Introduction
252W total power output, true 5.1 channel playback, tri-amplified, Super X-Fi UltraDSP chip with Scout Mode & SXFI BATTLE Mode, Dolby Audio decoder and many more… Work on all platforms, PC, TV and gaming consoles like PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and S, and Nintendo Switch. All thanks to multiple inputs like HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical-in AUX-in and Bluetooth 5.0. Don’t forget the lovely and attractive RGB lighting effects too. Yes, enjoy all these wonderful features on this multi-channel gaming soundbar – Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2. Can it slice everything along the way? Let’s find out…
Special Thanks
This review is possible thanks to below companies. Be sure to check them out…
- Creative for this Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2 Tri-amplified Multi-channel Gaming Soundbar with Super X-Fi Technology
Package Content
Sound Blaster Katana V2 comes in a big package. Well-protected as usual. Both soundbar and subwoofer are in the same box. Creative included a lot of stuff for you and me. There are several leaflets and quick start guide. Be sure to go through them.
Followed by power adapter with 72W power output. Worldwide support and 3 power cables. UK, US and EU plug. So nice for Creative to include them all.
For connections, there are optical cable and USB-C to USB-A cable. The common AUX cable is not included. And you should not use it if possible.
Wall mount brackets and 4 screws for you to install Katana V2 against the wall.
Finally, the very useful remote control. As you can see, it is loaded with a lot of buttons.
Build Quality & Design
Outstanding build quality is what you can expect from Katana V2. Stylish and elegant in design. Let’s have a look at the soundbar first. It has metal speaker grill and brushed top cover. The bottom and back are sturdy plastic. Having 66W output power (RMS). 13W from 2 x 3/4″ tweeters and 20W from 2 x 2.5″ mid-range drivers.
A long RGB lighting bar can be found at the bottom. Up to 16.8 million colours support. Followed by 2 anti-skid pads at both left and right.
Have a closer look at the up firing 2.5″ mid-range driver (the round one). The 3/4″ tweeter is covered by the speaker grill in the front.
6 control buttons, headphone jack, dual built-in beamforming microphones and large reflective display with white LCD are located in the middle of the soundbar.
HDMI ARC, SXFI out, USB-C port, AUX-in, optical-in, subwoofer output and DC input can be found at the back. Middle of the soundbar as well.
This is the tall subwoofer. Rock solid build quality. It is loaded with very sturdy MDF wood as housing. Comes with 6.5″ speaker driver with fabric cover on the right. The reflex port is located at the front bottom part. It has 60W output power (RMS).
4 anti-skid pads at the bottom. And a thick cable to connect to the soundbar.
Software
You can use Katana V2 directly without any software. However, you are not getting the best out of it then. Therefore, Creative App and SXFI App are here for you and me. Available on Mac, Windows, App Store and Google Play.
In short, Creative App gives you the ability to customize button controls, make EQ adjustments, and access Sound Blaster technologies to enhance your audio. And SXFI App to create your Super X‑Fi profile and enjoy the Super X‑Fi Headphone Holography experience personalized to your ears. A lot of RGB lighting effects can be set as well.
Creative includes a lot of tweaks that let you enhance the Katana V2 sound output. Be sure to take your time to configure them to get the best combination for you. Yes, enjoy 24 bit, 96000 Hz audio quality. And up to 5.1 surround sound output. Find the best settings for you and store them into programmable C1 to C6 for fastest access. Each custom button for each game or each scenario…
Performance Result
All-in-one audio entertainment system to rule them all. Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2 comes with all the connectivity options that you will ever need. Thanks to digital connections like HDMI (ARC), optical and USB-C, everything is processed by the soundbar directly. Yes, you get the cleanest audio quality through digital. Most of the TV, game consoles and TV Box support them nowadays. So do use it. No worry if don’t have it, Bluetooth and AUX connections are always there for you. As you can see, the built-in LCD display is very useful and clear. But its reflective might be annoying to some. Don’t forget the dual built-in beamforming microphones that working great for meetings and Google classes.
Excellent Bluetooth range! It is able to get connected up to 8m+ with obstacles like wall. As for response, it is excellent with virtually no lag between video and audio. Playing games and watching movie on smartphone / tablet are great. Yes, you can’t miss the lovely and attractive RGB lighting effects. Bright and colourful! And a lot of effects can set. The same applies to brightness, animation speed and direction. Music reactive is supported. The RGB light will light up based on the music rhythm/beats. That’s great!
126W (RMS) total power output is more than enough to blast in a large living room. Yes, enjoy much louder and powerful sound when compared to TV built-in speakers. The very first thing that you will notice – deep and bumping bass from the subwoofer. TV’ ones can’t produce those. Rest assured that it will bring a lot of excitement to all your games, TV drama and movies. Yes, enjoy action movies like never before. By the way, be sure to keep the volume down during the night. Else your neighbour will knock at your door…
All of these are possible thanks to Creative’s game-changing tri-amplified design whereby the amplifiers are controlled by their proprietary multicore DSP to drive each of the mid-range drivers, tweeters and subwoofer driver individually. Enjoy strong and impactful sound reproduction at every frequency.
Sound Quality
As for sound signature, it is flexible. You can change Katana V2 into flat, balanced, V-shape or U-shape sound signature. Any sound signature that you want. All thanks to the built-in equalizer. The are several presets for you and me. Or adjust each of the values in the programmable equalizer to match the taste that you want. Then store them. Yes, up to 6 fast access shortcuts at the remote control.
Of course, there are more goodies for you and me. Super X-Fi, Acoustic Engine, CrystalVoice, Scout Mode and Dolby Audio further improve the user experience. Yes, enjoy SXFI BATTLE Mode and Scout Mode through your favourite headphones. They help to improve your gaming skill. For example, Scout Mode has the ability to pinpoint the sounds right in your ears. This gaming soundbar does not limit to games only. It has other audio enhancement through Acoustic Engine and CrystalVoice. Enjoy 5.1 virtual surround in both games and movies. Dolby Audio is supported for ultimate cinematic experience. Experience all the movie and Netflix TV drama like never before.
In short, Katana V2 produces accurate and clean hi-res audio. With the flexible sound signature, it can output whatever kind of sound you prefer. Enjoy clear and crisp highs. Natural and warm vocal for both males and females. Super low, deep and powerful bass thanks to dedicated subwoofer volume adjustment. Again, be sure to fine-tune everything to suit your taste. Enjoy unlimited possibilities and enjoyments with Sound Blaster Katana V2.
Advantages
- 252W total power output with powerful deep bass
- Accurate & clean hi-res audio
- 5.1 Dolby Audio surround support
- Tweak, enhanced sound with Creative App
- Bluetooth, analogue, optical & UBS-C support
- Outstanding build quality with minimalistic design
- Lovely & attractive LED lights
- Super X-Fi Headphone Holography
Limitations
- The reflective LCD display might be annoying to some
Conclusion
One gaming soundbar to rule them all! Perfect for living room and desktop PC. Excellent hi-res sound with powerful deep bass. Comes with lovely RGB lights too. Interested? Head to Creative Website for more information. Get yours there too.
