Reddit reviews ASTRO Gaming MixAmp Pro Kit

Considering the closest product I can find that does what Hori's sound mixer thing does is about $40, and doesn't seem to come with any cables and then you have to buy a headset separately, the Hori headset seems like a fantastic option even if you're only buying it for the audio mixer.

Consoles

Xbox One

Modern Warfare 2 Edition Xbox 360

Monitor

ASUS VS248H-P

Controllers

Scuf Hybrid FPS with two paddles, trigger stops, scuf grip, and a Kontrol Freek on the right stick.

Headsets

(Main Headset) Black Kingston HyperX Cloud running throught a 2013 MixAmp

SteelSeries Siberia V2

Astro A40 in White

Microphone

Audio Technica AT2020 USB on a scissor arm clamped to my desk with a popfilter attached.

Webcam

Logitech C920

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PC that i use here is nothing special, just my ultrabook i use for school and stuff.

Hola! I set all this up last year so it’s a bit rusty!

This is a shopping list for an Xbox One mixer setup similar to mine and you may need some help filling in a few gaps and the wiring!

So the idea is to build a setup to be able to use an awesome mic to talk to the stream as well as party chat ‘at the same time’ (which I prefer over using a headset) but to also be able to hear game/chat/PC audio though a single pair of headphones and control their volume levels in one place with ease.

I don't need sound going out to my PC as the Cap card is getting that from the Console via HDMI.
Streaming Xbox to PC then the WORLD!

Xbox – hdmi into a cap card in the PC Avermedia live gamer hd
http://www.amazon.co.uk/AverMedia-61C9850000AE-Avermedia-Live-Gamer/dp/B007SRYAPO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1447858313&sr=8-2&keywords=live+gamer+hd
This grabs the game audio and that’s that bit done, stream using OBS and boom!

Here's is my shopping list for party chat:

Mixer

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-802-Premium-8-Input-Preamps/dp/B000J5XS3C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415150891&sr=8-1&keywords=behringer+mixer
Headset Buddy (Real name, I didn’t make that up!)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Headset-Buddy-Adapter-PC35-PH25-Computer/dp/B002D41HKS/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1421341934&sr=1-3&keywords=headset+buddy

Xbox Chat Thing:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Xbox-One-Stereo-Headset-Adapter/dp/B00IAVDOS6

Cable from Buddy to Mixer:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hosa-CMP159-Stereo-Breakout-10-Feet/dp/B005HGM1D6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415150937&sr=8-1&keywords=hosa+cables

Cable from Mixer to Buddy!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/HosaTech-CMS-105-3-5mm-Stereo-Interconnect/dp/B000068O35/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1447857349&sr=8-1&keywords=3.5mm+TRS+to+1%2F4+inch

Xbox Mixer(s)

Astro Mixamp (I use)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/ASTRO-Gaming-3AM99-HBU9X-975-ASTROGAMING-MIXAMP/dp/B004L6C6BK/ref=sr_1_4?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1447856882&sr=1-4&keywords=astro+mixamp

Earforce DSS (an option!)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Force-Channel-Dolby-Surround-Processor-Mac/dp/B003O0KICS/ref=sr_1_1?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1421378828&sr=1-1&keywords=dss1

Ground Loop things:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Headphone-Ground-Isolator-Filter-Stereo/dp/B00INV5LB6/ref=pd_sim_sbs_23_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=41-9H3Hc3mL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1TTNMJANJDTK26VVSAE7

Although I have used these ones because I didn’t see the ones above!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/AV-Link-201-086-Skytronic-Isolator/dp/B000NVWB9O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1447857227&sr=8-1&keywords=Ground+Loop+Isolator

Mic wise any XLR mic is fine!

Here is a link to a image i found that kinda helps piece it all together! http://imgur.com/UYaQQUZ

Here is a quick vid of my setup, happy to help if i can! http://www.twitch.tv/drunkiemunkie/v/26306849

Heres is my latest Xbox One vid with party chat but it picks up the Public Lobby if they speak!
http://www.twitch.tv/drunkiemunkie/v/31799799

dM

Wouldn't that be the Astro Mixamp?

I was planning on starting out with the HD598 as my first pair of good headphones with my budget of $200, but now I am torn between that and the momentum. Any recommendations on what I should do?

Should I use the extra money towards a MixAmp or FiiO E6 perhaps?

I ended up getting a used Astro Gaming MixAmp Pro. I wanted to plug my headphones into something other than my controller, as well as combine the audio from computer and ps4 into my headphones. It accomplished both of those things.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/ASTROGAMING-3AM99-HBU9X-975-MIXAMP-PRO-2013/dp/B004L6C6BK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417968250&sr=8-1&keywords=astro+mixamp

From what I gather it looks like you need a sound mixer. I'd look into this one. I have A50s, but through my personal research I've read good things about this mixer. I have my XB1 and my PC hooked up and can listen to my PC and XB at the same time. Can also chat on mumble and XBL no problem.

Honestly, pairing the Astro Mixamp Pro with your preferred headset or you can just pair it with a modmic and your favorite headphones.

All of the above is just my personal preference at the moment. I'm not an audiophile in the slightest but was guided in my choice by this post.

$130 bucks?

I'm looking for a cheaper solution.

If you are already using an USB hub, then I suggest getting a mix amp. You can plug any cans you want into them. I made a list of them here.

However, I suggest if you do go this route to get the 2013 Astro Mix Amp. You can pick it up for about $24 on Amazon used: https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B004L6C6BK/

The Astro Mixamp Pro might be able to do what the Hori headset does in terms of combining game audio and voice chat into a single output. But it's expensive.

Edit: Amazon has used ones for below $50 shipped.

Right now I use this thing that has served me well.

As of next week I will be combining these headphones with this and this so I can finally hear people behind me.

Also, this question has been asked numerous times on this subreddit.

I should have mentioned above it's an older model of the amp. This one:

http://www.amazon.com/ASTRO-Gaming-MixAmp-Pro-Xbox-360/dp/B004L6C6BK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1451967339&sr=8-4&keywords=mixamp

Works perfectly. Only missing the daisy chain. I could do $80 shipped and would split pp fees with you.

I honestly can't remember if the ps4 comes with it. I know I had a couple. You can get them for around $10 for 6ft. I stream league of legends and also stream the ps4 so I know that this setup works well, however, I know cost wise it's a little daunting the only other way I did it was I bought an Astro Mixamp Pro (around $150). You can plug everything into that (optical cable from ps4, USB from computer) and you can plug your headphones into that. It may work out to be cheaper but it's much more limited, however it may be the simpler and cheaper option if you're not looking to stream :)

http://www.amazon.com/ASTRO-Gaming-MixAmp-Pro-Xbox-360/dp/B004L6C6BK

ATH-AD900x or DT880 premium 600 ohm?


Primarily playing BF4, LoL as far as multiplayer goes. Using onboard audio which says it as a 600ohm amp, but I also have an astro mixamp thats plugged in via optical cable.

Depends on the headphones he goes with as well as the mic. The mixamp is fairly expensive, but you can pick them up used on ebay pretty regularly. My personal cans that I use on my pc and xbox are Audio Technica ATH-AD700x(115$) and an Antlion Modmic 4.0 (55$).

I can use them on both of my setups, they sound amazing, and they are built much much better than any "gaming" headset out there.

However if he wanted to go cheap he could pick up a set of superlux hd668b for 40$ on amazon, and a zalmen clip on mic for 8$. He would still wind up with better audio quality on both the mic and headphones with better build quality to boot.

The Mixamp can be picked up used for 40$ or new for around $70.

So for a used mixamp and the superlux zalman combo you are looking at $90 or less. For my setup you are looking at 225$ish.

http://www.amazon.com/ASTRO-Gaming-MixAmp-Pro-Xbox-360/dp/B004L6C6BK

http://www.amazon.com/Superlux-HD668B-Dynamic-Semi-Open-Headphones/dp/B003JOETX8/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1457465965&sr=1-1&keywords=superlux+hd668b

http://www.amazon.com/Zalman-Zm-Mic1-Sensitivity-Headphone-Microphone/dp/B00029MTMQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1457465986&sr=1-1&keywords=zalman+zm-mic1

This is the mix amp I have. And the cable I bought. Do I not need this cable?

https://www.amazon.com/ASTRO-Gaming-MixAmp-Pro-xbox-360/dp/B004L6C6BK

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PYZ2BT4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks for the help! I have The MixAmp Pro 2013 edition and I don't see a way to put it into PC mode and the Command Center is waiting for me to switch the connected device to PC mode. Is there a compatible version of this software for the 2013 model?

ok thanks, is there a cheaper mixamp than this?
http://www.amazon.com/ASTRO-Gaming-MixAmp-Pro-Xbox-360/dp/B004L6C6BK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415579186&sr=8-1&keywords=mixamp

There is nothing wrong with gaming headsets, and I am a bit of an audiophile.

I just recently bought the Logitech G430 for $59 and I'm honestly really happy with the sound, ease of use, and build. After installing the Logitech software and hearing the surround sound test, I was extremely happy.

I still have the setup I used in my peasant days. Sennheiser HD595 (I paid $250), and the Astro Mixamp, but they're sitting in a box. It's just not convenient, and there are a ton of extra wires and adapters to get everything up and running. I'll use these headphones at night when I'm watching TV because I can just plug the 1/4" headphones into my A/V receiver.

When I'm gaming, I like the simplicity of gaming headsets. They may not sound as good as audiophile headphones, but that doesn't mean they're crap or a poor value. There is a difference, but it's not a night and day difference. For me (and many others), the convenience trumps relatively small increases in sound quality.

Do you think the newest astro mixamp is good enough? It's the one i have now... http://www.amazon.com/ASTRO-Gaming-MixAmp-Pro-Xbox-360/dp/B004L6C6BK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411963971&sr=8-1&keywords=astro+mixamp

yeah that's the problem most people have. There are options.

Least expensive buy this (for ~$4) and switch your Xbox "voice" settings to TV only. This will work with your Xbox.

Most expensive Astro A40 Mixamp. A shitload of people use this. I'm not sure how they deal with wiring (your mic wire plugs into the controller, but the headphones plug into the TV/Receiver). It's supposed to sound badass, and you can use it on your PC to amplify the RX900s also. If it were me, and I REALLY wanted to buy a Mixamp, I'd just get this.

I agree that "surround sound" headphones are a gimmick if they try to add more drivers or something like that, but ones that have a separate box which accepts an optical or HDMI input and process formatted surround sound information down to stereo specifically for headphones are not a gimmick at all. They are useful for anyone who doesn't have/want a receiver, but wants surround sound with headphones.

Without a receiver or headphones with surround sound processing built-in (or a separate box) the headphones will receive a basic stereo signal intended for two speakers in-front of you and not get a surround sound experience at all, unless a game's "Headphone" sound option does that mixing before it leaves the game console. /u/Diggey11's receiver specifically states in the manual that it will switch to "Stereo" when headphones are plugged in, it will not process the surround sound signal at all. Based on the fact that the item he mentioned, the Astro Gaming Mixamp, costs $130 it would be better to just save for a whole new receiver that offers surround sound mixing for headphones.

You are going to need a mixamp.

That way you can even add a mic to your headphones and talk to strangers. LINK

https://www.amazon.com/ASTRO-Gaming-MixAmp-Pro-Xbox-360/dp/B004L6C6BK

It's this, or something like it.