No, Creative's new sound card does not go over 9000
Subject: General Tech | January 29, 2013 - 03:49 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: Sound Blaster Z, Creative, audio
Why Creative chose the name Sound Blaster Z is unknown, but that is indeed the moniker attached to their new $120 PCIe sound card. As you can see from the picture it is relatively small and will fit in many HTPC cases, plus it comes bundled with a microphone. The software comes with quite a few options, from the Creative SBX "enhancements" to Scout mode which is designed to help gamers hear audio effects, you have a lot of control over playback and with Crystal Voice system you will get noise cancellation on the microphone. TechPowerUp liked the features that this card offered but noticed that it came at a price, when running the driver takes up 80MB of RAM.
"Creative's long awaited new line of sound cards is here. Today, we take a thorough look at the new entry-level model called "Sound Blaster Z". The sound card comes equipped with the new Sound Core processor and Creative even bundles it with a decent microphone."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage USB Gaming Headset @ Tweaktown
- Logitech Ultimate Ears 4000 On-Ear Headset @ Tweaktown
- RHA SA950i Headphones @ Kitguru
- Oblanc NC2-1 UFO Headphones @ Benchmark Reviews
- Mad Catz Tritton Pro+ 5.1 Surround Headset @ Benchmark Reviews
- SteelSeries Flux Headset Review @ XtremeComputing
- SteelSeries CS: GO Siberia V2 Headset, Kana Mouse and QcK Pad Review @ Techgage
- Antec A.M.P Mobile Audio Review Roundup - Gain, ISO and dBs @ Tweaktown
- Antec AMP "iso" Active Noise Canceling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Review @ Madshrimps
- SteelSeries Flux Headset Review @ Hardware Secrets
ASUS' new gaming headset tries to impress with both features and asking price
Subject: General Tech | January 16, 2013 - 04:11 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: audio, asus, Orion Pro, gaming headset
ASUS makes a lot of promises with their new Orion Pro gaming headset, not only do they claim to provide 7.1 surround sound but the suggested price is below $120. The specifications look good, 50mm drivers and a 50Hz-50KHz response range but the surround sound is virtualized with the included Spitfire USB Audio Processor. You can choose between three modes of sound but do not have the ability to really customize your experience which could be a problem if you are playing a game which only supports 5.1 surround. Hardware Canucks put the headset on for a test drive and were suitably impressed by the performance, perhaps these might be a worthy addition for gamers who prefer headsets to speakers.
"ASUS' new Orion Pro headset combines the versatility of a USB powered virtual 7.1 surround sound environment with the high quality aspect of an analog connection. All of this is offered in a unique package that doesn't require drivers to function properly but comes in at under $120."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- ASUS Orion Pro Gaming Headset Review @ Hi Tech Legion
- Sony MDR-1RNC review: excellent noise cancellation @ Hardware.info
- Beats by Dr. Dre Powerbeats Review @ TechReviewSource
- Co'caine Headphones @ Funky Kit
- Steelseries Flux headphones @ Rbmods
- Tritton Kunai Wii U & 3DS Headset @ eTeknix
- Creative Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Rage Review @ Custom PC Review
- iFrogz Boost Plus Near-Field Audio Amplifying Speaker Review @ NikKTech
- Edifier Esiena Bluetooth Review – A Universal Audio Dock @ Techgage
Steelseries gives your ears the Flux
Subject: General Tech | November 26, 2012 - 01:47 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: audio, steelseries, Flux Luxury Edition, gaming headset
SteelSeries offers two types of its Flux headset, the original which comes with SND Sound Block earpads and the Luxury Edition with pleather earcups, a bright orange cable and a set of fancy earcup covers. Apart from that both are powered by 40mm drivers and sport and omnidirectional microphone. A foldable body and cords which can be completely disconnected make these headsets easily portable but don't sacrifice comfort according to Custom PC Review, though your ears will get warm quite quickly. They were impressed with the quality of audio and only had some small complaints about the performance in certain situations, which is a good thing considering the non-Luxury Edition is selling for $120 on NewEgg.
"The word “Flux” is derived from the Latin word “Fluxus”, which means “to flow”. So when SteelSeries sent us a box with the phrase “Flux yourself” printed on the front, we weren’t sure if it’s a compliment or an insult. Luckily, the box contained more than just random words – inside we found SteelSeries newest addition to their ever-growing audio line-up, the SteelSeries Flux Luxury Edition, for our review...."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Logitech G930 Wireless Gaming Headset @ Benchmark Reviews
- CM Storm Ceres-400 Gaming Headset @ Kitguru
- Razer SW:TOR Edition Headset @ eTeknix
- JVC HA-NC250 Noise Cancelling Headphones @ Benchmark Reviews
- RHA CA-200 Black Noise Isolating Headphones @ Benchmark Reviews
- Logitech UE Mobile Boombox review: temple of boom @ Hardware.info
- Plantronics Voyager Legend Bluetooth Headset Review @ NikKTech
- Tritton Kunai PS3 & PSVita Gaming Headset @ eTeknix
A different kind of portable speaker
Subject: General Tech | November 16, 2012 - 01:16 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: audio, portable speakers, resonance
The Paddytek Paddy Vibe BT Edition Resonance speaker is not a pair of desktop speakers, instead it is a single small but heavy speaker which uses the surface it is placed on as a resonance speaker. The key to making the speaker sound better is to put it on a surface which can propagate the sounds waves, in R&B Mods testing it was a hardwood table which gave them the best fidelity. It is powered by USB and can accept either a 3.5mm jack or Bluetooth input for audio reception which gives you some flexibility, especially if you have an adapter to plug it into mains power instead of your electronic device. It may not be available in North America yet put it is worth keeping your eye out for similar devices.
"With more and more smartphones being used as music players we see more portable speakers on the market. Paddytek, a swedish company, has created a portable speaker that can be ran with both a 3,5mm connector or Bluetooth. Their claim is that it uses resonance to supposedly create a high quality sound,. So lets take a look at what we can expect from this 50$ portable speaker!"
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Jabra SOLEMATE The Ultimate Portable Speaker Review @ NikKTech
- Sharkoon X-Tatic Pro Gaming Headset @ Tweaktown
- RHA MA-350 Noise Isolating Aluminum Earphone @ Hi Tech Legion
- Genius GX-Gaming Cavimanus 7.1 Headset @ Benchmark Reviews
- Steelseries Guild Wars 2 Headset @ Funky Kit
- Steelseries Siberia V2 Counterstrike:GO Headset @ FunkyKit
- Spinning Some Tunes with the Revamped Grooveshark @ Techgage
Cross Platform 5.1 sound from Mad Catz
Subject: General Tech | November 2, 2012 - 02:20 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: audio, gaming headset, Mad Catz, TRITTON Pro 5.1, surround, 5.1 headset
Perhaps the most compelling reason to pick up Mad Catz's TRITTON Pro+ 5.1 headset is because it will provide you with 5.1 surround sound on both PC and consoles as they use multiple speakers as opposed to emulation software. Along with the headset comes a physical audio decoder that allows you far more control than just changing the volume, there are delay settings, dynamic range controls and other options. Just having all of these choices doesn't make this a great headset which is why Mad Shrimps unpackaged them for testing so head on over and see if the actual product is as good as the features imply.
"The new, revised TRITTON Pro+ 5.1 Surround Headset from Mad Catz comes with a redesigned decoder box which features multiple options, one in-line remote for adjusting volumes on each channel, SVM, voice or Master Volume, but also a removable microphone. The shape of the headset has been also tweaked so now it is more comfortable and the cups can be rotated 90 degrees."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- ASUS RoG Vulcan Pro Gaming Headset Review @ HardwareHeaven
- Razer BlackShark Battlefield 3 Edition PC Gaming Headset Review @ eTeknix
- CM Storm Ceres 400 Headset Review @ Hardware Secrets
- Ineo Alienvibes EP02 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones Review @ Hi Tech Legion
- Steelseries Siberia V2 Frost USB-Powered Headset Review @ Legit Reviews
- CM Storm Ceres 400 Ultra-Portable Gaming Headset Review @ Ninjalane
- CM Storm Ceres-400 Portable Gaming Headset @ Tweaktown
- Jabra SPEAK 410 USB Speakerphone Review @ NikKTech
- Plantronics GameCom 780 7.1 Surround Sound Headset Review @ NikKTech
- Logitech UE Boombox @ techPowerUp
- Onkyo TX-NR818 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver Review @MissingRemote
Audio-Technica offers you the sweet sound of silence
Subject: General Tech | October 18, 2012 - 02:32 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: audio, audio-technica, ATH-ANC9 QuietPoint, noise cancellation
Audio-Technica's ATH-ANC9 QuietPoint headphones are definitely priced for audiophiles, most casual listeners are not willing to spend ~$300 on headphones whether they have active noise cancellation or not. 40mm drivers and a frequency response range of 10 - 25,000Hz give a hint towards the audio quality and there are three different noise cancellation settings for those who might sometimes want to be able to hear environmental sounds. When [H]ard|OCP first looked at the headphones they were not sure as to how comfortable they would be after extended periods of time wearing them and were quite surprised that they were not bothered by extended usage at all. Audio quality was superb, though [H] does point out that this might not be the best gaming headset, for that use you might be better looking to a headset which provides surround sound. Those looking to enjoy audio without interruption from the outside world will like this product, if they are willing to pay the price.
"Noise-cancelling headphones are very popular with frequent travelers and those who live or work in noisy environments. Audio-Technica's new ATH-ANC9 QuietPoint headphones supply you with three modes of operation that have impressed us to say the least. Now you can get on with grinding in peace."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- CM Storm Ceres-400 Gaming Headset Review @ Legit Reviews
- T.N.T Headphones by Subjekt Review @ TechwareLabs
- Thinksound MS01 8mm In-Ear Monitor Earphones Review @ NikKTech
- CM Storm Ceres-400 Headset Review @ OCC
- Tritton 720+ 7.1 Surround Multi Platform Headset Review @ eTeknix
- Rosewill RHTS-12002 DJ Headphone Review @ Hi Tech Legion
- Edifier Spinnaker Bluetooth Speakers Review @ Techgage
- Rosewill RHTS-11004 Supra-aural Headphones @ techPowerUp
- SteelSeries Siberia V2 Frost Blue USB Headset Review @ NikKTech
- CM Storm Sonuz Gaming Headset Review @ eTeknix
- Tritton Warhead 7.1 Wireless Surround Headset Xbox 360 Review @ eTeknix
- KRK Systems Rokit 5 Active Speakers @ techPowerUp
- ARCTIC Audio Relay Wireless Media Extender @ Funky Kit
- Xtreamer Prodigy Black 3D Media Player & Streamer Review @ NikKTech
- Asus Vulcan ANC @ LanOC Reviews
You aren't really stylin' unless your earbuds are made of wood
Subject: General Tech | September 28, 2012 - 04:09 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: audio, rosewill, RHTS-11002, in-ear, rosewood
Rosewill's RHTS-11002 in-ear headphones are definitely designed for the high end market as the body of the earbuds is made of rosewood, with aluminium highlights and replaceable silicon tips. TechPowerUp thought the sound quality to be similar to Sennheiser's CX300, good for casual listening while you are on the go but not as powerful or rich as you can get with full headphones or speakers. They are currently $20 on NewEgg which makes them a rather sweet deal for anyone shopping for this style of headphones.
"Rosewill's impressive product line-up also includes some very interesting headphones and in-ears. We will be taking a look at the RHTS-11002 Rosewood in-ears which features 10 mm dynamic drivers, and real rosewood ear cups!"
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Sharkoon X-Tatic S7 Gaming Surround Sound Headset @ Tweaktown
- Razer Carcharias Gaming Headset @ Benchmark Reviews
- Logitech Ultimate Ears 6000 Headset Review @ HardwareHeaven
- CM Storm Sonuz Headset Review @ Hardware Secrets
- Asus ROG Xonar Phoebus @ LanOC Reviews
- Ebode BT Sound BTR30 Universal Bluetooth Receiver Review @ Madshrimps
Play with ASUS' Vulcan ANC headset and you'll never hear the neighbours complain
Subject: General Tech | September 18, 2012 - 06:27 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: audio, gaming headset, noise cancellation, asus, Vulcan ANC
No matter how loud you have the ASUS Vulcan ANC headset you will never hear anyone around you complain thanks to the active noise cancellation feature. While it does mean you will occasionally need to feed the headset some batteries as well as keep them plugged into the 3.5mm audio out on your computer. However doing so will mean you can game in peace without worrying about background noise disturbing your concentration. At $120 they are not inexpensive, however Neoseeker found the sound quality more than acceptable and were even happier with the noise cancellation performance.
"As you may have already guessed, the ANC stands for Active Noise Cancelling. That's correct, the ASUS Vulcan ANC is the first active noise cancelling headphones made specifically for gamers. If you've got a loud computer, or a roommate that won't stop talking, simply put on your Vulcan ANC headset and turn the noise cancelling on! The removable mic adds versatility and does let the pro gamer headset come across as a headphone more geared toward audiophiles."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Tt eSports Shock One @ XSReviews
- CM Storm Sonuz Gaming Headset @ techPowerUp
- Corsair Vengeance 2000 Wireless 7.1 Gaming Headset Review @ Hardware Canucks
- Bowers & Wilkins P3 review - sublime audio @ Hardware.info
- SteelSeries Siberia v2 Frost Blue Edition Gaming Headset Review @ Madshrimps
- Asus RoG Vulcan Pro Gaming Headset @ Kitguru
- Libratone Lounge Speaker Review @ eTeknix
- Sandberg Pocket Bluetooth Speaker Review @ NikKTech
It's not a tempest in a teacup; it is a Storm in your earcup
Subject: General Tech | September 10, 2012 - 05:52 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: audio, coolermaster, CM Storm, gaming headset, CoolerMaster Storm Sirus, Storm Ceres, Storm Sonuz
Cooler Master's Storm series of headsets have only been around for a few short years but in that time they have greatly expanded their product lineup. Hi Tech Legion is talking a look at at few of the current models, including the $40 Ceres 400, the $70 Storm Sonuz and the $88 Storm Sirus 5.1. Each headset has its own characteristics, with different sized drivers, impedance and sensitivities in each of the models which is good for those who know what they are looking for, from the surround of the Sirius to the large bass loving drivers of the Sonuz. See which one took top spot in HTL's ears here.
"The CM Storm Ceres 400 is a stereo gaming headset carrying an MSRP of $39.99. The Ceres 400 is equipped with 40mm drivers for competitive performance and an integrated noise-canceling microphone for clear chat communication over heavy online firefights. The CM Storm Sonuz on the other hand has a pair of massive 53mm drivers for pulse pounding, bass heavy action and a detachable microphone for ergonomic flexibility retailing for $69.99. Representing the top tier in CM Storm's lineup is the Sirus headset which features true 5.1 surround capability through four independent drivers for the front, center, rear and sub as well as a bundled USB external audio processor which Cooler Master dubs the tactical mixing console, processing independent channels and provides desktop control functions at users' disposal mid-game. All three CM Storm headsets come with a two year warranty and are available worldwide."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Cooler Master CM Storm Sonuz Review @ Neoseeker
- Cyborg F.R.E.Q. 5 Stereo Gaming Headset PC Review @ eTeknix
- Tt eSports Chao Dracco @ XSReviews
- Plantronics BackBeat Go review - musical cord @ Hardware.info
- Corsair Vengeance 2000 Wireless Headset Review @ eTeknix
- Mad Catz Cyborg F.R.E.Q.5 Stereo Gaming Headset Review @ NikKTech
- Ebode BT Sound BTS30 Speaker Review @ Madshrimps
- ARCTIC P31X Wireless Headphones @ Funky Kit
- ekRepublic TH Pro Headset Review @ eTeknix
- SteelSeries Siberia V2 USB Gaming Headset @ Tweaktown
- Zowie Hammer Gaming Headset Review @ eTeknix
- Jabra EXTREME2 Bluetooth Headset Review @ NikKTech
- Audyssey Lower East Side Audio Dock Air Review @ NikKTech
- Plantronics BackBeat Go Review - Almost the Perfect Bluetooth Earbuds @ AnandTech
- CM Storm Sonuz Gaming Headset @ Kitguru
- SteelSeries Guild Wars 2 Gaming Headset Review @ HardwareHeaven
- Pure Contour 200i Air Music Streaming System Review @ Madshrimps
- Bayan 7 iPod and iPhone Speaker Dock @ XSReviews
Does every rapper need a headset now? Ludacris' new Soul line of gaming headsets
Subject: General Tech | August 20, 2012 - 05:39 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: ludacris, gaming headset, soul sl150, soul sl300, audio
While Dr. Dre partnered with Monster to create his Beats line, Ludacris went to a company called Signeo to design his headsets. While priced similarly to Dr. Dre's offerings, [H]ard|OCP starts the review by pointing out that there are already many counterfeit models on the market and Signeo does not offer serial number verification like Monster does to ensure that you did get what you paid for. Aesthetically [H] found the headsets to be very similar to the Beats line but preferred the audio quality of the Soul headsets. They do warn the SL150's do let ambient noise in, so if you want noise cancellation you should pay the extra for the SL300 model.
"Rapper Ludacris is the latest celebrity to endorse a line of trendy headphones and ear buds. Will his name and manufacturer Signeo's product design come to signify quality audio products with cutting edge looks or are these just two more pairs of glossy plastic headphones with exaggerated bass beats?"
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- CM Storm Sonuz Gaming Headset Review @ HardwareLOOK
- G-Cube iHL-500BK Luxury Dual-Mode Headset @ Benchmark Reviews
- Corsair Vengeance 2000 Wireless 7.1 Gaming Headset Review @ Techgage
- Siberia V2 USB-Powered Headset - Frost Blue Edition Review @ HardwareHeaven
- Razer Electra Headset Review @ eTeknix
- Coolermaster Sonuz Headset review @ Rbmods
- Phiaton PS 20 Bluetooth Stereo Earphones Review @ Legit Reviews
- Speedlink Medusa NX Core (X360 & PS3) Gaming Headset @ Kitguru
- Asus' budget Xonar DGX and DSX sound cards @ The Tech Report









