Creative Sound Blaster EVO User manual

User’s Guide
Model No.: GH0260

Congratulations! 1
Congratulations!
Thank you for choosing the Sound Blaster EVO USB entertainment headset. Connect it to your
computer and you are about to experience the legendary audio quality of Sound Blaster.
The EVOUSB enhances the quality of all your audio content, even from online streaming sources such
as YouTube. Its beamforming dual microphone array guarantees crystal clear communication in any
environment. Beyond that, it allows you to connect to your mobile devices and enjoy high quality audio
on the go!
Package Checklist
Your Sound Blaster EVO USB package comes with the following:
lThe Sound Blaster EVO USB
lMicroUSB-to-USB cable - Length: 1.8m (5.91ft)
l4-pole analog cable - Length: 1.2m (3.94ft)
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
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, click on the Resources icon at bottom of Sound Blaster EVO Control Panel 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
OR
2
1
3
4
5
1 - Adjustable Headband
2 - Volume Control
3 - Multifunction Button
(for calls and playback)
4 - 4-Pole Analog Jack
5 - MicroUSB Port

Overview 4
Flexible Connection Options
4-pole Analog Cable to your Smart Devices
USB Cable to your PC/Mac
Splitter Cable* to your Soundcard
* Cable not included

Using Your Sound Blaster EVO USB 5
Using Your Sound Blaster EVO USB
Set up your headset in three simple steps:
1. Connect your headset
2. Install the software
3. Use it
Step 1: Connect your headset
Connecting to a Computer (USBDigital Mode)
Connect your headset to a computer using the MicroUSB to USB cable. The LED will light up 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:
The Sound Blaster audio processing is only available when the headset is connected via
USBDigital Mode.
Set the default audio device (for Mac only)
1. Go to System Preferences and click Sound.
2. Select Sound Blaster EVO USB in both the Output and Input tabs.

Using Your Sound Blaster EVO USB 6
Connecting to a Mobile Device(4-Pole Analog Mode)
Enjoy the power of the Sound Blaster EVO USB entertainment headset on-the-go with portable smart
devices including iPhones, Android phones and tablets. Simply connect the headset using the 4-pole to
4-pole analog cable.
Note:
Only the microphone and the Multifunction button function in 4-Pole Analog Mode.
If both the analog cable and the USB cable are connected to the same device (such as on a
laptop), the USB cable connection is prioritized unless manually configured otherwise.

Using Your Sound Blaster EVO USB 7
Step 2 :Install 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.
Note:
Please ensure that your headset is plugged into your computer before downloading and installing
the software.
For Windows
1. Using a standard web browser, visit www.soundblaster.com/downloads/EVOUSB/
2. Locate the software package for the Windows operating system for your product.
3. Download this package into your local hard disk.
4. Locate and launch the software package.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
6. When prompted, restart your computer.
7. 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/downloads/EVOUSB/
2. Locate the software package for the Mac OS for your product.
3. Download this package into your local hard disk.
4. Double-click the downloaded file to uncompress it.
5. Double-click the uncompressed DMG file.
6. Double-click the Install icon and follow the subsequent on-screen instructions to complete the
installation.
7. Launch the application from the Applications > Creative >Sound Blaster EVO > Sound
Blaster EVO Control Panel.
For more details on the software and the various features it has to offer, please refer to Using the
Software.

Using Your Sound Blaster EVO USB 8
Step 3 : Use It
Wearing the Headset
Adjust the headband so that the headset rests lightly on your head. Do not tighten excessively.
Adjusting the Volume
In USBdigital mode, 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.

Using Your Sound Blaster EVO USB 9
Usage Scenarios
Playing Music or Movies
Connect your Sound Blaster EVO USB to your computer via USB to enjoy the legendary Sound Blaster
audio quality. Alternatively, you may now connect it to a portable entertainment device such as mobile
phones and tablets and enjoy clear audio quality on the go.
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. Adjusting Volume
Adjust the volume control to increase or decrease the music level.
Note: Not applicable in 4-Pole Analog Mode.

Using Your Sound Blaster EVO USB 10
Answering and Ending Calls
When the headset is connected to your computer or mobile device, it goes into standby mode and
waits for calls passively. After you have ended a call, the headset returns to standby mode or resumes
your music.
Answer
Decline
The dual mic technology will be automatically enabled. The Voice Focus feature is able to pick up your
voice clearly while the Noise Reduction effect eliminates unwanted background noise from both ends
of a call. You may choose to morph your voice with special effects with the Voice FX too!
1. Answer or End a Call
When there's an incoming call from your mobile device while you are listening to music, the music
fades out and the ringtone will gradually be heard.
Tap on the Multifunction button once to answer the call, and tap on the same button again to end it.
The music will resume after the call has ended.
If the headset is connected to a computer, click on the answer call button prompted on the computer
screen to enter voice communication.
2. Redial Last Number
Press the Multifunction button twice to redial the last called number.
Note: This feature may vary depending on your phone and is not available in USB Digital Mode.
3. Activate Voice Command
To activate voice command (e.g. Siri), press and hold the Multifunction button for 3 seconds to
initiate the function.
Note: This feature may vary depending on your phone and is not available in USB Digital Mode.

Using the Software 11
Using the Software
A specialized software for the Sound Blaster EVO USB 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:
lWindows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista
lMac OS X 10.5.8 or higher
To take full advantage of your headset, we recommend downloading and installing this software into
your computer. The following applications are included in the software bundle:
For Windows OS,
lSound Blaster EVO Control Panel
lCreative SoftwareAutoUpdate
lProduct Registration
lCreative System Information
lCreative ALchemy
lHost OpenAL
lCreative Driver
For Mac OS,
lSound Blaster EVO Control Panel
lProduct Registration
lCreative Uninstaller
lCreative Driver
Note:
Some applications are available only for certain operating systems. To learn more about each
application, please consult its respective Online Help.

Using the Software 12
Launch the Sound Blaster EVO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.

Using the Software 13
Using the Sound Blaster EVO Control Panel
The rest of this chapter explains how to use the Sound Blaster EVO Control Panel to view and adjust
the various features of your Sound Blaster EVO USB. 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 EVO Control Panel comes equipped with a set of pre-configured profiles to suit your
different needs including:
lMusic
lMovies
lGaming
To activate a profile,
1. Click the SBX Profile menu to view the SBXProfile screen.
2. Select your desired profile from the screen.
To modify and save changes to the active profile,
1. Click the Edit button to modify the profile you have selected.
2. Navigate through the various other menu options of the Sound Blaster EVO Control Panel and
modify the configurations as desired.

Using the Software 14
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.

Using the Software 15
Enhancing the Audio - SBX Pro Studio
To configure SBX Pro Studio, go to the SBXProfile screen, select a profile and click Edit to enter the
SBX Pro Studio screen. By default, the SBX effect is turned on. You may adjust the effects on this
screen.
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.
5. Click Save to save the adjusted settings or Reset to restore default settings.
SBX Pro Studio includes a number of enhancements for movies and gaming, elevating your movie and
gaming experience to the next level. These include:
lSBX 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.
lSBX 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.
lSBX Bass - fills in the missing low frequency tones and gives the extra impact for a better enter-
tainment 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.
lSBX Smart Volume - addresses the problem of abrupt volume level changes during playback
and between songs by continously measuring volume automatically, applying gain and atten-
uation intelligently to compensate for any changes.
lSBX 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 envi-
ronment.

Using the Software 16
Enhancing the Microphone - CrystalVoice™
To configure CrystalVoice settings, Click the CrystalVoice menu option on the left.
1. Select a recording device and adjust its microphone volume using the volume slider.
2. Click the checkbox next to one or more of the available enhancements to enable it.
3. Click Test and speak into your microphone to listen to your voice with the selected presets
applied. Readjust if necessary.
CrystalVoice enhancements helps you hear and be heard clearly by all participants of the conference,
doing away with noisy background distortions and unclear communication that disrupts your online
chatting and gaming experience. The various enhancements available include:
lCrystalVoice FX™ - enables the alteration of voice with a variety of effects which can be used
to enhance the tone of a voice, create interesting accents or even allow someone to sound like a
completely different person.
lCrystalVoice Noise Reduction - enables the speaker to be heard clearly over background
noise by constantly monitoring the environment and eliminating unwanted noise that interferes
with the conversation.
lCrystalVoice Focus - creates a zone and suppresses noise outside it to enable the speaker
within to be heard with amazing clarity. Multiple microphones are used to focus, enhance the
speaker’s voice, and eliminate sounds outside the zone.
Note:
The CrystalVoice Focus feature will be turned on automatically at all times.

Using the Software 17
Equalizer Settings
Equalizers allows you to filter various audio frequency, thus controlling the tone of your audio output.
TheSound Blaster EVO 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 configure Equalizer settings, go to the SBX Profile screen and select a profile. Click Edit and then
click Equalizer. To adjust and apply 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.
Note:
All default equalizer presets cannot be deleted.

Using the Software 18
Headphones Settings
The Sound Blaster EVO Control Panel enables you to enjoy stereo audio effects from your EVO USB.
Note:
Click Test to listen to audio with the selected configuration.

Using the Software 19
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, headphones, etc. Simply click the Mixer option on the
menu and adjust the volumes using the sliders.