User’s Guide Model No.
Getting Started Thank you for choosing Creative Sound BlasterAxx SBX 8, the next generation Sound Blaster® that incorporates the powerful SB-Axx1 sound and voice processor. It is equipped with speaker and microphone functions for both listening and conferencing capabilities. The SBX 8 (SB1380) model design provides portability and low power consumption without compromising your audio pleasure. The Sound BlasterAxx SBX 8 comprises both right and left drivers within a single tower structure.
More Help For the latest news and products for the Sound Blaster, please visit www.soundblaster.com. The site also includes information on making purchases, technical help and the latest software updates. Using Creative Software AutoUpdate Locating, downloading and installing updates for your Creative products is now simpler and faster with the web-based Creative Software AutoUpdate system.
Understanding the Sound BlasterAxx SBX 8 The SBX 8 is equipped with a variety of input and output jacks to enable connection to various devices. A touchscreen interface located at the top of the product gives you basic control over the various functions. This chapter looks at these features in detail. Connectivity - Input/Output Jacks 1 2 3 Jack Description 1 Headphone Connects to stereo headphones with a 3.50mm (1/8-inch) plug.
TouchScreen Controls 1 5 2 4 3 Toggle/Slider Description 1 Master Volume 7 segment slider indicates the speaker volume. Slide upwards to increase the volume or slide downwards to decrease the volume. The master volume slider also acts as an indication of power. SBX 8 is on if the master volume slider is lighted and off otherwise. The product is automatically powered on when connected to the computer via USB. 2 SBX Toggles Sound BlasterAxx Pro Studio audio enhancements ON/OFF.
Using Your Sound BlasterAxx SBX 8 Whether you wish to listen to your favorite tracks from MP3 players, experience realistic audio while playing games on your PC and game consoles or receive clear voice and audio outputs during video/audio conferencing without the hassle of an additional microphone or headset, your SBX 8 is the ideal solution.
Connecting the SBX 8 for Audio & Gaming Entertainment The SBX 8 is equipped with a MicroUSB jack and a AUX IN jack for connection to a wide array of devices. This section illustrates the various connections. PC / Mac USB MP3 Players and Other Portable Entertainment Devices You can connect your SBX 8 to portable entertainment devices such as MP3 players via the Aux / Mic In jack.
Connecting the SBX 8 for Video/Audio Conferencing or Karaoke Video / Audio conferencing via the various messaging applications available in the market is made simpler with the SBX 8's built-in high quality microphone. Equipped with configurable CrystalVoice technology, the SBX 8, coupled with its microphone, delivers crystal clear voice and audio reception during conferencing. The product is also equipped with a "What You Hear" feature, allowing you to turn your computer into a Karaoke station.
Connecting Headphones / Headsets Headphones and headsets can be connected to the product via the Headphone and MIC IN jack. Please note that the speaker will be automatically muted when a headphone / headset is connected.
Using the Software A specialized software for the SBX 8 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 Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista l Mac To take full advantage of your SBX 8, we recommend downloading and installing this software into your computer. Notes: Some applications are available only for certain operating systems.
6. Launch the application by clicking Start > Programs or All Programs > Sound BlasterAxx > Sound BlasterAxx 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. The menu column on the left of the interface allows you to navigate to the configuration interface for each of these enhancements.
Installation and Uninstallation - Mac For Mac OS, the following applications are included in the software bundle: l Sound BlasterAxx Control Panel l Product Registration l Creative Uninstaller Installing Notes: Please ensure that your product is connected to the computer running the installation. 1. Using your web browser, visit www.creative.com/support and locate the software package for the Mac OS. 2. Download this package into your local hard disk. 3.
Using the Sound BlasterAxx Control Panel The rest of this chapter explains how to use the Sound BlasterAxx Control Panel to view and adjust the various features of your SBX 8 product. The examples and screenshots below uses Windows as an example. The UI for other operating systems may differ slightly. Managing Your Profiles The Sound BlasterAxx Control Panel comes equipped with a set of pre-configured profiles to suit your different needs including gaming, movies/videos, music etc.
Adjusting Speaker Volume Via Software A master volume slider is available at the bottom left corner of the interface. Drag the slider to adjust the master volume. You can also mute/unmute the speaker by clicking the speaker icon to the left of the slider. Mixer Settings A mixer is also available via the software, allowing you to adjust the volume levels of individual outputs and channels including the microphone and speaker.
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 "Speaker Settings > SBX Pro Studio" menu option on the left. Follow the steps below to toggle on SBX Pro Studio and adjust the level of enhancements. 1. Click the power button to toggle ON SBX Pro Studio. 2. Select the type(s) of enhancements to apply and drag the sliders to adjust the level for each enhancement. 3.
Enhancing the Microphone - CrystalVoice The SBX 8 is equipped with a built-in high quality microphone, allowing you to easily carry out video/audio conferencing using popular VoIP applications such as Ventrilo® etc. CrystalVoice enhancements help to further this experience by enhancing the clarity of such communications. To configure CrystalVoice settings, Click the "Microphone Settings > CrystalVoice" menu option on the left. 1. Click the power button to turn on CrystalVoice. 2.
Viewing Speakers/Headphones Settings Each SBX 8 is equipped with a headphone jack, allowing you to connect your favorite headphones to the product for audio output. Connecting a headphone to the product automatically mutes the speaker. From the software, you can check whether audio is played via speaker or headphone. 1. View the current settings for the speaker/headphone. 2. Click [Test] to hear a sample audio clip played back based on the settings.
Understanding Other Advanced Features The software also provides other advanced features including: l Equalizer Settings l Importing / Exporting Device Settings Equalizer Settings Equalizers allows you to filter various audio frequency, thus controlling the tone of your audio output. The Sound BlasterAxx Audio 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.
Importing / Exporting Device Settings Select "Advanced Features" from the menu. Here you can save your current SBX Pro Studio settings to the SBX 8 or import a set of settings previously saved. Using this feature, you can easily set up and use the same SBX Pro Studio audio enhancements on any device connected to your product. 1.
General Specifications Capacitive Touchscreen User Interface l Master Volume: 7 segment slider with LED dimmer l Speaker Mute: Touch button with LED dimmer l Mic Mute: Touch button with LED dimmer l SBX Master On/Off: Touch button with LED dimmer l Noise Reduction: Touch button with LED dimmer Inputs l USB 2.0 l One 3.50 mm (1/8-inch) stereo jack for Aux In or Microphone In l Built-in microphone Outputs l Amplified speaker l One 3.
Troubleshooting and Support This chapter provides solutions to issues that may be encountered during the installation or usage of your product. 1. The Sound BlasterAxx SBX 8 does not power on The product is designed to be powered on by connecting to a PC/laptop via USB or through a physical power socket using its USB power adapter*. If you are connected via USB, please ensure that the connected computer has recognized your product correctly.
5. Unable to hear instant playback from microphone input The SBX 8 is equipped with "What Your Hear" and "Wave/Aux/Mic Mix" features that allows you to record whatever you say into your microphone and hear it played back instantly. To ensure that the this feature works however, first ensure that the correct microphone input is unmuted by following the steps below. 1. Launch the Sound BlasterAxx Control Panel and select "Mixer". 2. Check to ensure that your microphone is not muted.
Regulatory Information The following sections contains notices for various countries. Caution: This product is intended for use with FCC/CE certified computer equipment. Please check the equipment operating/installation manual and/or with the equipment manufacturer to verify/confirm if your equipment is suitable prior to the installation or use of the product.
California Proposition 65 Statement Warning: Handling this product may expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. EXPLANATORY NOTE: California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Proposition 65) requires special product labeling for products containing certain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Notice for Canada This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. CANADIAN CLASS B STATEMENT: This digital device does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the interference-causing equipment standard entitled "Digital Apparatus," ICES-003 of the Department of Communications.
European Compliance This product conforms to the following: RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. EMC Directive 2004/108/EC. Mains operated products for the European market comply with Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC and Commission Regulation(s) Implementing Directive 2009/125/EC. Communication / RF wireless products for the European market comply with R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC.
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 informaiton, read the warranty available with your product. l Do not dismantle or attempt to repair your product. Refer all servicing to authorized repair agents.
License and Copyright Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Creative Technology Ltd. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the written permission of Creative Technology Ltd. Copyright © 2012 Creative Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.