Dolby Digital ASTRO MIXAMP 5.8 User Manual

ASTRO GAMING MIXAMP 5.8 INSTRUCTION GUIDE
CONTENTS:
INTRODUCTION
ABOUT THE MIXAMP 5.8
ABOUT DOLBY SURROUND TECHNOLOGY
CONTROLS
PACKAGE CONTENTS
SETUP
CONSOLE SETUP - TV
CONSOLE SETUP - HOME THEATER
SETUP - LAN
PC SETUP
PC SETUP LAN
TROUBLESHOOTING
WARRANTY
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the ASTRO Gaming MixAmp 5.8! Whether you‟re a casual player or a pro gamer,
we‟d like to welcome you into the ASTRO family of performance gaming accessories.
The MixAmp 5.8 is the result of countless hours of research and development by the foremost experts in the audio
industry, extremely talented industrial designers, and ASTRO‟s own internal team of hardcore gamers. Plus, it‟s
tweaked with ASTRO Audio‟s proprietary formula, so you know your games and other media are going to sound their
best, especially when paired with an ASTRO A30 or A40 headset.
Despite its small size, the MixAmp 5.8 contains a complex electronics package, so check out the rest of this instruction
booklet if you have a minute. If you‟re too smart for manuals, save it anyway for later reference: it contains important
warranty information and a handy troubleshooting guide.
ABOUT THE MIXAMP 5.8
The MixAmp 5.8 is your own personal wireless audio mixer and headphone amplifier. Like our original MixAmp, it‟s
been developed to enhance the audio experience of video games, music, movies and voice communications. With Dolby
Pro Logic IIx and Dolby Digital 7.1 decoding pumping out Dolby Headphone Surround Sound, the MixAmp 5.8 is a
wireless home theater in the palm of your hand.
Whether you‟re gaming or watching movies at home alone or with your friends, on a console or a PC, the MixAmp 5.8
has something to offer.
For Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 users, the MixAmp 5.8 wirelessly combines voice communication and game surround
sound. Connect the wireless transmitter, also known as the Tx, optically to your console and toggle Dolby Headphone
Surround Sound on or off. Pair the compact wireless MixAmp, the Rx, with the Tx. Connect an ASTRO (or other third
party) headset to the Rx and you can adjust the master volume, game-to-voice balance and the Bass Enhancer without
leaving your couch. Pair up to four Rx‟s with one Tx in case your friends stop by too!
For Home Theater setups, it‟s easy to get crystal-clear wireless sound for your favorite movies and TV shows. Simply
run a TOSlink optical connection from your TV, media playback device or stereo receiver to the Tx wireless transmitter.
Pair the Rx, connect an ASTRO (or other third party) headset or headphones, sit back and enjoy. You can adjust master
volume and the Bass Enhancer from the Rx and keep your neighbors off your back.
For PC and Mac gamers whose sound card has an optical output, the MixAmp 5.8 can be used to listen to your favorite
games, music, videos and movies. Same deal as above, connect via TOSlink, pair your Tx with your Rx, connect an
ASTRO headset or other headphone and you‟re good to go.

Dolby Digital ASTRO MIXAMP 5.8 Specifications

General

Brand	ASTRO Gaming
Model	MIXAMP 5.8
Wireless	Yes
Frequency Response	20 Hz - 20 kHz
Headphone Output	3.5mm
Microphone Input	3.5mm
Weight	0.5 lbs
Wireless Technology	RF
Wireless Range	30 feet
Connector Type	3.5mm
Compatibility	PC, Xbox, PlayStation
Battery	Rechargeable
Power Source	USB

Summary

Introduction to ASTRO Gaming MixAmp 5.8

About the ASTRO Gaming MixAmp 5.8

About Dolby Surround Technology

Controls and Operation

Master Volume Control

Adjusts the overall volume of all incoming audio feeds. Does not affect voice communication volume.

Game-to-Voice Balance Dial

Allows adjustment of the mix between game audio and voice communication.

Bass Enhancer Button

Accentuate low-end frequencies for a simulated subwoofer effect.

Dolby On/Off Button

Enables Dolby Digital 7.1 surround sound when illuminated.

Master Power Buttons

Powers units on/off and used for pairing Tx and Rx units.

Battery Status and Low Power

Indicates battery level via button light color and provides audio alerts.

Package Contents

Optional Cables and Accessories

Setup and Connections

Connecting and Pairing Tx and Rx Units

Step 1: Setup the Transmitter (Tx)

Connect the Tx unit to power and audio input, then turn it on.

Step 2: Setup the Receiver (Rx)

Install batteries, connect headset, and charge if needed.

Step 3: Pairing the Rx and Tx Units

Pair the Tx and Rx units by holding their power buttons until they blink.

Connecting Gaming Consoles

Xbox Live Voice Communication

Connect controller cable to Rx for voice chat and balance with game audio.

PlayStation Network Voice Communication

Use USB Chat Cable for voice comms and balance with game audio.

Connecting to HDTV

Connecting Home Theater Receiver

Connecting a PC or Mac

PC Setup: Game Audio

Connect Main (Game) Audio via TOSlink

Connect TOSlink cable for Dolby Surround and high-quality amplification.

PC Setup: Microphone

Setup as USB Input/Output Device

Connect USB Chat Cable for voice communication channel.

Configure Windows XP Audio Properties

Set ASTRO USB Chat Cable as default for voice playback/recording.

Configure Windows Vista/7 Audio Settings

Set soundcard as default playback; ASTRO USB Chat Cable for recording.

Troubleshooting Guide

Balance Control Not Affecting Mix

Ensure both USB and TOSlink cables are connected for proper mixing.

Spotty Mic Output or Interference

Check 2.5mm cable cleanliness and mic insertion for Xbox Live.

Xbox Controller Misfires

Lower voice volume setting or use wireless controller to prevent overvoltage.

MixAmp 5.8 Turns Off Automatically

Ensure a headset is connected to prevent auto power-off.

Low Game Sound

Check BALANCE control; ensure it is not turned fully towards VOICE.

No Voice Communication on Xbox Live

Verify BALANCE control is not fully towards GAME and cable connections.

Support and Warranty Information

Contacting ASTRO Gaming Support

Provides contact information for resolving issues and obtaining help.

ASTRO Gaming 1-Year Warranty

Details covered parts, exclusions, and service procedures for warranty claims.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement

FCC Compliance Warnings

Covers user cautions, interference limits, and corrective measures.

FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement

States compliance with FCC radiation exposure limits for uncontrolled environments.

Industry Canada RF Exposure Requirements

Annex: Compliance Notices

Canadian ICES-003 Compliance

States compliance of the digital apparatus with Canadian standards.

Antenna Usage Restrictions

Specifies approved antennas and gain limits for optimal operation.