RumbleFX 3D Sound Amp

Manufacturer: Evergreen Technologies

09-30-01 By: Patrick Androsik

Introduction:

Evergreen Technologies has provided us the RumbleFX 3D Sound Amplifier, a new audio device promising to enhance your audio experience be it via your computer speakers, or even possibly with you home stereo system. The RumbleFX claims to have the ability to turn ordinary stereo signals into 3D holographic surround sound using only two speakers, not to mention delivering low frequency bass enhancements and clear high frequency sounds. This sounds like a lot to ask for from a device that only measures aprox.. 5"W x 4.5"D x 1"H but don't be fooled by its small size.

Details:

So how does the RumbleFX go about enhancing you audio sound? To start, the RumbleFX unit comes equipped with two different input channels. The first input channel comes from two RCA line in jacks for taking low level signals from devices like your Stereo systems, Nintendo game console, or even your TV/VCR/DVD players. The second possible input channel is a 3.5mm stereo jack that allows for the connection of your PC sound card, walkman CD players, or any other device that has a 3.5mm output jack (front of you CD-ROM drive). On the output side, sound is delivered out three possible output jacks. The first jacks are two RCA line out jacks that allows for the connection to other amplifiers (low level output). The second possible connection comes from a 3.5mm earphone jack that allows for the direct plugging into of stereo headphones or even better, Force Feedback Headphones by Evergreen Tech. Lastly, output can also be delivered via a 3W x 2 channel 3.5mm stereo output jack.

Ok, now we have covered the possible ways to pipe in and out your different audio signals, but how does the sound actually get "enhanced"? RumbleFX makes use of three technologies that were developed by SRS Technologies. The first is called WOW which seeks to transform any stereo signal into 3D holographic surround sound which enhances the capabilities of almost any possible speaker combination. The second technology is called TruBass which goal is to provide deep and clear bass to smaller speaker systems. And the last technology is call Focus which electronically adjusts speaker levels to help compensate for poorly located speakers.

For controlling the functions of the RumbleFX, it is equipped with one adjustable volume control, and two other adjustable controls which allows for the adjustment of the WOW and TruBass levels. Also, on the top of the unit is two push button controls that turn the RumbleFX and 3D Sound on/off. These push buttons are also complemented by two green lights that indicate whether the desired feature is on or off.

Test Setups:

The first setup consisted of hooking up the RumbleFX to my Creative Sound Blaster sound card. Hookup was done using the 3.5mm stereo cable that was provided with the RumbleFX. Then I used a pair of Altec Lansing desktop speakers for testing.

Second setup consisted of hooking up the RumbleFX to my Nintendo 64 game console. This hookup was just as easy, utilizing the RCA ports for both input and output of the audio signals. I used my TVs speakers (Toshiba 36") for testing.

Conclusions:

I was quite impressed when I started testing the first setup. I first started using the RumbleFX with the 3D Sound disabled so I could get a feeling of how well the RumbleFX was actually performing. When the 3D Sound was enabled, my speakers came alive. These little desktop speakers were now playing very clear sound and there was even bass coming out. My excitement led me to load up 3D Mark 2001 so I could run the cool demo. You know the one with the Matrix scenes. It was unreal. The results were clear highs and deep bass.

When I started the second test I had high hopes. I loaded James Bond into my game console and prepared for war. I started and instantly started to notice a difference. Now TV speakers have never really been known for producing crystal clear highs and deep bass but the RumbleFX managed to bring decent highs and some bass. Now the results were not what I had seen in the first tests, but I did not expect this to be the case.

Overall I was impressed with the ability of the RumbleFX. It seemed to be constructed well and delivered on its promises to enhance your sound experience. As for the price, I have seen prices starting at $50.00 and going up from there and it would seem to be priced right. If you need a little boost for your PC sound system, then this would be a definite product to check out. Thanks again to Evergreen Tech. for send us out this review unit.

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