To turn off your PC, press the Windows key and click on the power icon. Then, select Restart from the context menu. Wait for your PC to restart and plug your headphones back in to check if the microphone is working properly now.
To turn off your console, first, unplug the Astro A40 headset from it. Then, unplug your console from the power outlet. Wait for a few seconds, and then plug the console back in. Once your console is turned on, plug the headphones back in and check if the microphone is working properly now.
Fix 3: Update Audio Drivers
Outdated audio drivers can cause issues with the Astro A40 mic not working. To fix this, you need to update the audio drivers on your device. Here’s how to update the audio drivers on your PC:
- Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard simultaneously.
- From the menu that appears, click on Device Manager.
- Expand the “Sound, input and outputs” section and right-click on the Astro A40’s drivers.
- From the options that appear, click on Update driver.
- Then, select “Search automatically for drivers.”
- Once the driver is updated, restart your PC, and everything should be fine.
Fix 4: Use the Right Audio Jack
The Astro A40 headset comes with two audio jacks – one for audio output and the other for microphone input. Make sure that you’re plugging the microphone jack into the correct input port on your device.
Fix 5: Change the Microphone
The Astro A40 comes with a unique feature; it has two microphone ports that are located on the backplate of each cup. Sometimes, one of the ports may not work correctly, causing the mic to stop working. If this is the case, you can try switching the ports to fix the issue.
- Begin by detaching the mic from the headphone.
- Gently remove the magnetic backplate from both cups of the headphone.
- Swap the two backplates and insert them back into their respective cups.
- Re-attach the detachable mic to the second mic port.
- Now, connect the headphone directly to the I/O port of your device and check if the mic works as expected.
Fix 6: Update Astro Command Center
Astro Command Center is essential software that helps you to customize your Astro A40 headset settings. If the software is outdated, it can result in the Astro A40 mic not working. This can happen due to errors or bugs in the application that prevent the device from being detected.
That’s why you need to update the Astro Command Center. Here’s how to do it:
- Launch the Astro Command Center on your PC.
- The software will automatically detect if there’s a new version of Astro Command Center available. If it does, a pop-up message will appear asking you to update the software. Click on “Yes” to start the update process. However, if the software doesn’t automatically detect an update, you can check for it manually.
- Click on the gear icon on the top right corner of the software and click on “Update firmware manually.”
- Once you’ve clicked on “Update firmware manually,” the software will start searching for any available updates. If there’s an update available, it will download and install it automatically.
After the update process is complete, restart your device and check if the Astro A40 mic is working correctly.
Fix 7: Check Astro Command Center Settings
One common reason for the Astro A40 mic not working issue is an incorrect setting in the Astro Command Center. Here are the steps to check your Astro Command Center settings:
- Launch the Astro Command Center application on your PC.
- Navigate to the Microphone tab and check if the USB Mic Level is set to an appropriate level. If the bar is too low, you will not receive any voice input from the mic.
- Next, switch to the Stream Port tab, and make sure that the microphone scroll bar is also at an appropriate level.
- After ensuring that the settings are correct, save your settings and test the microphone again.
Note: If you are unable to open the Astro Command Center or it fails to recognize your headphones, make sure that you have connected the headphone to the MixAmp and then connected the MixAmp to the PC. Connecting the headphone directly to the system may result in detection issues.
Fix 8: Set the Default Recording Device
When your computer is linked to multiple audio input devices, the operating system will use the default device to capture audio. In case you are having trouble recording sound using one of the microphones, you can set a default recording device to use the desired microphone. Here’s how:
- Right-click on the speaker icon in the system tray on the bottom far-right of the screen and select Sound settings.
- Scroll down and click on More sound settings.
- In the new window, go to the Recording tab. Here, you’ll find all the devices connected to your computer.
- Select your Astro A40’s microphone and click Set Default. The default device is designated by a green checkmark on its icon.
- Click on Apply, and then OK.
Fix 9: Establish the Microphone Volume Level
The microphone volume level adjusts the audio that the microphone captures. It is essential to have a suitable microphone volume level, as the microphone will not record anything if its volume is too low or set to zero.
- Right-click on the speaker icon in the system tray on the bottom far-right of the screen and select Sound settings.
- Scroll down and click on More sound settings.
- In the new window, go to the Recording tab. Here, you’ll find all the devices connected to your computer.
- Double-click on your Astro A40’s microphone. This will open the Microphone Properties window.
- Go to the Levels tab and make sure the microphone volume is set to 100.
Try these Fixes for your Xbox
If you have an Xbox and are still having trouble getting its microphone to work, here are a few other things you can try.
Fix 1: Use the Correct Mode in MixAmp
First, make sure you are using the correct mode on your MixAmp. If your MixAmp has a red ring around the button, you are in console mode, and if it has a white ring, you are in PC mode.
If you are in PC mode, your Xbox won’t be able to read the microphone. To switch to console mode, hold down the button for three seconds until the red ring appears.
Fix 2: Reset your Xbox and Headset
Next, try turning off your MixAmp, unplugging the USB, and then plugging it back in. Turn off your controller, then turn both the MixAmp and controller back on.
Make sure all cables are securely plugged in, and try different USB slots on your Xbox. If none of these steps works, ensure that the headset is fully plugged in.
Try these Fixes for your PS4 and PS5
If you are using a PS4 or PS5 and the above-mentioned fixes didn’t fix this issue, you can try these additional troubleshooting steps to fix the issue:
Fix 1: Reset your PlayStation, Monitor, and the Headset
The first thing to do is to reset everything. This includes your PlayStation and your monitor or TV. Locate the power button on your PlayStation and completely turn it off. If it’s already turned on, hold down the power button for about five to ten seconds until you hear a second beep and the light flashes.
This will bypass rest mode and completely shut down your PlayStation. Then unplug it from the wall outlet and any cords on the back. Leave it unplugged for about a minute for the power cord.
After a minute, plug everything back in and turn on your headset. Make sure the power button on your headset is turned on and flashing blue, which means it’s trying to connect to the USB dial. Also, ensure the headset volume is turned up.
Fix 2: Check USB Dongle and USB Slot
If the USB dongle is not plugged in all the way, unplug it and plug it back in. You can also try using a rear USB slot instead of the front one.
Fix 3: Check Microphone and Sound Settings
Once your PS5 is turned on, open the quick menu by pressing the PlayStation button on your controller. Check to see that your microphone and sound are not muted. If it is muted, there will be a red or orange button glowing between the thumbsticks. Press it once to mute the microphone or hold it down to mute all audio.
Under sound, make sure your headset is selected for the output device. If it’s a controller headset, make sure it says sound through the controller. Also, check that the volume is turned up and that “Mute Game Voice Chat” is not selected.
Fix 4: Leave Party Chat
If you’re in a party chat, you won’t be able to hear anyone speak in-game chat. So leave the party chat, which is easy to do by selecting Leave Party in the centre of the screen. To switch to game chat, double-tap the PlayStation button on your controller, select “Game,” and choose the game voice chat you want to join.
Fix 5: Adjust Microphone Settings
Finally, under the microphone in the quick menu, make sure your USB headset is selected and it’s not muted. Adjust the microphone and make sure it’s not too low or too high. Start talking and adjust the microphone level until it’s around the right level.
If you’ve tried all the above methods and the Astro A40 mic still isn’t working, it’s time to contact customer support. The headset may have a defect or need to be replaced, and customer support can guide you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these fixes work for other headset models or only for the Astro A40 headset?
The solutions provided in this article are tailored to solving issues related to the Astro A40 headset. However, some of the solutions, like checking microphone settings or updating audio drivers, can also be applied to other headset models.
Will updating the software fix the microphone not working issue for the Astro A40 headset?
Yes, updating the Astro Command Center software can often resolve problems with the microphone not working, as it includes firmware and driver updates that can enhance the headset’s functionality.
Why is my Astro A40 headset’s mic not working?
If the microphone on your Astro A40 headset is not functioning, it may be due to a faulty cable or outdated audio drivers. You can try updating the audio drivers and examining the cable for any damage.
How can I reset my Astro A40 headset?
Unplugging the headset from your PC or console and plugging it back in will reset the headset.
Is it possible to use the Astro A40 headset without the MixAmp?
Yes, it is possible to use the Astro A40 headset without the MixAmp, but some features like surround sound and equalizer settings will not be available.
Final Words
And that’s how you fix mic issues with your Astro A40. We hope that the solutions in this article have helped you resolve the issue and get back to gaming again. Make sure to try these methods one by one until you find the one that works for you. If none of these solutions works, consider contacting the manufacturer or seeking professional assistance. If you have any further questions, ask them in the comments section below.
