SXFI Control (Windows, macOS)

The software driver, SXFI Control (Windows, macOS), is split into four categories: "Super X-Fi," "Equalizer," "Lighting," and "Setup." In the Super X-Fi section, you can create or log into your SXFI account, which is needed to scan your ears and face for a personalized Super X-Fi profile. The head-mapping is done in the mobile SXFI App (Android, iOS) described below.


The 10-band equalizer lets you tune the sound characteristics of the Creative SXFI Gamer headset. Creative gave us ten frequency bands to play with: 31, 62, 125, 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 4,000, 8,000, and 16,000 Hz. If you're not into audio equalization and just want to quickly add or subtract bass or treble, there are sliders for that. All sliders work in a ±9 dB range. A few equalizer presets are available (Flat, Pop, Game, Classical, Cinema), and you can create your own, of course.


In the Lighting section of the SXFI Control app, you can pick the color of the RGB rings found on ear cups. Here, you can also turn the RGB lighting system off.


The Setup subcategory is essentially a shortcut menu for sound-related system settings. Here, you can select the "speaker configuration" (pick 7.1 if you plan to use the Super X-Fi technology), and adjust microphone and headphone volume. A headphone volume slider is also found at the bottom of the interface, along with a microphone mute toggle and Super X-Fi mode selection (Super X-Fi on, Super X-Fi + Battle Mode on, and Super X-Fi off).


The Settings menu is where you'll update the SXFI Control app, the headset's firmware, and reset the headset to its factory defaults.

SXFI App (Android, iOS)

The second mobile app supported by the Creative SXFI Gamer is SXFI App (Android, iOS). You have to install it if you plan to use the Super X-Fi technology because the app is actually needed to configure it. The general idea behind this tech is to create the feeling of being surrounded by speakers. You have to use the app to create a map of your head—scan both ears, as well as your face. You'll need a friend or a family member to help you with this step of the process. After head-mapping is done, Creative creates your personal "audio map," imports it into the SXFI Control app, and lets you use it. I'll get to the acoustic characteristics of the Super X-Fi technology on the next page of this review.

Below is an official video of this head-mapping process in action, as well as more about the Super X-Fi technology.