Extreme performance from the A40, and full control at your fingertips with the M80 Amp
- Developer: Astro
- Platforms: Xbox one
- Reviewed on: Xbox one x
- Game Supplied by:Astro
ASTRO A40 TR Review
The Astro A40 is one of the best Headsets I have ever had the pleasure of using, I have always loved headsets and normally I would be switching headsets as much as i switch games, but for the first time I have found a headset I am happy to have plugged into my Xbox all day every day because it ticks all my boxes.
First things first, performance, I would assume that this is at the top of everyone’s list. Right off the bat, I can confidently say that the A40 sounds awesome, it’s a pure pleasure to listen to, and the directional sound is so accurate compared to some I have used.
This is one headset that suits all games, the sound quality is immense and there is 3 settings/EQ to choose from, I will explain how they are selected later.
There are 3 settings for your audio, first is Astro audio, which amplifies high frequencies for pro/tournament play (my personal favourite) the second is a balanced setting for normal gaming experience where you don’t need a competitive edge and you want a more whole audio experience, lastly the third is a media mode with a bass boost which I have enjoyed a fair few tracks and movies with and it’s pretty awesome.

Next up for the A40 is the headset itself, it has an aggressive angular design that demands attention and I personally love every inch of it, mostly constructed of durable black plastic with metal tubes that connect the headband. The ear cups swivel and they also handle size adjustment, as an added bonus they have white marking lines that allow you to equally adjust each side completely avoiding the annoying lopsided adjustment you may find on other headsets.
The materials feel really nice and durable, I can’t see them breaking any time soon.
For the cups and headband on this edition of the A40 made for the Xbox, we have a soft slightly fury fleece green fabric that is super cushiony and amazingly comfortable feel. I know most people would expect leather which you can get (I’ll get to that in a second) but before you dismiss this fabric I love it. Even with the option of leather, I have kept the original cups as they completely eradicate any sweating and are so damn comfy.
As I mentioned you can get leather cups, these will come included in an Astro A40 mod kit, I was lucky enough to be sent one with my A40.
A mod kit will include 2 closed-back speaker tags (this being the face of each cup) these will give you a more noise-canceling effect keeping virtually all ambient noise out.
Next, you will get an extended tournament mic, which will allow it to sit directly in front of your mouth and again cancel out more ambient noise.
Last you have a headband pad and 2 ear cups all made of leather, these are mostly for style and comfort but will also help keep even more ambient noise out and help to give you a more immersive sound experience when used with the included closed-back tags.

I will say it again, BEST AMP I HAVE USED.
A couple of last features I want to touch on for the A40 is that for one the mic can be attached to either side of the headset by simply switching the tags around
Before I move on to the M80 amp included I would like to mention that the A40 comes with a standard 3.5 jack cable as well, making the A40 not only an awesome gaming headset but a sexy pair of headphones, but the M80 amp is only compatible with the Xbox one controllers.
The next part of the A40 Xbox bundle is the M80 Amp, which will act as an adapter between your headset and controller.
It is the best amp I have used for Xbox, as it sits on your controller and gives you complete control, also I think it looks bloody fantastic.
On the M80 you can adjust your game/chat mixer, mute and unmute, and adjust master volume with a dial around the mute button (did I mention the mute lights up red when you press it) and there is a button in the middle that allows you to switch between the 3 profiles.
This is a brilliant amp simply because it looks good, it has every control you need and it all sits right there on your controller it’s so convenient I have loved it, I can adjust everything on the fly, mid-game bombs start going off and it’s too loud, no problem the master volume is right there.
Also, the led strip along the middle acts as a profile indicator and a volume dial and lets you know where your chat game mixer sits.
I will say it again, BEST AMP I HAVE USED.
In fact just plain my favourite controller adapter, I love it.
The A40 M80 amp Xbox package retails for £199.99 on Amazon and I think it is worth every penny, I can’t imagine anyone not loving a pair of Astro A40s.



Summary
I have loved every second I have spent with the A40 and the M80.
They are now my Daily drivers for my Xbox, the M80 never stops amazing me with how useful and convenient it is, and the A40 is just amazing, comfortable and performs with the best of them. Every time I use the A40 M80 combo it just makes me excited for what Astro will do next, they have earnt my vote completely.