Logitech G’s Astro brand has a new flagship gaming headset with the Astro A50 X, and it might just be the last headset you’ll need if you are ok with some extra cable management.
Almost every gamer has either multiple consoles or a PC and at least one console. The developers at Astro know this and have designed the A50 X to seamlessly transition between the audio of all of your devices. But rather than just relying on Bluetooth to get the job done, it uses HDMI passthrough via a standalone dock.
The dock, which also acts as a charger for the wireless headset, features two HDMI 2.1 inputs with a single HDMI output that delivers 4K 120 resolution as well as 24-bit audio. There are also three USB-C ports on the base, one of which is used to connect to your PC to pass in the audio. There is no video passthrough for PC users.
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According to Logitech, the reason for no third HDMI input for PC video is that their research indicated that most PC users use DisplayPort over HDMI. The USB-C port for PC, however, does support 24-bit/48 kHz audio whereas the other two only support up to 16-bit audio.
If you are a content creator with a capture card, Logitech hasn’t done full testing on the best setup. But when asked, they did say that they’d recommend connecting to your capture card before running through the dock, adding another potential cable to the mix.
As mentioned, the A50 X doesn’t just rely on Bluetooth. However, Bluetooth is still a feature as it allows you to connect to the audio of your phone and Nintendo Switch. Utilizing the passthrough and Bluetooth allows you to listen to two devices — such as your PlayStation 5 and phone — at once. All audio sources can be easily switched via on-headset controls.
As far as the headset features itself, it features 40mm graphene audio drivers as well as an attached mic with 16-bit 48 kHz input. Users will be able to tune all of the audio levels via the Logitech G Hub software marking the first time since acquisition that an Astro headset will work with the software.
Lastly, Astro says that the headset will last up to 24 hours on a full charge.
The Astro A50 X retails for $379.99 and will be on available starting December 20. It’s available in either black or white.
Full Astro A50 X Gaming Headset Specs
HDMI 2.1 Passthru
- HDMI 2.1 ports 40 Gbps bandwidth
- Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
Audio
- 2x HDMI Audio up to 24 bit /48 kHz (console)
- 2x USB Audio up to 16 bit/48 kHz (console)
- 1x USB Audio up to 24 bit/48 kHz (PC)
- Drivers: 40 mm PRO-G GRAPHENE
- Frequency Response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
- Dolby Atmos + Windows Sonic Spatial Audio Compatible on XBOX, Window 10/11
- 3D Audio compatible on PS5
Microphone
- Pick up pattern: Omnidirectional
- Frequency Response: 60 – 20,000 Hz
- Sampling Rate: up to 16 bit/48 kHz
Wireless Technology
- LIGHTSPEED Wireless @ 24 bit/48 kHz
- Up to 12 meters via LIGHTSPEED
- Bluetooth®
Headset
- 363 grams
- Colors: Black and White
Battery & Power
- Battery (rechargeable)
- 24-hours playtime @ 78 dB(2)
- Charging Dock or USB-C wired charging port
System Requirements
- HDMI cable (HDMI 2.1 required for 4K 120 Hz passthrough)
- Logitech G HUB Software
- Windows 10 and above
- macOS 13 and above
- Logitech G Mobile App
- iOS 16 and above
- Android 13 and above
