What you guys think of sound blaster crystalizer?

shankly1985 · 14 Sep 2015 at 12:51

Been using this on default setting ever since getting the SBZ but Yesterday I started messing about with settings while gaming and using Music and now I just can't make my mind up if I want this on or off lol

With it on you seem to hear more, for example Music the voice is unchanged but the music around the singer is more up front.
Same with gaming sounds around the player are more detailed.

The main difference I notice is sound quality seems to get wasted out, shooting a gun sounds like you in a Hall vs it off it as a punch to it.

But I do like the effect it give it sound around the player but I dislike the sound quality loss.

What do you guys feel about SBZ software settings?

Rroff · 14 Sep 2015 at 12:53

I turn off most/all SB enhancements - some of them can be useful features - the only time I have anything enabled is switching to gaming mode for specific games with a setup for CMSS-3D.

shankly1985 · 14 Sep 2015 at 12:56

Rroff said:
I turn off most/all SB enhancements - some of them can be useful features - the only time I have anything enabled is switching to gaming mode for specific games with a setup for CMSS-3D.

Don't think the SoundBlaster Z has Game mode. What features do you like for gaming? SBZ has Scout Mode

Andi-C · 14 Sep 2015 at 14:48

I love it ! I use the crystallizer and surround seem to increase the mid & top end, gives it a fresh sound without making it over enhanced.

The bass is off for me as it can be OTT.

I only really use it for games but found it can be useful for YT videos.

TwsT · 14 Sep 2015 at 15:03

When I had my Zx I disabled all of it, the crystaliser was carp for games like league of legends and I've never used scout mode or w/e it's called.

mick4545 · 14 Sep 2015 at 20:26

I use it for music. Seems to add 'sparkle'.

Amraam · 14 Sep 2015 at 22:21

Does exactly what it says on the tin for me, and I love it. Have mine at 75%.

shankly1985 · 15 Sep 2015 at 00:03

Guys I reading over on Overclock.net and some guys on there was saying if you use Crystalizer make sure to set Windows audio to 24bit 96hz and wow! that audio I was saying sounded worst is now fixed

I have no idea why but some guys believe Crystalizer can do more with a high bit rate or sample rate.

SamyBoy13 · 15 Sep 2015 at 09:33

shankly1985 said:
Guys I reading over on Overclock.net and some guys on there was saying if you use Crystalizer make sure to set Windows audio to 24bit 96hz and wow! that audio I was saying sounded worst is now fixed

I have no idea why but some guys believe Crystalizer can do more with a high bit rate or sample rate.

I will give it a shot

Thanks

I use crystalizer but only turn it on at 4-7%. It's really hard to say if you should or not use it as I only use it with my VSD3S and with bose companion 3 it makes them sound worse.

LizardKing · 15 Sep 2015 at 10:02

I leave it on and switch all else off. It does make music sound allot "clearer" imo!

Never really noticed any difference in games.