The A50 Wireless is Astro’s top-of-the-line gaming headset, with this one primarily designed for the Xbox One. The headset is built solidly with a fairly balanced sound. It comes with a base station that functions as a stand, charging station and connectivity hub.
SpecsUpdate
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Pros
Pro Solid construction
The A50 is mostly made of quality plastic with a soft touch finish. It can flex well without feeling like it will break. The plastic on the headband and ear cups are complemented by metal rods that add more rigidity to the headset while also giving it a metal accent for a more premium look.
Pro Balanced sound with a slight emphasis on the bass
The sound signature leans more on the neutral side with highs that have good clarity and mids that are full but not forward or recessed. Audio details can easily be heard, and in-game or movie dialogue does not get lost in the mix. The bass is slightly boosted so explosions and gunshots definitely have a lot of kick. The low frequencies do not get out of hand though, so the sound is not muddy in any way.
Pro Enhances soundstage with a surround sound feature
With this feature on, you’ll be able to better tell what direction explosions are happening, or where gunshot sounds are coming from. This can give you an extra edge when gaming competitively as well as make your games more immersive.
Pro Very soft ear pads and headband
The ear pads and headband have very thick foam for cushioning which helps to minimize pressure on the head
Pro Good battery life
From a full charge, these headphones can get up to 15 hours of playback time.
Pro Base station has a lot of functionality
The base station primarily functions as the A50’s stand and charger. The headset magnetically locks into place when on the base, ensuring it charges properly and does not fall off. The base also handles connectivity with audio sources and is the transmitter that communicates with the headset.
Pro Mic is easy to position
The microphone has good clarity. It is attached to the left ear cup and can be pushed upwards when not in use. It is also bendable so you can position it closer to your mouth if needed.
Pro Works with a PC
This headset can save you money if you are looking to improve audio not just on your Xbox One, but also on your computer. The A50 is compatible with a PC/Mac so you do not need to buy a separate headset.
Cons
Con Mic is too sensitive
The A50's mic easily picks up ambient noise and voice pops. This can be annoying for your teammates when using voice chat while playing.
Con Clamping force can be too strong
The headset clamps tightly on the head. While the thick cushioning in the ear pads and headband can minimize the pressure, you might find this uncomfortable if you are sensitive to clamp force.
Con Can feel heavy on the head/neck
The A50 is one of the heaviest wireless headsets at around 380 grams The weight can make your head or neck feel tired quickly.