Creative H7, Sound Blaster X User Manual

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of Sound BlasterX®H7 Tournament Edition! Featuring dual-mode
USB/analog functionality and large, responsive 50mm FullSpectrum drivers, the headset works with the
powerful and versatile BlasterX Acoustic Engine Pro to deliver customizable, best-in-class 7.1 surround
sound audio for absolute gaming immersion. Forged with a reinforced steel and aluminum architecture,
and a lightweight, ergonomically tested design, the Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition promises not
only comfort during long gaming sessions, but also the durability to withstand abuse. Step it up with the
Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition – gaming will never sound the same again.

Package Checklist

Your Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition package comes with the following:

l The Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition
l Micro USB-to-USB cable - Length: 1.5 m (4.9ft)
l 3.5 mm (1/8") 4-pole stereo cable - Length: 0.8 m (2.6 ft)
l Quick Start leaflet

Minimum System Requirements

For Windows®OS

l Intel

®

Core™2 Duo or AMD equivalent processor, 2.8 GHz or faster recommended

l Intel, AMD or 100% compatible motherboard
l Microsoft

®

Windows 10 32-bit or 64-bit,Windows 8.1 32-bit or 64-bit, Windows 8 32-bit or 64-bit,

Windows 7 32-bit or 64-bit, Windows Vista®32-bit or 64-bit (Service Pack 1 or higher)

l 1 GB RAM
l >600 MB of free hard disk space
l Available USB 2.0/3.0 port

For Mac®OS

l Mac OSX

®

10.8 or higher

l 1 GB RAM
l >600 MB of free hard disk space
l Available USB 2.0/3.0 port

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 register.creative.com.
Please note that your warranty rights are not dependent on registration.

More Help

For the latest news and products, please visit www.creative.com. The site also includes information on
making purchases, technical help and the latest software updates.

Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition – Introduction 2

About Your Hardware

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

2

1

CAUTION:

* Non-detachable. Do not pull.

1 Reinforced steel and aluminum architecture

2 50 mm FullSpectrum drivers

3 Detachable noise reduction microphone

4 Inline remote control

5 4-pole analog jack

6 Micro USB port

7 Multifunction button

l Press once to pause playback
l Press again to resume playback

OR

l Press once to answer an incoming call
l Press again to end a call

8 Volume control

9 Mic mute switch

Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition – About Your Hardware 3

Dual Sound Signature

In an unprecedented move, the Sound BlasterX H7 comes out of the box with 2 unique sound signatures
– perfect for gaming as well as for enjoying music and movies.

Analog Mode: Dynamic Sound Signature

Experience immersive gaming with dynamic sound in analog connection. Professionally-tuned to deliver
superior soundstage and imaging, enhancements are added across high, mid, and low frequencies
without overemphasizing any particular frequency domain to reproduce a solid natural sound with
enhanced clarity and precision.

USB Mode: X-Plus Signature

Designed for the discerning competitive gamer, the Sound BlasterX H7 comes with an enhanced
hardware-based X-Plus mode when connected via USB. It ramps up audio cues that matter most and
clamps down on other not-so-crucial sounds – delivering precision sound and accurate directional cues
for the added advantage in competitive games. Once the Sound BlasterX H7 is configured with your
desired X-Plus game profile, you can enjoy the same enhanced audio signature at any tournament
venue – no driver or application installation required. See Using the Creative Software Suite –

X-Plus Configurator

Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition – About Your Hardware 4

Using Your Sound BlasterX H7

Step 1: Wearing the Headset

Adjust the headband so that the headset rests lightly on your head. Do not tighten excessively.

Step 2: Adjusting the Volume

WARNING:

l Set the volume control at minimum level before connecting.
l Do not listen to audio at high volumes for prolonged periods of time to avoid

impairing your hearing.

The Volume Control on the inline remote control 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.

Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition – Using Your Sound BlasterX H7 5

Step 3: Connecting the headset

Connecting to a computer / PS4™ via USB

(a) Micro USB-to-USB cable

(b) Computer

(c) PS4

X-Plus Signature

Configure the X-Plus Signature of your Sound BlasterX H7 with your desired game audio profile to enjoy
the same enhanced audio signature anywhere – no driver or application installation required. See Using

the Creative Software Suite – X-Plus Configurator

BlasterX Acoustic Engine Pro

Enhance audio playback with BlasterX Acoustic Engine Pro enhancements such as 7.1 surround sound,
Scout Mode, immersion control, dynamic range restoration, low-frequency boost, dialog boost, and
automatic volume levelling. See Using the Creative Software Suite – BlasterX Acoustic Engine

Pro.

Note:

X-Plus Signature and BlasterX Acoustic Engine Pro settings cannot be used together at the same time.

If your computer is installed with both the X-Plus Configurator and BlasterX Acoustic Engine
Pro applications, your headset audio settings will switch according to the last application launched. A
balloon notification will pop up to indicate the current active mode.

Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition – Using Your Sound BlasterX H7 6

Connecting to a mobile device / Xbox®via analog cable

(a) 3.5 mm 4-pole analog cable

(b) Mobile device

(c) Xbox controller

Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition – Using Your Sound BlasterX H7 7

Playing audio

Connect your Sound BlasterX H7 to your computer via USB to enjoy the ultimate gaming audio
experience with BlasterX Acoustic Engine Pro.

You can also connect it directly to a PS4 via USB for high resolution audio playback.

Alternatively, you may also connect via the analog cable to portable gaming devices to enjoy powerful
gaming audio on the go.

Multifunction button

l Press once to pause playback
l Press again to resume playback

Answering calls

Mobile communication

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.

Multifunction button

l Press once to answer an incoming call
l Press again to end a call

The music will resume after the call has ended.

Desktop communication

Use the Sound BlasterX H7 to enjoy outstanding acoustic performance in popular VoIP applications like
Ventrilo®and TeamSpeak®. Hear and be heard clearly by teammates during multiplayer games to get
the tactical edge.

You may choose to morph your voice with special effects with the Voice FX too! See Having Fun with
Voice FX.

When there's an incoming call, click on the answer call button prompted on the computer screen to
enter voice communication.

Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition – Using Your Sound BlasterX H7 8

Installing and Uninstalling Software

(ForWindows Only)

To take full advantage of your Sound BlasterX H7 audio device, you need to install device drivers and
applications. At times, you may also need to uninstall some or all of the device drivers and applications
to correct problems, change configurations, or upgrade outdated drivers or applications.

Installing Drivers and Applications

Ensure that your audio device is connected before proceeding. For instructions on
connecting your audio device, consult your Quick Start leaflet.

After you have connected your audio device, turn on your computer. Windows automatically detects
your audio device and searches for device drivers.

1. Using a standard web browser, visit www.creative.com/support/BlasterXH7TE.

2. Locate Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition and the software package(s) for your Windows
operating system.

3. Download the package(s) into your local hard disk.

4. Locate and launch the software package(s).

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

6. When prompted, restart your computer.

Note:

Depending on your operating system, model and software version, the user interface or color theme
may differ.

Uninstalling Drivers and Applications

In the event that an uninstallation is required (such as for upgrades), please follow the following
procedure.

Before you begin, close all running audio applications. Applications that are still running
during uninstallation will not be removed.

1. From the Control Panel, click Uninstall a program.

2. Select Sound BlasterX H7.

3. Click the Uninstall button or option.
If the User Account Control dialog box appears, click the Continue button.

4. Click the Yes button.

5. When prompted, restart your computer.

Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition – Installing and Uninstalling Software 9

Using the Creative Software Suite

A software suite for the Sound BlasterX H7 is developed to provide additional enhancements to the
audio and voice inputs and outputs of the product.

Applications

For Windows

l BlasterX Acoustic Engine Pro
l X-Plus Configurator
l Creative ALchemy
l Host OpenAL + EAX 5 HD
l Creative Online Registration
l Creative System Information

Bonus Pack Software (for Windows only)

Various other bonus Creative applications are also compatible for your audio device.

Visit www.creative.com/support/BlasterXH7TE and navigate to the relevant product page to view and
download these applications:

l Creative WaveStudio
l Creative Smart Recorder

Automatic Software Update

Locating, downloading and installing updates for your Creative product is now simpler and faster with
the in-app Automatic Software Update system.

1. Connect your product to your computer.

2. Launch the BlasterX Acoustic Engine Pro application.

3.

Click to go to the settings menu, and then select Software Update.

4. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Note:

An Internet connection is necessary. Ensure that your system is connected to the Internet before you
perform the check for software updates.

Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition – Using the Creative Software Suite 10

BlasterX Acoustic Engine Pro

Configuring Your Software Settings

Click each feature to access its settings page. More information on each feature can be found in their
respective sections in this manual.

Note:

X-Plus Signature settings will be disabled when BlasterX Acoustic Engine Pro is launched. To use X­Plus Signature, launch the X-Plus Configurator application.

Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition – Using the Creative Software Suite 11

Profile

Preset Audio Profiles

Select from 6 preset profiles to enhance essential audio details in your game, movie or music.

l Adventure and Action enhances clarity of audio details for a cinematic experience and a gaming

edge, allowing you to hear your enemies to evade capture or set-up an ambush.

l Driving Simulation magnifies details such as tire noises as the car races along — enabling you to

hear subtle differences and cues you in on how your car is behaving on the road while racing.

l First Person Shooter increases spatial reality and perception with virtual surround for enhanced

situational awareness — important in close-quarter firefights.

l Movies adds more immersion and depth to make movies come alive while boosting the clarity of

voices in movies for clearer dialog over explosive sounds.

l Music restores the dynamic range that is lost in compressed music files and adds warmth for long

hours of music listening without fatigue.

l Real Time Strategy boosts audio clarity of elements that are key in allowing gamers to pickup

points while reducing distractions — letting you stay focused when pitched against time.

Editing Profile

1.

Go to the , and/or tab to adjust the audio
enhancement levels.

2.

Return to the tab, and then click to save your settings as a new audio
profile. The newly saved profile should appear in the Audio Profiles section.

Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition – Using the Creative Software Suite 12