Creative SXFI AIR Review
Creative SXFI AIR
Publisher: Creative Labs
Developer: Creative Labs
Genre:
PEGI: E
Comments:
A few weeks ago, we took a look at the Creative SXFI AIR and what made it stand out against other headsets. What we found out was that the Holographic Audio technology utilized by the headset is intended to provide an outstandingly realistic audio experience that aims to fool the user into believing the audio they are hearing is natural and genuine. While hearing the phrase ‘holographic audio’ for the first time might conjure images of Star Trek-ian technology, Holographic Audio, when broken down to its simplest form, is the next level of directional and distance-accurate surround sound. Well, now we have fully tested this headset and are ready to break down our review!
Believe it or not, the Creative SXFI AIR lives up to its hype. After all of the buzz around this headset, I was braced to be disappointed. However, the SXFI AIR actually simulates a virtual room that can be customized by the user, which allows sound to be heard in its most naturally replicated form. The quality and effectiveness of this technology absolutely blew me away.
As expected, there was a real adjustment period when I first donned the SXFI AIR. Creative estimates that it takes the brain roughly 30 minutes to adjust to this new way of hearing audio, and that roughly held true for me.
While using this headset, replaying all of my favourite games felt like a brand new experience. The authentic feeling of surround sound bolstered any game’s audio to a previously unknown level. I cannot stress enough how amazing this headset is for gaming – and I can’t wait to try it with VR!
This realism can be used to revolutionize all of your other audio experiences as well: listening to music, watching movies and even take a phone call while hearing the person on the other end as if they were standing directly beside you!
The construction of the headset is also quite impressive. I tested the black version which has a nice matte finish. It is not a flashy headset, but rather has a classy and refined look. The earcups are a comfortable and breathable cloth that feel great on the ears and prevent any sweat build up. The headband expands quite large and should fit most heads, the slide rails even come with a numbering system so you can easily make sure both sides are even.
The earcup is designed to allow finger gestures to change tracks, increase and decrease volume, etc. This feature works great most of the time, however sometimes my gestures were not understood properly by the headset. When this feature does work, which is the vast majority of the time, it is a wonderful feature to have. It feels like Creative was really trying to push the envelope with headset technology with the Creative SXFI AIR, and boy did they nail it.
The battery life is approx. 10 hours, which is on the high end of standard for headsets. While I didn’t find myself ever needing to charge it during the day, I always made sure to plug it in overnight (a habit I have from my experience with other headsets anyway).
We’ve talked about the sound software and holographic audio technology, but the speakers themselves should not be overlooked, either. Sound is delivered by powerful 50mm Neodymium drivers which, when combined with the aforementioned software, offer a seriously impressive audio experience.
The Creative SXFI AIR even allows customization based on ear and face structure, both of which have a significant impact on how our brains receive and interpret audio cues. This customization is done through the SXFI App (available on Google Play and the App Store), using an advanced Ear & Head-Mapping process.
While this can be a slightly tedious process, if the reviews are anything to go by, your investment will be well-rewarded with a natural audio experience like you’ve never experienced before.
The Creative SXFI AIR comes loaded with full Bluetooth functionality, a USB option for PC, a NanoBoom mic, 50mm Neodymium drivers and an SD slot, allowing you to carry your favourite music with you wherever you go – no additional device required! In addition, these headphones are compatible with iPhones, Android, Windows, Mac, PS4 and Nintendo Switch!
Learn more about the Creative SXFI AIR headphones today at: https://us.creative.com/p/super-x-fi/creative-sxfi-air