Sound Blaster Katana V2 Soundbar Review - Better in EVERY Way
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- čas přidán 11. 07. 2024
- The original Sound BlasterX Katana was hands-down the best soundbar I reviewed and I've been using it for the last 5 years straight. But now Creative has released the Sound Blaster Katana V2 and its better in every single way! In this Katana V2 review let's talk about price, availability, sound quality and all the new features!
Buy the Katana V2 from Creative:
bit.ly/KATANAV2
Buy the ORIGINAL Katana from Creative:
bit.ly/SBKATANA
Check out the DeepCool AK620 -
bit.ly/DCAK620
Buy items in this video from Amazon at the links below:
Sound BlasterX Katana - geni.us/SBKATANAOG
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - The Best Sound Bar
1:32 - Katana V2 Price & Design
2:40 - Build Quality & LCD Screen
3:42 - The Headphone DAC is AMAZING
4:10 - Connectors vs Original Katana
5:35 - Wireless Connectivity & RGB
6:27 - The Creative App
7:42 - Yeah, it has a Microphone
9:08 - Remote Control
9:33 - SOUND TESTING!
11:27 - Sound Blaster Katana V2 is IMPRESSIVE
GET MERCH ►hwcstore.com
SUBSCRIBE ►bit.ly/SubHWC
Review unit provided free of charge by Creative. This video is sponsored by DeepCool. As per Hardware Canucks guidelines, no review direction was received from manufacturer. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Gear list (Available on Amazon):
Main Camera (Dmitry) - geni.us/SONYA7III
Main Lens (Dmitry) - geni.us/Tamron2875
Main Camera (Eber) - geni.us/CanonEOS-R
Main Lens (Eber) - geni.us/dLL
Main 2nd Lens (Eber) - geni.us/Canon24-70MKII
Main Camera Mic (D & E) - geni.us/RODEMIC
Cheap 4K Camera (Panasonic G7) - geni.us/24nm
Awesome Slider - geni.us/1Hwt
Our Shotgun Mic - geni.us/Sennheiser-MKE600
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#soundblasterkatanav2 #katanav2 #bestsoundbar - Věda a technologie
Super cool to see this update! I finally bought the V1 with my full setup upgrade last December and have been loving it ever since. It's SO LOUD!
Got the V1 to for over 5 years!
I still love it!
Absolutely love the original soundbar, bought after Eber's recommendation, rather than replace or upgrade we'd happily get a second. Flawlessly practical and high quality unit 👍
I know you upgraded, so do you feel it's worth +$100 over the original one?
@Lana Did he love the original and bought the v2 after Ebers reco, or did they buy v1 after their reco?
@@JD-USA bro said he'd rather get a second v1
I remember you recommended this to me. Def gonna pick this one up! Thanks Eber
Aww yeah. We'll be looking forward to your review on it!
AWWWW YEAHHGGGGG😂😫😫
Do you like it? I find it sound like shit. It's just a cheap soundbar with some RGB and lower noise floor.
I can only give the highest praise for the Katana v1. I've owned mine for 3 years now and still going strong.
I had my first for about 2-3 years and then it just died on me. I have since bought a new one and still enjoy it for now
Does Katana V1 remember vol level and input mode after power off and on?
@@asim360xvolume yes. I only use USB input so I can't confirm that one
How would you say the soundbar is for using movies?
Wired or wireless subwoofer for this creative katana?
I owned the Sound BlasterX Katana for several years and it served me very well all those years. When the V2 came out, I immediately sprang and got it. To my own ears, its a HUGE step up in terms of audio quality from the V2 to the first version. The first version is really great, but the V2 is really just that much better. The one small feature as you pointed out in the video that I really liked about the V2 is that they have an audio jack in the front. Previously, it was a huge pain to flip the soundbar over to plug my earphones into the speakers when I was using it at night. Now, its just so convenient to plug it from the front in the V2. The sound quality of the V2 is also really amazing. When listening to songs or watching movies, everything is so much more pronounced. The bass and treble tones are more articulate and it is truly a more immersive experience. Another very cool improvement I noticed was during gaming with earphones. The spatial sound on this thing in gaming mode is phenomenal. Its almost wall-hacking at some point. To be able to hear your enemies from a distance and to know spatially which direction they are at was really cool. This is a phenomenal soundbar and it was worth every dollar I spent on it.
Is the Headphone jack on the front single pole only or does it work dipole (Mic and Headphone)?
@@bengrogan9710 It works for both single pole and dipole.
@@jeromelim3341 SOLD!
I bought the Katana V1 because of your review (and others) and I 100% satisfied with the purchase. It's a beast! I'm not going to upgrade to the V2 having the V1 already. It's good enough for now. If you don't have one yet, I can totally recommend getting the V2.
Same
Great Video as always guys, well edited and super easy to follow. I will be in the market for a Mini Sound Bar within the next year. Thanks again!!
I've been looking for a soundbar or speaker setup for my PC, but this seals the deal. Definitely getting this one. Has everything I'm looking for and if the sound quality really is that good it's definitely worth the money
I picked up the first Katana through your channel and it's been more than acceptable sound system. I did have one issue with it and that's the rear input jacks for your headset. I found them awkward to access when you wanted to connect your headset to them. In order to do that you had to pick the unit up try to figure out which port to plug them into and then replace the unit back in it's original position. I always thought that it needed the port in the front. Now it has that along with some other improvements. This may be my early Christmas present to myself.
I really appreciate the easy way your have of talking in your reviews. Unlike some other reviewers who speak so fast and go through their review at such a high speed that you can't understand what they are saying or trying to show in their review. Thank you! Now all I need to find is a decent review on Creative Dacs!
Audio is my actual favorite thing. I'm Glad this channel review this product. I think this is the first time they do like this
Well this quickly changed my decision on the razer leviathan. Great review. 🤙🏼
I got both Leviathan and Katana V2. Tbh, Leviathan isn't that far behind. It's good especially now the price is much lower. The V2 comes with more bell and whistles
Leviathan Is so old, I wish razer would update it
@@KH-fv3vqleviathan is a boomy soundbar with a garbage sound quality
Great video! Your videography is so good as well! You can definitely see the time and quality spent on this video. Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing!
I got the original based on Eber's recommendation in his video and now months later, I still can't get used to the realism of the sound it puts out. Sometimes I turn to look around while watching a movie cos I thought I heard something off to the side, and I don't realise it's from the soundbar until I pause the movie......lol.
I still remember back in 2018 when i accompanied my friend to a computer shop. I have amaze with this tiny soundbar and i got one after that. Till now i never regret with the quality of SOUND BLASTER X KATANA.
Still love my OG Katana! Best PC speakers I've used. The one thing I wish it had is that front facing headphone jack. I'm always plugging in my headphones to the bar, and it's a PITA to plug it in every time.
Get a jack extender
@@sveinunghamre324 The problem with that is that when something is plugged into the output, the speaker will automatically switch the output to that connection instead of the USB connection, so in other words, I lose any audio output via USB.
@@YataLocK Ah, makes sense. If you can't change that feature the extender is no point.
Creative continue to be the ultimate underdog in audio. Love their products.
SXFI is a GameChanger...
I sincerely hope that Creative can step up their game to the point that they can go head to head against B&O, SVS and Klipsch in audio finesse. They've always been strong in PC audio game as that's their home turf.
@@panzerfan Agreed
I have always been a huge fan of their products.
How's the 7.1 to 5.1 change like?
I remember the review on this channel and I have it till this day, and now I’m getting the new one!
Sold a lot of these whilst working in retail. Imo best PC speakers you can get right along with Edifier. I'll still keep my KEF's on my desk tho but you cannot go wrong with the katana!
Can you tell me which Edifier speaker you're referring to?
@@gaborfeher3325 agreed
@@gaborfeher3325 most of them are good depending on your budget. I personally have the S3000Pro with are true hifi worthy speakers with a ton of power. But I like almost all of them, be sure to dial back the treble a touch though. What is your budget?
@@junioralvarado629 I've replied!
@@techtt6213 The one I looked at was the R1280T stereo monitor (goes for about 100-110 EUR here), or maybe the DB version for the extra connectivity. This is not my budget limit though, I'll gladly spend more if it's a good value proposition, I'd probably draw the line at around the 300 EUR mark, though prices in my country are all over the place. I don't need a ton of power, since I'd only use the speakers with my PC, but I am a stickler for build matching, so I want white speakers specifically.
Still rocking my old Logitech Z-680 5.1 system, It still has the potential to crack windows and sounds good for nearly 20 years old. Hoping Logitech someday makes a replacement for the old Z series 5.1 systems.
Been rocking mine since like 2004 lol, only thing I don't like about it is the outdated control module. But sounds awesome.
Mines actually the z5300, it's old af.
Still have my z5500 Logitech that I bought from Dell on a Black Friday special sometime around 2005 for 199$. Been through 3 moves dropped kicked kids etc lol. Still works as it did new. Nothing is made like this anymore.
@@FordRanger96 absolutely there is nothing like the old Logitech speaker systems made anymore.
Awesome I'm thinking of upgrading to this bad boy down the road. :)
Thanks for the amazing review now I know what the microphones adj. Presets are. (I'ma leave it @ stock). It Blows my mind the audio quality on it so happy with it.
Wasnt expecting this comaparison but i love it .
I'm gonna get it. I love Creative products. I just wish they received more media coverage.
I run a cheapie soundbar no name from our version of Walmart. I love the clean look and so flexible with BT and digital input. This may have to be on my upgrade list after my monitor 😎
*crawls out from under rock* I didn't know PC soundbars were a thing! Well done, informative overview. Thank you!
I just got mine and its awesome. Thanks!
Ordered mine yesterday. Was on the brink or ordering a V1 when I noticed Google suggesting 'Katana V2' while searching. This review and others made it clear that V2 is the way to go, even though I could get the V1 for 229 compared to 330 for the V2.
i got the original katana for pc and tv and i am very happy , theres just nothing better , well now its is the v2
I actually bought the version 1 at the beginning of the summer based on your review and others. I do love version 1 but wish I had waited for this one.
Good review!
I bought the first one based on your video! Now I have to buy this one! Gosh darn it~!
Great vid. I have been searching for a streamlined speaker system for my wife's gaming system (yeah my wife is a gamer as well,,,WIN) and this looks perfect. Thanks so much.
Been rocking v1 on your recommendation years ago :o
Welp, guess I’m upgrading. I actually got a 48in CX that I use as my main monitor for my PC, PS5 and Switch. My biggest issue was that I couldn’t use the Katana for all 3 due to no HDMI ARC. This solves that issue along with the benefit of even better sound. Can’t wait.
Why not got an actual TV soundbar, and just use your old Katana for your PC? Take note of Black Friday deals. I always notice decent TV soundbars on sale.
Because then I would have two sound bars on my desk lol. I only want one sound bar for my PC, PS5 and Switch. I considered getting something like the Sonos Beam but I like the size and aesthetic (RGB!) of the Katana. But I’ll definitely keep a look out on sales. Thanks.
@@madness1931 I use my switch with the katana x, same time i use my pc via usb. Get the Bluetooth adapter for it and you can pair the docking station with! I also have my 3.5mm headphones plugged into the back of the katana top!
Why not get the Sonos Beam gen 2. You get 5.1 surround + atmos
@@excaliburprime1801 is it better then v2 katana?
I own the first gen Katana since early 2019, it works to perfection until today. I have throw everything at it and it really handles it like a champ!
Very well put together review. I'm building out a new rig currently and thinking about replacing my 20 year old Bostons, lol. I can't find a v2 yet...
Hi. Your videos are concise , stylish and on point!
May I ask? Where did you get the stand / riser your Katana is on? Thank you!
Congratulations on the review! I loved it!
Whether or not I am about to buy the SXFI CARRIER. Could you do a review on it? I have read amazing things about her. It seems that it may turn out to be one of the best soundbars today and the one that best virtualizes the DOLBY ATMOS!
I can only hope to meet a special someone that will talk about me like you talked about this sound bar. BTW for the past week or so I have been thinking about upgrade to a new sound bar.
Great vid... tho, which would you lean towards. This or the SB Carrier soundbar? Performance wise mainly.
I always enjoy HC videos, but I've been wondering, if you guys could possibly add some text on the videos showing CDN pricing while mentioning the US prices for the products you review?
As a fellow Canuck, it would surely be appreciated.
Pretty pointless in this case considering the V2 isn't even on the Canadian store yet.
I've been using the Razer Leviathan for years now, but boy that Katana V2 makes me drool
Great Video, brother!
Nice review! at 2.22 what is the shelf you have it on top of? I think'll be needing one of those too!
Thanks Ibra
Can I use the new Katana V2 software for the first Katana?
I'm using the Sound BlasterX Katana for my Setup and man it's Awesome
Very nice review! I have one question, is the soundbar stand you have custom or did you bought it (at 2:27) I have been looking for something like that.
Looking for a similar one too!
Still using the Katana original. Just found about about the V2, randomly and here I am.
i have the original katana sound bar, love it. i will upgrade it to v2 after this one breaks tho.
i've been using the katana for few years now, never had a problem.
well good luck with that i own the first one since launch and its still rocking hard . i dont think it will break anytime soon XD
Hey! Loved the video. I just ordered this soundbar and am looking for a “riser” solution to bring it up just a bit… over my monitor stands legs. What riser is that that you are using at around the 30 and 40 second mark in the video and later? Thanks!
Yessir loved the old katana.. definitely getting v2 after i sale my studio monitors
In addition, an ending segment to compare against the main competitors in the price segment of the katana v2 would be greatly appreciated
I have the katana x and like mentioned by others, the headphone jack in the back is a pita. Plus with working from home and webex/skype/teams/zoom meetings becoming more and more prevalent, the included mic will be handy. Wish it sounded a bit better, but should work in a pinch for meetings I don't want to, or can't just call in to. So I think I'll be upgrading to the v2 when available and finding another use for my x.
Hi Eber, love the review. Quick question, will the SXFI usb out work with non creative 2.4 ghz wireless headset adapters? For example the steel series arctis 7s
My budget did not allowe me to get a Katana so went with a Stage V2 instead and Im very happy with it :D
Hey guys, love ur reviews. Can you review audioengine a2+ wireless..thanks
Nice review!! Does the original katana comes with the same software as well?
I'm starting to wish for more desk space. My current speakers already take up a lot of it. I have always been very happy with Creative. I've just never had speakers from them.
Would you recommend /advise to get this sound bar for a front room TV over a normal regular soundbar you could get for TV?
Does this mean I can get rid of my Denon 7.1 surround sound down in my shop? Great video and information Ebert. Thanks for the info.
Nice work bro..just wait release in my country.. 1 question what is better optical vc hdmi arc? I use my oled TV for console gaming
Been using it for weeks. Overall it's great with powerful subwoofer and other bell and whistles. One thing I don't like is when connected to PC, the volume increment is too steep. The volume increment from 2 to 4 for example, is too much it gets so loud. Also, as usual, audio latency over Bluetooth is hit or miss. I connected Samsung Note 20 Ultra and ROG Phone 5 to Katana V2 over Bluetooth and audio latency was very bad, like approximately 300ms. But when I used my old Samsung Note 3, audio latency was not as bad as the Note 20 Ultra and ROG 5.
Thank you for the video. I just have my question left without any explanation. You mentioned the unit has a decent dac (amplifier) for the audio jack out (normally for a headphone use) but you just never gave a comparison vision to this feature like, if you have a pro dac already, does it hold up with this or let's say if you want to compare it with a creative sound blaster G6?
He already compared it to Apogee duet and prefer this one it seems. rewatch from 3:45.
Hey great video! I'm looking to simplify my speaker and headset setup and this seems like a great option.
Does anyone know if there are chat mix features when plugging in headphones?
I’m so glad I bought this I decided to use my headset and holy shit the Sxfi is actually unbelievable
Ebert, thanks to your review I am interested. I would like to find one and listen too it. (:
I got the creative stage under monitor soundbar, that one's pretty good for around 110€ too. The sound quality isn't mind blowing compared to my old Z313 speakers from Logitech, but it sure looks a lot neater. Plus, no tower style speakers to get in the way of my monitors :p
Also the bass is insane if you're into that, the subwoofer looks very similar to the one in this video actually
That's a big reason why I want a soundbar. Regular speakers just have no real room left when you rock dual monitors.
@@RemizZ just get a vertical dual mount
the new Stage 360 is pretty awesome and supports atmos!
The original katana had a very annoying power saving mode that could not be turned off. Basically the first 2 seconds of any video or sound would go missing after the comp sat idle for a while, so I'd never hear calendar notifications and so on. Has this been fixed in the V2 version?
Can you use headset mic with the soundbar DAC though ? Where do you plug the microphone 3.5m jack into ?
I have the sour blaster g6 dac. Man , that baby sounds so good for. A small unit
I grabbed the original Katana 6 months ago. Not really looking to upgrade to the v2 as of now. Plenty happy with the original.
How is the headphone EQ on the Katana V2? Would this take the place of having the sound blaster x4 and offer the same options and power?
Hey Eber, does the V2 have the same high pitched sound while in idle as the V1?
How does this compare to the OG Klipsch Promedia 2.1?
Is this possible to disable the power-saving function in Katana?
It has more power, but is the quality also better? I found the old one not too great sometimes. Ears felt less harsh in my headphones than on the katana v1. Perhaps this one is a bit cleaner?
I purchased this sound bar after watching your video a while back
I also purchased g6 sound card by the same brand. I downloaded the sound blast command center and things are working alright for me some what, but i noticed that some of my game effect sound seemed a bit... suppressed?? It has no problem when i play music from youtube but in game it sounds a bit iffy. Do you think the smart vol setting is throwing it off??
I am very interested. I just happened to have a Schiit Modi lying around. I'll compare it againt the built-in DAC. I never find Soundblaster USB DACs to be any good, so I am skeptical.
Can this katana be used instead of Creative Soundblaster GC7 , for plugging gaming headset? Will it work the same, or does it not give enough as ampdac?
Oh snap I didn't know creative sound blaster was still around 🤣
I bought the V1 katana shortly after you posted the video on it. I've been in love with it ever since and now i have to decide if i want to upgrade or not. i actually do prefer the design on the v1 over this one though. maybe ill get this one and move the v1 to the living room tv lol
Gonna upgrade my kitana v1 right now!
Do you prefer this to the Logitech g560? Does the sub woofer have a dial to turn the bass down?
My issue with this is, does this really qualify as a soundbar at this size, especially if you factor in the subwoofer? I'm looking for a soundbar that mounts to the vesa mounts and/or hangs/attaches to the bottom of the monitor so it truly uses no desk space.
Personally I just prefer more options even if I don't need them because they'll stay when I need them. I want them bit more organised tho.
Finally an EBER vid !!! Hell yeah let's go
I still have a Creative PS2000 Digital. Yes, it is over 20 years old, but it is still going strong.
The original Katana does NOT have an HDMI connection correct? If I understand correctly, the V2 Katana could connect to an HDMI port on the I/O panel of my motherboard? Thank you for the review!
does the headphone jack supports mic input or just sound output, is it a combo jack?
How does this compare to the Edifier S350DB? They are roughly the same price, but the Edifier system is a whole lot chunkier. I'm wondering sound-wise how they compare?
Does the Katana V2 have a port for mic input? I recall the V1 having one of those.
Katana had a dedicated port for microphones (3.5mm). In this version, it is replaced by a connector on the front. Is it not possible to connect a studio microphone?
I wanted to use the katana as a sound card / DAC for a microphone and headphones
Is the integrated headphone AMP powerful enough to properly drive my Sennheiser HD600's? (They're nominally rated for 300 ohm.)
Ok that’s awesome but where can I get the stand/shelf that’s under the monitor at 2:29?!
I’m looking to buy this soundbar to use as main output for pc for casual gaming, movies etc, basically everything outside competitive gaming for which I use steel series arctis pro wireless. What’s the best way to set this up? so that when I switch my headset on, it automatically switches audio + mic to headset, is this even possible?
I use the original but have an issue with audio pop using the usb connection, this is apparently super common with the original katana, any idea if they have fixed that?
i Still rock my logitech 5.1 z906 but this has me thinking could help manage all this cable off my desk haha
Is the software supplied with the Katana 2 compatible with Mac OS?
Is it working with TV's as well?
Idk if i'll upgrade but i do wana check to see if that app works for the old one, i wasnt a fan of the original software