A fourth member has just joined the Katana soundbar family, and that is the Katana SE, targeted at people who really have space constraints on their desk. Creative decided to remove the subwoofer completely and put the bass drivers inside the main soundbar, allowing you to have an all-in-one audio solution in a single device. The Katana SE sits in between the V2X and V2 in terms of pricing, as it retails at S$449.
Unboxing
In the box, you will find the following:
- Sound Blaster Katana SE
- Remote Control
- Power Adapter
- Mains Cables
- TOSLINK Optical Cable
- USB-C to USB-A Cable
- Quick Start Guide
- 2 x Wall Mount Brackets
Tech specs
| Model | Sound Blaster Katana SE | Sound Blaster Katana V2X |
|---|---|---|
| Price | S$449 | S$419 |
| Soundbar’s Dimensions (W x D x H) & Weight | 650 x 109 x 78 mm / 25.6 x 4.3 x 3.1 inches 2.67 kg / 5.90 lbs | 600 x 95 x 62 mm / 23.6 x 3.74 x 2.4 inches 1.52 kg / 3.35 lbs |
| Subwoofer’s Size (W x D x H) & Weight | N/A | 116 x 250 x 423 mm / 4.6 x 9.8 x 16.7 inches 3.3 kg / 7.3 lbs |
| Soundbar’s Speakers | 2 x 4.3” mid-range drivers 2 x 2.1” tweeters | 2 x 2.5” mid-range drivers 2 x 0.75” tweeters |
| Output Power | Up to 90W RMS (180W Peak) | Up to 90W RMS (180W Peak) |
| Subwoofer’s Speakers | N/A | 5.25” Subwoofer Driver |
| Frequency Range | 55–20,000 Hz | 50–20,000 Hz |
| Audio Decoding Technology | Dolby Digital | Dolby Digital |
| Sound Enhancement Technology | Super X-Fi, SXFI Battle Mode, Acoustic Engine via the Creative app, Scout Mode, CrystalVoice | Super X-Fi, SXFI Battle Mode, Acoustic Engine via the Creative app, Scout Mode, CrystalVoice |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Front Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Programmable RGB Lighting | Yes | Yes |
| IR Remote Control | Yes | Yes |
Build quality and design
As the Katana SE is part of the ‘Katana’ family of gaming soundbars, it retained the distinct angled edges to resemble a katana. The design definitely caters mores towards gamers as has RGB lighting implemented in a diffused manner which offers a glow under the soundbar. It is nice that the RGB lighting is subtle and not overly loud. You can customize the colour, brightness, and effect in the Creative App to suit your personal preference.
The Katana SE is clad in black plastic shell that is slightly angled upwards, while the top of the soundbar feature two upwards firing speakers. The top of the Katana SE offers contrast with its dark matte grey finish. There is a display panel in the middle of the soundbar to keep you aware of the input or listening mode that you are on. The panel is a glossy one which is quite sensitive to micro-scratches, so juts be more careful with it. The build quality of the Katana SE is solid, similar to what is on the Katana V2X.
Katana SE vs Katana V2X
Speaking of the V2X, there is actually quite some difference in the two soundbars other than the lack of subwoofer on the Katana SE. The Katana SE is noticeably bigger than the V2X, in all aspects of length, depth, and height.
Connectivity and controls
Like the V2X, the controls of the Katana SE are conveniently located at the top of the soundbar for easy access. There is also a headphone jack located on the front panel. On the back, the array of connections are similar to to the V2X, except that the Katana SE doesn’t have a subwoofer out port. It would have interesting if Creative had retained the subwoofer port, so I can further enhance bass if Creative decides to sell their subwoofer separately. Since there is HDMI ARC (audio return channel) support and Optical connection, you can get Dolby Audio 5.1 playback (Dolby Digital) if you are using it with a TV.
For use with your PC or Mac, the connections an be done via the AUX-in port or USB-C port. USB audio playback offers high-resolution 24-bit / 96 kHz output. Do note the USB-A port is only meant for the Super X-Fi dongle of Creative SXFI headphones for wireless streaming.
When it comes to wireless streaming, the Katana SE has Bluetooth 5.0 which supports audio codec of SBC. It would be interesting to see Creative start adding support for AirPlay one day. The included remote control is splattered with buttons to give you quick access to commonly used settings. The remote also has six extra buttons (C1 to C6) which you can then use to assign customised functions.
Creative App
In order to setup these customised buttons, you will need to download and use the Creative App. You can use either the app on your desktop or download it on your phone. Some of the things you can do with the Creative app include performing audio customisation via EQ and the Acoustic Engine, and adjusting the lighting on the soundbar.
As the overview is exactly the same as the V2X, do refer to the review of the Katana V2X to find out more on what you can do with the Creative app (both desktop and mobile).
What I like about the Creative App is that even the smartphone app offers the full suite of functionality. One useful feature of the Creative App is the ability to save your customisations as a preset (ie. sound mode), which you can then assign to a one of the six custom buttons for quick switching.
Sound quality
Despite the Katana SE being much bigger device than the V2X, its volume is actually softer when compared on the same volume level. But this isn’t really a problem as the Katana SE is sufficiently loud at 50% of its max volume.
Sound signature of the Katana SE is also different when compared to the V2X. The Katana SE brings forth a brighter sound profile whereas the V2X produces a warmer sound. Even though the Katana SE doesn’t have subwoofer, it doesn’t mean that bass is lacking. In fact, the Katana SE does offer plenty of bass.
Bass is punchy and has a localised thump and impact that rounds the perimeter of the soundbar. You can actually feel the subtle bass rumble on the desk on higher volumes. Compared to the V2X, the bass is more wide and exudes more body to it. Bass on the Katana SE is more pronounced while bass on the V2X is more extended
As for midrange, the Katana SE is generally more forward and has good clarity. On songs where the bass rather continuous, it can leak into the mids. Compared to the V2X, vocals tend to be more warm and airy. Treble on the Katana SE is brighter and exudes more shine. Overall, I’d say the Katana SE has a more direct, in-your-face kind of sound whereas the V2X has more depth to the sound.
Gaming experience
Gaming with the Katana SE is a little different compared to the V2X. Open world games feel more direct as to wide, with the audio engaging you right from the onset. Shooter games where directional audio cues of gunshots and footsteps tend to play a little better on the Katana SE than the V2X, due to it having a cleaner and precise audio output. As always having enabled ‘Scout Mode’ will help amplify the footstep and reloading sound even more, if bass starts to cloud the mix.
Conclusion
If you’ve always wanted the Katana soundbar but just couldn’t find a place to house the subwoofer, then the Katana SE might just be the soundbar for you. It manages to keep bass hitting, in a sound that is like the V2X without the overall ‘oomph’ coming from a subwoofer. The Katana SE retains the wide array connectivity options along with helpful customisation features so that you can fine-tune it the way you like.