I have not used the built in OMNI mic. What I am using is a vmoda boompro mic plugged into the mic input jack. Works like a champ!

I have sb OMNI and do not get any pops when adjusting the volume. The only time I have heard any pompanos during certain wasapi modes when playing music. I think cause I set 44.1khz wasapi and OMNI is 48khz. Normally no pops.

Can we order an x2 low impedance cable for our x1 phones? Should work perfect.

I have to imagine a price similar to the zxr for this guy. Are these specs superior to the Zxr? I am using headphones on a pc.

I set SBX pro studio on when playing games, have it set at 35%. All other options like crystal voice or scout mode I leave off. You don't need the Dolby encoding unless you are sending 5.1 out the optical. Leave the Dolby encoding off. Note this is not the Dolby surround processing but Dolby...

I would run off the soundblaster z amp and see how you like it. I am pretty happy with mine.

Just picked up a usb modi and a magni from a fellow head-fi member. They are paired with fidelio X1 headphones. Overall a very nice combination.

+1 you should be good with optical out from OMNI.

Thanks for the review! I wonder if the X2 ear pads can be modded to fit the X1? Of course if it is an upgrade in sound I may have to pick it up!

I haven't experienced any game exiting when adjusting the volume knob on the OMNI. Have not played those games you mentioned, though, perhaps it is a bug specific to one of them.

I have only had my X1's for a month or twoooooooo....... if these are worth the upgrade I might have to bite the bullet.  Staying tuned.

The motherboard looks like it has full SBX processing. You should be able to output from to your external equipment without too much trouble and keep the processing.

Look like some beefy beats, there. My pair of X1's have been pretty comfortable. I won't worry bout it much till they start to wear down.

I think my OMNI sounds good for music using my Fidelio X1 headphones. Stomps all over using my iPhone 5s as a source. Very happy for the price.

That is how I have it. Windows set to 5.1 and OMNI control panel set to headphones. I have SBX set to around 35%. Scout mode, crystal voice, all that stuff I have off. Inside the game make sure to set it to 5.1 also. When I not playing a 5.1 source I turn off SBX, such as for music.

Is it too early to spike the football?

System shock 2 is great. I beat that one on hard also. Difficult game!

I have played and bear the game on hard difficulty. The game is tough. First few times I played with speakers. Now I am playing with headphones and SBX. Should be a fun experience.

Nice!! I have X1's and love them. Can't wait to see how these review.

Glad you are enjoying your OMNI, mine has been working great. I set windows volume to 100% and then set the volume inside the game to 10 or 20 %. Experiment to see if you like the windows volume at 100%. I thought it was a hair better. For the SBX set the SBX pro studio ON anf the effect it...

I think you are confusing SBX (sound processing) with ZxR (sound card). My $60 usb OMNI does SBX processing, as well as the entire soundblaster z line.

Why do you say subpar? I think SBX really helps with games that support 5.1. It makes the game more immersive. I use a soundblaster OMNI which is a usb version of the Z.

Check a few of the posts here: http://www.head-fi.org/t/623079/creative-sound-blaster-new-series-z-zx-zxr/2145

I tried the razor surround and did not like it at all. The sound isn't bad, but there is a delay imparted on the effects. Such as when I fire a rocket the animation occurs and the sound comes 1 second later. They should be simultaneous. The soundblaster works without issue here.

I picked up a soundblaster OMNI about two weeks ago. My headphones are Phillips fidelio X1's. Bass is tighter and has more impact. There seems to be enough power coming out of the OMNI where the onboard lacked impact. How does this compare to a dedicated amp? I don't know haven't had the...