“Surround sound from all sources in a pair of over-ear headphones.” This is the challenge Creative Labs undertakes with the SFXI AIR, their latest headphones available in Sweden. It’s an ambitious project, evident from the initial setup process, distinguishing these headphones from others we’ve tested.
The process begins with downloading Creative’s SFXI app from the App Store or Google Play. Next, a scanning procedure is initiated. Creative’s SXFI technology (short for “Super X-FI”) aims to optimize the listening experience by personalizing the sound based on individual hearing characteristics. This approach, while relatively novel, is gaining traction in the market as other manufacturers explore similar solutions. Using the smartphone’s camera, the user (or preferably another person) captures images of their face and ears. Creative’s algorithms then analyze these images to compute a tailored sound profile. While these images are processed by Creative’s servers, the company ensures complete anonymization. The generated profile is then transferred from the app to the headphone’s internal memory, enabling customized audio without requiring the app to be active.
After the installation is complete and the sound profile calculation concludes in approximately 15 minutes, the headphones are ready for the initial listening test. The crucial question remains: what is the sound quality like?
Sound Quality: Standard vs SFXI Mode
The evaluation commences in the default listening mode. After listening to several tracks, the initial impression is somewhat underwhelming. The sound signature is perceived as flat, lacking in nuance, and generally uninspiring. However, this is not the intended use case for the SXFI AIR.
Activating the SXFI button, located on the rear of the left earcup, transforms the audio experience. Much like engaging sports mode in a performance car, which enhances engine power and responsiveness, the SXFI button dramatically alters the sound characteristics. The soundstage expands significantly, offering a more dynamic and engaging listening experience compared to the subdued standard mode.
When playing Deadmau5 – Polaris, the synthesizers sound clear and expansive, the rhythm is precise and impactful, and the headphones effectively create a convincing surround sound effect. With a more acoustic track, such as Waiting for by AVEC, the guitars are well-defined, and the vocals are intimate and present. In Red Hot Chili Peppers – Snow (Hey Oh), the sound is balanced across the frequency spectrum, with clear bass lines and distinct guitar melodies. Even pop music benefits from the SXFI processing. After extended listening sessions across various genres, the headphones deliver a genuinely satisfying audio experience.
The effectiveness of the SFXI mode is contingent on the quality of the source material’s mix. Modern, well-engineered recordings generally sound superior to older, less sophisticated productions, although the SFXI Air performs admirably even with the latter.
Creative has delivered a pair of headphones that offer a compelling value proposition, exceeding expectations for their price point with their enhanced surround sound capabilities. These versatile headphones are suitable for both gaming and movie watching. Testing the surround experience with film scenes reveals a spacious and immersive soundstage, reminiscent of a dedicated home theater system. senses.se will be reviewing the dedicated home theater headphones SXFI Theater in the near future, ahead of their release in Sweden later this year.
During phone calls, the audio quality has been consistently clear, and the detachable microphone provides excellent clarity for the recipient.
SFXI Air: Touch Buttons, Features and Design
Creative has implemented touch controls on the exterior of the left earcup, enabling users to adjust volume by swiping vertically and skip tracks by swiping horizontally.
The performance of these touch controls is somewhat inconsistent. While track skipping functions reasonably well, volume adjustment proves less reliable. Consequently, using the source device (phone or computer) for volume control is often preferable. This is not the intended user experience.
Sound isolation is another area for potential improvement. There is noticeable sound leakage, which can be disruptive to those nearby at higher volumes (above 60%). Individuals who frequently use public transportation and listen to music at high volumes should be mindful of this issue.
The design is generally clean and understated. The build quality and materials are acceptable, though not particularly premium. The headphones are available in two colors; the tested model was white with black fabric earcups. These earcups fully enclose the ears, providing adequate external noise isolation during use (although, as noted, sound leakage outwards is present). Creative’s logo is subtly engraved on the headband, along with “Super XFI” branding, highlighting the unique technology. RGB lighting strips adorn the exterior of the earcups, offering customizable colors and effects via the companion app. This visual element may attract attention.
The inclusion of a microSD card slot is a useful feature, allowing for playback without relying on a connected device. Users can switch between microSD, Bluetooth, and USB audio sources. The microSD card supports MP3, WMA, WAV, and FLAC formats. However, aptX codec support is absent.
The headphones utilize USB-C connectivity, which is standard. A full charge takes approximately 3 hours, providing around ten hours of playback with the SXFI function enabled at 70% volume. This battery life is adequate.
The Bluetooth connection generally maintains a stable range of 10-15 meters, consistent with the 5.0 standard. Connectivity was reliable with Mac and iPhone devices, but experienced issues with older devices, such as a Mac Mini. This may be due to software incompatibilities and could potentially be resolved with driver or firmware updates. It’s recommended to verify supported wireless formats prior to purchase (see specifications section).
Creative SXFI Air – In summary
Creative should be commended for their innovative approach. The Creative SXFI AIR offers a versatile and affordable over-ear headset that delivers on its promise: a compelling surround sound experience for both music and movies. The sound quality is commendable across various frequencies, with clarity and impactful bass. The SXFI function effectively creates a convincing surround sound illusion from stereo headphones. With calmer music genres, the sound is perceived as intimate and balanced. At a price of SEK 1,600, the sound quality in SFXI mode is a worthwhile offering. The standard mode is less impressive.
The focus has been primarily on audio performance, and Creative has largely succeeded in this area. Future software refinements and updates could further enhance the SXFI concept. Areas for improvement include material selection, overall comfort, and connection stability. However, it is rare to find a product that excels in every aspect. For SEK 1600, the sound quality competes favorably with alternatives in the same price range, while also providing a more pronounced surround sound effect. Considering that the primary function of headphones is audio reproduction, some compromises in other areas are understandable. Overall, the Creative SXFI Air represents a viable option that delivers on its core promise.
