Steelseries Gamedac Gen 2 vs Astro Mixamp Pro TR

Hey everyone just my thoughts on Mixamp pro vs Gamedac gen2 on series consoles.
Link to Latency delay info:
www.reddit.com/r/XboxSeriesX/....
00:00 Intro & Specs
01:06 Physical overview
03:19 Features overview
05:45 Bugs
08:00 Sound quality
11:03 Conclusion
#astrogaming #steelseries #mixamp #gamedacgen2 #xbox

[@Admiral_X999]

I personally use a Gen 3 Astro Mixamp Pro TR (Xbox edition) with the Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red IEMs, with Dolby Atmos' virtualised surround enabled in Dolby Access. With an aftermarket cable to give my Zero Reds a microphone and HiFiGo x Zeos Render Eartips, I'm quite happy that with virtual surround enabled, as it sounds good with an audiophile grade IEM. Without that virtualisation of surround sound, I noticed there's no LFE or rear channels so you can imagine it wouldn't sound the best. To anyone wanting to use an IEM with a microphone on an Astro Mixamp Pro TR Gen 3, get one with volume controls, as pressing volume up and down at the same time will mute the microphone in the cable. Don't even bother with the Gen 4 Mixamp as there's no way to mute an IEM microphone on it without a third party mic mute switch cable.

[@jedisoldier]

Great video! I've been waiting for it, and I think that's a really fair conclusion. I've definitely experienced some quirks with my gamedac gen2. Like you mentioned, pushing the game/chat several notches towards the game side is necessary for the best audio quality. Occasionally, not super often, but every now and then, I have also experienced the "thin" sound issue. Base goes away, highs don't sound good. It was immediately noticeable. Fixed by unplugging and replugging in the device. It's not perfect, but it does what it is supposed to do for the most part and I am overall satisfied with it. Particularly the multi-platform compatibility part. If Astro had a newer device I would probably go for it, but as it is, the gamedac gen2 is good enough. Latency is a tiny bit annoying, but I forget about it. Thanks for the advice and informative video!

[@thephototechy]

You are most welcome bro. Have to say the delay is a bit strange and I was thinking if it was based on games, like I mentioned BF2042 feels the worst to me. If Astro did update the device with a newer model, I’ll be all over it. Also I’m hoping steelseries might update the gamedac and resolve the issue. Really appreciate your support!

[@Thebossreserve]

Good evening. Just one question, if it is connected by cable to the phone, how is there latency?

[@jedisoldier]

@@Thebossreserve Haven't actually used it connected by cable to the phone in a bit - xbox updated to allow discord support and it is actually quite good, so I haven't used it much. I don't believe there was serious latency with the phone connection, but at the same time, nothing with the phone is really latency sensitive. Tbh, I don't even notice the latency with headphones anymore, I've gotten used to it.

[@neosaber4]

@@thephototechydid gamedac gen 2 recived any update?? I watch all your videos and you helped me a lot….i’m thinking about getting the gamedac gen 2 latelly and i own a mixamp pro tr at the moment

[@alpersan]

Thank you man! it is a real kind of a guide!

[@1t0ns0up]

I was on the fence about the Steelseries Gamedac Gen2 but this video was the push to make me purchase it so thank you for the comparison / review! I use other dacs (SoundBlaster X G6, Fosi K5 Pro) and although they're very good for it's feature set and sound quality, neither of them work for Xbox mic input so I've just been using the controller paired with the Sennheiser PC38X or the HD560S (when I don't need the mic). And the sound clarity when these headphones are plugged into the controller is no where as clear as having them plugged into an amp. Unfortunatey, and assuming for simplicity sake, Xbox does not support multi audio device selection (either I use the controller for both mic and sound - OR - split out the sound from the HDMI cord via TV passthrough / splitter). It's such a night and day sound quality and directional queue difference between the controller output VS a decent amp, especially when using virtual surround processing like Dolby Headphone or DTS Headphone X. And with decent headphones, its almost wallhacks hearing directional queues for footsteps.

[@thephototechy]

Hey please check my audio latency video for Xbox seriesX, it’s very interesting to see which devices adds latency to sound output. Gamedac gen2 is a fantastic device but Xbox seems to have an issue with latency on it, although I personally don’t think it’s a lot but you can see the numbers for yourself and decide.

[@1t0ns0up]

I don’t mind the latency. I’m far more concerned about positional audio accuracy using DTS headphone X processed on the Xbox. This dac makes the sound clearer so it’s better than just connecting headphones to the controller. And bonus is the 10 step eq since I have a few headphones that really benefit from EQ adjustments.

[@Thebossreserve]

Good evening. Just one question, can I use any head phone with a mic that works perfectly with the Gamedac G2? I'm thinking about buying a used DAC in perfect condition and an Arctis nova 1 headphone with cable or something else, to use in the CS2 game, will this work well? Thanks.

[@TodaySkate]

Question: I have the last gen game dac for the Arctic’s pro BUT I upgraded to Virtuoso Pros and my mic input is bad. Would this gamedac help the mic input for other headsets? I’ve tried messing with Sonar eq but it lags in input and randomly spikes in volume and then other times I’m quiet as a mouse. The only way I’m running ok is through the controller but I don’t always use the controller, I’m on PC btw. So would this help? Thanks

[@andreaserafini1323]

Great video!! I play with Xbox series S. If I use TurtleBeach wireless headset and I bought Dolby Access app, do you think MixAmp could be useful for me or do it not add anything more to my experience? Second question, do you think MixAmp with a cabled headset could work better of Dolby Access app? Thank you for your time!

[@thephototechy]

Hey bro I think if you are happy with the wireless headset than the mixamp wont add anything to the experience, unless you add a good wired headset with it. The dolby access will definitely upgrade the experience a lot and will open eq options as well. You can even try the app for 2 weeks before making a purchase decision.

[@andreaserafini1323]

@@thephototechy do you think hyperx cloud 2 could be a good headset for trying the mixamp experience?

[@thephototechy]

@@andreaserafini1323 hey those are very highly regarded by everyone, I personally haven’t tried them but yes something of that quality should be a very good experience. One issue that can happen with cheaper headsets is the mic picking up game sound when you have volume cranked up. It happens to me on Nova 1x and it’s not sound leaking from earcup and entering mic, it’s something like cable crosstalk, so higher quality headset would make sure that doesn’t happen on something like a mixamp. Most cheapest headsets are made with controllers in mind and the mixamp will have a lot more power than the controller. Cloud 2 should definitely be a good experience as they are not like other very cheap headsets.

[@andreaserafini1323]

@@thephototechy thank you for your help bro!

[@TUD0]

That 8ms latency with the Gamedac is from is from the USB-C to USB-A connection from the dac to Xbox. The reason it’s not noticeable on PlayStation it’s cause of USB-C to USB-C

[@thephototechy]

Hey I’ve done some test and hoping to release the video today, the latency on Xbox is a lot higher than on PS for gamedac. Astro is better but still not what it can do on ps5. Xbox is doing to audio coming out of usb for some reason.

[@xappacmeht]

Thank`s for interesting video )

[@thephototechy]

You are most welcome bro!

[@reedkemp1418]

Hi! Great video! I tried the Astro dac, it could not drive my sennheiser 6XX (300ohm). Will the steel series dac drive my headphones? I can find any info on this. I realize you tested with 598 but there imedence is only 50ohms

[@reedkemp1418]

I’ve just found that the impedance of the associated headphones is 58ohms so I guess it’s pretty unlikely it would work with a 300ohm headphone

[@thephototechy]

Ah man I don’t think steelseries would be able to, in my testing Astro was definitely louder with H6pro open and HD598. Also gamedac gen2 3.5mm port is very recessed and my hd598 cable wouldn’t fit, so I had to use an adapter.

[@TheG102]

I found that turning off 3D sound is better, I test it with AC Mirage and sniper elite 5, OFF feels more open, less compressed, and with better stereo separation on PS5. ON has more bass but that can be EQ anyway. (PS5, H6Pro Open, GameDac 2, Linear PCM)

[@thephototechy]

Hey yes 3d audio can be a hit and mss specially if a game doesn't support it. True Stereo with a good headset like the Epos H6 pro will always feel better and precise.

[@1t0ns0up]

I was curious how the PS5's tempest engine sounded like for sound clarity and directional accuracy. It's nice that Sony has it's own surround processing instead of having to pay for either DTS headphone X or Dolby headphone for Xbox. I played around with the sound format settings but for a PS4 and found that instead of Linear PCM, using Dolby Digital was way better for surround accuracy. But you'd need to have an amp that can decode Dolby digital. I used the SoundBlaster X G6 which can decode DD and any older games that has DD support sound incredible.

[@bbwslayer333]

hey bro love the videos! you answered lot of my tedious g7se (best pro xbox controller ever btw!). I have a question. i’m using the g7se on the new 1000hz update but it disables the controller headphone jack. I just got the Senheisser Pc37x & I plug it into the controller but can only use it on 250hz. I was thinking the mix/amp or dac could fix this correct? Like I should be able to use my new headset sound & microphone with these 2 mixamps, connect the amp to my headset, and still play at 1000hz g7se? If so which would u recommend outta of the two for strictly xbox. I also have a pair of arctic 9x so idk if i get any additional benefit by using another steel series product (amp). thanks!

[@thephototechy]

Hey man so I personally use the mixamp pro tr for audio and the audio is then separated from controller. I think the mixamp edges ahead slightly with output when compared to gamedac gen2, but the gamedac has that multi system compatibility. So if PS5 is not on the cards then aid say definitely the mixamp.

[@bbwslayer333]

@@thephototechy thank you so much for saving me from the hassle bro! I actually prefer the 9x comfort now with my glasses vs the pc37x. Might just end up returning the Senheisser & stick with the 9x to avoid the whole wires + dac/amp. One last question though for the Gamesir g7se controller I saw that you had a skull & co joystick/grip on the left analog stick, which platform (Xbox, PS, Switch) size will fit on the g7se? Cause for kontrol freeks i know the PS5 fits perfect but I wanna try skull & co

[@thephototechy]

@@bbwslayer333 bro I bought the different platform skull grips and they were actually identical in my case. I was surprised that Xbox and PS were the same. I’d still say get the PS ones coz it might be just a coincidence in my case that they were the same.

[@TheG102]

Have you tested the video input lag with HDMI extractor vs direct connection HDMI? That could be another relevant decision between these 2 devices. *PS5 please

[@thephototechy]

Hey I did some sreen recording tests at 240 fps and found no difference with and without the HDMI optical extractor. I showed that in my optical extractor review video, I've just got a new screen which is supposed to be low in input lag so I might do a new test and make a short form video.

[@islrubsca2330]

I have a gen 3 Mixamp Pro TR setup. I've tried connection via USB alone, using Dolby Atmos and honestly, it sounds terrible. Low volume, muffled sound, like listending with a pillow over your ears. Via optical the Atmos sound is much more open and clear. Not sure why our experiences could be so different. Even with the improved Atmos via optical, it pales in comparison to the 5.1 Dolby I used to have with Xbox One and 360. I'm using a Samsung S90c Oled 4k 120hz TV. Unfortunately due to Samsung's HDCP (High definition content protection) restrictions, I cannot output 5.1 via Tv's optical when the input is from HDMI (xbox). It seems crazy. I spent thousands on a top gaming TV and console and I can only output stereo via optical. HDMI extractors appear so unreliable and poorly designed. They all seem to have some issues around connectivity or over-heating and none of the HDMI 2.0 18gb models appear to support VRR. I think currently, there really is no reliable solution at all. Do you have any suggestions?

[@thephototechy]

Hey bro, so in my latency tests I discovered the HDMI audio extractor was the best wired audio setup, but mine was a cheap hdmi 2.0 extractor which can get really hot whilst used. Only thing I can think of is a HDMI 2.1 extractor and they are expensive right now.

[@islrubsca2330]

@@thephototechy yes and still seemingly quite unreliable. Do you know of any that are reliable, with the exception of the 8K 40GB HD Fury VRROOM, which is around $550 US.

[@alexbennetsen7635]

One last thing, Does the gamedac gen 2 Xbox version let you use pc and ps5 together? The USB says xbox, Is that USB only for xbox?

[@thephototechy]

Hey the pc can use it to output sound, but it shows like an Xbox controller, so the audio is locked to 48khz and 16bit only. Definitely a bit lower sound output as well compared to the usb port, but it can function.

[@alexbennetsen7635]

Does the gamedac gen 2 Xbox version let use it on ps5 with the mic or is it just the game audio?

[@thephototechy]

Hey definitely work with mic on ps5, I use it all the time.

[@BTN454]

Maybe I am writing top much but I really wonder. As of cod performance how is H6pro vs Nova Pro wired? I got nova pro wired and ordered audeze maxwell yesterday but also wonderimg about H6pro esp for cod mw2 performance. Thanks

[@thephototechy]

Hey so nova pro wired is actually very good I do wish steelseries sell the headset on its own at some point. Comparing the nova pro headset to H6pro, the H6pro has the highs under control and the bass has more rumble. I prefer the open back coz the closed back kinda makes a lot of pressure for me, which makes it uncomfortable and makes me lose focus where the sound is coming from. It’s a personal thing coz I know people swear by their closed back headphones for pin point accuracy. Man am I jealous that you got the Maxwell 😂. So I borrowed the Penrose for a day from a friend, and the detail on those is definitely something else. Personally I think normal 6v6 nova and H6 probably give you the same competitive edge as maxwell, the large ground war and warzone is where they’ll struggle against the Maxwell. I think once you get the Maxwell, you’re probably set and don’t need to worry about the H6, unless you need an open back for your actual surroundings awareness whilst gaming.

[@BTN454]

@@thephototechy bro thank you because I was really curious about the maxwell and if it would be worse than h6 pro because a friend of mine will bring my order to me from usa in a month so I wont be able to return it. I wish I had the chance to give it to you to make a comparison in warzone or dmz :) Thanks for ur return 🙏🏼🙋‍♂️

[@thephototechy]

@@BTN454 Man U are most welcome, I think I’ll get the Maxwell at some point definitely. You’ll hear the difference in detail on those large planar drivers, be ready to be called cheater by others 😂.

[@bb1televator]

I have the mixamp and I hate that I can’t use the line out to a more powerful amplifier because when something gets really loud in the game it becomes super distorted.

[@thephototechy]

Hey what headset are you using? I don't get that at all on epos H6 pro open and closed, I've also tried the Nova pro on it as well. I do keep the chat and game dial right in the middle, where the audio is tad bit lower then pushed all the way to game audio.

[@bb1televator]

@@thephototechy I use MkIII Argons lol. Probably overkill in some people’s estimation, but to me they’re closed back bassy headphones that have open back staging ability. So they require A LOT of power. The problem becomes that if I turn the levels down on the stream port of the Mixamp, then I have to turn up the volume on my external amplifier to compensate to a level that is higher than I normally have to with anything else…. And noise becomes an issue. So either I turn the Mixamp levels down and get noise from over amplification or turn the levels up on the mixamp and get distortion. It’s a lose, lose situation. But maybe I should try more sensitive, easier to drive headphones and see if I can turn the levels down without having to raise the volume on the amp. Like my AKG k371

[@fiercetigersoul]

Speaking from a historical experiences with other headsets, hardware processed dolby is always better than software processed dolby. The MixAmp uses hardware processed dolby only and it is clearly evident as you cannot use the EQ's without using an optical cable. For Gamedac, it is USB only audio and software processed dolby. In your opinion which of these produce better sound quality: Mixamp via optical cable or Gamedac? PS. When my original Astro A40s broke, I kept using the mixamp for gaming and movies with other headsets still via optical cable sound only(Steel Series, ROG, Corsair) and I have always found that the mixamp drastically improves the headset sound quality and even has the capability to add surround sound to these headsets. Currently I'm on the fence about getting the Arctis Nova Pro wired because it lacks optical audio.

[@thephototechy]

Bro to me the optical audio sounds really good, but the surround processing on the device is not accurate at all, it’s like too much surround effect. I personally like the Dolby on Xbox even with surround processing off and just do some eq. I literally stared playing the with nova pro yesterday on my seriesx and honestly I miss the mixamp (even with only usb) connected to my Epos H6 pro open back, my game really changes. Nova pro and a solution is a solid option and they eq really well, also they work well as well and I don’t need to keep disconnecting and reconnecting them, like I have to with my mixamp. Still if given the option for my seriesX I’d take the mixamp and if needed I can even get an optical extractor and use the optical out as well.

[@1t0ns0up]

I also use optical connection where possible (Fosi K5 Pro or SoundBlaster X G6). The sound clarity with optical is subjectively abit better / louder than USB but even more noticeable with optical is that the surround processing (DTS HPX or Dolby HP) seems more accurate and much more discernable. I've done head to head comparisons between Dolby Headphone surround and DTS Headphone X on both PC and XBOX series S/X and find that DTS Headphone X sounds clearer and more accurate for directional sound. Could just be my ear shape or the sound support for the game, lol. You could also just install them both for a few days trial and hear the difference for yourself

[@rajendrabiswas]

does the mixup sound like AirPods ?

[@rajendrabiswas]

why would anyone buy these? instead of AirPods max head track dolby atmosphere ? does mix amp give good dolby surround ?

[@andruschinka1337]

It is possible to connect a Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro and a extra Mikrofon? or only Headsets?

[@thephototechy]

Hey I’ve been able to use a splitter cable to connect HD598 and modmic and get audio and mic working.

[@onofriopiccolino5166]

Dolby is not compatible with Sonar. The only way to use Dolby with the SteelSeries Game dac Gen 2 is to disable Sonar so SteelSeries isn’t giving you proprietary software because Sonar can be used with any headset and SteelSeries doesn’t give you DTS or Dolby and Dolby isn’t compatible with any SteelSeries headsets except for the nova pro and only when Sonar is disabled

[@kmsrog]

mic test?

[@thephototechy]

Hey the mic woud really depend on the headset used, as I didn't have the astro own headset so I compared these as dacs. Whilst using the mics from H6pro,Nova1x & Steelseries Nova pro headsets, they sounded gret to others. Sometimes my brother has complained about my mics plugged into controllers having a buzz of sort, something completely not there with these dacs, hope this helps.

[@markfromhungary3022]

The astro one is a bit outdated 8:43 yo somebody sign this guy to faze It's f'n sucks that Microsoft removed the optical port and these are the 2 that works from usb I want to upgrade my dac, damn these are pricey, i play on tv so i have an optical port (i don't know a monitor has it) and i saw one that had a remote, my tv is close to me but adjusting the volume every time when you need to get up is not fun

[@thephototechy]

Bro you are too kind. I honestly can’t believe the omission optical port and on top locked the USB audio on Xbox. They literally one up Sony by allowing UAC2 audio through USB, and give us the ability to have a mic plugged in the controller. Doing this XBOX would become the audiophile choice of console. One thing Sony has going is the USB audio support, u can even use the built in mic on dualsens in conjunction with the usb dac. Saying that 3d audio really don’t compare to the Dolby access app on Xbox IMO.

[@thephototechy]

Hey Mark, is there a delay with your optical setup through TV? I’m thinking of a solution like yours.

[@markfromhungary3022]

@@thephototechy i don't think so there is, or if yes it so little i can't notice, definitely try it, do you play on a monitor or tv? There are a lot of usb dac's for monitor, i don't have a monitor since years but on tv even cheap ones are better than the build in 3.5 mm jack port but i play to upgrade my dac for a better one that have a better remote

[@thephototechy]

@@markfromhungary3022 hey bro, currently I’m on a monitor. Mostly on a little 17.3 inch 144hz 1080p. Im thinking of getting a 27inch 2k for a proper setup. I need to check if there are any with optical out. Now that I know latency is not an issue, the optical from the screen can be a perfect solution, thanks bro!

[@markfromhungary3022]

@@thephototechy no problem man, always,

[@gamersintech]

I'm sorry to tell you this, but you don't know how to use the gamedac gen2, and the astro mix amp is rubbish for taking more demanding headphones, what a terrible video

[@thephototechy]

Hey plz share some more info or a link to a video, where people can find the right way of using the product.

[@Teadrinker710]

Do these work with Xbox one?

[@thephototechy]

Hey yes they do. Mixamp might be a btter solution for Xbox one, as they have the optical port. Gamedac gen2 has audio over USB so no optical port.

[@Teadrinker710]

@@thephototechy thank you for your help. Update: I went with the Gamedac Gen 2. I really really like it; I connected it via usb and absolutely love that I have a screen in front of me to be able to change the volume of the game/party chat plus the ability to adjust/customize my eq on the fly. I lose the mic capabilities but I just use the app on my iPad with a Rode Mic Video Pro. Current audio set up is Gamedac/Helm DB12 AAAMP/PC38X. Since I don’t need a mic, is there a gaming headphone you would suggest for some that primarily plays Left 4 Dead 2

[@ripp123m]

@@Teadrinker710 have you noticed the latency on it?

[@Teadrinker710]

@@ripp123m I’m no longer using the Xbox app, I can just use the mic on the PC38x to the Gamedac to the Xbox one and don’t notice any latency