Greetings mate and Welcome aboard!
Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions, so…
Last time we discussed the Stage SE Mini and spoiler alert, I didn’t think it was worth buying.
What about today’s soundbar in the Creative Stage Air V2?
Does it represent an upgrade in sound and overall improvement? Is it worth the money?
Today we’ll find out if it’s ultimately worth a purchase based on price to performance; highlighting its overall build, aesthetic, functionality, and sound profile.
By the end of this article, you’ll know if it’s right for you, and if it isn’t, I’ll steer you in the direction of something that is.
Deal?
Cool.
Let’s dive in!
All specs, box contents, and pricing towards the end.
Unlike the SE Mini, the Stage Air V2 is rather substantial and feels a lot more robust, coming in at a little under 3 lbs. (2.71) and packing.
Again offering both USB audio and wireless Bluetooth 5.3 options, the V2 does have a battery (the SE Mini didn’t) with an advertised life of up to 6 hours depending on volume/output level.
This does contribute to the extra heft, but overall, it still feels better constructed and substantial when holding it in your hand(s). And, like the SE Mini, it’s a breeze to set up with my iPhone 11 and I was up and running in 5 seconds. Creative once again ships the unit with built-in rubber feet, so you won’t have to worry about it sliding around on your desk or entertainment center.
The side contains your power button, volume buttons, and a Bluetooth button, and the front of the unit doesn’t have that flimsy piece of fabric covering the speaker cones/drivers. Instead, we have a honeycomb configuration that seamlessly integrates into the unit.
Its sleek and minimalist design works well, and the left-hand side reveals Creative’s logo adorned in silver; nicely contrasting with the Air V2’s all jet black profile.
On the right is your LED indicator for source selection:
- Solid Blue: Bluetooth connected
- Blinking Blue: Bluetooth Pairing Mode
- Pulsing Blue: Bluetooth Input Source, No Device Paired / Reconnecting To Previous Paired Device
- Solid Green: Connected via AUX-In
- Solid Purple: Connected via USB-In
- Solid Red: Charging
- Off: Fully Charged
Controls
- Power Button: Hold 2s to turn on and off
- Power Button: Press 1x to cycle between Bluetooth, AUX, and USB
- Bluetooth Button: Hold 2s to enter Bluetooth Pairing mode
- Bluetooth Button: Press 1x to Play/Pause
- +/- Symbols: Press 1x to Raise/Lower Volume
- Skip Track: Hold +/- Symbols for 2s.
- Voice Prompt Enable/Disable: Hold Minus (-) and Bluetooth button simultaneously for 5s.
Back Panel
This time the bass is not rear ported, and the back contains a USB-C slot as well as the 3.5mm auxiliary input jack for use with MP3 players, DACs, or receivers.
There’s also a pinhole reset button next to the 3.5mm jack. To perform a master reset, just hold the power button and Bluetooth button simultaneously for 5 seconds.
Because it can be used wired or wirelessly, setup is pretty easy. Connect it to your PC, mobile devices, as well as gaming consoles like PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch.
That said, even after raising the volume to max inside my PS4’s settings, the unit still doesn’t get loud enough for my liking. This was a problem in the SE Mini and unfortunately, it rears its ugly head here too. For desktop use, you’ll be fine. Speaking of..,
Sound
The Air V2 is most certainly an upgrade over the pretty horrific sound of the SE Mini, but problems remain.
The bass, while there is more of it, sounds a bit needly and artificial. There’s punch, but it feels unnatural and somewhat forced. This causes the entire signature to sound muddy and lacking in resolution.
In addition, the treble is scratchy, metallic, and can be very hissy.
That said, this is definitely not a terrible sounding unit, but users still complain that the product randomly shuts off from time to time and/or goes into sleep mode at random intervals; sometimes 5 minutes, other times after an hour or so. Some even report loud cracks and pops, but I haven’t experienced any of this so far.
In addition, there are quality concerns over the USB cable’s metal piece breaking off from the main cord and remaining inside the unit. You may also have problems with loose connections on the back, but again, I haven’t had any issues.
While the sound is certainly an improvement over the SE Mini, it still lacks good Soundstage and openness. In other words, it doesn’t fill up the room all that much, and placement/separation of sounds remains somewhat congested.
Perhaps this isn’t quite a fair comparison, but placing an Air V2 next to my Yamaha HS7s reveals just how scratchy and metallic the soundbar is. The sound lacks fluidity and comes across as very brash and rough.
While not quite as dead/lifeless as an SE Mini, you’re still getting that artificial character that plagues the cheaper unit.
Final Verdict
The Creative Stage Air V2 is a better-built, more functional product that still lacks in the ever-important sound department. Its raspy, metallic, artificial character and even worse sound at higher volumes is something I can’t shake, and even for roughly $44, you can do much better.
What do I recommend?
*ronald reagan voice*
Well, let’s take a look at the next product in the series and see if it’s worth any money.
Creative Stage Air V2
Price: Check Amazon | Check Creative
In The Box
Stage Air V2 Compact Under-Monitor USB Soundbar with Bluetooth
1 x USB-A to USB-C Cable 1.2m
1 x 3.5 mm Stereo to Stereo Cable 1.2m
1 x Quick Start Leaflet
1 x Worldwide Warranty Leaflet
1 x Compliance Leaflet
Creative Air Stage V2
3.5mm Auxiliary Cable (1.2m)
USB-A to USB-C Cable (1.2m)
Quick Start Guide
Worldwide Warranty Leaflet
Compliance Leaflet
Random issues section
This is just some stuff I came across when reading reviews online.
- A voice repeats “battery low” and doesn’t stop (every 30 seconds or so) until you charge it or turn it off.
- Disconnects from BT.
- Disconnects from analog, causing you to have to unplug the device from power and reboot.
- Sound dropouts if audio is too low or loud, goes to sleep randomly/turns off based on source volume vs. soundbar volume discrepancies. The remedy is to turn the volume up on the Soundbar and use Spotify to toggle. I actually messed around a bunch with the settings just to see if I could trigger some of these problems, but haven’t been able to. I’m inclined to think the newer units are better or some people may simply have gotten a lemon.
Specifications
- Speaker Configuration: One-piece, Soundbar, Computer Speakers
- Drivers Configuration: Full-range racetrack drivers
- Connector Type: USB-in, Bluetooth, Aux-in, Battery
- Power Output: 2 x 5W
- Total System Peak Power: 20W Peak (2x 5W RMS)
- Input Rating: 5V ⎓ 2A
- Lithium-ion Battery Rating: 3.7V, 2200 mAh (8.14 Wh)
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours
- Charging Type: USB-C, 5V 2A
- Frequency Range: 80-20,000Hz
- SNR: ≥ 75 dB
- Bluetooth Version: 5.3
- Supported Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP (Wireless Stereo), AVRCP (Remote Control)
- Supported Codecs: SBC
- Operating Frequency: 2402 – 2480 MHz
- Operating Range for Bluetooth Devices: Up to 10M / 33 ft, measured in open space. Walls and structures may affect range of device.
- Maximum RF Output Power: 10 dBm
- Maximum Operating Temperature: 45°C
- Dimensions: 410mm (16.1″) x 94mm (3.7″) x 75mm (2.9″)
- Weight: 1.23kg / 2.71 lbs.
- Type: 2200 mAh
Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this Creative Stage Air V2 Review.
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please leave them down below or Contact me!!
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What do you think about this soundbar? I would love to hear from you. Until next time…
All the best and God bless,
-Stu
