• Health Is Wealth
  • Posts
  • Detailed Review of wireless headphones for pro gamers smart health innovation

Detailed Review of wireless headphones for pro gamers smart health innovation

Gamer's helmets have been legion since the professionalization of ehealth games. However, it is difficult to sort out the good wheat from the chaff in this area. In terms of quality, the Astro A50 from 2013 has proven itself by offering a satisfactory product, but one that has yet to reach the category of “Pro-gamers”. With the 2016 version of the A50, Astro is trying to rectify this by offering a much more attractive version.

(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwajP18TpM0 (/ embed)

Mark : AstroCategory: Wireless HeadsetConnection: USBCompatibility: WindowsPrice: € 319Availability: AvailableTested with: Asus S550C / PS4 500 GBBuy the Astro A50:

Unboxing of the Astro A50 helmet

The box of a device speaks volumes about the quality of the product. Regarding the Astro A50 wireless headset the visual aspect is of first quality. A flexible cardboard structure protects the main box. The latter constitutes a real rigid and protective case for the helmet. The glossy black color gives the box a really pretty look without having opened it.

Once the protective case is opened, the helmet rests on a rigid plastic structure of the most beautiful effect. What is highlighted in the layout inside the box is to highlight the quality of the headphones. It is then possible to remove the part where the helmet is placed, in order to then discover the accessories.

Thus, with the Astro A50 is delivered the base station on which the device is recharged. Regarding the cables we find two classics: one for the USB connection and the other for the optics. Finally, like any good quality product, it comes with different user guides to help the installation of the headset on the two compatible terminals: PS4 and PC.

Design and ergonomics of the Astro A50 helmet

The helmet aims to be a high quality product, so it offers in a very studied design. Rest assured, it does not revolutionize the shape of helmets, but they adopt the attire of pro-gamers equipment. The Astro A50 also has a very sober black color, but which is brightened by an electric blue on certain elements which are of the most beautiful effect. In addition, everything is thought so that the helmet combines beauty and efficiency.

Astro A50 Design and Ergonomics test

Regarding the ergonomics of the device, it is optimized to be both efficient without being bulky. So the helmet once placed on the head does not provide a feeling of heaviness or blockage of the occiput. The material in which the helmet is produced is both flexible and solid and allows it simple, but effective adaptability. On the other hand, it is unfortunate that certain metallic finishes are not up to the general set.

Likewise, the wireless side of the helmet has been worked so that the user can act on it in a simple way.. Thus on the left side of the device, there is the microphone which is placed along the helmet and which it is enough to fold down to put in action. While on the right side are the headphone action and volume control buttons. It is therefore very practical to be able to act quickly.

Astro A50 PC Design and Ergonomics test

To conclude, we must also mention the hearing comfort of the Astro A50. The foam covering each ear makes listening pleasant without heating our spears. So listen will allow hardcore gamers like aux casuals enjoy their game soundtracks without having to take long breaks.

Getting started with the Astro A50 helmet

To demonstrate the quality of a helmet, you must Review it in the use for which it is intended. Thus, the first Review carried out was on the Sony console: the PS4. The process to install the Astro A50 is tedious, but necessary. Here is the summary:

  • Connect the USB cable to the base station and to the console;

  • Put the base cursor on the PS4 side;

  • Connect the optical cable to both the base station and the console;

  • Check that the helmet is charged;

  • Turn on the console / Go to the general console settings;

  • Select the audio output settings / Audio format (Priority) / Bitstram (Dolby);

  • Then go to audio devices / Choose Micro Usb Headphones / USB input and output device (Astro Wireless Transmitter);

  • Exit to the headset and choose Chat Audio.

The Astro A50 helmet Review was carried out on three different games: Fifa 17, The Last of Us and Metal Gear Solid V. In short, quite different games but where sound is obviously important. The Doltby Digital 7.1 sound gives an excellent rendering and according to your requests, this one does not saturate in any case. The soundscape of the game is perfectly transcribed just like the soundtracks. While the microphone gives a good record despite some hiccups. The autonomy of the headset is about fifteen hours depending on your use and recharges via the USB cable.

Astro A50 PS4 grip test

On the PC side, the process is much the same, although perhaps a little simpler.. Depending on your device whether it is a portable or a fixed the installation process is as follows:

  • Connect the USB cable to the PC and to the MixAmp

  • Connect the optical cable to the PC and the MixAmp

  • Switch on PC, MixAmp and headphones

  • For the game go to Settings, Sound settings and Audio output

  • Select “SPDIF output” and set it as the default device

  • For chat sound, go to Control Panel / sound / recording

  • Select “Astro Wireless transmitter” / ”Set as default device”

Again the Review was carried out on two PC games: Ori and the Blind Forest and The Witcher. The sound rendering is also very pleasant. On the other hand, when you leave the game on pause and get up, beyond 5 meters the headset loses the connection. Lovers of cooking and talking about Teamspeak will be the only ones to regret it.

Astro A50 PC Getting Started Test

For the charging of the helmet there again, nothing very complicated. The Astro A50 has PIN connectors to be placed on the base station so that it charges. The level is indicated on the station via an interface and progressing indicators. Finally for the stunned know that the headset has an automatic standby if it is no longer used. Obviously you can also use the headset for your Skype calls or health home use.

The Astro A50 helmet facing the competition

There are not many good wireless gaming headsets. After testing the Astro A50 helmet, it seems to be the benchmark in the field. So the comparison is difficult especially when it comes to attacking the leader. The choice therefore fell on the Asus ROG Centurion, which after our study seems to be holding the rope on the performances announced.

Astro A50 test against the competition Asus Rog Centurion

If the design of the Asus helmet seems to stand out that of the Astro is less "bling bling". Even the choice of colors is different with a black and red combination of the most beautiful effect. In terms of ergonomics, the Asus is a little more flexible than its competitor in terms of large skulls. On the other hand, its flexibility on compatible devices is much more questionable. The Asus is only compatible with a PC while the Astro can have dual compatibility: PS4 / PC or Xbox / PC.

On the other hand, as far as sounds are concerned, the Astro is superior to the Asus. Indeed, despite the more ergonomic sound management software, that of the Astro is much easier to take in hand and manage. Thus, during gaming sessions, the A50 performs much better than the Centurion, even if the latter is very good in use. The problem with the comparison is that in reality the Asus is a good headset, but on the revealing side of the A50, the latter simply does not make the weight.

Astro A50 test against the brand image competition

From the point of view of quality / price ratio the Astro is much higher at 319 €, while the Asus reaches him 249 €. But it is much more profitable to buy the Astro because it is of superior quality.

Conclusion

The Astro A50, is undoubtedly a size in smart health connected gaming headsets. The helmet is of quality despite some failed finishes. The latter is very light and very comfortable to wear despite a tedious installation. During the game sessions, the gamer will completely forget the helmet and will be completely immersed in the diegesis. Likewise, using the wireless headset is extremely simple, even if it requires letting go of one hand. For 319 €, the investment will be substantial, but totally profitable whether for the casuals gamers and them hardcore gamer.

Good points

  • A very flexible and very simple helmet to take in hand

  • The sound is excellent and greatly improves immersion

Negative points

  • The Astro A50 suffers from a lack of flexibility (a problem for large heads)

  • Installing the headphones on the consoles is extremely tedious

Design and Ergonomics – 8.5
Features – 9
Getting started – 8
Value for money – 8.5

8.5

 

Design and Ergonomics: Despite the not all perfect finishes, the Astro A50 helmet is extremely attractive in appearance but also very light to wear.

Features: The Astro A50 headset is compatible with a choice of PC, PS4 or Xbox One. It allows you to enjoy your best games.

Getting started: The ergonomics of the helmet are made to make its use very easy. Once it is smart health connected all the controls are on the object and the latter is very light.

Quality / Price ratio: If the price of the helmet, of € 319 can put off more than one, the quality of the product is really worth the investment.