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

[Epic1Hit]

what you guys use for pubgf on xbox with astros new a40 headset with mixamp?

[Epic1Hit]

edit: i just read this this whole thread and mind blown on what i can do for sound. i swear i thought the atro were it guess there is way more i just tired my xyper x cloud flights with the atro mixamp and used the tournament I, Tournament II, Tournament III presets and in stereo mode and sounds where better then the astro headset. now i do feel like there is more room to improve but overall i am glad i found this forum iv spent weeks looking for the best sounds from xbox and now im thinking about going a whole new lvl with it. as of right now mic will not work with the flights cuz it is active from its own usb so thinking about buying a external mic, any good ones?

[AMG]

Thanks for this! Might have to try them out sometime as I've had my A40 TR +MixAmp Pro just a little bit after launch and not ever changed any presets as I'm mega noob with that kind of stuff lol

You are in the Matrix Neo... in the audio gaming Matrix.

[Cizque]

Anyone using these for pubg? i tried omnivox and the tournament ones but footsteps wasnt really any good, i have it on stereo and it sounded like the footsteps were infront of me and not on the actual side they were on.

[Usmc_Roy]

Tried the tournament I, 2,3 and omnivox for MW and the footsteps were loud but I can’t tell from which direction they were coming from.

[AMG]

Are you using the Dolby Surround?, don't do it. When you want directional precision Stereo is superior than the reverb from the Surround mix.

[shamus5178]

@MVP, my hearing is slightly knackered due to my service (high freqs) what headset combo / amp would you recommend?

[AMG]

Sorry to hear that.

Well, you are right. Most people think that an amplifier only makes headphones sound louder, an amplifier is like a magnify glass that allows you to see better more detail.

It depends on what headphone/headset are you using, only the ones with audiophile pedigree are benefited with an amplifier.

The A40 headset by themselves are very boomy/bassy and weak on the treble department.

[shamus5178]

One of the joys of having fun when your young
TBH, I only have a set of Corsair Gaming VOID RGB Wireless Gaming Headset, which I hate as they are uncomfortable as hell and never use.  I pretty much looking at headset/ mix amp set up that is both PC and PS4 compatible

[AMG]

There is many things you can get better than the MixAmp and A40s for about the same money or and they are WAAAY better, next level. Currently I only use the MixAmp for the mix audio chat.

Gamer
MixAmp + A40 Headset = about $200 usd
Sound performance: 6.5
Mic performance: 5

First budget setup:
Headphone: Philips SHP9500 $67 usd

V-Moda inline Mic - $20 usd

DAC/Amp - $20 usd

Total: $107.00 usd.
Sound performance: 8.0
Mic performance: 7.0

Now, next is for more expansion an capabilities:

Audiophile entry level
Headphone: Philips SHP9500 $67 usd

FX-Audio C6 Headphone Amp with SPDIF and USB - $65 usd

Antilion ModMic $34 usd

Optional - Syba USB card

Total: 173.00 usd
Sound performance: 9.0 with expansion to improve
Mic performance 8.0

Having the modmic -mic separated-, gives you the opportunity to try any audiophile headphone, until you find the one is more pleasant and comfortable for you.

The DAC/Amp suggested can powerup/drive most headphones up to 400 Ohms, it has SPDIF it will work with your console or PC, if your PC doesn't have SPDIF you can use its USB input.

About the Headphones, well
SHP9500

These are legendary, the go-to recommendation, very comfortable its stereo sound precision is up to par
headphones from $200 usd.

HD599

Are similar more bass, and better middle (footsteps) very comfortable too, big oval cups so don't touch your ears and are lightweight and rest on your head, not clamping force.
 
Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro

Amazing trebble, great for sound whoring it has great following between competitive gamers and streamers (like Ninja).

Best Bang per Buck
Sennheiser Massdrop HD58X

Then if you have a spare money... well the best bang per buck out-there is the Massdrop HD58X jubilee ($160) this will be incredible for gaming are far better than $300 gaming headsets, and it sounds like a $600 audiophile headphone - no kidding/exaggeration

With those you can hear clearly footsteps, where they are coming front, left, right, infront, back, at 1:15, and how far they are. And you have a bad @#$% headphone for listen music, if you like vocals, rock n roll you will love these.

Compare with astros, this setup will be comparing a 480p screen vs a 4K

Going further into the rabbit hole...

No Budget (you can by whatever)
On the previous setup you are "limited" by the DAC/Amplifier, changing this item will unleash the true power of your headphones.

Next step will be replacing the FX-Audio C6 for the Micca Origin 2 DAC/Amp $130 usd.

Best performance per buck: Mayflower ARC is a tailor made amplifier for the audiophile hardcore gamer, this hand made (in USA) offers the power of a clean Studio Monitors (Dacs above $1000) for $250 with a mic interface, better sound performance than Soundblaster Z C6 and cleaner than X7

At this point I handle two devices as only one, the DAC/Amp combo but these in a purist setup will be to have your separated DAC and separated Amp, these will give you more flexibility but each devices can ramp up up to 250 each.

That's why I recommend the ARC it has it all in one place, you have the sound performance of a 600USD investment for only 250.

The other DAC / Amp with mic interface in the market specially for audiophiles studio headphones, is the Burson Play but is not compatible with PS4, only PC and is up to $700.

 

[shamus5178]

Awesome mate, thank you, ill have a good look at those today. One thing though, Ive noticed the sound on any headset through the PS4 , both voice and sound,is really low (or my hearing is worse than i though) would an amp assist in that area?

BTW, thanks for the help

[mickyg77]

There is many things you can get better than the MixAmp and A40s for about the same money or and they are WAAAY better, next level. Currently I only use the MixAmp for the mix audio chat.

Gamer
MixAmp + A40 Headset = about $200 usd
Sound performance: 6.5
Mic performance: 5

First budget setup:
Headphone: Philips SHP9500 $67 usd

V-Moda inline Mic - $20 usd

DAC/Amp - $20 usd

Total: $107.00 usd.
Sound performance: 8.0
Mic performance: 7.0

Now, next is for more expansion an capabilities:

Audiophile entry level
Headphone: Philips SHP9500 $67 usd

FX-Audio C6 Headphone Amp with SPDIF and USB - $65 usd

Antilion ModMic $34 usd

Optional - Syba USB card

Total: 173.00 usd
Sound performance: 9.0 with expansion to improve
Mic performance 8.0

Having the modmic -mic separated-, gives you the opportunity to try any audiophile headphone, until you find the one is more pleasant and comfortable for you.

The DAC/Amp suggested can powerup/drive most headphones up to 400 Ohms, it has SPDIF it will work with your console or PC, if your PC doesn't have SPDIF you can use its USB input.

About the Headphones, well
SHP9500

These are legendary, the go-to recommendation, very comfortable its stereo sound precision is up to par
headphones from $200 usd.

HD599

Are similar more bass, and better middle (footsteps) very comfortable too, big oval cups so don't touch your ears and are lightweight and rest on your head, not clamping force.
 
Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro

Amazing trebble, great for sound whoring it has great following between competitive gamers and streamers (like Ninja).

Best Bang per Buck
Sennheiser Massdrop HD58X

Then if you have a spare money... well the best bang per buck out-there is the Massdrop HD58X jubilee ($160) this will be incredible for gaming are far better than $300 gaming headsets, and it sounds like a $600 audiophile headphone - no kidding/exaggeration

With those you can hear clearly footsteps, where they are coming front, left, right, infront, back, at 1:15, and how far they are. And you have a bad @#$% headphone for listen music, if you like vocals, rock n roll you will love these.

Compare with astros, this setup will be comparing a 480p screen vs a 4K

Going further into the rabbit hole...

No Budget (you can by whatever)
On the previous setup you are "limited" by the DAC/Amplifier, changing this item will unleash the true power of your headphones.

Next step will be replacing the FX-Audio C6 for the Micca Origin 2 DAC/Amp $130 usd.

Best performance per buck: Mayflower ARC is a tailor made amplifier for the audiophile hardcore gamer, this hand made (in USA) offers the power of a clean Studio Monitors (Dacs above $1000) for $250 with a mic interface, better sound performance than Soundblaster Z C6 and cleaner than X7

At this point I handle two devices as only one, the DAC/Amp combo but these in a purist setup will be to have your separated DAC and separated Amp, these will give you more flexibility but each devices can ramp up up to 250 each.

That's why I recommend the ARC it has it all in one place, you have the sound performance of a 600USD investment for only 250.

The other DAC / Amp with mic interface in the market specially for audiophiles studio headphones, is the Burson Play but is not compatible with PS4, only PC and is up to $700.

 

Hi alanmcgregor,

Wow this blows my mind that sound can be greatly improved for gaming... here I am with my falling apart playstation gold headset haha. I've got some money I can put into this and I just have a couple questions for you:

1) I noticed in your sig that you have your headset listed as the Audio Technica ATH-ADG1X. How come this isn't in this list here. From what I've gathered your highest recommendation is the Massdrop headset. Is it better than the Audio Technica?

2) I tried looking for the Mayflower ARC DAC/Amp but it seems to be sold out of everywhere? Should I go for the Micca Origin DAC/Amp then?

3) Somewhat unrelated... I see you have a PS4 Pro. Is it possible to play a game such as the new Call of Duty @ 4K resolution 60 FPS with PS4 Pro? I'm trying to imagine how much greater PS4 play could be...

Thanks for sharing this knowledge!

[AMG]

Hi alanmcgregor,

Wow this blows my mind that sound can be greatly improved for gaming... here I am with my falling apart playstation gold headset haha. I've got some money I can put into this and I just have a couple questions for you:

1) I noticed in your sig that you have your headset listed as the Audio Technica ATH-ADG1X. How come this isn't in this list here. From what I've gathered your highest recommendation is the Massdrop headset. Is it better than the Audio Technica?

2) I tried looking for the Mayflower ARC DAC/Amp but it seems to be sold out of everywhere? Should I go for the Micca Origin DAC/Amp then?

3) Somewhat unrelated... I see you have a PS4 Pro. Is it possible to play a game such as the new Call of Duty @ 4K resolution 60 FPS with PS4 Pro? I'm trying to imagine how much greater PS4 play could be...

Thanks for sharing this knowledge!

Hey!  Thanks.

Yep, unfortunately audio is very neglected by gamers, even though we react 3x faster to sound than visuals. Countless times I have hear enemies coming from behind even before they spawn in a minimap/hud.


1). Audio Technica ATH-ADG1X are AMAZING for sound whoring great treble and revealing, is design is so open/airy creating a wide soundstage that gives you a natural true 3D sounding positioning. It has the best microphone I ever heard in a headset, and are very lightweight and comfortable.

Why are not in the list if they are that great?, well...  the recommendations above are based on: best-bang-per-buck criteria. While the ATH-ADG1X are outstanding, are also quite expensive: $300 USD. I got mines on a night sale for $180.

If you create your own "ADG1X" you will have to spent on a ATH-AD900X($192) and a ModMic 5($40) and deal with two cables.

The Sennheiser HD660S is by far the best headphone you can get for hardcore gaming (I own a pair), it is a studio audiophile headphone of $600, that sounds like a $800 plus headphone.

The HD58X Jubilee however, sounds VERY similar to the HD660S (it uses the same speakers/drivers) for only $160, and the way those sound will like most people, I think is a safe very unique and remarkable value offer, only available on through Massdrop.

Personally, I keep going back to my Audio-Technicas, even now more that I have modified them with a custom suede hear cups for improve comfort and bass response. I prefer its sound for gaming: is more fun, delivers a punchy bass and very crisp footstep detection.

Headphones are like mice in a way, you have to find the one that best suits your hearing; while the ADG1X are perfect for me, someone else might find it too bright (harsh). Then when you start to develop a taste and hear for good audio, you realize that one set of headphone can hardly do everything, and you might prefer some for gaming, others movies and even different headphones for different music genres.

2) Yep are sold-out currently (https://mayflowerelectronics.com/arc/) Mayflower is a small company, every unit is handmade, manually tested offering a 10 years warranty, so even if it takes a bit for the next batch to come, is totally worth the wait.

Micca Origen G2 is enough to power most headphones, specially if they are under 300 Ohms, but you will need a separated microphone, a USB soundcard might be needed for it, but XB1 aren't compatible with these.

If you stretch your budget a bit, you can find the SoundBlasterZ C6 which is more powerful than miccas (not as clean) has a mic input and console compatibility. While is better than the MixAmp, still not as clean and resolving than true audiophile headphones amps in the price range.

The ARC is next level stuff, (audio performance wise) is so powerful and clean (zero noise, distortion, you hear the game how it was recorded in the studio) you can throw any headphone and it will sound great without power limits plus you have a microphone jack, and compatibility with XB1, PS4 and PC.

3) No, even the PS4 Pro said is 4K gaming capable is not true 4K, the XB1 X might play bring on true 4K support, but neither has the hardware power to run it at 60FPS in 4K, that's PC territory and we are talking about an above average gaming PC with a graphics card above $600 with a matching capable CPU/Motherboard/Powersupply combo to sustain it.

[mickyg77]

Awesome man. You are like a connoisseur - love the descriptions haha. I placed an order for a mayflower and will probably pickup the audio technicas. With just those two pieces I would be set, correct?

[AMG]

Awesome man. You are like a connoisseur - love the descriptions haha. I placed an order for a mayflower and will probably pickup the audio technicas. With just those two pieces I would be set, correct?

No problem  , thanks!

I just check and the ATH-ADG1X are on sale at $224 usd on Amazon, that's a good deal. They come with a Y adapter, to split a headphone male and mic male to connect it to the ARC or PC.

Is a bit too long for me, I got these:


I got many questions in my inbox about:
How can I know if my headset is precise for footsteps detection?
Is Surround best for know sound positioning?
There is a test to try my current headphones/headset performance for sound whoring?

Sound imaging is the characteristic that determinate how precise a headphone/headset is so you can know where the sound cues are coming from.

I invite you to run this test with your current audio setup, try it on Surround ON and then Stereo Only.

If you have it only on stereo and you are having trouble to detect the sound sources positioning and movement, well with any of the bundles I suggest earlier it will be a huge improvement, you will know sound positioning effortlessly.

Sound Imaging Test:

If you have an earbuds from your phone, try it them...
WARNING: don't get mad at me if the earbuds are more precise than the A40's,
- you are in the Matrix Neo... in the audio gaming matrix, I just try to wake you up.