You can always count on the gaming peripheral scene to be one of the most active segment of the gaming market. Even when there’s no hot game releases, there’s almost always a brand new gaming headset popping up somewhere. Back in the days though nearly everyone banked on one name when it came to gaming audio and that name is Creative and its SoundBlaster audio solution. Even right now in modern times, Creative’s product lines are the top brass when it comes to dedicated audio solutions for gamers and enthusiasts and now they are bringing their expertise directly to gamers’ ears with their SoundBlaster gaming line of audio peripherals. We’re checking out two offerings this week and we have Creative’s Tactic3D Sigma gaming headset for this review and you can check out the wireless version, Omega, on our other review here. Let’s get blasting and let’s make this showy!
Creative has been in the computer audio industry for as long as everyone has computers. Back in the days, Creative owned the audio arena by introducting their SoundBlaster solution and ever since then its just smooth-sailing. Up until recent times that is. The discrete PC audio market hasn’t seen much action in recent years so Creative has stepped into new territories with a dedicated gaming line. The SoundBlaster gaming series features a lot of solutions for gamers and enthusiasts and has multiple features to suit varying tastes. This week we have two entries in the Tactic3D line, the Sigma and Omega. For this review we will be focusing on the Sigma gaming headset which includes the Tactic3D sound engine. Check out the Omega here. Let’s check out some specs and pics.
| Feature | Description |
| Headphone | |
| Driver Units: | 50mm Neodymium magnet |
| Frequency Response: | 20Hz ~ 20kHz |
| Impedance: | 32ohms |
| Sensitivity: | 102dB/mW |
| Microphone | |
| Microphone Type: | Noise Canceling Condenser |
| Frequency Response: | 80Hz ~ 14kHz |
| Impedance: | <2.2kohms |
| Sensitivity: | -41dBV/Pa |
PRODUCT GALLERY
[tabgroup] [tab title=”Packaging”] [one_half][singlepic id=8260 w=260 h=180 float=center][/one_half][one_half_last][singlepic id=8263 w=260 h=180 float=center][/one_half_last]Creative packages the Sigma in a flashy clear box with headphones prominently displayed for all to see. The Sound Blaster branding is proudly displayed in the center with feature bullets on the clear packing. In the back we get a shot of the image with feature highlights.
The package comes with in a rather bare bundle of the headset, mic boom, and the USB THX TruStudio Pro sound device.
[/tab] [tab title=”Closer Look”]Note: Stand not included. See Tactic3D Omega.
[one_half][singlepic id=8275 w=260 h=180 float=center][/one_half][one_half_last][singlepic id=8276 w=260 h=180 float=center][/one_half_last]Like its wireless brother, the Sigma can rotate its earcups up to 90* with the special exception of the left earcup which can rotate both ways giving it 180* turning capabilities. This feature is intended to allow swivel when one or both the earcups are moved behind the ears or around the neck.
[singlepic id=8277 w=580 h=500 float=center] [one_half][singlepic id=8278 w=260 h=180 float=center][/one_half][one_half_last][singlepic id=8279 w=260 h=180 float=center][/one_half_last]The headband stretches up to 8 sizes allowing for use on different head sizes. The band is made of steel core alloy which is surprisingly rigid and strong for something quite flexible. Lining the headband and earcups are leather paddings which are signature of premium audio products.
[singlepic id=8270 w=580 h=300 float=center]The included THX TruStudio 2.0 USB device gives users access to the Tactic3D configuration options. Users can opt to plug-in directly to their system but you might miss out on some of the nifty THX goodies.
[one_half][singlepic id=8271 w=260 h=180 float=center][/one_half][one_half_last][singlepic id=8273 w=260 h=180 float=center][/one_half_last]The included mic boom is highly flexible and can be removed when not in use. The cable also has an in-line volume wheel and a mute button. A clip is provided to prevent tangling. The cable itself is very long and is flat.
[/tab] [tab title=”Tactic3D Software”] [singlepic id=8258 w=580 h=500 float=center]All products in the Tactic3D line feature the Tactic3D Configuration panel which allows users to create personalized profiles with their distinct settings. Presets are also available by default with various settings from different pro-gamers already provided so you can sample their preferences.
[singlepic id=8259 w=580 h=500 float=center]The meat of the configuration panel is this screen, the THX TruStudio PRO which enables users to fine-tune and edit the output of their Tactic3D headset with world-renowned Creative Labs’ digital processing techniques.
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