Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage Wireless gaming headset, GH0220A wireless transmitter User's Guide

Congratulations!

Thank

you for choosing the Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage Wireless gaming headset. You are about

to experience the legendary audio quality of Sound Blaster on your PC or Mac®.

The Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage Wireless combines the legendary acoustic engineering prowess of the Sound Blaster team to create a world-class gaming headset with next-generation wireless technology. The Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage Wireless gives you full, uncompressed gaming audio enhanced with the SBX Pro Studio for incredible realism and 3D.

System Requirements

Minimum Requirements

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Intel® Pentium™ IV - 1.6GHz or equivalent AMD/Mac processor

512 RAM for Windows® Vista®

USB1.1 or USB2.0 port

Microsoft® Windows 8 32-bit or 64-bit; Windows 7 32-bit or 64-bit; Windows Vista 32-bit or 64bit with Service Pack 1 or higher; Windows XP 32-bit or 64-bit with Service Pack 2 or higher;

Mac OS® X 10.5.8 or higher

Recommended Requirements

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Intel Core™ 2 Duo 2.0GHz or faster

1GB RAM

Internet connection to download the drivers and applications available for this product l

Note:

600MB of free hard disk space

Due to programming changes, the recommended system requirements for the software and applications may change over time.

Your Headset At

a Glance

Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage Wireless Gaming Headset

1

1 - Adjustable headband

2 - Detachable noise-canceling microphone

2

1

2

1 - Microphone Mute LED 

2 - Microphone jack

4

3

3 - Volume Control Wheel

4 - Power LED button

5 - Micro-USB port for charging

5

USB Wireless Transmitter

1

2

1 - Connect button

2 - Connect LED

Using Your Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage Wireless

Here we explain how to use the headset including the following procedures: l

Setting Up for Initial Use l

Adjusting the Volume l

Using Your Headset While Charging l

Manual Pairing l

Usage Scenarios

Setting Up for Initial Use

Step 1 : Charge it

Your headset can be used out of the box by connecting it via the charging cable to a computer. The headset will charge while it is in use. However, please note that your headset will not be fully charged if you skip the initial charging process detailed below.

Note:

You are recommended to charge your headset for at least 8 hours before it is used for the first time. Connect your headset to your computer using the Micro-USB to USB cable and keep it turned off during this initial charging process. The Power LED flashes white when charging and will turn off once charging completes.

Note:

Press and hold the Power LED button for 3 seconds to turn the headset off.

Step 2 : Connect the wireless transmitter to your computer

Note:

If prompted for audio drivers, click Cancel.

Step 3 : Turn on the headset

Press the Power LED button on the headset cup to turn on the headset.

Your headset is automatically paired to your wireless transmitter out of the box. This gives you the convenience and freedom to move around a distance of 30 feet (10 meters) away from the transmitter.

Note:

No manual pairing is required by default. If you need to manually pair the headset such as when you use a new wireless transmitter or in the event of a wireless error, please refer to Manual

Pairing for instructions.

Step 4 : Set the default audio device (Mac OS ONLY)

1. Go to System Preferences and click Sound.

2. Select "Sound Blaster Tactic(3D) Rage Wireless" in both the Output and Input tabs.

Step 5 : Wear it

Adjust the headband so that the headset rests lightly on your head. Do not tighten excessively.

Step 6 : Downloading and Installing the Software

Your headset is now ready for use. However, you can enhance your audio and voice experience via an optional software package that can be downloaded and installed into your PC. We recommend that you download and install this software to make full use of all the features that your headset is equipped with.

For Windows

1. Using a standard web browser, visit creative locate the software package for the Windows operating

system for your product.

2. Download this package into your local hard disk.

3. Locate and launch the software package.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

5. When prompted, restart your computer.

6. Launch the application by clicking Start > Programs or All Programs > Creative > Sound

Blaster Tactic(3D) > Sound Blaster Tactic(3D) Control Panel".

For Mac

1. Using your web browser, visit creative and locate the software package for the Mac OS for your product.

2. Download this package into your local hard disk.

3. Double-click the downloaded file to decompress it.

4. Double-click the uncompressed DMG file.

5. Double-click the Install icon and follow the subsequent on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

6. Launch the Sound Blaster Tactic(3D) Control Panel from the Applications > Creative

> Sound Blaster Tactic(3D) folder.

Adjusting the Volume

The Volume Control Wheel on the headset cup can be used to adjust your headset volume to a comfortable level. You can also adjust the volume via the software or the in-built volume settings on your computer.

CAUTION:

Do not listen to audio on your headset at high volumes for prolonged periods of time to avoid impairing your hearing.

Using Your Headset While Charging

You can continue to use your headset while it charges. Connect both the wireless transmitter and the

Micro-USB to USB cable to different USB ports on your computer. The Power LED will blink slowly while charging and stabilize when fully charged.

You can also check the status of the battery via the battery indicator at the bottom right of the Sound

Blaster Tactic(3D) Control Panel. Please refer to Using the Software for details on this software.

Note:

The headset cannot be used during the initial 8-hr charging process.

Manual Pairing

Your headset is automatically paired to the wireless transmitter it is packaged with out of the box.

However, certain situations such as the use of a new wireless transmitter, errors in connection etc.

may result in the need to manually pair your headset to the transmitter. The procedure for manual pairing is as follows:

Step 1 : Activate pairing mode on the headset

Press and hold the Microphone Mute button on the headset for 3 seconds. The connect LED will begin to flash rapidly.

Step 2 : Activate pairing mode on the transmitter

Press and hold the Connect button on the USB wireless transmitter for 3 seconds. The Connect LED on the transmitter will begin to flash rapidly.

Step 3 : Pairing success

When the headset and the transmitter are paired, the Connect LED on both devices will stop flashing and stabilize.

Usage Scenarios

Playing Games

Your headset is equipped with cutting edge audio technologies and software to enhance the audio in your games. SBX Pro Studio will elevate your gaming experience to the next level, allowing you to hear sound details in games you have never heard before! For more details on the various SBX Pro

Studio effects and their setup, please refer to Using the Software

Restoring Audio Effects in Games with Creative ALchemy

When playing DirectSound® 3D on Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Vista, the game loses its immersiveness and environmental effects due to changes in audio architecture.

To restore these effects and experience the full audio immersion, follow the steps below:

Enable Windows XP compatibility mode

1. Navigate to the folder where your game is installed.

2. Right-click on the game's launcher and select Properties.

3. Select the Compatibility tab and select the Compatibility Mode checkbox.

4. Click the Compatibility Mode drop-down arrow and select Windows XP (Service Pack 2), then click OK.

Enable the game in Creative ALchemy

1. Click Start > Programs or All Programs > Creative > ALchemy > Creative ALchemy.

The game should be detected automatically and appear in the left column.

2. Select the game and click ">>" to move it to the right column.

3. Close the application.

When you launch the game, you should hear the original effects.

Note:

If the game is not detected, do the following:

- Navigate to the folder where you have installed the game.

- Right-click the game's launched and select "Run as administrator".

- Exit the application and launch Creative ALchemy again. The game should now appear in the left column.

Communicating with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

Use the headset to enjoy outstanding acoustic performance in popular VoIP applications like Ventrilo® and TeamSpeak®. Hear and be heard clearly by teammates during multiplayer games to get the tactical edge.

Using the Software

A specialized software for the Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage Wireless is developed to provide additional enhancements to the audio and voice inputs and outputs of the product. The software bundle supports a range of operating systems including: l l

Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista

Mac OS X 10.5.8 or higher

To take full advantage of your headset, we recommend downloading and installing this software into your computer.

Notes:

Some

applications are available only for certain operating systems.

Installation and Uninstallation - Windows

For Windows OS, the following applications are included in the software bundle: l l l l l l

Sound Blaster Tactic(3D) Control Panel

Creative Software AutoUpdate

Online Product Registration

Creative ALchemy

Host OpenAL

Creative Driver

Installing

Notes:

Please ensure that your product is connected to the computer running the installation.

1. Using a standard web browser, visit creative and locate the software package for the

Windows

operating system for your product.

2. Download this package into your local hard disk.

3. Locate and launch the software package.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

5. When prompted, restart your computer.

6. Launch the application by clicking Start > Programs or All Programs > Creative > Sound

Blaster Tactic(3D) > Sound Blaster Tactic(3D) Control Panel".

This software includes a number of configurations that help you control the basic functions of your product plus several software enhancement configurations that can be made to heighten your product's performance. Click each of the menu bars to expand the configurations available.

Uninstalling

In the event that an uninstallation is required (such as for upgrades), please follow the following procedure.

1. Click Start > Control Panel > Uninstall a program.

2. Select the Sound Blaster Tactic(3D) entry.

3. Click the Uninstall button.

If the User Account Control dialog box appears, click the Continue button.

4. Click the Yes button.

5. When prompted, restart your computer.

Installation and Uninstallation - Mac

For Mac OS, the following applications are included in the software bundle: l l l l

Sound Blaster Tactic(3D) Control Panel

Product Registration

Creative Uninstaller

Creative Driver

Installing

Notes:

Please ensure that your product is connected to the computer running the installation.

1. Using your web browser, visit creative and locate the software package for the Mac OS for your product.

2. Download this package into your local hard disk.

3. Double-click the downloaded file to decompress it.

4. Double-click the uncompressed DMG file.

5. Double-click the Install icon and follow the subsequent on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

6. Launch the Sound Blaster Tactic(3D) Control Panel from the Applications > Creative

> Sound Blaster Tactic(3D) folder.

This software includes a number of configurations that help you control the basic functions of your product plus several software enhancement configurations that can be made to heighten your product's performance. Click each of the menu bars to expand the configurations available.

Uninstalling

In the event that an uninstallation is required (such as for upgrades), please follow the following procedure.

1. Click Applications > Creative > Creative Uninstaller.

2. Select the Creative products to be uninstalled.

3. Click the Uninstall button.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Using the Sound Blaster Tactic(3D) Control Panel

The rest of this chapter explains how to use the Sound Blaster Tactic(3D) Control Panel to view and adjust the various features of your Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage Wireless. The examples and screenshots below uses Windows as an example. The user interface for other operating systems may differ slightly.

Managing Your Profiles

The Sound Blaster Tactic(3D) Control Panel comes equipped with a set of preconfigured profiles to suit your different needs including: l l l l

First Person Shooter

Action and Adventure

Driving Simulation

Real Time Strategy

To activate a profile,

1. Click the main "Sound Blaster Tactic(3D) Control Panel" bar to view the main screen of the software.

2. Click the down arrow and select your desired profile from the list.

To modify and save changes to the active profile,

1. Navigate through the various other menu options of the Sound Blaster Tactic(3D) Control Panel and modify the configurations as desired.

2. Return to the main interface and click [Save] to save the current settings to the active profile.

To delete the active profile, click the [Delete] button.

You can also share profiles among your friends and other gamers using the [Import] and [Export] functions.

Note:

Tactic profiles for Windows and Mac are not compatible with each other.

Customizing Your Display Avatar

You can customize your control panel display avatar to an image of your choice.

Simply double-click the current avatar and choose an image file from the list.

Adjusting Your Volume Settings

Drag the headset or microphone volume marker to adjust the volume level.

You can mute/unmute the headset and/or microphone by clicking their respective icons.

Configuring your general settings

You can change the language settings or restore settings to their default values.

Click from the top right corner of the interface and select the option from the list.

Enhancing the Audio - SBX Pro Studio

SBX Pro Studio enhances the audio output of your product using software optimizations. To configure

SBX Pro Studio, click the "SBX Pro Studio" menu option on the left.

1. Click the checkbox next to one or more of the available enhancements to enable it.

2. Adjust the level of enhancements to be applied individually.

3. Click to play the demo video to test your configurations.

4. Readjust if necessary.

SBX Pro Studio includes a number of enhancements for movies and gaming, elevating your movie and gaming experience to the next level. These include: l l l l l

SBX Crystalizer - restores the natural dynamic range that is lost when music files (iTunes and

MP3) gets compressed. This makes the music sound as good as the artist originally intended, and adds an enhanced level of realism for movies and games.

SBX Surround - provides immersion control to enhance the natural sense of audio depth and spaciousness by creating virtual surround sound channels. Stereo content or multi-channel content will sound as if its coming from all sides while voices remain centered in front and original balance and timbre is preserved.

SBX Bass - fills in the missing low frequency tones and gives the extra impact for a better entertainment experience. Consumers no longer have to tolerate a lack of bass in speakers as the

SBX Bass technology dramatically improves the sound experience even in the absence of a subwoofer. 

SBX Dialog Plus - enhances the voices in movies for clearer dialog, allowing the listener to hear the dialog over the rest of the soundtrack and over ambient noise in the listening environment.

SBX Smart Volume - addresses the problem of abrupt volume level changes during playback and between songs by continuously measuring volume automatically, applying gain and attenuation intelligently to compensate for any changes.

Enhancing the Microphone - VoiceFX™

To configure VoiceFX settings, Click the "VoiceFX" menu option on the left.

1. Select the VoiceFX checkbox to enable this feature.

2. Select a VoiceFX preset from the drop down menu and click [Test]. Speak into your microphone to listen to your voice with the selected VoiceFX preset applied.

3. Use the sliders below to adjust the VoiceFX settings as desired. Test and readjust as necessary.

4. Click [Save] to save the adjusted settings into a new preset or click [Delete] to delete the

Note:

active preset.

The default list of VoiceFX presets cannot be deleted.

Equalizer Settings

Equalizers allows you to filter various audio frequency, thus controlling the tone of your audio output.

The Sound Blaster Tactic(3D) Control Panel comes equipped with a range of preset equalizer settings, helping you to select different audio tones easily. You can also manually modify or add equalizer presets.

To view the Equalizer Settings interface, select "Equalizer" from the menu. To apply and adjust an equalizer preset,

1. Check the EQ checkbox to enable the use of the equalizer.

2. From the drop down menu, select the preset to use.

3. Adjust the vertical slider bars to achieve your desired level.

4. Click [Save] to save the changes to the active preset or to a new preset.

You can also delete any user created equalizer presets by selecting the preset from the drop down menu and clicking [Delete].

Notes:

All default equalizer presets cannot be deleted.

Customizing the Illumination and Theme

The Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage Wireless illuminated earcups support up to 16 million colors, allowing you to create a headset that is uniquely you. You can select your desired color through the

Sound Blaster Tactic(3D) Control Panel.

Select "SB Prism" from the menu to view the interface.

1. Click the "Select RGB Color" option and use the color picker below to select a LED color for your headset.

2. From the drop down menu, select the idle time before the LED is switched to standby mode.

3. Adjust the Intensity and Pulsation settings for the LED using the two slider bars.

General Specifications

Connectivity

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One 3.50mm (1/8") stereo jack for detachable microphone

Interfaces

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Uncompressed 2.4GHz wireless technology

USB wireless transmitter for pairing with headset

Micro-USB port for charging

Radio Frequency

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Operating RF range: 2405.35 - 2477.35 MHz

Operating RF distance: up to 30ft (10m) in-room usage

Number of RF channels: 37

RF transmitter power output: 0dBm (typical)

SBX Pro Studio Technology

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SBX Crystalizer

SBX Surround

SBX Bass

SBX Dialog Plus

SBX Smart Volume

Troubleshooting

What do the various LED statuses mean?

The Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage Wireless headset and USB wireless transmitter is equipped with various LEDs that indicate the status of the device. Each LED, their possible statuses and corresponding explanations are listed in the tables below:

LED

Headset LEDs

Status

Flashing Slowly (White)

Power LED

Connect LED

Microphone Mute LED

Stable (White)

Flashing Rapidly (White) and a soft beeping sound emits from the headset

Off

Flashing Rapidly

Stable

Stable (Red)

Off

USB Transmitter

Description

Charging

Headset is turned on.

If headset is connected to the charging cable, this status also indicates that charging is complete.

Headset has low power.

Please charge your headset.

Headset is off.

If headset is connected to the charging cable, this status also indicates that charging is complete.

Pairing mode is activated.

The headset is searching for a compatible wireless transmitter to be paired to

Headset is paired to a corresponding wireless transmitter

Microphone is muted.

Microphone mute is off.

Connect LED

Flashing Rapidly (white)

Flashing slowly (white)

Stable (white)

Pairing mode is activated.

The transmitter is searching for a compatible headset that is in range.

USB transmitter is not paired to any headset.

USB transmitter is paired to a headset.

The onboard audio chipset seems to be in conflict with Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage

Wireless.

Disable your computer's onboard audio chipset. See your computer's motherboard documentation for details.

No sound from the headset.

Check the following: l l l l

The headset and transmitter are turned on.

The headset has sufficient battery power.

The volume settings in Sound Blaster Tactic(3D) Control Panel and system audio are properly adjusted and not muted.

There is no hardware conflict between the headset and a peripheral device.

There is clipping/distortion during audio playback.

Your computer system should be running in high performance mode. You may need to disable any power saving features.

Some features are disabled when playing certain games.

When playing games that use DirectSound3D or OpenAL sound engines, certain audio features will be disabled automatically. This is to avoid distorting the environmental audio cues present in the game. These features will be re-enabled automatically when you exit the game.

Electronic interferences is occurring with other wireless devices.

Do the following: l l l l

Set your wireless LAN router's channel to Auto, 1 or 11. To do this, refer to your router's user documentation.

Place your transmitter away from other devices (for example, wireless routers) that transmit wireless signals.

Place your transmitter away from large metal surfaces.

Refrain from doing large file transfers via the wireless Internet or Bluetooth connection while listening to music wirelessly. Alternatively, do not use your headset during intensive file transfers.

Music is not being transmitted to my headset.

Check the following: l l

Your transmitter and your headset are turned on.

Your transmitter and your headset are paired with each other.

Safety Information

Refer to the following information to use your product safely, and to reduce the chance of electric shock, short-circuiting, damage, fire, hearing impairment or other hazards. Improper handling

may void the warranty for your product. For more information, read the warranty available with your product.

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Read these instructions.

Keep these instructions.

Heed all warnings.

Follow all instructions.

Do not use this apparatus near water.

Clean only with dry cloth.

Do not block any ventilation openings. Install the product in accordance with the instructions.

Do not install near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus

(including amplifiers) that produce heat.

Do not expose your product to temperatures outside the range of 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F).

Do not pierce, crush or set fire to your product.

Keep your product away from strong magnetic objects.

Do not subject your product to excessive force or impact.

Protect the cables from being walked on or pinched, particularly at the plugs, convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

Do not dismantle or attempt to repair your product.

Refer all servicing to authorized and qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose your product to water or moisture. If your product is moisture-resistant, take care not to immerse your product in water or expose it to rain.

Earphones

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When a conductive apparatus, such as earphones, is used in close proximity with a CRT television or CRT monitor, the latter may emit an electrostatic discharge. The electrostatic l discharge can be felt as a static short. While this static shock is usually harmless, it is good practice to avoid close contact with CRT devices when using earphones.

Do not listen to audio on your earbuds or headphones at high volume for prolonged periods of time

as hearing loss may result. l

Do

not listen to your audio device at high volume when driving, cycling or crossing the road, especially in heavy traffic or any other traffic condition where such use will hinder safe travel on the roads. We recommend that consumers be extremely cautious when using this device on the road.

Avoid Hearing Damage

Permanent hearing loss may occur if the Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage Wireless headset is used at high volume. Set the volume to a safe level. You can adapt over time to a higher volume of sound that may sound normal but can be damaging to your hearing. If you experience ringing in your ears or muffled speech, stop listening and have your hearing checked. The louder the volume, the less time is required before your hearing could be affected. Hearing experts suggest that to product your hearing: l l l

Limit the amount of time you use the Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage Wireless headset at high volume.

Avoid turning up the volume to block out noisy surroundings.

Turn the volume down if you can't hear people speaking near you.

To prevent possible hearing damage, do not listen at high volume levels for long periods.

Embedded Battery

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Do not attempt to remove the embedded battery.

The

product must be disposed of according to local environmental regulations. To replace the battery,

return your product to your regional support office. l l

Do not expose to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.

CAUTION: Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by incorrect types.

CAUTION

RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED 

BY AN INCORRECT TYPE.

DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING 

TO THE INSTRUCTIONS.

Wireless Device

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The short wave radio frequency signals of a wireless device may impair the operation of other electronic and medical devices.

Switch off the device where it is prohibited. Do not use the device in medical facilities, aircraft, refueling points, close to automatic doors, automatic fire alarms or other automatically controlled devices.

Keep this device at least 20cm from pacemakers and other medical devices. Radio waves may impair the operation of pacemakers and other medical devices.