Creative’s Mighty Katana Soundbar Gets Massively Upgraded

Creative launched their Katana Soundbar a few years ago now, and it was just about the loudest soundbar I’d ever tested. It offered some really powerful sound from its wider multi-speaker design and a dedicated subwoofer. It was also one of the earlier products to throw in some cool RGB customisation and take advantage of the software suite that is now commonplace on Creative products. So while it was the first, it’s feeling a little dated by today’s standards, and now it’s back to try again!

More Power!?!?

What scares me though, is that they’re claiming it has 68% more power than before. I can’t imagine why the hell they think we need that, the last one was scary loud already. Either way, it’ll be fun when I test it next week, as the sample is on its way.

SXFI

The Sound Blaster Katana V2, the successor to the original Sound BlasterX Katana is completely redesigned with an all-new sleek form factor, more power than before, improved audio dynamics and transforms the headphone experience with Super X-Fi Headphone Holography (via a headphone jack). I’m a freaking huge fan of SXFI tech too, I don’t listen to much without it these days.

Dolby

With 5 drivers each powered by its own DSP controller, fabric dome tweeters, and a larger and more powerful subwoofer, we should have an even better range than the last model. Enemy-spotting gets easier than ever before – with SXFI BATTLE Mode, a sound mode that is specially designed to give FPS gamers an unprecedented edge in enhanced audio cues, both for directionality and distance. There is also Scout Mode, a familiar Sound Blaster feature that focuses on sound detection so that opponents are heard before they are seen moving on the screen. With an integrated Dolby Audio decoder, users get to enjoy the cinematic experience not just while gaming, but also while movie-binging on streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime.

Connectivity

It is comprehensively decked out with a multitude of connectivity options, with HDMI ARC and optical ports, wireless Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C port for USB audio support, 3.5mm AUX-in and SXFI-out for certified Super X-Fi products. It is compatible with desktops and consoles alike, including PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. One thing I do hope for is a more improved I/O port, it was a real pain in the ass trying to plug wires into the old model. Fingers crossed.

Price and Availability

Sound Blaster Katana V2 is priced at £299, US$329.99 and is available at Creative.com.

What Creative Had to Say

“Explore uncharted audile territories and achieve elevated sound experiences with Sound Blaster Katana V2! Bringing back not only the finest features of its predecessor such as the revolutionary tri-amplified design, the Sound Blaster Katana V2 now sports an all-new sleek, matte black build, upgraded list of comprehensive connectivity options, and further engineered to deliver 68% more power than before! Immerse yourself in rich and flawless audio dynamics, and even stronger bass reproduction with the improved tweeters and subwoofer.

We’ve also further stepped up the audio processing game on Sound Blaster Katana V2 by equipping it with not just the Sound Blaster chip, but also the Super X-Fi UltraDSP chip as well-so you can continue your gaming adventure with multi-channel surround sound in your headphones late at night. With all these major upgrades and more, make the soundbar system the center of your audio hub.” – Creative