Creative Showcase: Mission Recon3D
We take a closer look at Creative's latest Sound Blaster Recon3D franchise, powered by the Sound Core3D audio processor. Showcased alongside its new gaming headsets, it is clear that Creative is out to woo console gamers with their latest offerings.
The Recon3D Movement
Creative's Sound Blaster X-Fi audio solutions have prevailed for six years since its arrival in 2005. That's a laudable reign for one of the most sought after audio chip. Then again, we reckon it's also time for Creative to bring in a successor to bask in the spotlight. Announced at IFA Berlin three months ago, Creative's latest Recon3D series will now offer revitalized audio benefits powered by Creative's "quad-core" Sound Core3D chip. Dubbed the 'Quartet DSP', this multi-core sound and voice processor will feature four independent digital signal processor (DSP) cores similar to the former X-Fi series. Apparently, Sound Core3D also boasts of a high-quality HD audio decoder, 24-bit 102dB digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and 101dB analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) housed within a single 56-pin chipset. In other words, Creative has effectively reduced the footprint of its Sound Blaster board requirements with the arrival of the Sound Core3D audio workhorse.
Creative's Sound Core3D chip was first announced in May, although its Recon3D platform was only served by the multimedia company in November for the local market. Featuring a lethal combination of HD audio decoders, DACs and ADCs packaged within a single chip, Creative's latest Sound Core3D chipset looks set to carry on the impressive legacy left behind by its X-Fi namesake.
Moving on, at a Creative event held yesterday, we were treated to a showcase of their latest Recon3D peripherals and gaming headsets. The Recon3D suite will feature two main models: the external USB-based Recon3D designed for gaming consoles, or an alternative PCI Express (PCIe) version for desktop enthusiasts. Serious PC gamers can also opt for the Recon3D Fatal1ty Professional edition, as endorsed by Jonathan “Fatal1ty” Wendel. Notable hardware-accelerated features on the Recon3D series include Creative's CrystalVoice vocal optimization and THX TruStudio Pro hardware accelerators. A few newly-minted gaming headsets were highlighted as well, namely the Tactic3D Wrath, Recon3D Omega, and Tactic360 Sigma; of which the former two are 2.4GHz wireless models. It is apparent that Creative is focusing their marketing efforts on console gamers with their latest foray. Before we digress, however, here are the key takeaways from the event.
Here's a glimpse of the Recon3D in action. Given its versatile support for various gaming consoles and its wireless capabilities, the Recon3D is a viable audio device for console gamers to consider if they wish to augment their gaming experience with 3D surround sound and THX TruStudio Pro benefits.
Sound Blaster Recon3D
Fundamentally, the Sound Blaster Recon3D enables you to enjoy 3D surround sound enhancements on your headset without the need for an add-on internal sound card. Powered by the Sound Core3D audio processor, this USB-based portable device is said to be compatible with the PC, Mac, and consoles like the Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360. On top of that, users can look forward to surround-sound decoding such as Dolby Digital 5.1 and THX TruStudio Pro (including Pro Surround and Pro Dialog Plus). Audio is transmitted via the USB interface in PC Mode, although it is solely used as a power source when connected to the consoles. Gamers who thrive in first-person shooters will also appreciate the gadget's 'Scout Mode', which essentially gives you an extended and improved audible range during game play. Audio output on the Recon3D is limited to a lone 3.5mm jack, although it has a similar 3.5mm input which acts as an optical S/PDIF inlet as well. No additional software or drivers are required when pairing the Recon3D with the PC. It is only needed if you wish to fine-tune the gadget's configuration, like its THX settings, for example.
Creative's Recon3D is essentially a mobile audio enhancing device, armed with acoustic treats like THX TruStudio Pro Crystalizer which restores the dynamic range on compressed digital files. The USB device is also able to translate any Dolby Digital 5.1 source into a 3D surround soundstage.
The Recon3D's USB port is used to power the device when connected to a console. Its audio source is delivered via the PlayStation 3's optical outlet as shown here. The 3.5mm outlet can be used to power 2-channel speakers as well. Priced at S$169, the Recon3D is currently available at all Creative outlets.
Creative is also bundling the wireless Tactic 3D Omega headset with the Recon3D unit in a S$329 package. Although the Recon3D is said to be compatible with any pair of headphones, Creative asserts that it's advisable to use their Sound Blaster products for an optimal 3D auditory experience.
Sound Blaster Recon3D PCIe
The PCIe version offers similar audio processing functionalities as its USB brother, as they are both driven by an identical Sound Core3D chip. What's obvious during our first impressions of the product, however, is the extended number of audio ports the PCIe alternative provides. There are seven I/O slots in all, including a 3.5mm headphone outlet armed with a higher amplification signal (capable of driving up to 600 ohms) as well as three line-outs designed for 5.1-channel desktop speakers. Besides the microphone jack, we also spotted two dedicated optical slots (input and output) on the card's bracket. This makes the Recon3D PCIe viable for an HTPC setup, since it enables you to feed the card's uncompressed digital signal to your AV receiver too. As mentioned, Creative also has a Fatal1ty Professional edition for those who are willing to fork out S$80 more for the Fatal1ty branding. Spec for spec, this sound card is almost identical to the PCIe model. They are powered by the same Sound Core3D chip with equal THX TruStudio Pro decoding capabilities. The Fatal1ty Professional variant, however, sets itself apart from the PCIe model with its own fancy EMI shielding and Creative's inclusion of a beamforming microphone.
The Recon3D PCIe edition sports a tiny profile with the same hardware decoding muscle as its USB counterpart. It also features a formidable headphone amplifier enough to power impedance levels of up to 600 ohms. Notice how bare its PCB is?
To borrow an excerpt from Creative's previous press release, the Sound Core3D chip will feature 6-channel 24-bit 102dB DACs, 4-channel 24-bits 101dB ADCs, an integrated headphone amplifier-out, a digital microphone interface, S/PDIF inputs and outputs, and general purpose inputs and outputs (GPIO) on a compact 56-pin QFP package.
The PCIe edition offers a more extensive number of I/O jacks compared to its USB sibling. The amplified headphone outlet is highlighted in green, while the card's optical input and output ports are located at the lower end of the bracket.
The premium Sound Blaster Recon3D Fatal1ty Professional edition (left) is actually comparable to the PCIe version on the hardware front. The only edge the Fatal1ty has over the PCIe model is a rather sexy EMI shield and funky red LED lights. The Recon Fatal1ty is yours for S$229.
Sound Blaster Tactic3D Omega Wireless
This gaming headset is a cross-platform model which means it can be used on both the PC and Mac, as well as gaming consoles like the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3. According to Creative, the Tactic3D Omega Wireless allows you to enjoy your gaming experience untethered from your gaming rig with its "uncompressed wireless technology" which promises to deliver static-free gaming audio without lag. The headset comes with a hefty build, possibly due to its steel core headband which Creative has implemented to improve its durability. When tried, the synthetic leather ear and crown pads provided a comfortable fit, while the cups were also large enough to offer decent noise isolation. Paired with the Recon3D, we managed to put this headset through its paces with 'Battlefield 3' on the PlayStation 3. What we experienced was a fantastic soundstage delivery, accompanied by punchy bass levels and refined treble quality during gameplay.
The Sound Blaster Tactic3D Omega Wireless headset can be mounted on a stand that is part of its retail package. There is a recess at the base of the stand to rest the wireless transmitter which acts as a communication bridge between the headset and gaming platform connected to the transmitter.
This PlayStation 3 test rig allowed us to put the Tactic3D Wireless Headset together with the Recon3D through their paces. Creative's game of choice during the demo was EA's FPS-based Battlefield 3, which incidentally earned a Dolby Digital certification recently.
One of our concerns with this gaming headset is the manner in which its battery life status is highlighted to the user. According to Ms. Isabella Teo, Manager of Product Marketing for Creative's Audio/Video Products, a low-battery status is conveyed by a distinct audio cue to alert the user to charge the headset via its mini-USB port. Only with the use of the THX TruStudio Pro software suite installed on a PC or Mac is the user then able to view the battery life status via a small battery icon tucked away at the bottom of the GUI. Ms. Teo added that the Creative engineering team is working to improve on this aspect such that gamers won't be caught off guard when the headset's power is running low. The platform-agnostic Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Omega Wireless is priced at S$269.
Sound Blaster Tactic360 Sigma
The Sound Blaster Tactic360 Sigma will make a perfect gift for Xbox 360 purists. Armed with large 50mm neodymium drivers, this pair of headset features the same steel core headband as the Tactic3D Omega for improved durability and has similarly placed synthetic leather pads for a snug fit on your cranium. This wired headset also comes with a powered amplifier with separate voice and game audio controls to configure the volume of your Xbox LIVE communication and gaming audio separately. The boom microphone is detachable from the left ear cup if you wish to use the Sigma purely as a headset without voice communication. The Tactic360 Sigma retails for S$99 and its sweet price point may just seal the deal with an Xbox owner scouting for a gaming audio update.
The Sound Blaster Tactic360 Sigma is designed exclusively for the Xbox 360, of which you can probably tell from the product name. However, this headset is also friendly with any AV device that features a standard 3.5mm audio jack. Not too shoddy for 99 bucks.
The in-line stereo amplifier has a blue power indicator to signify its power status. We suggest any owner of this headphone setup to invest in some form of cable management solution as the spaghetti trail of wires may be unsightly or even pose as a tripping hazard.
Sound Blaster Tactic3D Wrath Wireless Gaming Headset
PC gamers can be classified under a unique subculture in the gaming arena, and Creative's Tactic3D Wrath wireless headset is made to complement the needs of these gamers, especially with its striking red logo and components. Its durable steel core and its snug fit, courtesy of its leather pads, makes it an ideal headset for PC gaming without the constraints of wires. You can also relish THX TruStudio Pro sound technologies through its client TacticControl software which is compatible with both PC and Mac platforms. We are quick to note that there is an absence of a battery indicator from the GUI of the software, thus reducing keeping track of its battery life status to guesswork. This headset is priced at S$199 and we are pleased to note that it comes in an environmental-friendly cardboard box for its retail packaging.
The red color scheme of the Sound Blaster Tactic3D Wrath wireless gaming headset breaks the jet black monotony of the headband and earcups. The earcups are illuminated red when it is powered up and will make a menacing sight in a dimly lit room.
The retail box for the Tactic3D Wrath wireless gaming headset is a sharp departure from the hard plastic clam shell packaging of the Tactic3D Sigma. The Tactic3D Sigma also comes with a USB dongle for wireless transmissions when the headset is connected to a PC or Mac.
Conclusion
As we mentioned earlier, Creative's current offerings are obviously targeted at the audio needs of console gamers. During the media presentation conducted by Mr. Paul Seow, Sales Manager of Creative's Advanced Multimedia Group, he showed us a slide which highlighted the tremendous growth in sales of console gaming headsets versus that of PC gaming. That said, we believe Creative's forte will remain in the field of audio engineering. However, Creative Technology needs (to borrow an ice hockey analogy) "to skate to where the puck is" in order to remain relevant in this competitive business. And this practically means targeting the big bucks of the gaming console market whilst it's still booming.
According to Creative, sales revenue from console gaming headsets has grown by almost 53% while sales from PC gaming headsets only managed a paltry 5% growth in the same period. If the stats are true, then the market for console gaming headsets has clearly outpaced that of PC gaming by more than 10 times. No wonder Creative is striking while the iron is still hot.
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