Creative Sound Blaster EVO ZxR User manual

Congratulations! 1
Congratulations!
Thank you for choosing the Sound Blaster EVO ZxR entertainment headset.
The EVO ZxR is a headset with advanced audio processing on the go! With the built-in SB-Axx1 chip,
the EVO ZxR meets the needs of today’s mobile consumers by enhancing compressed audio from
online sources.
It’s wireless too; NFC makes pairing your smart device with the EVO ZxR via Bluetooth amazingly
easy. Beyond that, the beam-forming dual microphone array guarantees crystal clear communication
in any environment.
The EVO ZxR also comes with ANC or Active Noise Cancellation, which is really helpful on an airplane
for cancelling out the rumble of the engines, so you can listen to your music or watch a movie and still
get a great audio experience. The TalkThrough feature on the other hand allows you to have a
conversation without taking off your headset.
Package Checklist
Your Sound Blaster EVO ZxR package comes with the following:
lThe Sound Blaster EVO ZxR
lMicroUSB-to-USB cable - Length: 1.8m (5.91ft)
l4-pole analog cable - Length: 1.2m (3.94ft)
lCable length: 1.2m (3.94ft) plus splitter adapter 0.6m (1.97ft)
lUSB power adapter and plugs
lAirplane adapter
lTravel carry case
lQuick Start leaflet
Minimum System Requirements
lIntel Core™2 Duo processor 2.2 GHz, AMD Athlon 64x2 Dual Core or equivalent processor
lMicrosoft® Windows® 8 64-bit or 32-bit, Windows 7 64-bit or 32-bit, Windows Vista 64-bit or
32-bit; Macintosh OS X 10.5.8 and above
l1GB RAM
lPowered USB 2.0/3.0 port
For Sound Blaster Central,
liOS version 5.0 and above
lAndroid version 2.2 and above
Note:
Due to programming changes, the recommended system requirements for the software and
applications may change over time.

Congratulations! 2
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.
Alternatively, install the Sound Blaster Central mobile app. Explore the Resources page to find out
more about Sound Blaster and your product.
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.
When you connect to Creative Software AutoUpdate via the Internet, the website will analyze your
computer system to determine your operating system, language and which Creative products are
connected to your system.
When this analysis is completed, you will then be given a list of only the most relevant software
updates for your connected products. The files can then be retrieved and installed.
To learn more about the Creative Software AutoUpdate, please visit www.soundblaster.com/support.
Notes:
First-time users of Creative Software AutoUpdate may be prompted to authorize the download
of a browser component required for system analysis. Check to ensure that this content is
signed by Creative Labs, Inc., then click the Yes button.
Please ensure that all your Creative products are connected and installed on the same computer
running Creative Software AutoUpdate.

Overview 3
Overview
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1 - Volume Control
2 - Next Track / Forward Button
3 - Previous Track / Rewind Button
4 - Active Noise Cancellation Button
5 - TalkThrough Button
6 - Multifunction Button / NFCZone
7 - Power &SBX Button*
8 - 4-pole Analog Jack
9 - MicroUSB Port
* Press and hold: Turns on/off the headset.
When playing music/movies: Activates/deactivates SBX Pro Studio
When making calls: Activates/deactivates CrystalVoice™ inNoiseReduction.

Overview 4
Flexible Connection Options
Connect to your Smart Devices via Bluetooth
4-pole Analog Cable to your Smart Devices
USBCable to your PC/Mac
Splitter Cable to your Soundcard
Airplane Adapter to an In-flight Entertainment System

Using Your Sound Blaster EVO ZxR 5
Using Your Sound Blaster EVO ZxR
Set up your headset in four simple steps:
1. Charge your headset
2. Install the mobile app / software
3. Pair the headset with your NFC / Bluetooth devices OR
4. Connect the headset via USB cable / analog cable
Step 1 :Charge your headset
You are recommended to charge your headset for 8 hours before it is used for the first time. Connect
your headset to your computer using the MicroUSB-to-USB cable, or connect it to a power supply via
an adapter. The LEDflashes or lights up in red when charging.
Connecting to a Computer
OR

Using Your Sound Blaster EVO ZxR 6
Connecting to a Power Supply
Note:
Charging time: up to 5 hours
Installation and Removal of Power Adapter with Interchangeable Plugs
(A) Twist it clockwise gently until it locks firmly in place.
(B) Twist counterclockwise to unlock and remove the plug head.

Using Your Sound Blaster EVO ZxR 7
Using Your Headset While Charging
During subsequent charges, you can use your headset while it charges. The LED will flash or light up in
red while charging and return to its last status when fully charged.
You can also check the status of the battery via the battery indicator at the top right corner of the
Sound Blaster EVO Control Panel. Please refer to Using the Software for details on this software.
Note:
The low battery tone will start beeping to inform users of its status approximately 15 minutes
before the headset is completely powered off.

Using Your Sound Blaster EVO ZxR 8
Step 2 :Install the mobile app / software
Sound Blaster Central mobile app
Sound Blaster EVO ZxR comes with an amazing app, Sound Blaster Central, that supports both iOS and
Android OS, so you can customize your audio – you now have total control right from the palm of your
hand. Download Sound Blaster Central from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Using Your Sound Blaster EVO ZxR 9
Sound Blaster EVOControl Panel
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 or Mac. We recommend
that you download and install this software to make full use of all the features that your headset is
equipped with.
Note:
Please ensure that your headset is turned on and plugged into your computer before
downloading and installing the software.
For Windows
1. Using a standard web browser, visit www.soundblaster.com/QSL/EVOZxR/ 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 EVO > Sound Blaster EVO Control Panel.
For Mac
1. Using your web browser, visit www.soundblaster.com/QSL/EVOZxR/ 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 EVO Control Panel from the Applications > Creative >Sound
Blaster EVO folder.
For more details on the software and the various features it has to offer, refer to Using the
Software.

Using Your Sound Blaster EVO ZxR 10
Step 3: Pair the headset with your NFC / Bluetooth devices
NFCPairing
Bring your NFC-enabled device close (20 mm) to the NFCzone / Multifunction button. The LED will
light in blue for 3 seconds and a 3-note tone will be heard to indicate successful pairing. Play music
from your device and experience superb audio realism and stunning 3D surround effects with the
Sound Blaster Central.
If you wish to unpair the devices, simply tap your NFC device on the headset again.
NFC
Note:
The headset is ready to use when the device displays "SB EVO ZxR is connected" .

Using Your Sound Blaster EVO ZxR 11
Manual Pairing
Step i: Activate pairing mode on the headset
Turn on your headset. If the headset has not been paired with any devices previously, it will go into
Bluetooth discoverable mode. Otherwise, it will be automatically paired to previously paired devices.
The Bluetooth discoverable mode is only available for 60 seconds after the headset is turned on. To
activate Bluetooth again, press the Multifunction button for 5 seconds. The LED will begin to flash
slowly in blue for 60 seconds while waiting to be connected.
Step ii: Activate pairing mode on your device
Activate Bluetooth on your smart device. From the list of discovered Bluetooth devices, select
"SB EVO ZxR".
Devices
SB EVO Wireless
SB EVO Zx
SB EVO ZxR
Devices
SB EVO Wireless
SB EVO Zx
SB EVO ZxR

Using Your Sound Blaster EVO ZxR 12
Note:
Bluetooth pairing between these devices may vary depending upon the model type. Consult your
device’s manual on how to pair.
Step iii:Pairing success
When the headset and the Bluetooth device are paired, the LED will light in blue for 3 seconds and a
3-note tone will be heard to indicate successful pairing before returning to its default / last status.
Pairing Multiple Devices
The EVO ZxR is able to pair up to two smart devices at the same time! To have the second device
paired, repeat steps i to iii on Manual Pairing.
In the event a user wishes to pair the headset with a third smart device, one of the two devices that
are currently paired with the headset has to be unpaired.
Note:
Only one of the devices is able to play music at one time.
When there's an incoming call, the call takes precedence over audio playback – music fades out
and the ringtone will be heard.

Using Your Sound Blaster EVO ZxR 13
Step 4 : Connect the headset via USB cable / analog cable
A. Connecting via USB Cable (Digital Mode)
(i) Connecting to a computer
Connect your headset to a computer using the MicroUSB-to-USB cable. The LED will light in red once
the headset is properly connected. Experience the power of Sound Blaster with all your games and
calls, on your PC and Mac.
Note:
Profile setting adjustments via Sound Blaster EVO Control Panel is only available in USBDigital
Mode. Refer to Using the Software for more information.
Set the default audio device (Mac OS ONLY)
1. Go to System Preferences and click Sound.
2. Select Sound Blaster EVO ZxR in both the Output and Input tabs.

Using Your Sound Blaster EVO ZxR 14
B. Connecting via 4-Pole Analog Cable (Analog Mode)
When connected via analog cable, turn on your headset to activate the buttons and enjoy advanced
audio processing.
(i) Connecting to a Computer
To connect your headset to a sound card on your computer, simply connect it via the 4-pole analog
cable using a splitter cable.
(ii) Connecting to a Mobile Device
If your headset runs out of power, simply connect it to a mobile device via the 4-pole analog cable.
Enjoy the power of the Sound Blaster EVO ZxR entertainment headset on-the-go with portable smart
devices including iPhones, Android phones and tablets.

Using Your Sound Blaster EVO ZxR 15
(iii) Connecting to an In-flight Entertainment System
Now you can enjoy the power of the Sound Blaster EVO ZxR headset even with an airplane's in-flight
entertainment system. Simply connect your headset using the 4-pole analog cable to an in-flight
entertainment system via the airplane adapter.
Note on Analog Mode
When an analog cable is connected, the Bluetooth wireless connection will be disabled. To enjoy
wireless audio again, unplug the analog cable and then turn off and on again the headset to enable
Bluetooth connection.

Using Your Sound Blaster EVO ZxR 16
Use It
Turn On the Headset
Press the Power &SBXbutton on the headset for 2 seconds to turn it on. Similarly, when it's turned
on, press the Power &SBXbutton for 2 seconds again if you wish to turn it off.
If your headset is paired successfully with a Bluetooth-enabled device previously, it will automatically
search for the device when it's turned on. This gives you the convenience and freedom to move around
a distance of 33 feet (10 meters) away from your Bluetooth device. The LED will flash slowly in blue
while waiting to be connected.
You need to manually pair the headset such as when you use a new Bluetooth device or in the event of
a connection error, refer to Manual Pairing for instructions.
Note:
If no pairing is done within 60 seconds, Bluetooth pairing mode will be deactivated.
The headset will automatically be powered off to conserve battery power if it has no activity for
15 minutes.

Using Your Sound Blaster EVO ZxR 17
Turn On/Off SBXEffect
The green LEDbeside the SBXbutton lights up when the SBX Effect is activated. Simply press the
SBXbutton lightly during music playback or calls to activate different SBX features.
When you are playing music, press the SBXbutton to turn on SBX. To select your desired SBXProfile,
e.g. Music, launch the Sound Blaster EVOControl Panel. Refer to Using the Software.
When you are in a call, press the SBXbutton to activate CrystalVoice™ inNoiseReduction.
CrystalVoice™ inNoiseReduction eliminates the other party's unwanted background noise so you can
hear them clearly.
To deactivate the SBX effect, simply press the SBXbutton again.
Note:
The SBX Effect during music playback will be temporarily deactivated when you answer a call.
Wearing the Headset
Adjust the headband so that the headset rests lightly on your head. Do not tighten excessively.

Using Your Sound Blaster EVO ZxR 18
Adjusting the Volume
The Volume Control 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 built-in 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.
Reset Headset to Factory Default Settings
Turn on your headset. Press and hold the Multifunction button followed by Power &SBX button for
1 second to reset Bluetooth pairings, SBX Pro Studio, CrystalVoice and volume level to their initial
settings. A 3-note tone will be heard to indicate that the Bluetooth connections are all reset. The
headset then returns to power on mode and ready for new Bluetooth pairings.

Using Your Sound Blaster EVO ZxR 19
Usage Scenarios
Playing Music or Movies
Connect your Sound Blaster EVO ZxR wirelessly to portable entertainment devices such as mobile
phones and tablets to enjoy Sound Blaster audio on the go! Alternatively, you may also connect it to
your computer via USB to enjoy the legendary Sound Blaster audio quality.
The SBX Dialog Plus feature brings out the dialog in movies for maximum clarity, while the SBX Bass
fills extends the low frequency tones and gives the extra impact for a dramatically improved sound
experience. The SBX Surround enhances your movie or music playback by producing virtual speakers
around, above and below you, creating an immersive audio experience.
1. Play or Pause Music
Tap on the Multifunction button once to play music and again to pause it. Similarly, tap on the same
button to resume.
2. Fast Forward* or Next Track
Press on the Next Track / Forward button once to skip a track. Continue pressing the button to skip
a few tracks forward.
Press and hold the Next Track / Forward button to fast forward a track.
3. Rewind* or Previous Track
Press on the Previous Track / Rewind button once to go to the previous track. Continue pressing
the button to skip a few tracks backwards.
Press and hold the Previous Track / Rewind button to rewind a track.
4. Adjusting Volume
When listening to music, you may adjust the volume control to increase or decrease the music level.
* The behavior of the Fast Forward and Rewind buttons depend on the media player
application used.