Introducing the Creative Sound Blaster Roar 2 MF8190

Creative Sound Blaster Roar 2 MF8190 is a powerful and versatile Bluetooth speaker that delivers high-quality sound in a compact and portable design. With an estimated price of $200 and a launching date set for late 2022, this speaker is perfect for music lovers who want to enjoy their favorite tunes on-the-go.

Technical Specification

• Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 3.0

• Operating Frequency: 2402 – 2480 MHz

• Lithium Ion Battery: 6000mAh

• USB Input: 5V 500 – 1000mA

• DC Output: 5V 1000mA

• Power consumption during standby/off: < 0.5 W

• Frequency response: 60Hz - 20kHz
• Bluetooth version: 5.0
• Battery life: Up to 10 hours
• USB playback: Yes
• Aux-in: Yes
• MicroSD card slot: Yes
• Weight: 1.5 kg
• Dimensions: 185 x 67 x 65 mm

• Power consumption during networked standby for each network port (Bluetooth, USB): < 2.0 W

• Power consumption during networked standby when all network ports are activated: < 2.0 

When the device is powered on and connected to mains with no audio playback and not performing other main functions,

• it enters into networked standby mode within 20 minutes

• it consumes <0.5 W after all network ports are deactivated/disconnected in 28 hours

How to activate and deactivate wireless ports / connections

• To activate, perform pairing

• To deactivate, perform clear device list* on the speaker and press the multifunction button

Ensure your speaker is not connected to any Bluetooth device. With your speaker powered on, Press and hold the Multifunction button until the white LED blinks rapidly. Press and hold the Multifunction button and Volume “-“ button until a voice prompt is heard indicating the speaker has been master reset and returned to pairing mode.

Power Adapter Information

• Model Number: FJ-SW1501600N or GPE024W-150160-Z

• Input: 100-240VAC 50/60Hz

• Output: 15VDC 1.6A

• Operating Temperature range: 0ºC to 45ºC

• Supported Bluetooth profiles*: A2DP (Wireless Stereo Bluetooth), AVRCP (Bluetooth Remote Control), HFP (Handsfree profile)

• Supported Codec: SBC, aptX, AAC

• Operating Range: Up to 10 meters, measured in open space. Walls and structures may affect range of device. Supports microSD cards of Class 4 and above, up to 32GB in FAT16/32 format

• Supported audio formats: MP3, WMA and WAV (16 bit 48Khz PCM) Support Mp3 and WMA up to 320kbps. Does not support WMA Pro / Lossless. Records audio, voice or mobile calls at 16k, ADPCM WAV format.

Note: Compliance markings are located on the bottom of this product. Refer to your Bluetooth device (notebook¹, PC¹, or mobile device²) manufacturer’s documentation/website for supported profiles.

1. Compatible with PC (Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1), Apple Macintoshes equipped with Bluetooth wireless stereo.

2. Compatible with most major brands of Bluetooth A2DP enabled mobile phones.

Compatibility Disclaimer
Wireless performance is dependent on your device’s Bluetooth wireless technology. Creative will not be liable for any lost of data or leakages resulting from the use of these devices.
Product Registration
Registering your product ensures you receive the most appropriate service and product support available. You can register your product during installation or at http://www.creative.com/register. Please note that your warranty rights are not dependent on registration.
Safe Removal of Built-in Battery
Detailed instructions on removal of integrated battery can be found at creative.com/support/ ROAR2, these instructions are meant strictly for independently qualified professionals.

Creative Sound Blaster Roar 2 MF8190 Overview

1. Power ON / Standby Button
2. Volume Up / Down Button
3. Multifunction Button
   • For Bluetooth pairing / connecting
   • Answering calls
4. Power / Bluetooth Status Indicator
5. Microphone
6. Record Indicator
7. Battery Indicator
8. NFC Receptor
9. DC Input
10. Aux-In
11. DC Out (USB 1.0A)
12. Micro USB Connector
13. MicroSD Slot
14. Mic On / Mute Switch
15. Record Button
16. (Record) Play / Pause Button
17. Random / Repeat All Switch
18. Previous Button
19. Next Button
20. (MP3 Playback) Play / Pause Button
21. ROAR/ TeraBass indicator
22. ROAR/ TeraBass button
23. USB Audio / Mass Storage mode switch

How do I disable Voice Prompt?

• With the speaker powered ON, press both Volume “–“ and Multifunction Button at the same time. A prompt is heard indicating voice prompt is disabled.

How do I enable Voice Prompt?

• On a speaker with disabled voice prompt, ensure that it is powered ON. Press both Volume “+“ and Multifunction Button at the same time. A prompt is heard indicating voice prompt is enabled.

Charging your speaker Power Adapter

Power Adapter

Charge the speaker with the supplied power adapter for at least 3 hours before use. Please ensure your speaker is powered off for optimised charging.*
Battery performance may degrade over time depending on charge cycles.

The dual-purpose battery powers your Sound Blaster Roar and also charges your smartphone!
Here’s how you do it!
Simply connect a USB cable to the Sound Blaster Roar’s USB DC Out and the other end to your smartphone.

Adapter Model No.: FJ-SW1501600N

• Assembling the Power Adapter

  

• Removing the Power Adapter

  

Adapter Model No.: GPE024W-150160-Z

• Assembling the Power Adapter US, Japan & Taiwan

  

• Europe

  

• Removing Adapter Plug Head

  

  Supplied interchangeable plugs may vary to region and country

Optimize your charging

• The speaker will charge your smartphones even when the speaker is off.

• When turned on, some smartphones require a higher charging rate than battery banks can typically provide. For the quickest charging time, turn off your smartphone before charging it.

Charging your speaker USB Power

USB: The Sound Blaster ROAR can also be charged using a USB cable. It may take longer to charge due to USB power limitation.
Switch off your speaker when charging

TIP: Lithium-ion battery life may suffer when it is constantly fully depleted or overexerted at low voltage. It is a good practice to keep the battery well charged. For optimized charging: Creative recommends using the bundled USB cable for optimized charging.

Charging your speaker LED Indications

Battery Status Indication

Whenever the speaker is ON and connected to a power source, the LED status indicators will continually blink in sequence. To check the battery capacity, power OFF the speaker or disconnect it from the power adapter.

Sound Blaster Roar 2 MF8190 Power Saving

For better user connectivity experience, the Sound Blaster Roar will now by default automatically enter power saving mode only after approximately 28 hours of inactivity when the power adapter is attached via a main outlet to the speaker. However, you have the option to keep the power on permanently if needed.

To Disable Power saving mode with power adapter attached (For keeping your speaker ON permanently):

1. Ensure that the speaker is powered ON and not connected to any other devices.

2. Press the Power and Volume “+“ button together. The LED status indicator will flash once to indicate power saving feature is disabled.

To Enable Power saving mode with power adapter attached

1. Ensure that the speaker is powered ON and not connected to any other devices.

2. Press the Power and Volume “-“ button together. The LED status indicator will flash once to indicate power saving feature is enabled.

Note: The speaker automatically powers down when there is no Bluetooth connection, recording using microSD card, microSD card playback or audio input for more than 15 minutes on battery mode. This feature helps to protect the internal battery and cannot be disabled.

Connecting your speakers Bluetooth / NFC

The Sound Blaster Roar lets you stream music wirelessly. The Sound Blaster Roar connects to Bluetooth devices with robust high-quality aptX and AAC music streaming. NFC technology makes connecting even easier – just tap and play!

Here’s how you do it!

1. A. One-touch pairing with NFC Turn on NFC on your NFC-enabled device and tap your device on the NFC logo to connect.
   To disconnect, tap your device on the Sound Blaster Roar again. OR Manual Bluetooth pairing (i) Press and hold until the white LED blinks rapidly. (ii) Select SB ROAR 2 on your device.

2. Start playback on your connected device.

LED Indication

• Green LED stays lit

• White LED blinking rapidly

• White LED stays lit

Status

• Powered ON but not connected to any Bluetooth devices

• Bluetooth Pairing Mode, waiting for device to connect Connected to a Bluetooth device

Connecting your speakers Understanding Multipoint

Creative Bluetooth Multipoint lets you pair 2 devices to the Sound Blaster Roar With Creative Bluetooth Multipoint, you can connect up to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. Toggle esily between your phone and tablet, or share music playback from your phone or a friend’s phone.

Here’s how you do it!

1. Pause playback on the connected device.

2. Pair and connect a second device (see previous page).

3. Start playback on either one of the connected devices.

Understanding TeraBass / ROAR feature

ROAR/TeraBass button intelligently boost the bass and loudness of your music. Like our in-house reference systems, the Roar is tuned to be accurate, balanced, and welldefined, while delivering full spectral output at maximium levels with minimal or no compression. (NOT common in many battery operated portables). At low level listening conditions, some people may perceive audio differently. Be it being less sensitive to bass reproduction, in less than ideal environments or strictly personal preference. The TeraBass feature intelligently compensates the loss of perceived loudness in bass during low level  playback without artificially over accentuating bass levels. However when sheer audio power is needed – such as large parties and social gatherings – the mode instantly boost the loudness, depth and spaciousness of the audio. Simply just toggle between them !

Here’s how you do it!
To toggle between modes, simply just press the ROAR button.
Toggles from TeraBass ON-> TeraBass with ROAR ->OFF

For added boost
Connecting the Sound Blaster Roar to the power adapter gives your music added volume boost. It is recommended to use a power adapter when using the ROAR feature.

Switching to USB Audio Sound Blaster Roar 2 MF8190

You can play digital audio from your PC/Mac with the Sound Blaster Roar
Enhance music playback from your PC/Mac with the powerful Sound Blaster Roar by connecting it with the USB cable supplied.

Note: If the Sound Blaster Roar is not detected by the computer after your computer recovers from sleep / hibernate / restart, please Power OFF and ON the Sound Blaster Roar to  re-establish the USB audio connection.
You may also need to restart your computer’s media player.

• USB audio will disconnect if button is pressed during USB audio mode.

Here’s how you do it!

1. Slide the slider switch to USB Audio to connect USB Audio mode.

2. Connect the Sound Blaster Roar to a PC/Mac. A tone is heard indicating
   USB audio is connected. *
   * If no tone is heard, disconnect the cable from the computer, and start from Step 1 again.

3. Play your music on the PC/Mac.

Enhance your audio
To enhance your digital music further, you can use the Sound Blaster Control Panel software. See next page.
If no audio is heard
For Windows
Click Volume Control and select Sound Blaster Roar 2 as your output device.

For Mac

1. Go to System Preferences and click Sound.

2. Click the Output tab and select Sound Blaster Roar 2.

Description

Sound Blaster Roar 2 MF8190 is a powerful and stylish Bluetooth speaker that delivers crystal-clear sound and deep bass. Its compact design makes it perfect for travel, and its long battery life ensures that you can listen to your favorite music for hours on end. The speaker also features a range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, USB, and aux-in, making it easy to connect to a variety of devices.

Installing the Sound Blaster Control Panel

The Sound Blaster Control Panel enhances PC/Mac audio in real time. Have complete control over your PC/Mac audio with the Sound Blaster Control Panel software. The SBX Pro Studio technologies – such as SBX Bass and SBX Dialog Plus –  intelligently enhance PC/Mac audio in real time.

Here’s how you do it!

1. Slide the slider switch to USB Audio to connect USB Audio mode.

2. Connect the Sound Blaster Roar to a PC/Mac.

3. Visit http://www.soundblaster.com/downloads/ROAR2/SBCP  to download and install the Sound Blaster Control Panel. *

4. Setting the default audio device.

   1. For Windows
      This setting will be automatically configured after Sound Blaster Control Panel is installed.

   2. For Mac

      1. Go to System Preferences and click Sound.

      2. Click the Output tab and select Sound Blaster Roar 2.
         The Sound Blaster Control Panel requires the speaker to be connected to your computer as USB audio before it can be installed.

Setup Guide

Setting up the Sound Blaster Roar 2 MF8190 is easy and straightforward. Simply turn on the speaker, select it as a Bluetooth device on your phone or other device, and wait for the two to connect. To use the speaker's other connectivity options, simply connect the appropriate cables to the aux-in or USB ports. The speaker also features a microSD card slot, allowing you to play music directly from a card.

Playing MP3 / WMA audio files

Your Sound Blaster Roar comes with a built-in WMA/MP3 player. Besides streaming music from your smart phone wirelessly via Bluetooth, the Sound Blaster Roar can also play audio files on a microSD card with the built-in WMA/MP3 player.

Playback tips

• You can play WMA, WAV or MP3 files.

• The Sound Blaster Roar supports microSD or micro SDHC cards up to 32GB.

Here’s how you do it!

1. Insert a microSD card. microSD Card

2. Press

3. Navigate through tracks.
   To skip tracks (in Repeat All mode):
   Press or during playback.
   To skip folders:
   Press and hold or during playback.
   OR
   Press or when playback is stopped.

The Sound Blaster Roar doubles up as a microSD card reader!

Here’s how you do it!

1. Slide the slider switch to USB Mass Storage to connect as USB Mass Storage mode.

2. Connect the speaker to a computer via USB cable.

3. Insert a microSD card.

4. Browse or modify microSD card contents on your computer.

Note:

• To switch back to USB Audio mode, slide the slider switch to USB Audio.

• Depending on your operating system, a pop-up message may appear informing you that the Mass Storage Device has not been ejected properly. This is normal and not  disruptive to your microSD card.

Recording audio with your speaker

Recording is made really easy with the Sound Blaster Roar. If you need to record the song playing on your Sound Blaster Roar or do a voice recording, just insert a microSD card and you’re ready to go.

Recording specifications

• Audio recording is saved in WAV format in the VOICE folder.

• For recording, a Class 4 microSD card is recommended.

• The default recording sampling rate is at 16 kHz. This is designed to record longer voice recording sessions (e.g. meetings) and avoid large file sizes.

• Recording from microphone also records the audio coming out from Bluetooth and Aux-in audio sources.

• Simultaneous WMA /MP3 audio playback using microSD card and audio recording is not supported.

Here’s how you do it!

1. Insert a microSD card. 

2. Select source.
   From built-in microphone
   
   Switch on the microphone.
   Records voice and sounds picked up by the microphone.
   From Aux-in / Bluetooth source
   
   Mute the microphone.
   Records Aux-in audio directly from your media player or Bluetooth device.

3. Press (REC) to start recording.
   Press (REC) again to stop recording.

4. Press (REC) to playback recordings.
   To skip recorded tracks:
   Press or during playback.

Answering call with your speaker

You can use the Sound Blaster Roar as a speakerphone. When your phone is connected to the Sound Blaster Roar you can simply answer calls without lifting your phone – just press a button!

Recording calls

• Press (REC) during a call to start recording.

• Ensure a microSD card is inserted into the speaker and the conversation will be saved in the VOICE folder on the microSD card.

Here’s how you do it!

1. Connect your smart device.
   (Ensure the microphone is on)

2. Press to answer an incoming call.

3. Press again to end a call.
   To reject a call: Press and hold for more than 2 seconds.

Understanding Bedtime Mode*

The Sound Blaster Roar is the perfect companion to end the day with. Besides playing music at loud volumes, the Sound Blaster Roar can also gently soothe you to sleep. In Bedtime Mode, audio playback from the microSD card will gradually fade out within 15 or 30 minutes, after which the speaker will power off automatically. This is great for parents of young children – you can record yourself reading a bedtime story and play it back to your children as they are about to sleep. You can also use it to play music before you sleep!

Here’s how you do it!

1. Insert a microSD card.

2. Start audio playback.
   To play music files: Press .
   To play voice recordings: Press  (REC).

3. Activate Bedtime Mode.
   For 15 minutes: Press and hold (REC) until you hear a beep.
   For 30 minutes: Press and hold (REC) until you hear two beeps.
   To deactivate Bedtime Mode: Press .

Troubleshooting

If you're having trouble connecting to the Sound Blaster Roar 2 MF8190, make sure that the speaker is turned on and in pairing mode. If the problem persists, try resetting the speaker by holding down the power button for a few seconds. If you're still having trouble, contact Creative's customer support for assistance.

Creative Hardware Warranty

Creative warrants that the accompanying product is free from material or workmanship defects for a period of 12 months (non-transferable Creative Warranty period) from your purchase date. In the event of a genuine product failure, Creative will assume repair or part replacement (new or refurbished) within the Creative Warranty period. However, this Creative Warranty does not cover (but not limited to) normal wear and tear, abnormal usage, improper storage and handling, unauthorized modifications or repair, damages arising from an Act of God and theft. In the event of a genuine product failure you must provide Creative with the product and proof of purchase of the product by a dated itemised receipt.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Powerful and clear sound
• Compact and portable design
• Long battery life
• Multiple connectivity options

Cons

• Slightly heavier than some other portable speakers
• Can be a bit expensive for some budgets

Customer Reviews about Creative Sound Blaster Roar 2 MF8190

Customers have praised the Creative Sound Blaster Roar 2 MF8190 for its powerful sound and long battery life. Some have noted that the speaker is slightly heavier than other portable speakers, but most find its compact design and easy setup to be major advantages. The only common complaint is the price, which some customers find to be a bit too high.