New Astro A30 headset can capture audio from three gadgets at once

Logitech has announced a new iteration of its Astro A30 wireless gaming headset. This is a product that has not been updated for several years. When it releases in October, it will be priced at $229.99. The new A30 looks like a modern take on its predecessor (thankfully with a lot less sheen).The A30 is available in matte navy or matte white, and each colorway includes: There’s a cool (or cheesy, depending on your taste) chrome design effect underneath the interchangeable speaker tags.

It will be released in two models, one that includes a USB-A wireless transmitter that works with Xbox consoles, PC, macOS, and mobile, and another that works with those platforms and PlayStation consoles.

Console compatibility is a bit of an oddity here. A single A30 headset, just like the A20 Gen 2 in 2020 can It works on both families of consoles, but you’ll have to pay to break cross-platform compatibility. Logitech didn’t respond to inquiries about how much each transmitter would cost before going public, but something like the A20’s could cost around $20. The listing on the headset page was published ahead of the lifting of the embargo, with Astro developing a USB-C audio transmitter that will connect directly to Switch consoles, mobile devices or computers with a USB-C port. It became clear that it can be done. The page reads, “Buy additional his USB-A and USB-C transmitters to enable his LIGHTSPEED 2.4 Ghz wireless connectivity to other consoles and mobile devices.”

The A30 offers many nice-to-have features like rotating ear cups, up to 27 hours of battery life on a single charge, and a multifunction joystick that makes it easy to adjust volume and game/chat audio on your PC or Xbox (not the PlayStation, oddly enough). There are even smarter additions, like the ability to capture audio from three sources at once (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm wired) and an onboard mic so you don’t have to leave your home to answer a call. Equipped with a long boom mic.

For me, however, the A30’s most interesting feature is its tight integration with Logitech’s G Hub mobile app. From there, you can do what you expect, like checking battery life or updating firmware. However, the app also allows you to set up profiles, each with their own detailed settings. For example, you can tweak the equalizer for “Astro Footsteps” mode in a game profile, then set a custom EQ in another profile. The app also lets you adjust the amount of noise he gates and sidetones on the mic (this is similar to the transparency mode on headphones that captures noise from the outside world).

Usually headset makers try to cram this kind of functionality into the hardware itself as much as possible, leading to a steep learning curve and sloppy button layouts. Logitech’s mobile software solves some of that, giving tinkerers a place to tweak settings at will. If for some reason you don’t want to use the app with your headset, be aware that the A30 offers less functionality in hardware alone.

It took me only a few days to check out the A30, but based on my first impressions, the audio performance is well balanced. The sound isn’t all-encompassing, it’s full of deep bass and immersive detail. Some gamers may be happy, but I expected a little more for the price. It’s an app feature that makes you feel worth it.