Tag: #creative

Creative launches Sound Blaster Z SE. #Creative #Tech #Gaming

Creative Technology today announced the release of Sound Blaster Z SE, the latest addition to its well-established Sound Blaster Z-series. This Special Edition comes with updated features designed to deliver an even better audio experience backed by 30 years of audio processing legacy. Sporting a myriad of newly added gaming profiles, as well as microphone and headphones EQ presets, the Sound Blaster Z SE is the ideal sound card for gaming and even video conferencing while working from home.

Sound Blaster Z SE comes with updated software features designed to deliver an effortless audio boost for gaming and entertainment.

Featuring the same high-quality audio specifications as its predecessor with up to 116 dB SNR at an amazing bit rate of up to 24-bit / 192 kHz, the Sound Blaster Z SE offers users an extra boost to the entertainment and gaming audio. It includes additional gaming acoustic profiles optimized for the hottest games like PUBG and microphone EQ presets tuned for crystal clear communication. Sound Blaster Z SE now also supports 7.1 virtual on headphones and discrete 5.1 on speakers with an expanded list of headphone profiles to include the latest model to offer the best-optimized listening experience for users.

These new features are all conveniently accessible via the updated software suite, the Sound Blaster Command where users can enjoy the latest audio technologies and enhancements that are fully customizable. For existing Sound Blaster Z customers, the latest Sound Blaster Command software can be downloaded via the support page.

Pricing and Availability

Sound Blaster Z SE is attractively priced at US$109.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit www.creative.com/sbze

Creative Announces Collaboration with World of Warships. #Creative #Gaming #WorldOfWarships

Creative Technology has announced the partnership with World of Warships, a popular naval-warfare themed massively multiplayer online game (MMO) published by Wargaming, an award-winning online game developer and publisher. Fans of the naval combat game will be getting a more immersive audio experience and more content on a sizeable discount.

Both World of Warships (PC) and World of Warships: Legends (console) players will be able to  enjoy exclusive in-game gift bundles (worth up to €20) with the purchase of any of these Creative products – SXFI GAMER, Sound Blaster AE-9, Sound Blaster AE-7, Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus, Sound Blaster G3, Sound BlasterX G6, Sound BlasterX Katana and T100. Creative will also be extending a €20 discount code on these purchases as the icing on the cake. The special promo code will be announced along with the new game update release in the World of Warships newsletter to be published on 2 December 2020.

Low Long Chye, General Manager of Creative, said, “Creative’s audio products come perfectly into play to provide rich and immersive audio for games, and complements the already engaging World of Warships very well. We are excited to partner Wargaming and enhance the gamers’ overall experience together, especially considering the current climate where everyone is spending more time at home.”

Philip Molodkovets, Executive Producer at World of Warships said: “Our players appreciate the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of epic naval combats and feel like admirals on the high seas. Bringing authentic sounds is a key part of this experience. We are happy to partner with Creative and bring this attractive offer to our existing and new players.”   

This promotion is will be valid from 17 November 2020 – 28 February 2021, for the UK, Germany, France and Italy. For more details on the collaboration and how to redeem the exclusive in-game gift bundles, please visit this web link.

Creative announces the Stage V2 soundbar #Creative #Tech #Audio

Creative Technology today announced the release of Creative Stage V2, an upgraded successor of the well-received Creative Stage which packs some nifty new features. Debuting with new audio technologies powered by Sound Blaster and sporting bigger dimensions, it offers users not only better and clearer audio, but also wider surround soundstage that delivers more bang for the user’s buck with high-quality audio at a pocket-friendly price.

The Stage V2 packs a bigger audio punch and features better connectivity than its predecessor.

With the new Clear Dialog audio technology, users can hear each syllable clearly without cranking up the volume as the spoken dialogue is extracted and amplified without compromising the ambient effects. On top of that, the Surround technology adds an expanded soundstage to offer the ultimate movie experience right at the comfort of one’s home. Fitted with two custom-tuned mid-range drivers along with a powerful subwoofer, the Creative Stage V2 can fill the living room with rich audio and impactful bass that will bring users closer to the action.

Creative Stage V2 also comes with a wide range of connectivity options — TV ARC, optical, AUX, Bluetooth, and even audio streaming via USB — making it a one-stop audio entertainment system for devices including TVs, computers, mobile phones, or even gaming consoles. In addition, the soundbar is conveniently accessible via remote control, and users can switch input sources, adjust treble and bass settings as well as toggle Surround and Clear Dialog on or off with a simple press of a button. With a sleek and minimalistic design, the Creative Stage V2 can fit right into any room and be wall-mounted to deliver a truly immersive audio experience.

Pricing and Availability

Creative Stage V2 is attractively priced at GBP99.99 and is available at https://uk.creative.com/.

For more information, visit creative.com/stagev2.

Review – The Creative SXFI Gamer headphones. #Gaming #Tech #SXFI #Headphones

The Creative SXFI GAMER initial opening was a delight, bright colors with the full specification visible on the box, in terms of contents, compatible, technical specification. On opening the box clear instructions and read me first was visible, with a variety of accessories. The headband was made of a  steel frame what is synthetic Leatherette which was comfortable. large buttons were visible on the headset with a large volume dial for payback. a great feature with the inclusion of a USB C cable with the USB C to  A adapter. The earpads were larger then I would normally expect from a gaming headset.  This does not come with a Bluetooth option as a setup for wired connectivity only. It requires a USB input and has a 3.5mm audio input.

 

 

Features:

1.Headband

Synthetic Leatherette

Steel frame

  1. RGB Rings Light button

Toggle button to turn earcup lighting ON -> Rainbow (alternating colours) -> OFF

  1. CommanderMic

Uni-directional

Noise-canceling mic

SXFI InPerson microphone technology (distinguish chat over game audio)

  1. Super X-Fi button

Press button to toggle audio profiles

OFF -> Super X-Fi mode -> Battle mode (gaming) -> OFF

  1. Volume Control Dial

Controls the playback volume

  1. Mic Mute button

Press button to toggle Mic Mute ON/OFF

Mic Mute ON (flashing red LED on CommanderMic) -> Mic Monitoring disabled

Mic Monitoring enabled by default (solid red LED on CommanderMic)

  1. Headphone jack

4-pole analog jack

Super X-Fi disabled (passive mode without USB Type C connection)

  1. USB Type C port

Supports direct Android device connection

Supports desktop computers like PC/Mac

Supports gaming consoles like PS4 and Nintendo Switch

 

Technical Specification

Headphone

  • Driver: 50 mm Neodymium magnet
  • Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz
  • Impedance: 32Ω
  • Sensitivity: 114 dB / mW @ 1 kHz
  • USB input: 5V

Microphone

  • Type: Unidirectional noise-reduction
  • Frequency response: 100–16,000 Hz
  • Impedance: < 2.2 kΩ
  • Sensitivity: -42 dB @ 1 kHz

Compliance markings are located on the surface upon removal of ear cup cushion

which can be removed by hand.

 

 

 

SXFI App

The app was downloaded for a  Samsung S8 phone and also tested on S10. The app had the option to experience magical  Audio reality ( This was a bit of creatives marketing team getting carried away )  this allowed the personalization to perform a head mapping inclusive of the ears which allowed the app to adjust the sound to individual requirement. The app allows you to play content that is loaded on the phone. Unfortunately this worked it was noted traditional calls the earphones worked for the S10 but did not for the S8. This would have been expected to be similar for both models for calls made and received. ( a slight personal gripe )

 

 

Overall

The audio experience cannot be faulted. The over the ear covered the complete ear resulting in excellent noise canceling with the Mic superior to most microphones used.  When playing 8D audio the overall experience was superior to many headphones tested. As a gaming earphone, the app was of little use but the audio, when used the  SXFI button on the headset for specific games, was a noticeable difference. (  Creative use computer software for the SXFI button to enhance the audio)

A slight niggle, when used as multipurpose headphones connected to a phone, was observed ( Albeit the instruction do not market this for this propose)

The RGB lighting had a soft tone with the option to adjust/turn off as required, this stood out in terms of the packaging colors and the colors to include the red light to ensure the mic was faced the correct direction. The design in terms of comfort is excellent with a superior mic and an overall great base when combined with other Creative products. The tailoring of the audio experience is remarkable with no outside interference to hear via the Mic or earphones, An overall and well-considered headphones from packaging, quality, and overall audio experience.

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Holography-Technology-Detachable-ClearComms-Microphone/dp/B07L83RMPJ

Review – The Creative Super SXFI AIR headphones. #Tech #Creative #SXFI #Gaming #Headphones

The Creative Super SXFI AIR headphones are something special and probably the best gaming headphones to date I have reviewed not only in respect to gaming but these deliver for personal use as well as gaming delivering sound that puts you right in the centre giving you a real immersive feeling no matter what you have these connected too.

Super X-Fi technology uses computational audio to recreate the listening experience of a high-end multi-speaker system in a professional studio, and delivers the same experience in headphones.

On setting up you will need to scan your ears and face via the app,there is two apps in fact and you then have a profile created,not only this you can customise the RGB lighting on both cups to your taste too which gives them an additional effect given you will not see it when wearing but they look cool regardless.

When it comes to comfort these also shine here and cover the ears giving you extra noise cancelling without doing anything in the app to enhance the experience. They make a great seal and fit nicely over the ears and can be worn for long periods of time and not feeling uncomfortable in doing so after my hours of testing.

On the headphones we have a touch sensitive area where you swipe which lets you control the music by skipping tracks,control the volume calls and you also can access your voice assistant too so these double as a gaming headset and a personal one too and they do not disappoint here at all I was really impressed with how good these are at the price they command.

On the left side we have a Micro SD card slot which allows you to carry music on the go which is a neat idea so you are not tied to your smartphone USB-C ports 3.5mm socket and source button alongside the Super X-Fi button which makes the punch when turned on change the headset completely ,you also have your little mic via a little stump if you will which is much better than a retractable one or fixed. On the right side there is no buttons so it all happens on one side which I like and is not confusing.

Comfort is also excellent here even for long term usage the cups are deep and give really good isolation off the bat without doing a thing then you have two apps to choose from to enhance the experience, no lag latency noted whilst gaming or listening to music and the controls work a treat once you get the thumb memory going. Overall for gaming these are the best I have tested yet but we have another pair to check out too so stay tuned for that review and see the video below for more. I do so gaming but not much but however these really drop you into the centre of the game and as for using as a pair of standalone headphones they are really really good and better than I expected and are up there with my top 5 pairs of headphones right now which is saying alot.

Creative sent us these to review with no compensation paid nor copy approval and did not influence my findings and are seeing this review the same time as you..

BUY

Review – The Creative Soundblaster G6. #Tech #Gaming #Creative #SoundblasterG6

The first impressions of the SoundBlasterx G6, was very sleek but looked strong as compared to previous reviews on the Creative SoundBlaster X3 & G3. This is compact not too big or too small unlike the SoundBlaster x3 which was very nice but a bit too big or the sound blaster g3 which was very small. This sound card is just the right size while still appealing and very sleek with a nice shine to the eye. Once taken out of the box it has a solid balance weight to it and consists of a metal case and a rubber bottom to ensure it is anti-slip on a lot of surfaces which is very handy.

The controls are 1 switch to control gain in your headset or speaker which can be set to low or high frequency. There is the SBX button which is mostly for the surround sound and gives an easier sound when listening to music. There is also a scout mode button which is commonly used for gameplay as it intensifies sounds and frequencies. This setting is not practical for listening to music as it starts to break up, while this mode is great for a game experience as the surround sound has an advantage in gameplay as the scout mode, which gives a better idea of where players are around you. If you hold down the scout mode button then the sound card will go into a direct mode and the scout mode button will flash it is almost the same as the SBX mode but a bit less of a surround sound blast from your headphones.

The SoundBlaster G6 has a button/volume wheel to select different modes for your headphone/ speaker it will select headphone mode or just mic mode if you hold it for more than 3 seconds same as the scout mode button.

 

The kit looked impressive out of the box but got further engaging as you turn it on, and the LED lights turn on which is great as a gamer/twitch or blogger for a camera show. This gave further excitement to the game card as you can also edited and select colors with the software download.

Package contents,

  • Sound BlasterX G6
  • 1 x Optical Cable
  • 1 x MicroUSB Cable
  • Quick Start Leaflet
  • Warranty Leaflets

7.1 HD External Console Gaming DAC Amp with Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-amp for PS4™, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC

The creative Family:

Techbuzz Ireland has also a review of the above G3 sound card and more search CREATIVE on homepage.

Software.

https://www.soundblaster.com/blasterx/software/

Once downloaded this will open up your experience to the sound blasterX G6.  As the software has all your controls for different modes like the SoundBlaster X3 but with a lot more programs for music and gaming, movies, etc.

 

Setup.

In the case of the PS4, the set up was very easy and simple connect the micro USB cable to the G6 and into the PlayStation and everything is connected up ready to go but unfortunately, there is no Bluetooth mode which is not great when you compare it to the two previous reviews of the SoundBlaster G3 and SoundBlaster X3 which are also done by us here at techbuzz Ireland.

Without the Bluetooth which is a shame you can’t connect to your phone like the G3 and X3, but you can set your game card to whichever setting you want on the software. Once set up this software complements the experience from gaming to programs to music. The software allows the option to change your voice and set it to a deeper, higher pitch and more even chipmunk sounding. Once completed you save your settings and voice, which is plugged back into the PlayStation/other devices listed all the settings will be saved on the SoundBlaster G6 and will work through your mic and headset.

Software Dashboard…

The software adjusts the sound frequency to whichever game/movie and music you’re listening to and can also self-adjust your sound wave which is very handy. It can also be tested on your headset for the full surround sound once the test in the settings is clicked.  This gave off a voice that will be in different spots around the room which will give you an idea of how much better quality this will make your headset for the gaming experience. It also has a light control panel that you can switch and move around the light settings on your SoundBlaster G6 can be set to fade in and out, strobe and much more.

 

Sound settings

 

Software voice options/control

Lighting options

 Setup

Overall:

Overall, it is a really enjoyable sound card which can be customized with a lot of positives and great features. There are 1 or 2 niggles where your mic will repeat back to your headphone what you say is an echo but can easily be adjusted. The missing Bluetooth option is a real niggle for us which was a positive on the previous models used,  This has the result if you wish to change the e.g. Morph voice during a game, the unit has to be plugged in an e.g. laptop to reconfigure the software to your chosen setting. This would have been great to allow a change via your phone removing the requirement to disconnect and reconnect. ( These are slight personal niggles as was  annoying to  have to move cables ) The morph voice changer is a personal favorite allowing the type of voice to suit the occasion, The option to change the colors and flicker speed is as a positive with the option to turn off the led if required. Once set up correctly the customizable in terms of audio experience has superb options albeit control via the software, this gives a unique experience of gaming, As always, a delight of an audio experience from Creative.

 BUY HERE 

 

 

Review – The Creative SoundBlaster X3. #Creative #Gaming #Tech

The first Impressions of the SoundBlaster X3, looked spacious and appealing to the eye once taken out, the first feel was a plastic frame with 3 buttons that didn’t feel out of place with an LED in the middle. It consisted of a volume wheel which was made from metal giving it a better look and feel of weight. The wheel is also a button for different modes and to connect to Bluetooth which will get to later.  The quality of the feel of the X3 felt solid, with good  packaging, made out of solid  materials  as compared to the previously reviewed Creative Sound Blaster G3, which we listed as “plastic seems flimsy”   https://techbuzzireland.com/2020/05/08/review-the-creative-sound-blaster-g3-usb-c-dac-creative-gaming-tech/

The SoundBlaster X 3 includes a USB type C to type A converter which would suit modern-day technology, it comes with a lot of connection choices on the back of the blaster such as a front, side, rear and C/SUB line out so plenty of options but does not come with any of the other types of connections. The USB cable was extra-long which is great to allow connections a distance away.

Once turned on the SoundBlaster x 3 was appealing as the LED lights turned on behind the wheel which gave it a look of intensity, portrayed as a powerful Sound blaster.

 

Package contents,

  •         Sound Blaster X3.
  •         A USB type C to type A converter.
  •         Quick and easy set up guide.
  •         Leaflets & Instructions of more in detailed instructions
  •         Warranty Guide

Warranty – 2  Years

 

Compatibility:

 

The compatibility of this particular SoundBlaster X3 it is more aimed in the direction of PC players rather than consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo switch. This was used with a PlayStation 4 on our tests.

Apps,

SoundBlaster command,

And for the X3 in particular SXFI app,

Setup.

In the case of the PS4, the set up was pretty basic as all that was needed was the USB type C to type A converter to connect the SoundBlaster X3 to the PS4 which can be done on the Nintendo switch the same. Then plug your headset/ (headphones and mic) to the aux for the headphone and if the mic is separate there is a mic aux connection too.

 

 

To set up on the PC all of the connections from your normal speakers can all go into the back connections on the SoundBlaster X3 and will come through the headset with the aux connection on the front of the sound blaster a mic can also be connected separately to the headset/headphones.

The setup is similar for all the consoles, which can be set up for your gaming, movie and music experience by the different colour LED lights.  We observed to get the full benefit of the SoundBlaster X3 you should then download the 2 App to your smartphone above or to your PC.

In this case, the consoles and app were used on the PlayStation 4 slim & the Samsung s10.  Connection to the phone and Soundblaster via Bluetooth required the download of the sound blaster command app and set you, blaster, in Bluetooth mode.  The connection was via the Search for the X3 in the app and put the X3 in pairing mode by holding down the volume wheel until it flashes its white LED.

SXFI app

The Install of the App was easy, scan the QR from the box follow the link and download the app. Once connected the SXFI app goes through a tutorial to select your headphone and will ask to take a picture of your ears and head to customise your headset for your gaming experience, ( This part of the installation is unusual without leaving a logic for its purpose on the install ). Once finished go to the SB command app and the data will link and the command app will give the option for music and different types of games which is a great feature and once the SXFI is activated on the app your experience gets a whole lot better.

SXFI technology has done a great job at creating a 3D surround sound out of your headset which is enjoyable for players and all music and gaming experiences.

                         

Overall:

There are a few hiccups with the app as if you click of the app the SoundBlaster will have to reconnect when the app is turned back off but once the setting is done it won’t change until the phone tries to reconnect but only a small error wouldn’t be too much bother. Other than the plastic case and buttons the SoundBlaster X3 overall is a great audio experience when connected with the apps. The mic sometimes echoes but is not a huge problem for the user and can be solved but it is full of options and great settings for all sorts of games.

The pre-set options for numerous games, default earphones and the options to change the audio experience is a delight for gaming, a setup in the right direction to enhance the audio gaming experience.  BUY HERE Price £109.99

Creative Releases Flagship SXFI GAMER Headset. #Gaming #Creative #Tech

Creative Technology has launched its flagship gaming headset, the Creative SXFI GAMER. Powered by the exceptional BATTLE Mode audio profile, a brand-new CommanderMic with professional-grade clarity, wired through a Kevlar-reinforced USB cable and topped off with a stunning RGB light design, SXFI GAMER is simply the ultimate weapon for complete gaming immersion and domination.

Gaming Sounds Real Like Never Before

 

Having snagged 23 best-of-show awards over the last two editions of CES 2019-2020, users and critics have been blown away by the next-generation realism of Super X-Fi headphone holography.

 

Since the start of this year, Super X-Fi products have been upgraded to Gen2, an improved and expanded version of Super X-Fi which incorporates key enhancements like higher accuracy in personalising a user’s audio profile, extending more details in the surround sound configuration, better audio positioning and fidelity.

 

The SXFI GAMER incorporates all of these and goes one step further with BATTLE Mode, a specially-designed audio profile which optimises Super X-Fi to a perfect fit for FPS games – environmental imaging, audio cues, distance projection and directionality are all enhanced with unprecedented levels of accuracy for the competitive gamer’s benefit, while preserving the essence of the award-winning holographic audio experience.

Look, Feel and Talk like a Pro Gamer

 

Besides its sharpshooter audio quality, the SXFI GAMER performs in various ways befitting bona fide pro gamers.

 

The CommanderMic makes its debut in a completely new acoustic design which includes an integrated pop filter. It sports Creative’s latest SXFI inPerson microphone technology, which uses a special algorithm to enhance speech pick-up while suppressing ambient noise effectively.

 

The SXFI GAMER also ups the cool factor with its custom-designed, Kevlar-reinforced USB cable, which is meticulously engineered for strength and durability as it drives high-speed data transfer to deliver its maximum potential for gaming. The new RGB lighting design on the earcups, which allows users to customise their combat get-up with 16.7 million colours to choose from, provides the finishing move for the SXFI GAMER’s assault on gaming headsets.

 

Creative’s CEO Sim Wong Hoo said, “Gaming has always been entrenched in our DNA, since the earliest days of Sound Blaster more than 30 years ago. 

“After we successfully created Super X-Fi, which critics have hailed as the holy grail of headphone technology, we did not rest on our laurels. We went ahead and spent a great deal of effort and resources to further improve Super X-Fi, especially targeting the gaming sector. The BATTLE Mode is here, and together with the CommanderMic and other features, the SXFI GAMER truly embodies the culmination of our very best technologies in a gaming headset. 

 

“At the same time, the SXFI GAMER allows you to communicate with others as if they were in front of you, and also they would be able to hear you clearly. Hence it would be a great tool to Work-Learn-Play from home with.” 

 

Pricing and Availability

SXFI GAMER is priced at £124.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit creative.com/sxfigamer.

Creative SXFI TRIO: USB-C In-ears with the Super X-Fi Difference. #Creative #SFXITRIO

Creative Technology today announced the launch of the Creative SXFI TRIO, triple-driver USB-C in-ear headphones, designed to deliver high-quality holographic audio with all-day comfort on Android phones, PCs and laptops.

 

Implemented with the latest Super X-Fi Gen2 technology, users can expect greater accuracy in personalisation and a better all-round audio experience. Powered by the same triple-driver system as the well-received Aurvana Trio and fitted with a custom-designed Kevlar USB-C cable, SXFI TRIO sets to exceed expectations with balanced, accurate, and natural-sounding digital audio for users on the go.

Wired for Pristine Digital Audio

SXFI TRIO delivers pristine digital audio and great performance powered by an in-house tuned, hybrid triple-driver system. Each of the three drivers (two precision balanced armature drivers for detailed mids and highs, and a bio-cellulose driver for powerful yet clean bass) plays an important part to achieve maximum audio fidelity. Yielding up to 100 dB SNR and 0.008% IMD, SXFI TRIO offers users exceptional audio clarity with balanced and accurate audio that is natural sounding.

 

Intricately designed and engineered, SXFI TRIO is also fitted with a custom-designed, Kevlar-reinforced cable for exceptional tensile strength, and wrapped in an aluminium and copper shield for higher durability. Its all-round superior quality makes it perfect for use on mobile devices while on the go.

 

The cream of the features crop is the critically-acclaimed Super X-Fi technology, which is incorporated through an attached in-line SXFI WIRE, which is a 40% smaller version of the already finger-sized SXFI AMP, the first-ever Super X-Fi product and an icon in its own right. Users can enjoy holographic audio which is personalized for an all-natural surround audio experience, that can rival a high-end 7.1 surround sound system.

Work-Learn-Play from Home All Day

SXFI TRIO truly sets itself apart with a new level of audio realism for calls, and makes video calls with family and friends more intimate. It’s also excellent for long calls, where the spatialisation of Super X-Fi eliminates the fatigue associated with conventional headphones.

As such, SXFI TRIO is the perfect companion to Work-Learn-Play from home with, instead of bulky headphones.

SXFI TRIO’s angled earbuds are intricately designed and fine-tuned for long-lasting comfort, and it comes with 6 pairs of different silicone ear tip sizes, so it will be a breeze to find the perfect fit.

Creative’s CEO Sim Wong Hoo said, “The SXFI TRIO is an all-rounder, ideal for all day in all places. It’s a miniaturised wonder. The triple-driver performance can rival high-end, bulky headphones; with Super X-Fi integrated, I believe it will be very hard to match. Moreover, you are getting two products for the price of one, because it basically integrates the SXFI AMP and the Aurvana Trio into one – their combined price is twice that of SXFI TRIO.”

Pricing and Availability

SXFI TRIO is priced at £124.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit creative.com/sxfitrio.