 2.0 standard all monitor makers just move on to the update.

Something similar is happening right know with 4K at 120Hz being the edge of the technology... it has been a lot of issues with AV receivers and TV's on the market. That's quite severe, I mean expending $1000 for an entry home theater or mor for a good TV and it doesn't work with your console. Early adoption... is not recommended, waiting is a wise move.

I feel you, cable mess is a hindrance i preffer to use my Arc MK2 on USB mode only with a Single cable Headset Audio Technica ATH-ADG1X one single cable for everything. My Streaming setup is not for OCD persons, ton of wiring but tons of options and control.

Do what ever works for you, but you might endup going back to your Topping DT990 Pro, going GSP500 and mixamp is going backwards, just saying. And "gaming" intended in audio refers to add a ton of bass for explosions and highs, instead of wide sound-stage, precise sound imaging and positioning.

Mr d1sable! in top 3 XIM player in my book.

If your MixAmp is Gen 3 but for PS4, it won't work with XBSX the one the links refers is compatible is for Gen 3 for XB1.

Only the first models for MixAmp was compatible with PC, PS3/4 and XB1 it has a slider selector.

[misdah]

Of any of you fine people could help i would be very thankful.

I have astro a40 tr mix amp, think gen 3 as its black but not with the double dial.

Works perfectly on ps4 using optical cable

I just got a series X which has no optical cable.

And now i have no sound at all

Folllowed guides online but nothing.

The below link says something about an update that will help however when i plug my amp into pc and go to the command centre there is no firmware update to get.

https://blog.astrogaming.com/2020/09/xbox-series-x-and-playstation-5-compatibility/

Very frustrating coz now i cant play

I may be wrong, but my understanding was here in order to make an astro headset work on both console brands you need to have a second base station applicable for your second console. This is so stupid, but seems there is no other way with an astro.

[d1sable]

Thank you guys, well thats that then.

More expense!

Before i order an xbox astro mix amp then

Is there a better alternative to spend my money on?

Oh and thanks McGregor 😊  very kind

[Od1n]

Can you not just get an optical extractor and use the mixamp via the optical out?
Right now theres no all in one solution available since the consoles are so new and no audio manufacturer has a fitting product yet. Some old gen devices work but when buying a new product i kind of always want the latest tech to be supported.

[JamesFPS]

Hey, really appreciate your reply!

I have to be honest, I must say its far from ideal the steps we have to take to get our favourite audio equipment to work

I also did a little research since my initial post and I've decided for simplicity to use my current DAC and Amp for PC and to purchase the Astro mixamp and Sennheiser GSP 500. This should allow me to have at least somewhat close audio quality as before and cut the corners of the extra wires and having to search for headset adapters etc. I'm actually more excited about this new setup as the mixamp seems interesting and more tailored for gaming.

By the way - regarding 120fps 1080p using HDMI 1.4, I feel there's a bit of confusion regarding this. So my monitor manufacturer confirmed to me that I can get 120fps via HDMI 1.4 on 1080p, and I currently have the monitor hooked up to my pc via 1.4 HDMI and I am able to set it to 120 hz via advanced display settings on Windows. (I also have a frame counter that clearly shows me 120 when activated using the mentioned connection)

I found this video really helpful regarding this: https://youtu.be/x3ahOGMlBR0

My XSX arrives tomorrow so I will be able to confirm if I can get 120hz 1080p via hdmi 1.4 and will update here.

Best regards
JamesFPS

No problem! , well if you monitor maker told you and you can see it work at 120Hz then is one of those rare 1080p 120Hz HDMI implementations, with a lower color palette and bandwidth.

See back in the day HDMI 1.4 had many quirks like chromatic aberrations, jitter/stuttering while running above 60Hz some needed to turn off digital audio from HDMI in order to work properly. Pretty fast HDMI 1.4b introduced some fixes for it. When HDMI forum approved the 2.0 standard all monitor makers just move on to the update.

Something similar is happening right know with 4K at 120Hz being the edge of the technology... it has been a lot of issues with AV receivers and TV's on the market. That's quite severe, I mean expending $1000 for an entry home theater or mor for a good TV and it doesn't work with your console. Early adoption... is not recommended, waiting is a wise move.

I feel you, cable mess is a hindrance i preffer to use my Arc MK2 on USB mode only with a Single cable Headset Audio Technica ATH-ADG1X one single cable for everything. My Streaming setup is not for OCD persons, ton of wiring but tons of options and control.

Do what ever works for you, but you might endup going back to your Topping DT990 Pro, going GSP500 and mixamp is going backwards, just saying. And "gaming" intended in audio refers to add a ton of bass for explosions and highs, instead of wide sound-stage, precise sound imaging and positioning.

Mr d1sable! in top 3 XIM player in my book.

If your MixAmp is Gen 3 but for PS4, it won't work with XBSX the one the links refers is compatible is for Gen 3 for XB1.

Only the first models for MixAmp was compatible with PC, PS3/4 and XB1 it has a slider selector.

Hi Alanmcgregor, I agree with you, it would be a shame to downgrade to gsp 500 and mixamp so I'm going to try out the method suggested with dac amp + blue yeti and see how it works out.

BTW can confirm that XSX running at 120fps via HDMI 1.4 with my monitor

[AMG]

BTW can confirm that XSX running at 120fps via HDMI 1.4 with my monitor

Thanks for share Od1n!

man I think Microsoft really made his homework this gen, and they truly believe on gamers prefer high fps in games than resolution. Playstation, they can't even enable VRR yet and the lack of 1440p is so annoying.

[misdah]

BTW can confirm that XSX running at 120fps via HDMI 1.4 with my monitor

Thanks for share Od1n!

man I think Microsoft really made his homework this gen, and they truly believe on gamers prefer high fps in games than resolution. Playstation, they can't even enable VRR yet and the lack of 1440p is so annoying.

it would be really perfect if they would have kept the optical output...makes a lot of gear unusable or with negatively impacted use...hdmi audio extractor is not a good solution to overcome this ...other than that it's really awesome

[mickyg77]

Hi Alan,

I got some advice from you quite a while back when I was on ps4. I got an xbox series x now and I'm kind of retarded and am wondering if I can get a quick rundown of how I need to setup my audio gear.

I have a mayflower ARC amp/DAC and a Sennheiser GSP 600 headset. Is this compatiable. Any downsides?

Oh ya and I have a benq ex2510 monitor if that makes a difference.

Thanks!

[AMG]

Is there a better alternative to spend my money on?

Oh yeah, but I need to ask you first
- budget?
- Which headphones/Headset you have already?
- Is it Chat/Mix knob very important for you?

First, Must Have:
Official Headset Adapter for Xbox Consoles

or
Turtle Beach Headset Audio Controller Plus for Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One


Y Mic/Headphone Splitter CTIA complaint


This two gadgets it will allow you to connect almost any headset, studio headphone and HiRes audio gear DAC and Amp to your XBox Series S/X.

Optional for better in-game sound quality: HDMI Audio Extractor.

Devices recommended Budget to best bang per buck to high performance:
1. Fiio K5 Pro, it's DAC/Amp is way better than MixAmp or SoundBlaster X G6, substantial improvement that you will notice $150 usd. HiRes Stereo, there isn't surround mixes but its stereo imaging is much much better for locate sound cues, very directional. Very powerful it can power any studio audiophile headphone you can throw at it.

2. Sound BlasterX G6. Even though its sound quality is not at the level of Fiio K5 Pro it offers surround mix

3. Mayflower Arc MK2. Another DAC/Amp, the power of the Fiio with Mic In and Aux Audio In, and better DAC sound reproduction than any of above. It sounds like a $400 DAC and clean like a $300 Amp for $260.

Until this point we were talking on DAC/Amp devices, two in one, but the best option is to have a DAC separated for the Amp, and this is what is called Stacking, put one unit over the other, you can get DACs for $100 and Amps for over $100.

Starter Budget, around: $220 usd
JDS Labs Atom DAC + JDS Labs Atom Amp or Monoprice Liquid Spark.

SweetSpot for gaming, above average for music listening:
JDS Labs Atom El DAC II + JDS Labs Atom Amp or Monoprice Liquid Spark
DAC Topping D30 + Amp: JDS Labs Atom or Monoprice Liquid Spark

Audiophile Grade:
JDS EL Element II, Topping High End line + THX AAA Amp, etc.

Now the ones on Green Teal, are such an improve on gaming, combined with a good Headphones like DT990Pro, HD600, or Phidelios X2, AKG K701, these... setting your game on Stereo / Wide Dynamic Range, I'm not exaggerating this ones right here are the closest you can get to have legit Wall-hacks, you can hear enemies position accurately, how far they are, if they are coming up, behind, sides and even the moment when they are about to turn around the corner.

For a single campaign AAA game with that supports Enhanced Stereo or Binaural Mix, it will be the best immersive experience that can compete with a true $1500 usd or above Home Theater 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos Speaker System.

The Orange letters are audio experiences that are overdoing it for console gaming, you shouldn't spent on these if you are only using for gaming. Those can work for gaming yes, but also music and video content production/mix is like getting a 8K display to play nintendo switch titles.

Now, HiRes Audio is something that I strongly encourage any gamer to try at some point, but I'm aware that can be expensive but man it gives you a new gaming experience, why we spent lots of money on expensive TV's or Displays and neglect audio, or get scam by the "gaming audio" crap the industry sells to us, that can be near expensive and not even close on performance.

Anyways, but I know sometimes is easy to just stay on a familiar ground, and messy cables is an hindrance. If you want to save some money and keep using MixAmp which you are familiar with, get the MixAmp unit for Xbox consoles, only the DAC, you can find it from $140 usd, but I can't say the audio experience deserve a green teal font color.