Axiom wants to kick your bass

Subject: General Tech | January 23, 2012 - 12:00 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: audio, axiom, EP125 V3, subwoofer

If you require a little more audio quality than a pair of inexpensive 2.1 speakers can offer you should head on over to the Guru of 3D for their review of the Axiom EP125 V3 subwoofer,  intended to be paired with the bookshelf speakers that Guru reviewed earlier.  You can tell this is a little more than a simple add on subwoofer when you see the aluminium speaker. On the back it sports an XLR output and combo XLR/TRS inputs which will allow you daisy chain multiple subwoofers together.  A crossover switch toggles between 80Hz and 150Hz for those who need fine tuning on this 125W sub.  Keep in mind, Guru 3D is not done yet as they still have to add in the VP100 Center channel speaker and paired QS4 rears channel satellite speakers to achieve total surround sound.

"Recently, we reviewed the Axiom M3 v2 bookshelf speakers and found them to be great speaker for the price point but bookshelf speakers are only capable of reproducing the higher areas of the sonic spectrum.

Bookshelf speaker based audio systems require a subwoofer to produce the lower frequency ranges that the bookshelf speakers cannot accurate reproduce. Axiom produces a subwoofer which is said to be an excellent match sonically for the M3 speakers."

Here is some more Tech News from around the web:

Audio Corner

• Bayan Audio Bayan 7 Speaker Dock Review @ Tech-Reviews UK
• Corsair Vengeance 1500 and 1100 Headset @ Guru of 3D
• ARCTIC E641-BM Earphones @ Funky Kit
• TekNmotion Yapster Universal Headset Review @ OCC
• Mad Catz TRITTON Gears of War 3 Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound Headset Review @ Madshrimps
• Sennheiser PC 320 G4ME Headset Review @ HardwareHeaven
• Steelseries Diablo 3 Headset @ XSReviews
• Jabra HALO2 Bluetooth Stereo Headset Review @ Real World Labs
• t-Jays Four headset @ Rbmods

Asus Shows Off New Networking and Audio Equipment At CES 2012

Subject: General Tech | January 12, 2012 - 05:34 AM | Tim Verry
Tagged: wireless router, motherboard, audio, asus

At CES 2012 this week, popular motherboard manufacturer Asus showed off quite a few products. Among the new products, the company is releasing a wireless gigabit router, wireless repeater and Ethernet bridge, a new motherboard, and the Republic of Gamers (ROG) Xonar Phoebus audio sound card set.

The two new wireless products are the Asus RT-N66U, which is a dual band Wireless N Gigabit router, and the Asus EA-N66 Wi-Fi Ethernet bridge. The RT-N66U is a dual band Wireless N router that promises up to 900 Mbps over Wi-Fi thanks to two simultaneous Wireless N streams of 450 Mbps maximum each. One stream is done at 2.4 GHz and on the other stream data is broadcast and received on the 5 GHz spectrum. Asus has bundled the router with 26 dbm Wi-Fi amplifiers to extend the network's range. Other hardware includes three Wi-Fi antennas on the rear of the device, a four port Gigabit Ethernet switch, WAN port, two USB ports, power button, power input, and reset button. The front and top of the router shows off a stylish black pattern, blue status LEDs, and the Asus RT-N66U "Dark Night" name/logo while the back/bottom of the router contain plenty of ventilation ports and a stand to hold the router vertical. On the software side of things, the router features QoS, or Quality of Service, traffic management that the company claims can address up to 300,000 data sessions, eight SSIDs (for setting up guest networks, for example), and the company's ASUSWRT firmware. Downloading files without needing a PC and remote management of USB devices are also features.

The EA-N66 is a wireless Ethernet bridge and Wi-Fi access point. Under the hood of the rather (shall we say) stylized design, it is capable of using either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz wireless spectrum in 450 Mbps bands. Asus claims that when the repeater is paired with their new router, "the EA-N66 gives gamers incredible network speeds and coverage for multi-player gaming sessions."

As Asus demonstrated for us at CES, their new Rampage IV Formula motherboard features a SupremeFX III sound card chip connected to the rear audio ports by traces on their own PCB layer. This "moat" of traces (that light up red, even!) being on a separate PCB layer helps to eliminate interference caused by the other electrical components on the board. Now, you get isolated sound without needing to take up a PCI-E slot. In the video below, Asus shows off the feature.

The Rampage IV motherboard also comes with a bundled headphone amplifier dubbed the ThunderFX. It provides up to 120 dB of amplification and can support up to 600 Ohm high end headphones. The amplifier is EMI shielded and with ENC support, the ThunderFX has dedicated channels for headphone audio and in-game voice chat. Further, the box is compatible with both PCs and game consoles (PS3 and Xbox 360), and enables regular PC gaming headsets to be used with the consoles. Last up, it has three audio presets for FPS, RTS, and Racing games.

Asus is also showing off the Xonar Phoebus sound card and breakout box for gaming under the company's Republic of Gamers brand. The set includes a PCI-E sound card capable of driving 600 Ohm headphones and a SNR (signal to noise ratio) of 118 dB. The card itself is shielding using, according to Asus, "carefully selected materials and perfectly shielded" to block EMI (electromagnetic interference) and and isolate itself from other issues caused by the other components in the case. The other piece of hardware is the Xonar Phoebus control box that integrates array microphones to reduce environmental noise when using voice chat and VOIP calls by "up to 50 percent." It further allows volume control and has Dolby Home Theater V4 surround sound and the GX3.0 gaming engine to enhance headphone audio when gaming.

More information can be found here. Unfortunately, there is no word yet on pricing or availability.

PC Perspective's CES 2012 coverage is sponsored by MSI Computer.

Follow all of our coverage of the show at http://pcper.com/ces!

Thermaltake's tiny Isurus headset is perfect for your next road trip

Subject: General Tech | January 6, 2012 - 03:16 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: audio, thermaltake, isurus, headset

Thermaltake has made a very portable headset, utilizing an earbud style with an omnidirectional microphone on the headset cord.  That results in a headset which is significantly more portable than an over the head design.  As it uses analog plugs, the headset is compatible with just about any device, not just your PC. Bjorn3D did note that there were some sacrifices to make the Isurus so portable, it lacks an inline volume control and the microphone tends to pick up more background noise than would be preferable.

"Thermaltake Isurus is a great headset for those like to travel and are seeking a portable and compact headset. This headset is far more versatile than regular bulkier headsets and can be used for so much more than gaming."

Here is some more Tech News from around the web:

Audio Corner

• Corsair Vengeance 1500 Dolby 7.1 USB Headset Review @ OCC
• Corsair Vengeance 1300 Analog Gaming Headset Review @ OCC
• Jabra STREET2 Bluetooth Stereo Headset Review @ Real World Labs
• Corsair Vengeance 1300 & 1500 Gaming Headsets Review @ Hardware Canucks
• Arctic Sound P311 Bluetooth Headset @ Hi Tech Legion
• SteelSeries Diablo III Gaming Headset @ Kitguru
• Star Wars The Old Republic Peripherals by Razer Update @ HardwareHeaven
• SteelSeries Siberia V2 Black and Gold Edition @ Kitguru

Gaming earbuds from Thermaltake for those who don't want to muss their hair

Subject: General Tech | December 8, 2011 - 05:08 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: audio, in-ear, gaming headset, thermaltake, esports

For some people having a band across the top of the head to keep their headphones on can be a problem, being uncomfortable or too distracting when making videos or any other reason.  Thermaltake have come up with a solution for anyone who wants unobtrusive earphones and microphone with their eSPORTS Isurus.  It features in-ear headphones and an inline microphone as well as a carrying pouch and several in-ear plastic moulds.  XS Reviews was a little disappointed that they needed to play with their equalizer when switching from gaming to music and between different styles of music, but after the adjustment the sound was quite good.  For under $30 the Isurus seems like a good deal for those searching for this type of product.

"Similar to the recently reviewed Azurues mouse, the Isurus gaming headset is part of the Tt eSPORTS lineup, the range announced by Thermaltake at CES in 2010 to provide additional gaming peripherals for the “world e-sport gaming area” due to “constant request” from distributors and end users."

Here is some more Tech News from around the web:

Audio Corner

• Shure SRH550DJ Review @ TechReviewSource
• SteelSeries Gaming Headsets Overview Dec 2011 @ HardwareHeaven
• Arctic Sound E461-BM Earphones Review @ Hi Tech Legion
• TRITTON AX Pro True 5.1 Surround Headset Review @ Real World Labs
• Ozone Onda 3HX Gaming Headset @ Rbmods
• Arctic Sound P321 USB Headset @ Overclockers Online
• Steelseries Diablo 3 Gaming Headset @ Funky Kit
• Pure Chronos iDock Series II Review @ Tech-Reviews

Need style in your portable speakers?

Subject: General Tech | November 30, 2011 - 03:39 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: audio, portable speakers, krator, N4-20U05 Neso 04

If you are on the road doing a presentation for clients or even just stuck playing DJ from a laptop with no real sound system it can help to have a nice looking set of speakers.  Pulling out a pair of old cream coloured boxes you've been dragging around for the past 5+ years just doesn't make the best of impressions.  Krator and their N4-20U05 Neso 04 stereo speakers on the other hand have a shape that is likely to bring positive comments from those who see them.  As an added bonus, apart from weak bass performance, XSReviews found these speakers to be quite good for the low cost.  Shame that you need to power them but at least it is over USB and not mains.

"Krator are a Taiwanese company who are “on a mission to transform the landscape of consumer audio and computer gaming” and have recently released a stylish new range of speakers, including a new set in the Neso 04 range, inspired by raindrops."

Here is some more Tech News from around the web:

Audio Corner

• WOWee One Classic Power Bass Portable Speaker @ Tweaktown
• Microlab Solo 6C Speakers Review – big sound at a small price @ kitguru
• Tek-Republic TH Pro Virtual 7.1 Surround Gaming Headset @ Tweaktown
• Jabra STONE2 Bluetooth Headset Review @ Real World Labs
• Griffin TuneFlex AUX HandsFree Review @ Tech-Reviews

Corsair offers your ears two kinds of Vengeance

Subject: General Tech | November 18, 2011 - 12:47 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: audio, gaming headset, corsair, vengeance, vengeance 1300, vengeance 1500

The Vengeance 1500 USB gaming headset is the higher end model of their newly released headsets, with 5.1/7.1 channel sound, a 50mm driver and Dolby Digital support.  The Vengeance 1300 uses analog plugs, not USB but still offers 5.1 surround and 50mm drivers.  As the 1300 is analog it does not require drivers whereas the 1500 does require software in order to emulate 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound.  From Neoseeker's findings, you need a discrete sound card that supports Dolby Surround in order to get the most out of the 1300, while the 1500 will sound the same regardless thanks to its USB connection and software.

"We've got two of Corsair's newest headsets in the Neo labs today, the Vengeance 1500 and Vengeance 1300. The higher-end model, the Vengeance 1500, supports audio formats such as Dolby Digital and Virtual 7.1 Surround. The Vengeance 1300 on the other hand is an analog headset that performs best when paired with a high-end audio card that can push the unit to its threshold. Find out if any of these options are suitable for your audio headphone needs while you're camping in front of the computer (or in your game)."

Here is some more Tech News from around the web:

Audio Corner

• Blue Snowflake Microphone Review @ Tech-Reviews
• Corsair Vengeance 1500 7.1 USB Gaming Headset Review @ HardwareHeaven
• CM Storm Sirus True 5.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset Review @ HardwareHeave
• Corsair Vengeance 1100 Gaming Headset @ kitguru
• Arctic E461-BM Earphone @Bjorn3d
• Turtle Beach Ear Force X12 Xbox 360 Headset @ kitguru
• Tritton Detonator XBOX 360 Headset Review @ HardwareHeaven

Bulletproof earbuds, really?

Subject: General Tech | November 1, 2011 - 01:16 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: audio, earbuds, v-moda, vibrato remote headphones

It is hard to imagine just why you would need Kevlar reinforced cords on a pair of earphones, but that is exactly what V-MODA did with their Vibrato Remote Earphones.  There is also no indication what is remote about the headphones, but that is enough attention paid to the marketing.  Think Computers wanted to know how they sounded, not what the package said which is why the earphones were quickly out of the package and into their ear canals.  One of the more noticeable features was the length of the cable, at a total of 45" you won't feel restricted while wearing the headphones.  Another nice touch was the inclusion of a microphone on the volume control so that you can use the Vibratos with a cell phone or digital recorder.  You'll have to read the full review to see if as much thought went into the audio quality.

"I only started using earphones or earbuds as many people call them a few years ago. So many people think that all earphones are the same and will use the ones that come with their device. I did that for quite some time before I tried a different set of earphones and since then I’ve been trying all different types of earphones. Today we have a set of earphones on the more expensive end coming in at $130. These zinc-alloy earphones feature 8mm V-MASQUE drivers, BLISS 3.0 (Bass Level Isolating Soft Silicone) hybrid silicone fittings, Kevlar reinforced cables and a 24K gold plated plug. Le t’s check them out and see if they will be the next earphones you own."

Here is some more Tech News from around the web:

Audio Corner

• NoiseHush NX80 Stereo Headphones Review @ TechReviewSource
• SpeedLink Medusa NX 5.1 Headset Review @ eTeknix
• CM Storm Sirus 5.1 Headset @ Kitguru
• Corsair Vengeance 1500 Gaming Headset @ kitguru
• Jabra SUPREME Bluetooth Headset Review @ Real World Labs
• Arctic Sound E461 Earphones @ reviewstash
• Tt eSPORTS Isurus In-Ear Gaming Headset Review @ HardwareHeaven
• KitSound Xdock iPhone / iPod Clock Radio Dock Review @ Tech-Reviews

Not 2.1 nor 5.1, these headsets go to 7.1

Subject: General Tech | October 25, 2011 - 12:09 AM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: gaming headset, audio, 7.1 headset

With 7.1 sound came the idea that you could control the vertical as well as the horizontal.  This was usually achieved with a setup that included not only an above average amount of speakers but also a knowledge of the space you were filling with sound and an obnoxious amount of money spent on a stereo system.  Is it possibly true that you can reproduce the same feeling with an $85 pair of USB headphones?   OCC says maybe ... but you won't be disappointed by the sound when you are gaming and you might just develop an edge.

"Now that I have made it obvious why you need a headset let me introduce the one up for review. ROCCAT has had a lot of new products released for US purchase recently after being founded in Germany back in 2007. One of its newest products available over at Newegg.com is the ROCCAT Kulo Virtual 7.1 Gaming Headset. The key here is the "virtual" tag in the product name. As it turns out, the 7.1 is a function of a stereo output rerouted through an included USB sound card. Thus it is not true 7.1 quality but perhaps it is still a great headset. Let’s take a gander at how the Kulo Headset looks and also listen to the beauty that comes from those earmuffs."

Here is some more Tech News from around the web:

Audio Corner

• Thermaltake eSports Shock Spin Headset Review @ Neoseeker
• Steelseries Siberia V2 PS3 Gaming Headset Review @HardwareLOOK
• SteelSeries 5H V2 Medal of Honor Gaming Headset @ kitgurur
• CM Storm Sirus 5.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset Review @ Techgage
• CoolerMaster Storm Sirius 5.1 Gaming Headset Review @ OCC
• Jawbone Prime Bluetooth Headset Review @ Tech-Reviews
• WOWee One Classic Gel Audio Portable Black Speaker Review @ eTeknix
• Hercules XPS101 2.1 Sound System Review @ HardwareLOOK
• Antec Soundscience Rockus 3D 2.1 Speaker System @ eTeknix
• SanDisk Sansa Clip Zip & Fuze+ Audio Players Review @ Techgag