USER EXPERIENCE GUIDE

®

CONTENTS

THE AXX 200: AN OVERVIEW

Get acquainted with the AXX 200’s controls, connectors, and connectivity options.

We’ve also included a brief description of the various advanced technologies found within the sound system.

page

6

EXPERIENCING THE AXX 200

Find out how the AXX 200 intelligently enhances your music, movies, games and calls beyond simple audio playback.

page

15

APPENDIX:

CONTROLLING ADVANCED FEATURES

Find out how to quickly activate the AXX 200’s features with

Sound Blaster Central and Sound BlasterAxx Control Panel.

page

20

A POWERFUL

WIRELESS SOUND SYSTEM

ENHANCED BY THE INTELLIGENCE

OF SOUND BLASTER,

ARMED WITH AN ARSENAL OF COOL FEATURES.

IMAGINE

IMAGINE a speaker so intelligent that it allows you to enhance your audio in any way you desire.

personal mobile teleconferencing that’s so loud and clear, you can talk while walking around the room.

IMAGINE

IMAGINE having a karaoke machine that travels with you everywhere, so you can sing along to any music, and record everything you hear. a loud hailer that amplifies and also morphs your voice as you talk.

IMAGINE all these things in one sleek device.

IMAGINE it being compact yet powerful; wireless yet connected to all kinds of devices and personal computers.

IMAGINE NO MORE...

INTRODUCING THE MASTER OF ALL TRADES…

Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200

THE PERFECT INTELLIGENT COMPANION FOR YOUR SMART MOBILE DEVICES.

THE AXX 200: AN OVERVIEW

The Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 is a sound system that stands above the rest in appearance, in features, as well as in performance. It is the amalgamation of the SB-Axx1™ quad-core processor, a Bluetooth wireless speaker, an

SD Card-based MP3 player and voice recorder, and a high-quality teleconferencing quad microphone array in one elegant design. Its rugged hexagonal tower design with backlit capacitive touch controls combines durability with elegance, while the SB-Axx1™ processor is the intelligence within that delivers the best-in-class audio playback for your music, movies, games, and loud and clear voice communications.

Here’s what makes up a Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200.

ID & FEATURES

Touch panel controls

• Elegant backlit touch sensitive controls

Superior front microphones

• Beam forming noise-cancelling microphones

• Crystal clear voice communications

Durable rugged metal grille

• Built to last

• Protects drivers from bumps and knocks

Superior rear microphones

• All round 360° voice pick up

• Amplify or morph your voice on the fly!

NFC sensor

• Just tap to connect with any NFC-enabled device for wireless playback

Battery level indicator

• Quick battery level check

Docking Base Power Connectors

• For easy charging with docking base

SOUND BLASTERAXX AXX 200 USER EXPERIENCE GUIDE

Rubber base

• Stable support

• Reduces vibrations

6

ID & FEATURES: BACK

Power / Bluetooth

• Press once to switch on or go into standby mode

• Press and hold 2 sec for Bluetooth pairing

Play / Pause

• Fuss-free music playback control

Voice recording

• Simple accurate voice recording onto the microSD card

Voice playback

• Immediate playback of voice recordings

Super Megaphone ™ switch

• Have fun with cool megaphone features

MicroSD card slot

• Convenient built-in music player

• Stores your voice recordings too

Headphones jack

• For enhanced private audio listening

Micro-USB port

• Charge your AXX 200 and play at the same time!

• Connect to a PC/Mac for enhanced audio listening

SOUND BLASTERAXX AXX 200 USER EXPERIENCE GUIDE

Previous track/folder

Next track/folder

• Press during playback to skip tracks

• Press and hold during playback to skip folders

Mic On / Mute

• Easily flip the switch to turn on or mute the mic

Shuffle / Repeat All

• Toggle the switch to play tracks on the microSD card in random order or to repeat all tracks in continuous order.

Port tube

• For enhanced bass

USB port

• Charge your mobile phones and devices!

Aux-in / Mic-in jack

• Playback music from a portable digital device via audio cable

• Connect your own microphone for optional voice input

7

THE AXX 200: AN OVERVIEW

ID & FEATURES: TOP

Master Volume

• Slide across the bars to adjust the volume

VoiceFX preset indicator

• Different VoiceFX presets are represented by each segment level

Voice Focus On/Off

• Create an acoustic zone and reduces other unwanted sounds

Noise Reduction On/Off

• Reduce background interference during a call

Siren On/Off

• Grab attention with an insanely loud siren in

Super Megaphone mode

Call Button

• Pick up phone calls for teleconferencing

• Activate the voice assistant* on your smart device

VoiceFX scroll up

• Tap to select the previous

VoiceFX preset

Mic Mute

• Mute the microphones on the AXX 200

VoiceFX scroll down

• Tap to select the next VoiceFX preset

* For iPhone4S and above and certain Android/Windows phones only.

SOUND BLASTERAXX AXX 200 USER EXPERIENCE GUIDE

SBX Pro Studio

• Turn on SBX Pro Studio for intelligent audio processing

VoiceFX On/Off

• Morph your voice on the fly in

Super Megaphone™ mode with various VoiceFX effects!

Speaker Mute

• Mute your AXX 200 with a tap of a button

8

TECHNOLOGY INSIDE

The Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 may look like a regular wireless speaker, but its built-in SB-Axx1™ quad-core processor makes it a full-fledged Sound

Blaster sound card. The powerful, flexible and programmable processor, along with our legendary Sound Blaster technologies, allows the AXX 200 to deliver amazingly enhanced audio PLAYBACK and optimum quality VOICE transmission – the two fundamentals of communication.

SBX Pro Studio

™

Technology for Incredible Audio PLAYBACK

The fully customizable SBX Pro Studio suite of technologies dramatically improves audio playback for music, movies and games, giving you unprecedented audio realism. All these features user programmable from their smart mobile devices or personal computers.

SBX Crystalizer™

Enhances audio for music and movies by restoring details in the high and low frequencies.

SBX Surround™

Delivers a personal surround sound experience, especially when connected with headphones.

SBX Bass™

Fills in missing low frequency tones that give extra ‘punch’ for a better entertainment experience.

SBX Smart Volume™

Intelligently applies gain or attenuation to maintain consistent volume levels, so you can enjoy longer listening sessions. It can also reduce the audio volume of explosions and other abrupt bursts of sound to minimize disturbance during late night movie sessions.

SBX Dialog Plus™

Enhances the intricacies of the human voice in movies and games for clearer dialog.

SOUND BLASTERAXX AXX 200 USER EXPERIENCE GUIDE 9

THE AXX 200: AN OVERVIEW

TECHNOLOGY INSIDE

CrystalVoice

™

Technology for Crystal Clear VOICE

CrystalVoice technology dramatically improves voice pick-up and intelligently removes background interference so that you are heard clearly by all participants in a conversation.

CrystalVoice™ Noise Reduction

Reduces unwanted background noise from your conversations by constantly monitoring the environment and utilizing adaptive noise reduction algorithms.

CrystalVoice™ Smart Volume

Allows the microphone array to pick up sound from near or far, while automatically adjusting the volume input to a consistent level. This means you can walk around a room while in a call, and still have your voice picked up loud and clear by the AXX 200. You can also manage the level of smart-volume input via the Sound Blaster Central mobile app or Sound

BlasterAxx Control Panel software.

CrystalVoice™ Focus

Envelopes you in an audio shield that reduces unwanted sounds, enabling only your voice to be heard clearly.

CrystalVoice™ Acoustic Echo-Cancellation

Cancels out sounds emitted from speakers (echoes) from your vocal transmission.

CrystalVoice™ FX

Enables real-time voice alteration with a variety of interesting effects.

SOUND BLASTERAXX AXX 200 USER EXPERIENCE GUIDE 10

CONNECTIVITY

4 Simple Ways to Connect and Play Music

ANALOG AUDIO

AND VOICE

WIRELESS

Connect a portable digital device via an audio cable to the aux/mic-in jack or connect a microphone for voice input.

STANDALONE

MODE

Connect to Bluetooth devices with robust high-quality aptX and AAC music streaming.

DIGITAL USB

USB

Connect to a laptop or desktop for a fully digital USB audio and voice experience. Functions as a fullfledged high end Sound Blaster for your Mac and PC.

SOUND BLASTERAXX AXX 200 USER EXPERIENCE GUIDE

Functions as a standalone MP3/WMA

Player. You can play all your favorite songs from an SD card continuously.

Avoid the horror of a flat phone battery from using it to play music!

11

THE AXX 200: AN OVERVIEW

CONNECTIVITY

Advanced Wireless Connectivity

The advanced Bluetooth wireless features on the AXX 200 make connecting even easier!

NFC Technology allows for one-touch pairing. Simply tap your NFC-enabled device on the AXX 200 to instantly pair and play.

Instead of connecting to just one device, the AXX 200 can be paired to TWO Bluetooth devices simultaneously.

This is especially useful for users with two Bluetooth devices (phones and tablets) in their kit.

SINGLE / DUAL

BLUETOOTH CONNECTIONS

NFC TECHNOLOGY

SOUND BLASTERAXX AXX 200 USER EXPERIENCE GUIDE

MOBILITY

Integrated microSD Player

Streaming music from a smart device, although convenient, can drain its battery. Thus, AXX 200 comes with a built-in media player to give you direct seamless audio playback with the convenience of wireless portability. Play up to 32GB of MP3/WMA/WAV files on microSD/microSDHC card*. There’s a Shuffle option that plays your songs randomly. And you can sort your songs by album by organizing them in folders, which can then be quickly cycled through, allowing for fast navigation through your playlist.

Dual-Purpose Internal Battery

AXX 200 is designed to the keep the audio alive wherever you go.

The built-in 5200mAH lithium-ion battery delivers up to 15 hours* of playback per charge.

On top of that, it can also charge your smartphone, tablet or other

USB device via the USB port on the rear of the unit.

*Actual battery life may vary with use, settings and environmental conditions.

Ever-Ready Audio Entertainment

With its extended battery life and diminutive footprint, the AXX 200 will deliver awesome audio wherever you decide to make camp. The hard plastic outer shell and metallic grille don’t only look fantastic, they protect the drivers and other components against bumps and knocks.

12 SOUND BLASTERAXX AXX 200 USER EXPERIENCE GUIDE

*

Each folder on the microSD card should only contain a maximum of 999 files and folders.

13

EXPERIENCING THE AXX 200

IT’S AN INTELLIGENT SOUND SYSTEM

The latest marvel from Sound Blaster, though petite, packs a powerful intelligent multi-core SB-Axx1™ processor that enhances music, movies, games and calls beyond simple audio playback without missing a beat.

For Music

The first thing you’ll notice when you play music from the AXX 200 is that it’s incredibly loud for its size. This is due to the special amplified circuitry found within the speaker, which enables it to pump out BIG sound while consuming minimal amounts of power. Audio details such as the sound of fingers gliding across guitar frets are also enhanced by SBX Crystalizer, and bass notes sound extra punchy with SBX Bass turned on. You’ll also appreciate SBX Smart

Volume, which minimizes abrupt volume changes to reduce audio fatigue in longer listening sessions.

For Movies and Games

When playing a movie or game, you’ll hear noticeably enhanced audio details.

The built-in SBX Surround technology, especially when used with headphones, will further provide an immensely expanded audio soundstage that creates unprecedented realism and explosive cinematic effects which FPS gamers in particular will appreciate. Meanwhile, lovers of dialog-heavy movies and television shows will appreciate clearer speech when SBX Dialog Plus is activated. Another clever technology is SBX Smart Volume, which can reduce the audio volume of explosions and other abrupt bursts of sound to minimize disturbance during late night movie sessions.

For One-on-One Calls

The recording capabilities of the AXX 200 are impressive. Firstly, it boasts a superior quad microphone array that picks up clear audio. This is further enhanced with CrystalVoice Voice Focus technology that focuses on your voice and blocks out all sounds from outside a user-defined acoustic zone. The AXX 200 also features Noise Reduction technology that effectively reduces environmental noise, allowing you to be heard clearly in calls. To trigger these technologies in a call, simply tap the Voice Focus or Noise Reduction buttons.

SOUND BLASTERAXX AXX 200 USER EXPERIENCE GUIDE 15

EXPERIENCING THE AXX 200

For Multi-Person Teleconferencing

The AXX 200 also works incredibly well for multi-person teleconferencing. The quad microphone array works with CrystalVoice Smart Volume to ensure all participants’ voices are effectively broadcasted. And as with One-To-One Calls, Noise Reduction will actively reduce background noises to ensure that your voice is heard loud and clear by other parties.

For Recording

The quad microphone array greatly facilitates recording. You can use the AXX 200 to record a discussion, a speech, a demo track or even a phone conversation when paired via Bluetooth. The AXX 200 allows storage of up to 200 audio recordings in WAV format. A folder labelled “VOICE” will be automatically created on your microSD card by the AXX 200 to store all your audio recordings.

IT’S AN INTELLIGENT AND

FUN

SOUND SYSTEM!

Besides being an intelligent sound system, the AXX 200 is actually also a great entertainer on the go. A fusion of special features makes the AXX 200 the ultimate combination of form, function and fun!

Project Your Voice

The Super Megaphone™ feature is unique to the AXX 200. It aggressively amplifies your voice, which enables you to be heard in an instant. The feature is easily turned on via the Megaphone switch on the rear of the AXX 200, and there’s even a convenient push-to-talk function.

Megaphone Switch

On Mode Push-to-talk Mode

SOUND BLASTERAXX AXX 200 USER EXPERIENCE GUIDE

The Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 is a full-fledged external Sound Blaster sound card. Users can experience the full extent of SBX Pro Studio effects when connected to the Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 with headphones.

Find out how to turn on and customize the features.

Go to page 20.

16

Morph Your Voice

CrystalVoice™ FX technology is a fun little feature that allows you to change your voice into different fantastical characters in real-time, whether you’re using the

Super Megaphone or even when you’re in a call. There are 8^ different preset VoiceFX profiles to choose from.

Here’s how you do it!

1

Switch on the Super Megaphone (see above).

2

Tap SBX to activate .

3

Select a preset effect.

Scroll up Scroll down

4

Speak into the rear microphones.

VoiceFX Presets:

•

Orc

•

Male to Female

•

Female to Male

•

Munchkin

ORC

•

Scrappy Kid

•

Unstable

•

Robot

•

Echo

^ Get more VoiceFX effects when you use Sound

Blaster Central or Sound BlasterAxx Control

Panel. Go to page 22.

SOUND BLASTERAXX AXX 200 USER EXPERIENCE GUIDE 17

EXPERIENCING THE AXX 200

Karaoke Anywhere

One of the ways you can fully utilize the Super Megaphone is to use it to sing out loud.

You can play your music through the AXX 200 and simply sing into the Megaphone to start your own karaoke jam anywhere. There are also a multitude of third party karaoke apps, such as the interactive RedKaraoke* mobile application, that you can use to unleash your inner diva!

*The RedKaraoke app is compatible with iPhone, iPad, Android smartphones,

Android tablets, Windows Phone and Windows 8. Visit www.redkaraoke.com for more information.

Grab Attention

Perhaps the most crazy feature of the AXX 200 is its insanely loud siren that can be triggered to attract attention where you are. The siren can be activated when in Super Megaphone mode.

Here’s how you do it!

1

Switch on the Super Megaphone.

2

Activate the siren.

Tap twice: Trigger continuous siren

Tap again: Deactivate siren

SOUND BLASTERAXX AXX 200 USER EXPERIENCE GUIDE 18

APPENDIX:

CONTROLLING ADVANCED FEATURES

SOUND BLASTER CENTRAL APP FOR SMART DEVICES

The AXX 200 comes with an amazing mobile application. Sound Blaster

Central supports both iOS and Android, giving you unprecedented audio controls and enhancements right in the palm of your hand!

Download Sound Blaster

Central from the Apple App

Store or Google Play Store.

Overview

1

Select or modify SBX audio settings

3

View the AXX 200’s battery level

5

Manage Bluetooth connections

7

Set alarms on your device,

AXX 200 or both

2

Select or modify CrystalVoice audio settings

4

Control the AXX 200 remotely from your device*

6

Modify Sound Blaster Central settings

8

Read more about your

Sound Blaster product

SOUND BLASTERAXX CONTROL PANEL FOR PC/MAC

The Sound BlasterAxx Control Panel software for PC/Mac gives you complete control of every playback and voice aspect of the AXX 200. Visit www.creative.com/support to download Sound BlasterAxx Control Panel.

Overview

1

SBX audio settings

• Shows the current audio profile loaded

• Select another profile or modify settings

2

CrystalVoice audio settings

• Shows the current voice profile

• Select another profile or modify settings

• Choose other VoiceFX effects

3

Speakers/Headphones settings

• Test speakers/headphones configuration

4

Mixer settings

• Adjust volume levels of playback or recording outputs and channels

5

Volume Level Control

• Adjust master volume

• Mute/unmute the speaker

6

AXX 200 battery level indicator

• Shows the AXX 200’s current battery level

7

Advanced settings

• Set Bluetooth auto connection

• Set default Siren behavior

*

When Super Megaphone is switched on, the use of this Remote Control feature is not supported.

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APPENDIX: CONTROLLING ADVANCED FEATURES

PRE-DEFINED AUDIO PROFILES

A. Music / Movies / Gaming

A selection of pre-configured SBX Pro Studio-enhanced audio profiles have been optimized for most of your playback needs.

Click the SBX Profile menu 1 to view and select an SBX Profile that matches your playback type.

Sound Blaster Central Sound BlasterAxx Control Panel

CUSTOMIzING PRE-DEFINED AUDIO PROFILES

TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS

A. Music / Movies / Gaming

In the SBX Profile screen, click the [Edit] button on the top right corner and modify the options as desired.

SBX Surround – Move the slider higher to “open” up a larger sound field and simulate a surround speaker setup.

A lower percentage gives a more “centered” audio. SBX Surround can be experienced when you plug in a pair of headphones into the AXX 200.

SBX Crystalizer – A higher percentage means a larger amount of audio details restored.

SBX Bass – Slide the slider to adjust the enhancement of bass sounds. More harmonic tones will be added the higher you go. You can also adjust the Crossover Frequency to set the transition of bass.

SBX Smart Volume – Activate Smart Volume to normalize volume levels (Normal), pump up the volume (Loud), or reduce loud burst of sounds for those late night sessions (Night). Move the slider to adjust the intensity accordingly.

SBX Dialog Plus – To hear dramatically clearer dialog, slide the slider higher for more voice enhancement.

B. Voice Communication

Three CrystalVoice profiles have been pre-set for different kinds of voice enhancements.

Click the Crystal Voice Profile menu 2 to view and select a profile below according to your type of communication.

Voice Call – for teleconferencing calls with multiple participants.

Maintains the loudness of your voice regardless of your proximity to the microphone.

Voice Focus – for clear one-to-one calls (e.g. VoIP applications, chatting or online gaming).

Focus on your voice and suppresses all outside noise.

VoiceFX – for morphing your voice instantaneously.

Select up to 17 effects to match your avatar.

SOUND BLASTERAXX AXX 200 USER EXPERIENCE GUIDE 22

You can also configure Equalizer settings of the active SBX Profile.

For Sound Blaster Central

In the SBX Profile screen, tap [Edit] and then swipe to the left to view Equalizer.

For Sound BlasterAxx Control Panel

In the SBX Profile screen, click [Edit] and then click [Equalizer].

SOUND BLASTERAXX AXX 200 USER EXPERIENCE GUIDE 23

APPENDIX: CONTROLLING ADVANCED FEATURES

CUSTOMIzING PRE-DEFINED AUDIO PROFILES

TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS

B. Voice Communication

In the CrystalVoice Profile screen, select a profile and click [Edit].

CrystalVoice FX – Select to choose up to 17 different VoiceFX effects.

CrystalVoice Smart Volume – Activate Smart Volume to ensure voice volume consistency, regardless of your distance from the microphones. Slide the slider to adjust the level of mic normalization.

CrystalVoice Noise Reduction – Select to reduce unwanted noise from your conversation.

CrystalVoice Acoustice Echo Cancellation – To remove echoes from conversations, enable Acoustic Echo Cancellation.

CrystalVoice Voice Focus – Enable Voice Focus to create an acoustic zone where your voice is picked up clearly while noise outside the zone is suppressed.

CONTROLLING AUDIO OUTPUTS AND CHANNELS

A Mixer is also available on the Sound Blaster Control Panel software.

It allows you to adjust the volume levels of individual outputs and channels (microphone, headphones, etc).

1. Simply click the Mixer tab on the menu and adjust the volumes using the sliders.

2. Click the gear icon next to the sliders to adjust the left or right balance.

• Tap the Noise Reduction or Voice Focus buttons on the top of your

AXX 200 during a call to experience clearer communication instantly!

• When using an iPhone 4S and above with AXX 200 for a call in a large space – for example an auditorium, we recommend bumping up the

Smart Volume setting to 70%

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APPENDIX: CONTROLLING ADVANCED FEATURES

SETTING ADVANCED FEATURES

Bluetooth Auto Connection

When the feature is enabled, the AXX 200 detects and reconnects to the previously paired Bluetooth device when it is turned on.

Setting the Siren to Default On/Off

When enabled, the Siren can easily be activated in Super Megaphone mode by tapping the Siren On/Off button.

To disable easy activation of the Siren, uncheck this checkbox.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS:

AN OPEN API PLATFORM FOR DEVELOPERS

With its built-in SB-Axx1 processor, the AXX 200 has brought advanced intelligence to the wireless speaker market. Beyond enhanced audio playback and recording, and the myriad of other features that the AXX 200 possesses, this intelligence wireless sound system is also fully programmable.

An exciting possibility moving forward is that the Sound Blaster Team will be releasing the AXX 200’s applicationprogramming interface (API) in the near future. This would enable tech-savvy users to design their own software applications that could potentially bring about new ways of utilizing the AXX 200’s powerful audio processing, playback and recording capabilities.

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®

Corporate Headquarters

Creative Technology Ltd, 31 International Business Park #03-01 Creative Resource Singapore 609921

Tel: +(65) 6895 4000 Fax: +(65) 6895 4999 Creative Website: www.creative.com

For more details on Sound Blaster products, visit www.soundblaster.com

© 2013 Creative Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. Creative, the Creative logo, Sound Blaster, Sound BlasterAxx, CrystalVoice, VoiceFX, SBX Pro Studio and Super Megaphone are trademarks or registered trademarks of Creative Technology Ltd in the United States and/or other countries. iPod, iPad and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android is a trademark of Google

Inc. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. The Bluetooth word mark and logo are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by

Creative Technology Ltd is under license. aptX is a trademark of CSR plc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are hereby recognized as such. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Actual product may differ slightly from images shown.