[ACGG Post] Wired vs. Wireless MixAmp Comparison

[LuNaTiiK]

[Please Note, this Post is part of the ASTRO Community Gaming Group and is used strictly for information. In no way does ASTRO specifically endorse the contents of this thread. ASTRO may update the contents of the packaging of its products at any time.]



http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t289/yup277/ASTRO/MixAmpComparisonChart-LATEST10-11-11.png


*Information in this chart is current as of March 1st, 2012.

FAQ:

Q: Which MixAmp is right for me?

A: Actually, it depends on what you want out of your setup. Ask yourself the following questions before making your selection: Do you mind a few wires going across the floor, or is your gaming system more than 15 ft from where you'll be sitting? Do you mind using a device dependent on batteries? Do you need multiple inputs? Do you plan on going to LANs? How important is listening to music while you game?

If you don't mind having some cables running along the floor, or you sit very close to your gaming system, then the MixAmp Pro might be for you. However, if these things are an issue then the MixAmp 5.8 might be more your style. Each MixAmp has it's own advantages: The MixAmp Pro offers multiple connection options (RCA, Coaxial, and Optical), it allows you to listen to your own music while you game if you choose to connect an external music player, and it can be Daisy Chained with other MixAmp Pros to create a private communication network which is essential for LAN tournaments. On the other hand, the MixAmp 5.8 offers you the freedom of wireless, has an optical passthrough for connecting to additional audio equipment, a Bass Booster for when you want that extra OOMF!, and can be synced with up to four RX units so four users can enjoy 7.1 surround sound simultaneously.

In short, decide what is most important to you and take your pick. You can't go wrong with either of these!


Q: Does one have better audio quality than the other?

A: Assuming that you use the same input (Optical Connection), then nope!


Q: Do I need to buy anything extra?

A: If you go with the MixAmp 5.8 and plan on using it with a PS3 or PC then you'll need the optional PS3/PC Chat Cable (http://www.astrogaming.com/accessories/mixamp-5-8-ps3-adapter) in order to utilize voice communication. Otherwise, everything you "need" is included with the MixAmp. However, I strongly recommend the Rechargeable Battery Pack for the MixAmp 5.8.


Q: Is the Rechargeable Battery Pack recommended and how long does it last?

A: Personally, I strongly recommend the Rechargeable Battery Pack for the MixAmp 5.8 as it lasts up to 30 hours on a single charge (17 hours if using the PS3/PC Chat Cable). This is MUCH longer than regular rechargeable AAA batteries that you might use in your RX unit, so it'll be way more convenient in the long run.

Q2: What about the MixAmp Pro?

A2: Since the MixAmp Pro is a wired unit, the Rechargeable Battery Pack is only useful in a limited number of setup types. Either way, it's rated at about 12 hours of usage on a single charge.


Q: Which Audio System has what MixAmp?

A: The "Wireless Systems (http://www.astrogaming.com/wireless-systems-1)" include either an A30 or A40 headset and the MixAmp 5.8. The "Audio Systems (http://www.astrogaming.com/audio-systems)" include either an A30 or A40 headset and the MixAmp Pro.


Q: Can I buy the MixAmp 5.8 on it's own? a.k.a not as part of an Audio System

A: The MixAmp 5.8 is no longer offered as a stand-alone unit in the US-based store, however it is still available through the UK-based store. Additional RX units are still available in the Accessories section (http://www.astrogaming.com/accessories).


Q: Where can I find even more information about the MixAmp 5.8?

A: ASTRO Warblade posted a very nice FAQ about the MixAmp 5.8 HERE (http://forums.astrogaming.com/showthread.php?3641-FAQ-Wireless-MixAmp-5-8&highlight=rechargeable+battery+pack).


Q: I have another question not listed here.

A: Feel free to post below or create a new thread in this forum and we'll be happy to answer it! Alternatively, you can check out the Astro Knowledge Base (http://support.astrogaming.com/knowledgebase).


**Change Log**
Update 05/02/12: Added a short Q&A section. This is just answering a few of the more common ?s we see about the MixAmps on the forums.
Update 10/11/11: Updated the chart to (hopefully) reflect the latest packaging contents. Also changed the design a bit ;)

[AcIdC0R3]

That looks real good. I like it. :D

Now hopefully Stan or Warblade can make it a sticky. :)

[SocksWthSandals]

i feel some sticky things here(giggity)

[iM x RoBBo]

Errrm sorry if i don't know what im talking about lol.. but the wired mixamp does not output 7.1 surround sound, in fact it doesn't even use 'Dolby pro logic llx' ???

Please correct me if im wrong.

[teh_pwnerer]

Hi, in the PM you sent me it showed that the Wired MixAmp did not have 7.1 SS upscaling.

I am confused as to which chart is correct.

[iM x RoBBo]

Hi, in the PM you sent me it showed that the Wired MixAmp did not have 7.1 SS upscaling.

I am confused as to which chart is correct.

I know for a fact that the wired mixamp does not output in 7.1 as i have tested it with a 7.1 signal sound test, it does not play through all channels... only 5.1.

Astro have also changed there advertisement for the wired mixamp, stating that it can output 7.1 surround. They are either completely lying, which would be ridiculous or.. the mixamps that are created from now on, have Dolby pro logic llx ??

[LuNaTiiK]

Errrm sorry if i don't know what im talking about lol.. but the wired mixamp does not output 7.1 surround sound, in fact it doesn't even use 'Dolby pro logic llx' ???

Please correct me if im wrong.

Hi, in the PM you sent me it showed that the Wired MixAmp did not have 7.1 SS upscaling.

I am confused as to which chart is correct.
These are things that the community has been wrong about for quite some time. We believed that the wired MixAmp was only capable of 5.1 and couldn't upscale to 7.1 like the MixAmp 5.8. This has since been disproved by ASTRO stanimal:


We're always working on something. :)

Just to be clear, the wired MixAmp also uses the Dolby ProLogic IIX chipset which offers the 7.1 virtual surround sound.

- ASTRO stanimal

So from the above and subsequent conversations we learned that all the 2010 Wired MixAmps have the same ProLogic IIx chips used in the MixAmp 5.8. Therefore the 2010 wired MixAmp does support 7.1 through upscaled 5.1. MixAmps produced before November of 2009 used the ProLogic II chips and weren't capable of the 7.1 upscaling.

teh_pwnerer, the chart I PM'ed you was the first version of the chart and I did not post it on the forums because I was still making sure the information was accurate and legible. I believe I included a note with a the early versions stating that it had just been made, but if I did not then I am sorry (it was probably a PM i sent late at night...like this message right now ;)). That chart contained the information that the community held as accurate at the time.

I apologize for the misinformation we spread previously, but everything on the chart should be correct now. :)

[gardenislandbradda]

nice but you ll still be pm this good luck

[iM x RoBBo]

These are things that the community has been wrong about for quite some time. We believed that the wired MixAmp was only capable of 5.1 and couldn't upscale to 7.1 like the MixAmp 5.8. This has since been disproved by ASTRO stanimal:



So from the above and subsequent conversations we learned that all the 2010 Wired MixAmps have the same ProLogic IIx chips used in the MixAmp 5.8. Therefore the 2010 wired MixAmp does support 7.1 through upscaled 5.1. MixAmps produced before November of 2009 used the ProLogic II chips and weren't capable of the 7.1 upscaling.

teh_pwnerer, the chart I PM'ed you was the first version of the chart and I did not post it on the forums because I was still making sure the information was accurate and legible. I believe I included a note with a the early versions stating that it had just been made, but if I did not then I am sorry (it was probably a PM i sent late at night...like this message right now ;)). That chart contained the information that the community held as accurate at the time.

I apologize for the misinformation we spread previously, but everything on the chart should be correct now. :)

Are right ok.. thanks for clearing this up. That explains why my older mixamp didn't work with 7.1 channel's, so from now on, wired or wireless mixamps all up scale to 7.1 :D

[mishari84]

for the pass through feature in mixamp 5.8 , the support replied to me that it will work even when Tx is shut off,
and only Tx that arent working and can be replaced .

is that the case ? or they will solve it later as i read in this forum ? and what will they do ? because i still want the auto shut off feature

does the bass booster make any difference in performance ?

[LuNaTiiK]

for the pass through feature in mixamp 5.8 , the support replied to me that it will work even when Tx is shut off,
and only Tx that arent working and can be replaced .

is that the case ? or they will solve it later as i read in this forum ? and what will they do ? because i still want the auto shut off feature

does the bass booster make any difference in performance ?

It is possible that they are getting shipments in with the updated units. You should ask support if this is the case, and if you already have a MixAmp 5.8 they will cross ship you a replacement.

The bass booster doesn't degrade performance if that's what you're asking. It raises the low frequency sounds (bass) a few decibels and can be turned on or off to your liking.

Update: All newly purchase MixAmp 5.8s have the passthrough auto-off 'issue' fixed. If you have one of the older models then you can contact the ASTRO Support Team (http://astrogaming.com/support) to exchange yours for an updated version.

[jT415Gz]

To everyone who owns the first shipments of the 5.8 MixAmp.

Support has notified me that the updated 5.8 MixAmps will be received in a few days.

[Danny]

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t289/yup277/ASTRO/MixAmpComparisonChart-LATEST.png

I've been PMing this to a lot of people lately so it's probably best that I just go ahead and make a thread with it. Feel free to comment on the chart or ask further questions below.

Credit for this chart goes to all the amazing people on the forums whose knowledge I have slowly assimilated and input I have greatly appreciated :D

soo will i need to buy the chat cable for ps3? or will it come with the mixamp if i buy the set(with the headset) and will the headset be completely wireless?

off topic question: do the new 2011 a40s come with bass booster?

[LuNaTiiK]

If you are ordering the MixAmp 5.8 (Wireless Audio System (http://www.astrogaming.com/products/detail/108/A40-Wireless-System/)) and want to use voice chat on the PS3 then you will need to purchase the optional PS3 Chat Cable upon checkout (you don't need this if you get the wired MixAmp).

The headset is actually a regular headset that you connect to the RX unit via 4-pole 3.5mm cable (comes with PC cables as well). The system connects as such PS3 > TX unit (via optical cable) > RX unit (via wireless) > A40 Headset (via 3.5mm cable).

The Bass Booster feature is part of the MixAmp 5.8 and not the headset.

[Danny]

If you are ordering the MixAmp 5.8 (Wireless Audio System (http://www.astrogaming.com/products/detail/108/A40-Wireless-System/)) and want to use voice chat on the PS3 then you will need to purchase the optional PS3 Chat Cable upon checkout (you don't need this if you get the wired MixAmp).

The headset is actually a regular headset that you connect to the RX unit via 4-pole 3.5mm cable (comes with PC cables as well). The system connects as such PS3 > TX unit (via optical cable) > RX unit (via wireless) > A40 Headset (via 3.5mm cable).

The Bass Booster feature is part of the MixAmp 5.8 and not the headset.

now that you linked me here, and i read it again i understood how the map went (ps3>tx>rx>a40)
i didnt understand it earlier haha

[AcIdC0R3]

now that you linked me here, and i read it again i understood how the map went (ps3>tx>rx>a40)
i didnt understand it earlier haha

Danny, you can see how the process works HERE (http://forums.astrogaming.com/showthread.php?t=3391).

[IIlIQuANTuMllIl]

I've been looking for a wireless headset, and have decided that I'm most likely going to use the 5.8 Mixamp with AD700s or HD550s, but using the wireless, does it really eliminate that many wires, and are there really that many differences in performance? Someone steer me in the right direction here... wireless, or wired?
Thanks

[N0REGARD4L1FE]

Wireless if you don't sit close to your console, wired if you do. Imo, wired has cleaner audio. Also, bass boost on the 5.8 is nice to have, but I never use it because there is really no need to.

[lucas107]

also the passthru on the 5.8 is the main reason i bought that one instead of the wired. noregard4life do you notice much difference or what? from what i hear most dont notice any difference.

[N0REGARD4L1FE]

I can tell a difference with the bass boost on. Its not a huge difference, but it's there.

[Ricanlegend]

If i was you go wired, wired will always beat wireless. Am planing on doing the same just am just going to buy the wired mixamp to go along with the sennheiser HD 598 this headphone is much better than astro headphones

[AcIdC0R3]

If i was you go wired, wired will always beat wireless. Am planing on doing the same just am just going to buy the wired mixamp to go along with the sennheiser HD 598 this headphone is much better than astro headphones
I just tried out a set of 598's the other day. They sound pretty good IMO. You should get the Zalman ZM-Mic1 for the mic to go with it. Everybody says it's a really good mic. :)

[Ricanlegend]

You tried out the HD598's and didn't buy them ? When i first tried them on in the store i didn't want to stop lol to bad the store charges $250 and thats without the tax am going to order it online for $236 thats with shipping and taxes. Am going to try the Zalman ZM-Mic1 hopefully mines work cause based on the amazon feedback is a 50 50 chance

[AcIdC0R3]

You tried out the HD598's and didn't buy them ? When i first tried them on in the store i didn't want to stop lol to bad the store charges $250 and thats without the tax am going to order it online for $236 thats with shipping and taxes. Am going to try the Zalman ZM-Mic1 hopefully mines work cause based on the amazon feedback is a 50 50 chance
No actually they were my friends fathers headset. He's a sound professional and runs a sound studio. They did sound really good though.

[kevin nail]

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t289/yup277/ASTRO/MixAmpComparisonChart-LATEST.png

I've been PMing this to a lot of people lately so it's probably best that I just go ahead and make a thread with it. Feel free to comment on the chart or ask further questions below.

Credit for this chart goes to all the amazing people on the forums whose knowledge I have slowly assimilated and input I have greatly appreciated :D

what is optical passthrough?

[AcIdC0R3]

what is optical passthrough?
It is an optical output on the MixAmp that you can connect a A/V receiver or similar audio device to.

[LuNaTiiK]

Updated with latest packaging info.

[CinCa0989]

Hello,

Previously I came from a home with a full surround audiophile 7.1 setup. When gaming on my PS3 at night, I hooked my Senn HD 558s to my Yamama receiver with Silent Cinema to supply the virtual surround and a Zalman mic hooked up to a USB sound card to enable chat.

I have since moved into a smaller place and can't take the theater with me. It seems the easiest solution is an Astro Mixamp. Price and portability are not issues. Between the wireless and wired Mixamp, which offers the best sound quality? Conventional wisdom would say the wired, but is there really that much difference? Do the pros of the wireless Mixamp outweigh the slightly worse sound quality?

Bottom line, for the audiophiles out there, would you get the wired or wireless Mixamp?

Also, if I were to get the wireless Mixamp, I'm going to get the rechargeable battery and PS3 chat cable. Do I need any other cables/accessories to make it work with my headphone/mic combination?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Christian

[LuNaTiiK]

ASTRO actually took the time to design the MixAmp 5.8 such that it would offer the same professional quality surround sound as the MixAmp Pro. The only difference between the two are slightly different feature sets, so which MixAmp you go with is really based on preference.

You wouldn't need anything beyond what you've listed for connecting.

[CinCa0989]

ASTRO actually took the time to design the MixAmp 5.8 such that it would offer the same professional quality surround sound as the MixAmp Pro. The only difference between the two are slightly different feature sets, so which MixAmp you go with is really based on preference.

You wouldn't need anything beyond what you've listed for connecting.

LuNaTiiK, I appreciate your response. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

I think I would have chosen the Mixamp Pro, had there not been a bass boost feature on the 5.8, as my Senns are a little light on the bass (given the open cans). The dolly-chaining, pass-through, wireless-ness, etc., features of either unit don't really matter to me as I'm all about SQ.

I'm starting to lean toward the Mixamp 5.8.

Thanks!

[LuNaTiiK]

@CinCa0989: Glad I could help! I would say that if you have a home theater type setup where you sit back away from your TV or where cables across the floor might be a problem, then I'd recommend the MixAmp 5.8. However if you have an MLG type setup in which you sit directly in front of your monitor and cables don't really matter then the MixAmp Pro may best.

In the end, they're both excellent products. Let us know if you have any further questions!

[J Teezy]

you can hook up more audio sources to the wired unit than the wireless yes?

[LuNaTiiK]

you can hook up more audio sources to the wired unit than the wireless yes?
That is correct!