Creative BLASTERAXX AXX 200 User manual

Getting Started
Thank you for choosing Creative Sound BlasterAxx, 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 AXX 200 (SB1530) model
design provides portability and low power consumption without compromising your audio pleasure.
The AXX 200 comprises both right and left drivers within a single tower structure. This system is
equipped with the following features:
lPortable form makes it ideal for travel, outdoor and automobile usages
lHigh quality audio
lSeamless support for various operating systems including Windows®8, Windows 7, Windows
Vista®, Windows XP, Mac®, Android and iOS
lSpecialized software for different speaker enhancements and configurations
lSBX Pro Studio audio enhancements
lBuilt-in stereo microphones with CrystalVoice technology
lBuilt-in Bluetooth®Transceiver
lNear field communication (NFC)
lBuilt-in rechargeable battery
lAudio playback and voice recording functions
lSuper Megaphone™ with VoiceFX and siren
lUSBport for charging mobile devices
Package Checklist
Your Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 package comes with the following components
lThe Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 tower
l1.0m Micro-USB cable
l5V 2.1A USB Power Adapter with interchangeable plugs
lTravel carry case
System Requirements
lIntel Core™2 Duo processor 2.2 GHz, AMD Athlon 64x2 Dual Core or equivalent processor
lPowered USB 2.0 port
lMicrosoft®Windows 8 64-bit, Windows 8 32-bit, OR
Microsoft Windows 7 64-bit, Windows 7 32-bit, OR
Microsoft Windows Vista 64-bit, Windows Vista 32-bit, OR
Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 and above, OR
Macintosh OSX 10.5.8 and above
lFor Sound Blaster Central,
- iOS version 5.0 and above,
- Android version 2.2 and above
Getting Started 1

Registering Your Product
Registering your product ensures you receive the most appropriate service and product support
available. You can register your product during installation or at www.creative.com/register. Please
note that your warranty rights are not dependent on registration.
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.
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.
Note:
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.
Getting Started 2

Product Overview
The AXX 200 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 Sound BlasterAxx gives you basic control over
the system's functions. This chapter looks at these features in detail.
The Sound BlasterAxx Tower
Indicator Description
1Bluetooth
Indicator
The blue LEDindicates that the Sound BlasterAxx is
connected with a Bluetooth / NFC enabled device.
2 Power / Battery
Indicator
The three white LEDs at the bottom shows the power
status (ON or OFF) of the Sound BlasterAxx and its
battery level.
Note: In Standby mode, only the middle LEDlights up.
Product Overview 3

TouchScreenControls
Button / Slider Description
1 Voice Focus Toggles the Voice Focus functionON/OFF.
Voice Focus is ONwhen the LED is lighted and
dimmedotherwise.
2 Noise Reduction Toggles the Noise Reduction function ON/OFF.
Noise Reduction is ON when the LED is lighted and
dimmed otherwise.
3 Master Volume 8 segment slider indicates the speaker volume.
Slide upwards to increase the volume or slide
downwards to decrease the volume.
4 SBX Toggles SBX Pro Studio audio enhancements ON/OFF.
The SBX Pro Studio is ON when the LED is lighted and
dimmedotherwise.
5 Speaker Mute Indicates whether the speaker is muted.
A red LED indicates mute while a white LED indicates
otherwise.
6 Microphone Mute Indicates whether the internal microphone array is
muted.
A red LED indicates mute while a white LED indicates
otherwise.
7 Call Button Toggles the Call function ON/OFF.
Call is ON when the LEDis lighted and
dimmedotherwise. Press to pick up call or to activate
voice command.
Note: When the device is connected via Bluetooth,
LEDblinks when phone is ringing.
Product Overview 4

Audio Playback / Voice Recording
Button /
Switch
Description
1 Power /
Bluetooth
Button
When the AXX 200 is turned OFF, press the Power button
once to power it ON;
When the AXX 200 is turned ON,
lPress the button once to enter Standby mode.
In Standby, the AXX200 will shut down automatically
if there is no activity within 1 hour.
lPress again to wake from Standby.
lPress and hold the button for 2 seconds to enter
Bluetooth pairing mode.
lPress and hold the button for 5 seconds to power it
off.
lPress and hold the button for 8 seconds for hardware
reset.
2 Play / Pause
Button
Press to play / pause a track.
Note: You can pause and resume a song from the point
that it was previously stopped by pressing this button
before ejecting the microSD card or shutting down the
device.
3 Previous Track
/ Previous
Folder Button
During audio playback,
lPress once to go to the previous track;
lPress and hold to go to the previous folder.
When playback is stopped, you may press the button once
to go to the previous folder.
Product Overview 5

Button /
Switch
Description
4 Next Track /
Next Folder
Button
During audio playback,
lPress once to go to the next track;
lPress and hold to go to the next folder.
When playback is stopped, you may press the button once
to go to the next folder.
5 Voice Recording
Button
Press to start / stop voice recording.
Note:The Mic Mute button pulses during recording.
6 Voice Playback
Button
Press to start / stop voice playback.
Note:The Mic Mute button blinks rapidly during playback.
7 Microphone
Mute / Unmute
Switch
Slide to mute or unmute internal microphone array.
8 Shuffle /
Repeat All
Switch
Slide to select random play mode or repeat all tracks.
9 Super
Megaphone
Switch
lSlide left to activate the Super Megaphone.
lSlide right and hold to briefly amplify your voice. Once
released, the switch will slide back to the middle and
the Super Megaphone is deactivated.
lAfter using, slide back to the middle to deactivate the
Super Megaphone.
Note: The Super Megaphone allows you to change
and morph your voice into different characters by
adjusting the VoiceFX configuration settings. For more
information, refer to Super Megaphone with
VoiceFX and Siren.
Product Overview 6

Connectivity - Input / Output Jacks
Slot / Jack Description
1 MicroSDSlot Supports microSDcard up to 32GB. You are able to save
recorded voice files and playback audio files from the
microSD card.
2 USB Port For charging external device, e.g. phone, MP3 player, etc.
3 Headphone Connects to stereo headphones with a 3.50mm (1/8-
inch) plug.
4 Aux / Mic In Connects to line-level sources (such as MP3 players) or
microphones with a 3.50mm (1/8-inch) plug. You can
manually switch between AUX and MICinputs via the
Control Panel >Sound interface.
5 Micro-USB Connects to USB ports of PC / laptop for audio output via a
Micro-USB connector. Alternatively, you may connect it to
the power socket via the USB Power Adapter.
Product Overview 7

Setting Up Your Sound BlasterAxx
The AXX 200 is a refined portable Sound BlasterAxx with built-in rechargeable battery, audio playback,
Bluetooth connectivity and NFC feature. Simply operate it in standalone mode, powered by the built-in
battery. Alternatively, you can either connect the AXX 200 to a computer via the USB, or connect it to
the power supply.
Standalone Mode (Battery Powered)
The Sound BlasterAxx is now portable with its built-in battery. The rechargeable battery has a life span
of up to 15 hours of continuous audio playback. Actual battery life will vary with use, settings and
environmental conditions.
You are recommended to charge your AXX 200 for at least 8 hours before its first use. For more
information, refer to Charging the Sound BlasterAxx.
Note:
The AXX 200 will go into Standby mode if there is no activity within 10 minutes and will automatically
power off it is not in use for 1 hour.
Setting Up Your Sound BlasterAxx 8

Charging the Sound BlasterAxx
Connect your AXX200 to a power supply via an adapter or the Docking Base (available separately), or
to your computer by using the MicroUSB-to-USB cable.
Charge your Sound BlasterAxx for approximately 6 hours. It is recommended that you charge it for at
least 8 hours before it is used for the first time.
Note:
lLithium-ion battery life may suffer when it is constantly fully depleted or overexerted
at low voltage. It is a good practice to keep the battery well charged.
lFor optimal charging, it is recommended to keep the volume low while the AXX 200 is
being charged, or when charging an external device (e.g. phone, MP3 player, etc.).
lWhen turned on, some external devices require a higher charging rate than battery
banks can typically provide. For the quickest charging time, turn off your external
device before charging it.
lWhen the battery is low while playing at loud volumes, the amplifier will intelligently
and automatically adjust the volume to a lower and appropriate level so as to extend
the battery life.
Charging via the Docking Base
Note:
The AXX 200 Docking Base is available separately.
Setting Up Your Sound BlasterAxx 9

Connecting to a Power Supply
Connecting to a Computer
Setting Up Your Sound BlasterAxx 10

Connecting to the Sound BlasterAxx
The AXX 200 is equipped with a microSDslot, a Micro-USB jack, an Aux In jack, and a build-in Bluetooth
transceiver for connection to a wide array of devices. It can either be connected to your Bluetooth
enabled devices, powered by its built-in battery, or by connecting to a computer or to a wall socket
using a USB Power Adapter. This section illustrates the connection.
PC / Mac
Setting the Sound BlasterAxx as the default audio device:
For Windows,
i. Go to Control Panel and click Sound.
ii. Click the Playback tab, select Sound Blaster AXX 200, then click the Set Default button.
iii. Click the Recording tab, select Sound Blaster AXX 200, then click the Set Default button.
For Mac,
i. Go to System Preferences and click Sound.
ii. Click the Output tab, then select Sound Blaster AXX 200.
iii. Click the Input tab, then select Sound Blaster AXX 200.
Connecting to the Sound BlasterAxx 11

MP3 Players / CD Players and Other Portable Entertainment Devices
Connecting to the Sound BlasterAxx 12

Bluetooth-Enabled Devices
To enjoy your favorite music from your Bluetooth devices, simply follow these steps to connect them.
Action LEDStatus Status
Press the Power /
Bluetooth button once to
turn on the AXX 200.
AXX 200 top panel and
battery indicator are lit.
AXX 200 is powered ON.
Press and hold Power /
Bluetooth button for 2 sec-
onds.
AXX 200 Bluetooth LED
blinks rapidly.
Pairing mode. Ready to be
paired with new device.
Turn ON the Bluetooth fea-
ture on your device. Search
and select "SB AXX 200". If
password is required, enter
0000 and connect to it.
AXX 200 Bluetooth LED lit. Ready to stream music.
The Sound BlasterAxx supports dual connections, which means you can connect it to two Bluetooth
devices at the same time. If you wish to connect it with a third device, you should disconnect the
existing two devices first before connecting it to the other device.
If no device is paired within 1 minute, it will exit from pairing mode.
Connecting to the Sound BlasterAxx 13

NFC-Enabled Devices
You may now pair your NFC-enabled devices with the AXX 200 with a single tap using the NFC
technology. Simply follow these steps to connect them.
Action LEDStatus Status
Press the Power /
Bluetooth button once to
turn on the AXX 200.
AXX 200 top panel and
battery indicator are lit.
AXX 200 is powered ON.
Turn ON the NFC feature on
your device. And touch your
device on the NFC logo on
AXX 200.
If prompted "Are you sure
you want to pair the Blue-
tooth device?", tap "Yes".
AXX 200 Bluetooth LED lit. Device paired automatically.
Ready to stream and play
music.
Note:
Be sure that your phone is NFC-enabled and find out where the NFC sensor is located on your phone. For
more information, refer to the User Guide of your phone.
Here are some examples of different mobile phones and their NFC detection areas.
Samsung GalaxyS4 Sony Xperia Z Nokia Lumia 1020 HTCOne
Connecting to the Sound BlasterAxx 14

Aim the phone's sensor at the NFClogo on the AXX 200 before tapping the devices.
To disconnect, tap your device with the AXX 200 again.
Connecting to the Sound BlasterAxx 15

Advanced Teleconferencing Capabilities
Video / Audio conferencing via the various instant messaging applications available in the market is
made simpler with the AXX 200's built-in stereo microphones. With its powerful pickup and recording
capabilities that are boosted further by the SB-Axx1 processor, the AXX 200 is the perfect personal
wireless mobile teleconferencing system.
Setting up the Sound BlasterAxx for teleconferencing
To use your Sound BlasterAxx for teleconferencing, simply follow these steps:
1. Connect your AXX 200 to a computer installed with instant messaging tools. Or you may pair it with
your mobile device via Bluetooth. Refer to Connecting to the Sound BlasterAxx.
2. Activate your voice conversation and enjoy the flexibility and freedom to move around a room
during the call, knowing you will be heard clearly!
3. You may also record your voice conversation using software. Refer to Setting up Sound
BlasterAxx for audio recording via software.
Ensure Super Megaphone is switched off when taking a call.
1. When your phone is paired to the AXX 200, you can choose to answer your calls via the AXX 200 by
tapping the Call button.
2. If the speakerphone function on the AXX 200 is not functioning properly, the Super Megaphone
feature may be switched on – please switch it off.
3. Always ensure the Super Megaphone is switched off when not in use.
CrystalVoice technology for enhanced calls
Includes a suite of smart voice enhancing features that are not even found in high-end teleconferencing
systems, the AXX 200 reduces background noise and echoes, focuses on your voice even as you move
around a room, and much more.
lCrystalVoice Acoustic Echo Cancellation - Eliminates echoes and enables the speaker to listen
to the other parties clearly.
lCrystalVoice Noise Reduction - Reduces unwanted background noise from both ends of a call so
you will be heard clearly.
Advanced Teleconferencing Capabilities 16

lCrystalVoice Smart Volume - Automatically adjusts the loudness of a voice to maintain a
consistent volume level.
lCrystalVoice Focus - Creates a specific space where audio is picked up by the microphones so the
listener hears only the conversation and no external parties.
lCrystalVoice FX - Enables alteration of voice with a variety of effects, to enable you to sound like
a completely different person.
To find out more about CrystalVoice technology, refer to Using the Software.
Advanced Teleconferencing Capabilities 17

MP3/WMAPlayer, Voice Recording and Karaoke
The built-in battery, microSD slot, audio playback (supports MP3, WMA or WAV files) and voice
recording features on the AXX 200 offer a highly portable audio / music player with great audio quality
to travelers.
Audio playback from the microSD card
Here's how to play back music from your microSD card using the built-in MP3/WMAPlayer.
1. Insert a microSD card into the microSDslot.
The microSD slot supports up to 32GB microSD or microSDHC card, containing WMA, WAV or MP3
files. AAC files are not supported by the built-in player. However, you can stream playback of AAC
files from your smart device via Bluetooth.
2. Press the Play/Pause button to start or stop playing the audio file.
Note: Ensure that there is no external audio device connected to the Aux In jack.
3. To skip tracks, press the Next Track or Previous Track button once during playback.
Note: Ensure that the AXX 200 is in Repeat All mode. In Shuffle mode, files will be
played in random order.
4. To skip folders, press and hold the Next Track or Previous Track button during playback.
OR Press the Next Track or Previous Track button once when playback is stopped.
5. To pause and resume a song from the point that it was previously stopped, press the Play/Pause
button before ejecting the microSD card or shutting down the device.
MP3/WMAPlayer, Voice Recording and Karaoke 18

Organizing audio files on microSD card using a computer
(for Windows OS)
The MP3/WMA Player plays files according to the order in which they were being copied. In order for you
to retain the order of the audio files that are being transferred from your computer to your microSD
card, we recommend that you follow these steps below.
1. Organize the audio files alphabetically in a folder in the order that you would like them to appear on
the microSD card. Close the folder.
2. Reopen the folder and click on an empty space in the window to ensure that no file is being selected.
3. Press Ctrl + A to select all the files in that folder.
4. Copy them (Ctrl + C) and paste them (Ctrl + V) to your microSD card.
This ensures your files are copied to the microSD card in your desired order.
Note:
After opening the folder in step 2, we recommend that you do not click on any file. This is because the
Windows operating system will reproduce the files in the destination folder beginning with the file
that you have first clicked, which may lead to confusion. Drag and drop file / folder has similar
complications.
The file transfer behavior on other operating systems or media players may differ. To ensure your
files are played back in a particular sequence, transfer the files one by one in the desired order.
MP3/WMAPlayer, Voice Recording and Karaoke 19