INSTRUCTIONS

QUICK
START

A50
WIRELESS HEADSET
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 ASTRO Gaming’s A50 Wireless headset is the perfect
gaming asset for the audio-savvy citizen who equally
appreciates business and pleasure. Professionally-tuned
The A50s are equipped with KleerNet’s 5.8 GHz wireless
ASTRO Audio paired with Dolby® Digital 7.1 Surround
technology, designed for unimpaired performance
Sound keep you fully immersed in the experience.
amongst the array of other RF traffic. ASTRO Gaming’s
Whether you’re gaming, enjoying a feature film, or
integrated MixAmp™ technology allows for precise
listening to your favorite album on repeat—control over
control of game to voice balance, all fitting neatly into
the sound settings is just a touch away.
the contoured design of the A50. This guide will point to
the various ways in which your A50’s can be adjusted to
a setup that’s all your own.

Congratulations on your
sound investment.

A50 WIRELESS SYSTEM

5.8 GHZ
EQ PRESETS

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 Package Contents

Contents OPTICAL CABLE

So... you've breached the boxy exterior, and you're working Provides clear Dolby® Digital surround
your way along the inside. You'll find that your A50 comes sound across all platforms.

bundled with some cables, each has a purpose that's suited

USB POWER CABLE
to your method of gameplay.
Powers your MixAmp™ Transmitter (Tx)
as well as voice chat for the PlayStation
Network and PC gaming.

USB CHARGING CABLE

Charges your A50 Wireless Headset from
the MixAmp™ Transmitter.

DISPLAY STAND
Holds the MixAmp™ Transmitter and
A50 Wireless Headset for storage and
charging.

ASTRO AUDIO ASTRO GAMING

SUPERIOR CONFIDENTIAL 2013
TOURNAMENT EYES ONLY
COMPETITIVE 010185

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 System Configuration // PS4

1 2 3 4
Front of PS4 Back of MixAmpTM Transmitter MixAmpTM Pro Power Button
Back of MixAmpTM Transmitter Back of PS4

SIGN IN

*STAND BY *POWER ON

Power on the PS4, then the MixAmp™

Plug the optical cable into the MixAmp™ Transmitter. The headset and transmitter The PS4 will automatically detect the
Plug Micro-USB Cable into MixAmpTM Transmitter and back optical port of the should already be paired (see page 10 for headset; sign into a user profile when
Transmitter and PS4 for power. PS4 for Dolby® Digital 7.1 Surround Sound pairing instructions). prompted.
(Be sure to remove the caps on the cable tips).

5 6 7 8

PS4 SOUND SETTINGS PS4 SOUND SETTINGS PS4 SOUND SETTINGS

Under the "Audio Output Settings" menu,

Go to settings and select “Sound and Go back to “Audio Output Settings” and select "Output to Headphones" and make
Screen,” then select “Primary Output Port” select “Audio Format (Priority),” then select The A50 headset and PS4 are set up and
sure "Chat Audio" is selected and not
and choose “Digital Out (Optical).” “Bit Stream (Dolby).” ready to go. Game on!
"All Audio.”

ASTRO AUDIO ASTRO GAMING

SUPERIOR CONFIDENTIAL 2013
TOURNAMENT EYES ONLY
COMPETITIVE 010185

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 System Configuration // PS3

1 2 3 4
Back of MixAmpTM Transmitter Front of PS3 Back of PS3 MixAmp Pro Power Button
TM

Back of MixAmpTM Transmitter

PS3 SOUND SETTINGS

*STAND BY *POWER ON

Power on your PS3 first, then your

Plug Optical cable into MixAmpTM Transmitter MixAmp™ Transmitter and A50 Headset. To enable Game Audio, go to ‘Settings,’ then
Plug Micro-USB cable into MixAmpTM
& PS3 for Dolby® 7.1 Surround Sound. *Your headset and transmitter should ‘Sound Settings,’ and select ‘Audio Output
Transmitter and PS3 for power.
*Be sure to remove caps on the cable tips already be paired. Settings.’

5 6 7 8

PS3 SOUND SETTINGS PS3 SOUND SETTINGS PS3 SOUND SETTINGS

Choose ‘Optical Digital’ and only activate To enable Voice Chat, go to ‘Settings,’ select Under both ‘Input Device’ and ‘Output Device,’
‘Dolby Digital 5.1 Ch’ ‘Accessory Settings,’ and then ‘Audio Device select ‘ASTRO Wireless Transmitter.’ That’s it! Your A50 Wireless Headset and PS3
*Make sure that ‘DTS 5.1 Ch’ is NOT Selected Settings.’ are set up and ready to game.

ASTRO AUDIO ASTRO GAMING

SUPERIOR CONFIDENTIAL 2013
TOURNAMENT EYES ONLY
COMPETITIVE 010185

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 System Configuration // x360

1 2 3 4
MixAmpTM Pro Power Button

SIGN IN

*STAND BY *POWER ON

Plug the optical cable into the MixAmp™ Power on your Xbox 360 first, then your
Plug the micro-USB cable into the MixAmp™ Transmitter and optical port of the Xbox 360 MixAmp™ Transmitter and A50 Headset.
Sign into a user profile when prompted.
Transmitter and the USB port of the Xbox for Dolby® Digital 7.1 Surround Sound (Be The headset and transmitter should
360 for power. sure to remove the caps on the cable tips). already be paired.

**If you have a non-slim Xbox 360 and you use

5 6 HDMI to connect to the TV, you will need an Xbox
360 Audio Dongle (not included). You may be able
to pull audio from your TV’s optical pass-through.
See Home Theater System Configuration page.

To use Xbox LIVE® Chat: Connect the Xbox That’s it! Your A50 Wireless Headset and Xbox
LIVE® Cable from your Xbox 360 controller 360 are set up and ready to game.
to the port located on the left earpiece of
the A50. **Cable not included

ASTRO AUDIO ASTRO GAMING

SUPERIOR CONFIDENTIAL 2013
TOURNAMENT EYES ONLY
COMPETITIVE 010185

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 System Configuration // PC

1 2 3 4
MixAmpTM Pro Power Button
Optical Port on PC
Back of MixAmpTM Transmitter USB Port on PC Back of MixAmpTM Transmitter

CONTROL PANEL

*STAND BY *POWER ON

Plug the optical cable into the MixAmp™ Power on your PS3 first, then your MixAmp™ To enable Game Audio on PC using Windows 7
Transmitter and PC for Dolby® Digital 7.1 Transmitter and A50 Headset. Pro; go to ‘Control Panel,’ select ‘Sound,’ then
Plug Micro-USB Cable into MixAmpTM *Your headset and transmitter should already be paired, see
Transmitter and PC for power. Surround Sound (Be sure to remove the ‘Playback.’
front page for pairing instructions. (page 2)
caps on the cable tip

5 6 7 8

CONTROL PANEL CONTROL PANEL CONTROL PANEL

Select ‘SPDIF Out’ or your digital output, then To enable Voice Chat; go to ‘Control Panel,’ Select ‘ASTRO WIRELESS TRANSMITTER,’ then
‘Set as Default Device.’ select ‘Sound,’ then ‘Recording.’ ‘Set as Default Device.’ That’s it! Your A50 Wireless Headset and PC
*To guarantee full functionality, be sure your sound card
supports ‘Dolby Digital’ Technology.
are set up and ready to game.

ASTRO AUDIO ASTRO GAMING

SUPERIOR CONFIDENTIAL 2013
TOURNAMENT EYES ONLY
COMPETITIVE 010185

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 System Configuration // MAC

1 2 3 4
MixAmpTM Pro Power Button
Back of MixAmpTM Transmitter USB Port on MAC Back of MixAmpTM Transmitter 3.5mm on MAC

CONTROL PANEL

*STAND BY *POWER ON

Power on the Mac, then turn on the MixAmp™ To enable Game Audio, go to “Settings,” select
Attach a 3.5mm optical adapter* to the mini- Transmitter and A50 headset. The headset and
Plug micro-USB cable into the MixAmp™ optical cable provided, then plug into MixAmp™ “Sound,” then “Output” and choose “Digital Out.”
Transmitter and USB port on the Mac transmitter should already be paired
Transmitter and Mac 3.5mm optical port.
for power.

5 6

CONTROL PANEL

To enable Voice Chat; go to “Settings,” select

“Sound,” then “Input.” Select “ASTRO WIRELESS That’s it! Your A50 Wireless Headset and MAC
TRANSMITTER.” are set up and ready to game.

ASTRO AUDIO ASTRO GAMING

SUPERIOR CONFIDENTIAL 2013
TOURNAMENT EYES ONLY
COMPETITIVE 010185

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 System Configuration // HOME

AV Receiver TV

OPT-IN OPT-IN

OR

Optical pass-through gives you the ability to output the same optical signal your MixAmp™
Transmitter is receiving, allowing you to add an additional peripheral device without having to
adjust any cables.

To Connect:
OPT-OUT to AV Receiver: Connect optical cable from the OPT-OUT port on the MixAmp™ Transmit-
ter to the input on your AV Receiver.

Television Setup:
If your television comes equipped with optical pass-through functionality, simply connect the
optical output on your television to the OPT-IN port on your MixAmp™ Transmitter, bypassing the
optical port on your Xbox 360.

ASTRO AUDIO ASTRO GAMING

SUPERIOR CONFIDENTIAL 2013
TOURNAMENT EYES ONLY
COMPETITIVE 010185

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 A50 LED BEHAVIOR

LED Indicator on A50 Headset: LED Indicators on MixAmp™ Tx:

Solid Red, USB connected: Charging finished. Power LED

Solid Red, USB disconnected: Powered on. Off: Powered off.
Solid Red: Powered on.
Blinking Red + Audible Beep: Low Power, Blinking White: Pairing mode.
Charge Immediately.
Dolby® LED
Solid Orange: Charging Lithium-Ion Battery. Off: Dolby® Headphone disabled.
Solid Red: Dolby® Headphone enabled.
Blinking White: Pairing mode.

ASTRO GAMING
CONFIDENTIAL 2013
EYES ONLY
010185

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 A50 User INTERFACE

Power / Pairing

Xbox LIVE®
Cable Port EQ Mode Select
1. Media Mode
2. Core Mode
3. Pro Mode

USB
Charging Port
Master Volume
Game / Voice Balance

Microphone

ASTRO GAMING
CONFIDENTIAL 2013
EYES ONLY
010185

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 A50 USER INTERFACE

A50 Controls
Game/Voice Balance: The A50’s integrated game and voice Master Volume: The Master Volume wheel located on the

mixing functions are located on your right earpiece. The A50s bottom of the right earpiece adjusts overall volume control.

come preset to a 50/50 balance. To adjust, press the button for Use the Master Volume in conjunction with Game/Voice Balance

the audio function you wish to incrementally increase. Holding for total audio domination. Lecherous laughter is optional (but

down “Game” will cause the mixing function to isolate game encouraged).

sounds, quieting the voice. Pressing “Voice” will cause the mixer
to decrease game sounds, amplifying voice. Microphone: The A50 fixed microphone operates when in the
down/forward position. To activate the microphone's mute

While using this feature you may find your A50 emits a series of feature, simply swing the microphone arm up to the vertical

intermittent beeps. Rest assured, you haven't been tricked into (12 o'clock) position, where the microphone will click into place.

an ASTRO hearing test.

Equalizer (EQ) Modes: EQ modes are controlled by a switch

A50 Game/Voice Balance Beeps: located on the back of the right earpiece. The A50s come

∆ At 50/50 Game + Voice: Emits a single beep equipped with three separate EQ modes for better listening:

∆ At 100% Voice: Emits a two-tone beep (unique to max voice)

∆ At 100% Game: Emits a two-tone beep (unique to max game) 1. Media: Enhanced bass, for movies and music
2. Core: Balanced for single player gaming
3. Pro: Boosted high frequencies for competitive gameplay
ASTRO AUDIO ASTRO GAMING
SUPERIOR CONFIDENTIAL 2013
TOURNAMENT EYES ONLY
COMPETITIVE 010185

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 MixAMP® TX USER INTERFACE

AUX In Optical In from TV or Console

USB
Charging Port

USB Power / Optical Out

Voice Passthrough

Power / Pairing Dolby® Headphone

Button
MixAmp™ Tx - Top:
Left Button: Power/Pairing OPT-OUT: Optical Out Pass through, use this input to connect
Right Button: Dolby® Headphone Virtual 7.1 Digital Surround your home theater system.
On/Off OPT IN: Use this input to connect the Optical Cable from TV, PC,
or console
MixAmp™ Tx - Rear: USB: USB: Insert the USB Charging Cable into this socket, and
PWR: Connect the USB Power Cable from this port to a free port attach the other end to the port on your A50s when not in use.
on your console or PC to power the MixAmp™ Tx and enable This port is also utilized when updating to the latest firmware
voice capability*. and is also needed to power Optical Passthrough.
AUX: Auxiliary In. Plug your media device into this port with an *Additional setup may be required for some systems. Don't panic. Simply refer to the

optional 3.5mm cable in order to wirelessly stream audio to System Configuration for your gaming console or PC to get you all sorted out.

your A50 headset. Intended for use with MP3 players, phones, ASTRO GAMING
CONFIDENTIAL 2013
EYES ONLY
and PCs (when optical digital out is not available). 010185

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 PAIRING

Your A50 and MixAmp™ TxD come pre-paired. It is only

necessary to initiate the pairing process if there is no
audio after setup is completed. Got it?

Locate the Power button on the face of the MixAmp™ The LED indicators on both When the pairing process is
Transmitter and on the right side of the A50 headset. devices will show solid complete, the power buttons
Begin pairing mode by simultaneously holding white for three seconds, on the A50 and the MixAmp™
the power button on the MixAmp™ TxD unit and on indicating that pairing has TxD will show solid red.
the A50 headset until both of the buttons blink white. occurred.

You can pair up to four A50 headsets to your MixAmp™ TxD.

However only the first paired headset can use its microphone.
We recommend muting the mics of all other paired headsets.
For pairing multiple A50 headsets to your MixAmp™ TxD,
repeat this process for each additional headset or after doing ASTRO GAMING
CONFIDENTIAL 2013
EYES ONLY

a firmware update. 010185

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 BATTERY & CHARGING

Charging
To charge your A50, attach the USB Charging Cable from the base of the
MixAmp™ Tx to the charging port on the A50s. The indicator light on the A50
will show solid orange during charging and then solid red once your A50s are
fully powered up and ready for action.

USB Charging Cable

Battery Life
The non-removable lithium-Ion battery built into your A50s requires a five
hour charging cycle to reach full power. Once fully charged, the battery is
good for 8 -10 hours of on-head action time, depending on your degree of
use.

ASTRO GAMING
CONFIDENTIAL 2013
EYES ONLY
010185

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 DISPLAY STAND

Display Stand - Permanent Assembly

Your display stand arrives in three parts: Base, Spine, and Beak. Once assembled, the Display Stand functions as a base for your
To assemble: MixAmp™Tx and A50s for charging and display. The stand is
1. Slide and snap in the tabbed edges of base piece not meant to be taken apart.
into the corresponding edges of the spine.
2. Slide and snap the tabbed edge of the beak into
ASTRO GAMING
the top of the spine. CONFIDENTIAL 2013
EYES ONLY
010185

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 SUPPORT

Firmware Updating: Specs:

Keep your A50s and your platforms playing nice, and in Weight w/o cable: 0.81lbs/363 grams

proper working order by making sure you are running the Max SPL: ~118 dB @1kHz
latest firmware: Ear Coupling: Over-Ear
http://www.astrogaming.com/firmware Distortion: THD<1%

Kessel Run Distance: Under 12 Parsecs

Troubleshooting Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20 KHz

See FAQ: Connector: 2.5mm XBOX Live® chat port, Mini-USB port

http://www.astrogaming.com/faq Microphone: 6.0mm uni-directinal noise canceling

Power Source: Mini-USB (USB 2.0 compatible)
All ASTRO Gaming products come with an automatic 1-year warranty. Registration is Battery Life: 8-10 Hours

not required. If you purchased ASTRO products from a 3rd party retailer, you don’t Wireless Radio: 5.8GHz Kleernet

need to register it, but you will need to provide proof of purchase for any warranty MixAmpTM Tx Inputs: Optical In, AUX In (3.5mm), USB Power, USB Chat Audio

claims. MixAmpTM Tx Outputs: Optical Passthrough, USB Charging Port

Register ASTRO products here:

http://www.astrogaming.com/register

ASTRO GAMING
CONFIDENTIAL 2013
EYES ONLY
010185

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 FCC STATEMENT

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Statement

15.21

You are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the part This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is

responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. subject to the following two conditions:
1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and

15.105(b) 2) This device must accept any interference received, including

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are

designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement:

residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an

frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, uncontrolled environment. End users must follow the specific operating instructions

may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no for satisfying RF exposure compliance. This transmitter must not be co-located or

guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which

can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try FCC RF Exposure requirements:

to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: This device and its antenna(s) must not be co-located or operation in conjunction
with any other antenna or transmitter.

∆ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

∆ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY RADIO OR TV INTERFERENCE

∆ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the CAUSED BY UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS TO THIS EQUIPMENT. SUCH MODIFICA-

receiver is connected. TIONS COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.
ASTRO GAMING
CONFIDENTIAL 2013
∆ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. EYES ONLY
010185

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 CANADA CONFORMITY
INDUSTRY CANADA CONFORMITY STATEMENT / DÉCLARATION DE CONFORMITÉ

D’INDUSTRIE CANADA
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Skullcandy, Inc. declares that this product is in compliance with the essential
requirements and other relevant provisions of Directives 2004/108/EC. A copy of the
Declaration of Conformity for this product may be obtained by contacting Skullcandy,
Inc.

Note on environmental protection:

After the implementation of the European Directive 2012/19/EU in the national legal
system, the following applies: Electrical and electronic devices may not be disposed
of with domestic waste. Consumers are obliged by law to return electrical and

electronic devices at the end of their service lives to the public collecting points set
up for this purpose or point of sale. Details to this are defined by the national law of

the respective country. Failure to dispose of electronic devices properly may have
harmful effects on the environment and human health as a result of the presence of
hazardous substances in the products. This symbol on the product, the instruction
manual or the package indicates that a product is subject to these regulations. By
recycling, reusing the materials or other forms of utilizing old devices, you are making ASTRO GAMING
CONFIDENTIAL 2013
an important contribution to protecting our environment. EYES ONLY
010185

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine