Jun 12

Creative Labs rolls out Sound Blaster EVO gaming headsets with Axx processing

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Creative Labs rolls out EVO Zx gaming headsets with Axx processing, NFC

Creative is no stranger to the gaming headset scene, but it operates in a very crowded field — it needs more than just big earcups and a mic to stand out. The company’s new Sound Blaster EVO line of Bluetooth headsets may do the trick. Both the EVO Zx (40mm drivers) and EVO ZxR (50mm drivers) have the same Sound Blaster Axx processing as the company’s sound cards, which lets them clean up low-grade audio and fine-tune effects through desktop and mobile apps. They’ll also pair quickly with NFC-based devices, and players can still switch to a headphone jack or USB port when only wired sound will do. Creative hasn’t dished out US launch details, but it expects to ship the EVO Zx to the UK in July for £200 ($313), followed by the EVO ZxR in August for £250 ($392). Those willing to live Axx-free can also buy the EVO Wireless and EVO in July at respective prices of £150 ($235) and £100 ($157).

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Aug 31

Creative’s D5XM self-calibrating modular wireless speaker gets previewed at IFA (video)

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Creative's D5XM selfcalibrating modular wireless speaker and DSXM subwoofer make beautiful music together video

If you’ve been following our IFA coverage this morning (and shame on you if you haven’t), the Creative D5XM’s name ought to ring a bell or two. After all, it wasn’t so long ago that we were telling you all about the Creative D5 Air. The D5XM, however, while similar in name, is a decidedly more serious deal than the AirPlay speaker bar. Creative is hyping the product as “the world’s first self-calibrating modular wireless speaker” — it’s a mouthful, but its certainly a cool prospect. The rectangular speaker can be used alone or as part of a larger speaker system, communicating with other D5XM devices and the DSXM — coincidentally, “the subwoofer for the world’s first self-calibrating modular wireless speaker.” What are the odds?

You can string up to three D5XMs together and two of the subwoofers, if you’re really, really into low-end. No word on pricing for these guys yet, but we imagine that such a set up would get fairly costly, fairly fast. Creative’s referring to the three-at-a-time deal as “party mode,” in which all three devices are playing the same thing simultaneously — you can also split them up into discrete channels, using a mobile device (iOS or Android). That communication (which occurs via Bluetooth) happens thanks to the chip in the speaker — the same as the one we saw on the Sound BlasterAxx. Click on through for more info and a video.

Gallery: Creative D5XM modular speaker hands-on

Continue reading Creative’s D5XM self-calibrating modular wireless speaker gets previewed at IFA (video)

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Creative’s D5XM self-calibrating modular wireless speaker gets previewed at IFA (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 06:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 16

Creative reveals Sound Blaster ZxR, Zx, and Z PCI-Express sound cards, pumps up the volume

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Creative reveals Sound Blaster ZxR, Zx, and Z PCIExpress sound cards, pumps up the volume

Along with your first day at school, and (for the boys at least) growing your first peach fuzz mustache, many of you might also never forget your first Sound Blaster soundcard. In the present day (unless you’re blessed with youth) only the Sound Blaster can be enjoyed again, and today Creative introduces its new Z-series. The latest PCI-Express cards use the firm’s Core3D quad-core sound and voice processor and come in three variants: the Sound Blaster ZxR, the Zx and the Z. As you might have guessed, the more letters, the higher up the food chain it is. The flagship ZxR ($249.99) boasts a 127dB SNR, sockets for swappable Op-Amps, 80mW into 600 ohm headphone pre-amp, plus RCA / optical connectivity (via additional daughter board) and an external “ACM” control module for less fiddling around the back of your machine. You can save yourself $100 with the Zx model, if you don’t want the ZxR’s “DBpro” daughter board, and the Z edition saves a further $50 at the expense of the external controller. Want to dive into the full specifications? Plug in to the PR after the break.

Continue reading Creative reveals Sound Blaster ZxR, Zx, and Z PCI-Express sound cards, pumps up the volume

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Creative reveals Sound Blaster ZxR, Zx, and Z PCI-Express sound cards, pumps up the volume originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 07:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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