Creative X-Fi Sonic Carrier Dolby Atmos and dtsX Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer and 17 - driver system in an 11.2.4 speaker configuration.
COMBINING THE BEST OF TWO WORLDS:
SUPER HIGH-END AUDIO AND 3D CINEMATIC SOUND
Imagine a world where music listening is transformed into a magical auditory experience. This is the 15.2 world of super wide extreme fidelity. We call this SuperWide X-Fi™.
In this realm, every audio stream regardless of quality is algorithmically metamorphosized to an eXtreme Fidelity level of 24-bit 192kHz high-resolution audio and expanded three-dimensionally into a 15.2 super wide soundstage.
In the other world, we bring the most immersive 3D audio experience with the latest Dolby Atmos® technology, deployed in premium cinemas, straight to your home – only better. Movies will never be same again with cinematic audio that not only flows around you, but also above you.
One would expect all these wizardries to come from a convoluted array of expensive systems. Instead, it is a beautiful sleek one-piece system, sans messy cables. Together with an exquisite wireless subwoofer akin to designer furniture, the X-Fi Sonic Carrier is truly a piece of art.
Achieving the unthinkable is its raison d’étre. But there’s more...
After a long and arduous journey, what started as a crazy idea and an impossible dream has finally come true. We have created a work of art so magical, so magnificent, so mind-blowing, industry experts have dubbed it the “Soundbar of the Gods”.
A BRAND NEW CONCEPT IN HI-RES AUDIO AND VIDEO,
WITH DOLBY ATMOS®, CREATIVE SUPERWIDE X-FI™, AND MULTIPLE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
Comprising of a main unit and a subwoofer, the X-Fi Sonic Carrier is a 17-driver system in an 11.2.4 speaker configuration. It incorporates Dolby Atmos® surround technology and Creative’s SuperWide X-Fi™ technology to bring you the ultimate 15.2 3D experience – the best of both worlds in home theater and high-end audio. As one respected audiophile reviewer has said (using an ancient Chinese proverb) of the Sonic Carrier: “All other mountains look small from the highest peak.”
The Sonic Carrier delivers a mind-boggling 1000W RMS of brute power. The 600W RMS wireless sub can punch so deep that it is virtually hell-shattering way down deep.
Powered by 8 processors, the Sonic Carrier is not only capable of high-resolution audio playback; it also features an Ultra HD video engine that supports 4K 60fps video playback of local and online content.
Featuring 3 distinct wireless technologies, the Sonic Carrier offers 2 separate Wi-Fi® solutions for audio and video streaming, Bluetooth®, and a zero-latency speaker-to-speaker link to up to 4 subwoofers.
The intelligence of the Sonic Carrier can be upgraded by a simple software download or even a hardware module replacement – it’s virtually future-proof!
SUPERWIDE X-FI MESMERIZES US INDUSTRY INSIDERS
Since it was unveiled at key exhibitions in the US, Sonic Carrier's SuperWide X-Fi has blown expert reviewers away with its near magical ability to deliver unparalleled levels of immersive lifelike audio; a spellbinding audio experience where what was heard went way beyond the perceived physical limitations of a one-piece speaker unit and a subwoofer.
An industry expert went so far as to describe the audio experience as sonic holography, and not only that, an experience that happened in a noisy open show floor, all without the aid of nearby reflective walls or ceiling. Another reviewer was floored by how Super X-Fi gave even compressed stereo sources a panoramic-like soundstage.
And when it comes to music-listening, SuperWide X-Fi was observed to deliver an experience like that coming from a high-end stereo system, and not a one-piece unit. One reviewer was so taken by what SuperWide X-Fi did to music that he actually recommended never turning it off!
With SuperWide X-Fi, even movie trailers from sources like YouTube sounded like an experience from a real cinema with an array of multiple speakers that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
ADVANCED X-FI TECHNOLOGIES
A suite of adaptive audio algorithms in the X-Fi DSP upscales standard stereo sources to 24-bit high-resolution audio, and further enhances it to an Xtreme Fidelity (X-Fi) level. It works by analyzing the audio signal to understand the spatial and dynamic nature of the program material, transparently enhancing the audio signal such that the quality of almost any audio source could be improved.
The X-Fi Upmixing algorithm is able to extract natural, enveloping sound from legacy material into a 7.1 signal. That is because these audio sources usually contain information about the recording venue’s ambience, and even a sense of height. The 7.1 signal will be further upmixed into a 15.2 signal in the EAX 15.2 DSP.
The level and extent of processing can be fully customized via software, giving you full control. A Direct Mode is also available for users who want to experience their audio source in its original form.
X-FI DRE (DYNAMIC RANGE EXPANSION)
Generally, legacy audio content has been compromised in order to optimize the listening experience within the dual constraints of the 16-bit resolution of CDs/MP3s, as well as the typical limitations of playback systems. X-Fi DRE was created with the realization of this limitation. X-Fi DRE intelligently remasters your legacy audio material, freeing the audio from the constraints of the original, lower resolution mediums such as CDs and MP3s, conferring many of the advantages presented by high-resolution recording and delivery formats.
Most audio systems on the market, regardless of claims of support for high resolution playback, do not have the dynamic range needed to reproduce realistic musical dynamics. The Sonic Carrier, on the other hand, has ample dynamic range and detail resolution. This allows the X-Fi DRE to restore and enhance legacy audio material to its full potential. This is achieved by analyzing the audio signal in real-time, distinguishing specific transient sound events that suffer from dynamic compression during the recording process, and selectively restoring their lost dynamics. The typical effect of this restoration produces crisper highs, punchier mid-range percussion, and stronger kick bass hits.
X-Fi DRE is particularly effective in improving the impoverished high-frequency sound of data-compressed audio, such as MP3s – giving enhanced detail and clarity.
X-FI SMART VOLUME
Volume levels can change dramatically within a playlist, between different source content, during transitions between TV programs, commercials, and between different TV channels. Yet the listener generally desires to have the volume they hear remain at a consistently comfortable level while retaining the dynamics in a track. Setting the amplifier volume control constantly between tracks in a playlist can be tricky and frustrating.
X-Fi Smart Volume prevents abrupt volume fluctuation during playback between tracks by automatically and continuously monitoring volume and smoothly applying gain and attenuation to compensate for those changes.
X-Fi Smart Volume Night Mode gives you clear dialogs without way-too-loud action scenes. It suppresses the loudness of the explosion but gains up the volume of dialog. The user is able to enjoy his favorite movie at night without disturbing his family or neighbors.
X-FI DIALOG PLUS
X-Fi Dialog Plus enhances the voices in movies for clearer dialog, allowing the listener to hear the dialog over the rest of the soundtrack and over ambient noise in the listening environment.
DOLBY ATMOS®
The groundbreaking Sonic Carrier delivers the latest Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 technology. Dolby Atmos creates moving audio – sound that can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in three-dimensional space, including overhead. It brings entertainment alive all around the audience in a powerfully immersive and emotive experience.
Backed by our in-depth knowledge of the way sound is perceived, the Sonic Carrier’s 11.2.4 audio system employs 4 up-firing drivers to perfectly reproduce the height information present in Dolby Atmos content by reflecting the sound off the ceiling and back down to you. This completes the surround sound delivered by the 11 front and side-firing drivers for a full 360° surround and 3D audio experience.
DTS:X SUPPORT
With DTS:X, as well as X-Fi Sonic Carrier’s current Dolby Atmos® support, you will have access to an even larger portfolio of advanced surround sound movies & games.
DTS:X, the latest technology from DTS, delivers immersive moving surround sound; and now includes a height element.
DTS:X places sound where it would occur naturally in space, creating the most lifelike, multi-dimensional audio experience ever. This improved immersion and heightened realism makes horror movies scarier, comedies more laugh-out-loud, and car chase scenes even more intense.
You will now be able to experience the latest DTS:X and all preceding DTS surround sound content through the Sonic Carrier. This will be available as a firmware upgrade when ready.
ULTRA HIGH-DEFINITION VIDEO ENGINE
Powered by the latest Android™-based 64-bit quad-core 4K Ultra HD video processor, the Sonic Carrier lets you enjoy stunning High-Definition 4K videos at extremely smooth 60Hz frame rate. It also supports real-time streaming, screen-casting and local media playback via USB port.
Supporting the highest HDMI specifications, HDMI 2.0a and HDCP 2.2, you can be assured of future-proof connectivity to the latest 4K Ultra HD TVs and newest content compatibility.
Video Formats: MP4 (H.264), MKV (H.264), HEVC (H.265)
Video Outputs: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160), 4K UHD 60fps HEVC playback, 1080p FHD (1920 x 1080)
POWERFUL VERSATILE PLAYBACK ENGINE
Featuring a whopping 8 processors, the Sonic Carrier is an intelligent technology powerhouse that delivers lifelike 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution audio and high-definition 4K 60fps videos.
In addition, the Sonic Carrier supports various network audio protocols as well as popular online movie and music streaming services are supported so that you can access content from all over the world.
Network audio protocols: Miracast®, Chromecast™, DLNA® Online music services: Spotify® Connect and Tidal® Online video services: Netflix®, Vudu®, HBO Go® (Services that require certification are pending)
EXPANDABLE & UPGRADABLE HARDWARE
The Sonic Carrier is also designed as a carrier to host other playback dongles such as Amazon® Fire TV Stick and Intel® Compute Stick.
The state-of-the-art video engine can even be upgraded in the future, when available.
A WORK OF ART & MASTERPIECE OF FORM AND FUNCTION
The Sonic Carrier main unit exudes the presence of a well crafted body, complemented by stunningly impressive technologies inside. Forged with extreme precision on an extensively CNC machined, finely polished and anodized aluminum chassis in cool black, it features an immensely strong and acoustically inert double walled enclosure. Delivering an astoundingly wide soundstage unmatched by conventional sound bars, the Sonic Carrier’s generous 60” width matches large TVs of today, yet is appealingly slim at a mere 3.8” tall and 5.9” deep.
AN EXCITING DESIGNER LOOK
The design intent behind the subwoofer ID is to create a perception of an inner module floating magically within an outer frame. We’ve also added an elegant glowing backlight behind the unit’s metallic badge that is capable of transforming into an amazing 16-million color light-show if desired. The subwoofer also comes in an optional super premium high-gloss piano finish. This finishing involves applying 8 layers of coating where each layer is painstakingly hand-polished, spray-coated, and baked overnight. This arduous process is repeated 8 times over a period of 8 days to achieve an enviable high-gloss piano finish. With this new premium finishing, the subwoofer is bound to become a head-turner in your living room, not to mention ‘wife-friendly’ thanks to its wireless clutter-free connectivity!
With the system arranged in an 11.2.4 configuration, these drivers are arranged in an array with 11 front and side-firing drivers reproducing front and surround sound, and 4 up-firing drivers reproducing a realistic sense of height.
The drivers are housed in 5 speaker modules and 10 individualized sealed chambers to achieve an optimal crosstalk response from adjacent speakers and to produce multiple speaker effects.
With each channel individually driven by a DSP-controlled amplifier, the Sonic Carrier delivers a total of 1000W RMS power. The Sonic Carrier also supports zero-latency wireless speaker-to-speaker link to up to 4 subwoofer units.
11 FRONT AND SIDE-FIRING CHANNELS
Consisting of 6 midbass drivers, 3 super tweeters and 2 full-range drivers, the front and side-firing channels deliver spacious stereo and enveloping surround sound. 6 midbass drivers and 3 super tweeters make up the front-left, front-center and front-right channels in a TMM, MTM, MMT configuration.
2 side-firing full-range drivers, mounted in a unique way, work together with Dolby Atmos or the EAX 15.2 DSP processing to deliver the rear audio channels and create an enveloping 360° surround sound – eliminating the need for additional side and rear speakers.
4 UP-FIRING CHANNELS
Two 2.75” aluminium-magnesium cone drivers and two 1” super tweeters form the up-firing channels. The tweeters are waveguide loaded for optimal directivity control. Pointing up at 70º, they project and deflect audio from the ceiling of a room for an enveloping audio experience.
With Dolby Atmos or our EAX 15.2 DSP processing, the 4 up-firing drivers deliver the sensation of sound above you, without the hassle of installing physical speakers over your head.
MIDBASS DRIVERS
The 2.75” midbass drivers utilize an extremely stiff aluminium-magnesium cone that is coupled to a carefully optimized motor and suspension system for high output capability and low distortion. Each operates as a perfect piston within its operational bandwidth. These provide precise midbass, detailed natural midrange with no loss of detail associated with softer cone and dome materials. With these drivers spreading across the 60” body, the Sonic Carrier delivers an astoundingly wide soundstage that is unmatched by conventional sound bars.
FULL-RANGE DRIVERS
The 2.25” full-range drivers are custom-made with aluminum-alloy diaphragms and oversized 1” voice coil. Each full-range driver encompasses the combined benefits of a mid-range woofer and tweeter in a smaller package, which they are capable of producing a wider side-field dispersion pattern. The side grilles are also optimized to further improve the effectiveness of side-throw forming the surround pattern.
TWEETERS
The bespoke 1” coated aluminum-alloy dome tweeters are specially shaped and coated. Together with its carefully optimized joint between the voice coil and dome, the tweeters deliver wide dispersion and extended high frequency response to 40kHz. These tweeters are also optimally matched to soft rubber surrounds to lower its treble distortion, while providing clean, uncolored and detailed high-frequency reproduction.
2 SUBWOOFER CHANNELS
Connected to the main unit via a zero-latency wireless speaker link, the subwoofer unit houses two 10” subwoofer drivers in a push-push configuration – providing the same surface area and bass output of a single 14” driver, but with a much slimmer profile, and none of the unwanted vibration. Two dual-flared, port tubes loads each of the drivers equally for optimal performance. A conservatively rated 2 × 300W RMS channel amplifier is used in the subwoofer, individually driving the subwoofer drivers for maximum control and efficiency.
Consistent with the driver design philosophy of the Sonic Carrier, each of the subwoofer driver features a tremendously strong aluminum diaphragm, purely pistonic in behavior within operational bandwidth for precise bass reproduction. The subwoofer driver further features an extra long throw, low distortion motor system for deep and powerful bass.
EXTENDABLE WIRELESS SUBWOOFER
Bass quantity and quality could be upgraded phenomenally by adding up to 4 subwoofers wirelessly: averaging out response deviations, resulting in a bass response that is simultaneously smoother yet devastatingly powerful.
EASY-ACCESS CONTROLS
- Lined up neatly in a row on the Sonic Carrier main unit are the buttons and indicators that provide convenient access to all the essential functions.
- Simply with a press of button, you can select an audio source, connect to Wi-Fi, adjust volume, tune mic levels, control media playback, enhance your audio, and more.
- The Quickplay buttons can even be programmed to activate any audio channel or source you desire instantly.
- A foldable LED display at the top also lets you know what’s going on, even in the dark.
AN EXPANSIVE ARRAY OF CONNECTIVITY
WIRELESS
- 802.11 b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi (2.4GHz & 5GHz) for audio streaming (also supports multi-room audio)
- 802.11 b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi (2.4GHz & 5GHz) for video streaming
- Bluetooth 4.1 transceiver
- Zero-latency wireless subwoofer link (up to 4 subwoofers)
- IR TRANSMITTER
- Designed with convenience in mind, the Sonic Carrier comes with an infrared transmitter port.
- When you position the Sonic Carrier main unit in front of your TV, depending on your TV’s design, the TV’s IR receiver may be blocked.
- Simply connect the supplied IR blaster to the Sonic Carrier and you will be able to communicate with your TV through the Sonic Carrier using the TV remote control.
FULL TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
- MAIN UNIT Dimensions (L x W x H): 1521 x 151 x 96mm (59.9” x 5.9” x 3.8”)
- Weight: 16kg (35.3 lbs)
SUBWOOFER
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 531 x 306 x 582mm (20.9” x 12.0” x 22.9”)
- Weight: 27kg (59.5 lbs)
ELECTRONIC AND ACOUSTIC SPECIFICATIONS
- Amplifer type: Class D
- System power: 1000W RMS, 2000W peak
- Main unit: 400W RMS, 800W peak
- Subwoofer: 600W RMS, 1200W peak
ANDROID VIDEO PLAYBACK ENGINE
- Quad-core 64-bit high performance ARM Cortex A-53 with NEON processor 2GHz
- Mali T720 GPU with OPENGL ES3.1 support
- 2GB RAM, 16GB built-in flash storage
- Supports 4K 60fps video playback
- Supports H.265/HEVC Codec
- WI-FI AUDIO
- Supports DLNA, Tidal and Spotify Connect
DRIVERS AND ACOUSTICS
- Sonic Carrier is configured as a 15.2 configuration
- Each driver is separately controllable and driven by a DSP-controlled amplifier
- Main unit contains front left, center, front right, height and surround channels, reproduced by 15 pistonic drivers
- Five 1” coated aluminum alloy tweeters, capable of 40kHz high frequency reproduction
- Eight 2.75” aluminum-magnesium alloy midbass drivers with individually sealed enclosures
- Two 2.25” aluminum-magnesium alloy full-range drivers for surround channel reproduction with individually sealed enclosures
- Height channel tweeters are waveguide loaded for optimal directivity control
- Cloth grille supplied to protect 2.75” drivers
- Dual 10” high excursion subwoofer drivers in push-push configuration. Vented enclosure featuring two double flared ports.
CONNECTIVITY
- Bluetooth version: 4.1
- Bluetooth codec: aptX®, aptX Low Latency, AAC, SBC
- Bluetooth features: A2DP receiver for audio playback on Sonic Carrier, A2DP transmission for audio playback on Bluetooth headphones
- Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz & 5GHz
- Speaker-Speaker wireless link: Supports up to 4 wireless subwoofers
- Line level input: Stereo 2Vrms analog RCA connectors
- Line level ouput: Stereo 2Vrms analog RCA connectors
- Auxiliary input: Stereo 1Vrms analog 3.5mm connector
- Microphone inputs: 2 x ¼” microphone connector supporting most dynamic microphones
- USB host: 2 x USB 2.0 type A connector for USB flash drives and HDDs
- USB power: USB type A connector for providing power to peripheral devices (Rated 5V 2A)
- SD card slots: 1 x SD card slot, 3 x MicroSD card slots
- HDMI inputs: 4 x HDMI 2.0a with HDCP 2.2
- HDMI output: 1 x HDMI 2.0a with HDCP 2.2 and ARC
- Optical inputs: 2 x Toslink
- Ethernet: 1 x Gigabit Ethernet
- Decoder support: Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus™
- Power supply: Auto-switching 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz AC universal input
REMOTE CONTROL
- Sonic Carrier mobile app for iOS and Android
- IR remote control (2 x AAA / R3 batteries)
- IR blaster to transmit IR signal to TV
PACKAGE CONTENTS
- Main unit
- IR remote control
- IR blaster
- Wall mount brackets
- Wall mount bracket installation template
- Driver décor rings
HDMI cable
- 1.5m power cable
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty / Tech Support booklet
- Safety and regulatory leaflet
SUBWOOFER
- 1.5m power cable
- Subwoofer setup link cable
- Warranty / Tech Support booklet
- Safety and regulatory leaflet
SHIPPING & PACKAGING INFORMATION
MAIN UNIT
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 1679 x 262 x 250mm (66.1” x 10.3” x 9.8”)
- Weight: 17kg (37.5 lbs)
SUBWOOFER
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 751 x 702 x 510mm (29.6” x 27.6” x 20”)
- Weight: 29kg (64 lbs)
