OcUK Staff
Available to pre-order today I am pleased to announce an OcUK exclusive and product I am super excited to share with you all:
The SoundBlasterX Katana Multi-channel Gaming Soundbar
In accordance with our prime directive: "RGB ALL THE THINGS", and also selling the best performing kit on the planet this offering from Creative has all the boxes ticked. We've been playing with this in the office for about a week now and I cannot explain how much my expectations were blown away by how good this piece of kit is.
Comprehensive features and technical specifications can be found below. Here is what we thought of it whilst testing our sample
Initially when we plugged it in and I pumped up the jams (Run The Jewels 3 of course) I was disappointed thinking the speaker was all bass and high end leaving the mids flat and missing. Until I discovered the presets... Changing the preset to concert mode immediately bought the music to life and we all agreed that they had a decent balance and range.
We then went through Films and were pleased with the results. We played through some trailers, including Rogue One and even though the source was YouTube there was still enough quality there for the speakers to make use of. Plugging these in optically to a sound card and then playing from some better sources I can see these speakers really enhancing your experience. The speaker really came into it's own when we started playing some Battlefield 1. You can tell these speakers were designed for gaming. From footsteps to gunfire to explosions the speakers made the most of each noise and when we cranked it up you could feel the explosions, it made me want to dive into a foxhole!
The customisation software was easy to use and had profiles for several games already loaded into it. It also had comprehensive customisation options both for the RGB LED's and tuning the audio. There is also a ton of connectivity including Bluetooth for if you want to hook your phone up. Optical and USB inputs are available as well as standard 3.5mm jack.
The soundbar speaker system is exclusive to Overclockers for four weeks after launch! The stock will be landing with us around the end of January.
Creative Sound BlasterX Katana Multi-channel Gaming Soundbar @ £279.95 inc VAT https://www.overclockers.co.uk/crea...-multi-channel-gaming-soundbar-sp-186-cl.html
Immersive 3D PC Gaming Audio, High Resolution 24-bit Audio, Tri-Amplified Design, 2.5" (63.5mm) Upfiring Midbass Drivers, 1.3" (34mm) High-excursion Tweeters, Aurora Reactive Lighting System
Named after the sword so technologically perfect in structure and so demanding in its creation, the Sound BlasterX Katana exhibits the same sleek sophistication and formidable strength in its design and audio prowess. In a league of its own, the Katana fits right under your monitor with a slimness that's unmatched by other so-called gaming “sound bars”, and is powered and enhanced by our award winning multi-core audio DSP making it the world's first true Under Monitor Audio System (UMAS). In addition, the Sound BlasterX features the Aurora Reactive lighting system, a series of 49 programmable LED lights lined from edge to edge of the Katana chassis, making it the perfect addition to fully optimize and customize your PC and desktop setup.
The Katana gives you an immersive audio experience for your games and movies with the BlasterX Acoustic Engine and Dolby Digital 5.1 Decoder. This audio system embodies the perfect combination of our most powerful 24-bit high resolution DAC and sophisticated 5-driver system. Housing a tri-amplified design where the 5 drivers are individually powered by DSP-controlled amplifiers, the Katana delivers ultra-precise audio at each part of the audio spectrum. Equipped with a plethora of connectivity options, you can trust the Katana to be one of the most versatile and most powerful speakers to ever grace your desktop.
Under Monitor Audio System: So Sleek, Yet So Powerful
The Katana can be effortlessly tucked right under your monitors and TV. With a slim profile shorter than 60mm, this Under Monitor Audio System is drastically superior in form and function to ordinary “gaming soundbars” and is perfect for all setups, especially multi-monitor PC and/or console gaming rigs.
The chassis is exquisitely crafted and reinforced with a sturdy, brushed aluminum panel. This construction minimizes harmful vibrations that reduce clarity. Together with its clean, purposeful lines, the detail-oriented craftsmanship behind the Katana makes it a truly remarkable piece of tech and art.
Aurora Reactive Lighting System: Light Up Your Setup
The Katana incorporates the Aurora Reactive lighting system, where its base is lined with 49 programmable LED lights from edge to edge. Just like each unique hamon of the Japanese sword, the Aurora Reactive lighting system comes in 16.8 million colours for you to customize your ambience lighting effects to create your own unique profile that elevates your gaming and movie experience.
AUDIO
5-driver Design: Expertly Tuned Acoustics
The Katana houses a 5-driver design - two up-firing midbass drivers and two high-excursion tweeters in the soundbar, and one long-throw driver in its subwoofer. Each driver is individually chambered and powered by a DSP-controlled amplifier to deliver ultra-precise audio.
Inside the Gaming Soundbar
2.5" (63.5mm) Upfiring Midbass Drivers
The highly efficient 2.5? midbass drivers housed in an optimally tuned ported enclosure pump out clean, transparent midrange and dynamic midbass. Directing the audio upwards also provides for a wider soundstage that doesn't require the listener to be situated in the audio sweet spot.
1.3" (34mm) High-excursion Tweeters
The high-frequency drivers feature inverted alloy dome diaphragms and wide polymer surrounds for low-resonant frequency and extended low-frequency response. These high-excursion tweeters allow us to cross them to the midbass at a much lower frequency than conventional tweeters, resulting in seamless driver integration and uncompromising clarity.
Inside the Subwoofer
5.25? (133mm) Subwoofer Driver
The long-throw subwoofer features a super stiff paper cone and low loss surround for clean, detailed, chest-thumping bass. The driver is housed in a CARB-compliant MDF cabinet with flared port tube for laminar air flow and increased output. Experience the Katana to hear its powerful bass that reverberate through your bones.
Tri-Amplified Design: Put the Cutting Edge in Audio
The Katana utilizes a game-changing tri-amplified design with a total output of 75RMS/150W Peak Power to deliver room-filling audio, with uncompromisingly clear, high-definition, well-balanced audio and deep resonating bass. With the tri-amplified design, the amplifiers are controlled by our proprietary multi-core Digital Signal Processor (DSP) - two dedicated to driving mids, another two dedicated to deliver the high frequencies, and one dedicated to churn out heart-thumping bass. From traversing through ravines to bullet-fast evasive maneuvers, you can hear all the details that other speakers fail to deliver.
High Resolution 24-bit Audio: Immerse Yourself in Your Games and Movies
In addition to powering the tri-amplified design, the Katana features our award winning proprietary multi-core DSP that is capable of producing 24-bit high-resolution audio for lossless, crystal-clear and impressive room-filling sound. It is a certified Dolby Digital decoder that converts analog sound (stereo or 5.1) from an optical source into digital 5.1 configurations at up to 24-bit 96kHz.
Immersive 3D PC Gaming Audio
The Katana doubles as a sound card which supports Virtual 7.1 channel1 audio input signals to deliver realistic gaming effects and audio cues with near-perfect accuracy and positioning when you hook it up via USB.
CONNECTIVITY
Comprehensive Connectivity Options
#SetupGoals are now achievable with the Katana. Comes equipped with comprehensive connectivity connections, the Katana is versatile and compatible with many multimedia devices. When connected via optical-in, the Dolby Digital-certified Katana delivers realistic digital 5.1 audio, giving you the most for your console gaming and movie nights.
USB Audio: 7.1 Virtual Surround PC Gaming
Level up your PC gaming experience with Virtual 7.1 audio when you connect to the Katana via USB. You can also enjoy 24bit/96kHz high-resolution audio via the USB Connection.
USB Flash Drive: Integrated Audio Player
Play your entire music collection3 directly from the Katana via your USB Flash Drive that contains your favorite songs and press the Play button to enjoy a fantastic listening experience. You may also refer to your playlist from the Sound Blaster Connect4.
Bluetooth: Wireless
The Katana supports Bluetooth v4.2 that gives you a connecting range of up to 10 meters, so you can enjoy all the convenience for great wireless audio.
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES
Remote Control: Wield all that power remotely
Sit back and enjoy your movie. The Katana comes with an IR Remote Control, so you can have access to all the controls at your fingertips.
SPECIFICATIONS
System Configuration
2.1 system
Dimensions (H x W x D)
Soundbar: 60.0 x 600.0 x 79.0 mm (2.4 x 23.6 x 3.1 inches), Subwoofer: 333 x 130 x 299 mm (5.1 x 11.8 x 13.1 inches)
Weight
Soundbar: 1.5kg (3.3 lbs), Subwoofer: 4kg (8.8 lbs)
Bluetooth® Version
Bluetooth 4.2
Bluetooth Profile
A2DP (Wireless Stereo Bluetooth)
Supported Codecs
AAC, SBC
Connector Type
Bluetooth, AUX-in, Optical-in, USB FlashDrive, USB Audio, Mic-in, Headset out
Color
Black
Remote Control
Infrared
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
For Wireless Streaming:
Compatible Bluetooth devices that support the Stereo Bluetooth Profile (A2DP)
For Wireless Control:
Compatible Bluetooth devices that support the Bluetooth Remote Control (AVRCP)
For 7.1 Virtual Surround Audio Playback:
Windows PC
For Digital 5.1 Audio Playback:
Optical-in
For High-resolution 24-bit 96kHz Audio Playback:
For PC via USB Connection
For Playback via USB Flash Drive:
Up to 128GB formatted in FAT16/32/exFAT.
Common audio formats such as MP3, WMA, FLAC and WAV.
(MP3 and WMA up to 320kbps and FLAC up to 1.3Mbps).
For Sound Blaster Connect:
For Windows® OS
Intel Core™2 Duo processor 2.2 GHz, AMD Athlon 64x2 Dual Core or equivalent processor
Microsoft® Windows 10, Microsoft Windows 8.1 32-bit or 64-bit
1GB RAM
600MB of free hard disk space
Available USB 2.0 or 3.0 port
Internet connection (optional)
For Direct Connection to AUX-in Jack:
Analog audio devices with a 3.5mm output
PACKAGE CONTENTS
1 x Sound BlasterX Katana Soundbar
1 x Sound BlasterX Katana Subwoofer
1 x Power Adapter
1 x USB Cable
1 x IR remote (battery included)
2 x Wall Mount Brackets
Warranty & Technical Support leaflet
Quick Start Guide
Safety & Regulatory leaflet
WARRANTY
1-year Limited Hardware Warranty
Only £279.95 inc VAT.
ORDER NOW
FREE ITEM FOR PRE-ORDERS
And if you needed any more reasons to buy it pre-order customers will receive a free Creative Sound BlasterX G1 External USB Soundcard worth £39.95 enhancing your Katana experience further:
Creative Sound BlasterX G1 External USB Soundcard @ £39.95 inc VAT https://www.overclockers.co.uk/creative-sound-blasterx-g1-external-usb-soundcard-sc-103-cl.html
7.1 Portable Sound Card with Headphone Amplifier, Instantly Upgrade Your Headset Performance
Only £39.95 inc VAT.
ORDER NOW
Audio keen, sharp
Crisp RGB Lighting
New age of hearing
Haiku by Hattori Hanzo - Kyoto 1536
The SoundBlasterX Katana Multi-channel Gaming Soundbar
In accordance with our prime directive: "RGB ALL THE THINGS", and also selling the best performing kit on the planet this offering from Creative has all the boxes ticked. We've been playing with this in the office for about a week now and I cannot explain how much my expectations were blown away by how good this piece of kit is.
Comprehensive features and technical specifications can be found below. Here is what we thought of it whilst testing our sample
Initially when we plugged it in and I pumped up the jams (Run The Jewels 3 of course) I was disappointed thinking the speaker was all bass and high end leaving the mids flat and missing. Until I discovered the presets... Changing the preset to concert mode immediately bought the music to life and we all agreed that they had a decent balance and range.
We then went through Films and were pleased with the results. We played through some trailers, including Rogue One and even though the source was YouTube there was still enough quality there for the speakers to make use of. Plugging these in optically to a sound card and then playing from some better sources I can see these speakers really enhancing your experience. The speaker really came into it's own when we started playing some Battlefield 1. You can tell these speakers were designed for gaming. From footsteps to gunfire to explosions the speakers made the most of each noise and when we cranked it up you could feel the explosions, it made me want to dive into a foxhole!
The customisation software was easy to use and had profiles for several games already loaded into it. It also had comprehensive customisation options both for the RGB LED's and tuning the audio. There is also a ton of connectivity including Bluetooth for if you want to hook your phone up. Optical and USB inputs are available as well as standard 3.5mm jack.
The soundbar speaker system is exclusive to Overclockers for four weeks after launch! The stock will be landing with us around the end of January.
Creative Sound BlasterX Katana Multi-channel Gaming Soundbar @ £279.95 inc VAT https://www.overclockers.co.uk/crea...-multi-channel-gaming-soundbar-sp-186-cl.html
Immersive 3D PC Gaming Audio, High Resolution 24-bit Audio, Tri-Amplified Design, 2.5" (63.5mm) Upfiring Midbass Drivers, 1.3" (34mm) High-excursion Tweeters, Aurora Reactive Lighting System
Named after the sword so technologically perfect in structure and so demanding in its creation, the Sound BlasterX Katana exhibits the same sleek sophistication and formidable strength in its design and audio prowess. In a league of its own, the Katana fits right under your monitor with a slimness that's unmatched by other so-called gaming “sound bars”, and is powered and enhanced by our award winning multi-core audio DSP making it the world's first true Under Monitor Audio System (UMAS). In addition, the Sound BlasterX features the Aurora Reactive lighting system, a series of 49 programmable LED lights lined from edge to edge of the Katana chassis, making it the perfect addition to fully optimize and customize your PC and desktop setup.
The Katana gives you an immersive audio experience for your games and movies with the BlasterX Acoustic Engine and Dolby Digital 5.1 Decoder. This audio system embodies the perfect combination of our most powerful 24-bit high resolution DAC and sophisticated 5-driver system. Housing a tri-amplified design where the 5 drivers are individually powered by DSP-controlled amplifiers, the Katana delivers ultra-precise audio at each part of the audio spectrum. Equipped with a plethora of connectivity options, you can trust the Katana to be one of the most versatile and most powerful speakers to ever grace your desktop.
Under Monitor Audio System: So Sleek, Yet So Powerful
The Katana can be effortlessly tucked right under your monitors and TV. With a slim profile shorter than 60mm, this Under Monitor Audio System is drastically superior in form and function to ordinary “gaming soundbars” and is perfect for all setups, especially multi-monitor PC and/or console gaming rigs.
The chassis is exquisitely crafted and reinforced with a sturdy, brushed aluminum panel. This construction minimizes harmful vibrations that reduce clarity. Together with its clean, purposeful lines, the detail-oriented craftsmanship behind the Katana makes it a truly remarkable piece of tech and art.
Aurora Reactive Lighting System: Light Up Your Setup
The Katana incorporates the Aurora Reactive lighting system, where its base is lined with 49 programmable LED lights from edge to edge. Just like each unique hamon of the Japanese sword, the Aurora Reactive lighting system comes in 16.8 million colours for you to customize your ambience lighting effects to create your own unique profile that elevates your gaming and movie experience.
AUDIO
5-driver Design: Expertly Tuned Acoustics
The Katana houses a 5-driver design - two up-firing midbass drivers and two high-excursion tweeters in the soundbar, and one long-throw driver in its subwoofer. Each driver is individually chambered and powered by a DSP-controlled amplifier to deliver ultra-precise audio.
Inside the Gaming Soundbar
2.5" (63.5mm) Upfiring Midbass Drivers
The highly efficient 2.5? midbass drivers housed in an optimally tuned ported enclosure pump out clean, transparent midrange and dynamic midbass. Directing the audio upwards also provides for a wider soundstage that doesn't require the listener to be situated in the audio sweet spot.
1.3" (34mm) High-excursion Tweeters
The high-frequency drivers feature inverted alloy dome diaphragms and wide polymer surrounds for low-resonant frequency and extended low-frequency response. These high-excursion tweeters allow us to cross them to the midbass at a much lower frequency than conventional tweeters, resulting in seamless driver integration and uncompromising clarity.
Inside the Subwoofer
5.25? (133mm) Subwoofer Driver
The long-throw subwoofer features a super stiff paper cone and low loss surround for clean, detailed, chest-thumping bass. The driver is housed in a CARB-compliant MDF cabinet with flared port tube for laminar air flow and increased output. Experience the Katana to hear its powerful bass that reverberate through your bones.
Tri-Amplified Design: Put the Cutting Edge in Audio
The Katana utilizes a game-changing tri-amplified design with a total output of 75RMS/150W Peak Power to deliver room-filling audio, with uncompromisingly clear, high-definition, well-balanced audio and deep resonating bass. With the tri-amplified design, the amplifiers are controlled by our proprietary multi-core Digital Signal Processor (DSP) - two dedicated to driving mids, another two dedicated to deliver the high frequencies, and one dedicated to churn out heart-thumping bass. From traversing through ravines to bullet-fast evasive maneuvers, you can hear all the details that other speakers fail to deliver.
High Resolution 24-bit Audio: Immerse Yourself in Your Games and Movies
In addition to powering the tri-amplified design, the Katana features our award winning proprietary multi-core DSP that is capable of producing 24-bit high-resolution audio for lossless, crystal-clear and impressive room-filling sound. It is a certified Dolby Digital decoder that converts analog sound (stereo or 5.1) from an optical source into digital 5.1 configurations at up to 24-bit 96kHz.
Immersive 3D PC Gaming Audio
The Katana doubles as a sound card which supports Virtual 7.1 channel1 audio input signals to deliver realistic gaming effects and audio cues with near-perfect accuracy and positioning when you hook it up via USB.
CONNECTIVITY
Comprehensive Connectivity Options
#SetupGoals are now achievable with the Katana. Comes equipped with comprehensive connectivity connections, the Katana is versatile and compatible with many multimedia devices. When connected via optical-in, the Dolby Digital-certified Katana delivers realistic digital 5.1 audio, giving you the most for your console gaming and movie nights.
USB Audio: 7.1 Virtual Surround PC Gaming
Level up your PC gaming experience with Virtual 7.1 audio when you connect to the Katana via USB. You can also enjoy 24bit/96kHz high-resolution audio via the USB Connection.
USB Flash Drive: Integrated Audio Player
Play your entire music collection3 directly from the Katana via your USB Flash Drive that contains your favorite songs and press the Play button to enjoy a fantastic listening experience. You may also refer to your playlist from the Sound Blaster Connect4.
Bluetooth: Wireless
The Katana supports Bluetooth v4.2 that gives you a connecting range of up to 10 meters, so you can enjoy all the convenience for great wireless audio.
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES
Remote Control: Wield all that power remotely
Sit back and enjoy your movie. The Katana comes with an IR Remote Control, so you can have access to all the controls at your fingertips.
SPECIFICATIONS
System Configuration
2.1 system
Dimensions (H x W x D)
Soundbar: 60.0 x 600.0 x 79.0 mm (2.4 x 23.6 x 3.1 inches), Subwoofer: 333 x 130 x 299 mm (5.1 x 11.8 x 13.1 inches)
Weight
Soundbar: 1.5kg (3.3 lbs), Subwoofer: 4kg (8.8 lbs)
Bluetooth® Version
Bluetooth 4.2
Bluetooth Profile
A2DP (Wireless Stereo Bluetooth)
Supported Codecs
AAC, SBC
Connector Type
Bluetooth, AUX-in, Optical-in, USB FlashDrive, USB Audio, Mic-in, Headset out
Color
Black
Remote Control
Infrared
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
For Wireless Streaming:
Compatible Bluetooth devices that support the Stereo Bluetooth Profile (A2DP)
For Wireless Control:
Compatible Bluetooth devices that support the Bluetooth Remote Control (AVRCP)
For 7.1 Virtual Surround Audio Playback:
Windows PC
For Digital 5.1 Audio Playback:
Optical-in
For High-resolution 24-bit 96kHz Audio Playback:
For PC via USB Connection
For Playback via USB Flash Drive:
Up to 128GB formatted in FAT16/32/exFAT.
Common audio formats such as MP3, WMA, FLAC and WAV.
(MP3 and WMA up to 320kbps and FLAC up to 1.3Mbps).
For Sound Blaster Connect:
For Windows® OS
Intel Core™2 Duo processor 2.2 GHz, AMD Athlon 64x2 Dual Core or equivalent processor
Microsoft® Windows 10, Microsoft Windows 8.1 32-bit or 64-bit
1GB RAM
600MB of free hard disk space
Available USB 2.0 or 3.0 port
Internet connection (optional)
For Direct Connection to AUX-in Jack:
Analog audio devices with a 3.5mm output
PACKAGE CONTENTS
1 x Sound BlasterX Katana Soundbar
1 x Sound BlasterX Katana Subwoofer
1 x Power Adapter
1 x USB Cable
1 x IR remote (battery included)
2 x Wall Mount Brackets
Warranty & Technical Support leaflet
Quick Start Guide
Safety & Regulatory leaflet
WARRANTY
1-year Limited Hardware Warranty
Only £279.95 inc VAT.
ORDER NOW
FREE ITEM FOR PRE-ORDERS
And if you needed any more reasons to buy it pre-order customers will receive a free Creative Sound BlasterX G1 External USB Soundcard worth £39.95 enhancing your Katana experience further:
Creative Sound BlasterX G1 External USB Soundcard @ £39.95 inc VAT https://www.overclockers.co.uk/creative-sound-blasterx-g1-external-usb-soundcard-sc-103-cl.html
7.1 Portable Sound Card with Headphone Amplifier, Instantly Upgrade Your Headset Performance
Only £39.95 inc VAT.
ORDER NOW
Audio keen, sharp
Crisp RGB Lighting
New age of hearing
Haiku by Hattori Hanzo - Kyoto 1536
Last edited: