Dreams of musical stardom are just a few clicks away with one of the most popular, rhythm video games ever created in Rock Band 4: Band-in-a Box (Harmonix Music System Inc., Rated: Teen, starting at $249.99).
Up to four players use instrument-shaped controllers and even a microphone to match lit icons flying down or across colorful onscreen roadmaps, or try to mimic vocal intonations and harmonies.
Guitarists can also add some freestyle solos to the mix or stick to the familiar jam. The entire faux band can either pick songs for a quick mini-concert or dive into a career mode to build a fan base and make money for new gear and clothes as they gig in numerous venues around the world.
Cartoony, customizable avatars perform on screen as the in-room players eventually attempt a core set of 65 songs including U2’s “I Will Follow,” Elvis Presley’s “Suspicions Minds” and Mumford & Sons’ “The Wolf.”
Over 2,000 additional songs are available for download ($1.99 each) to greatly expand a repertoire such as Iggy Pop’s “Lust for Life,” The Hollies “Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress),” and Robert Palmer’s “Bad Case of Loving You.”
Action-enhancing gadgets or extras: The core bundle includes a wireless Fender Stratocaster guitar controller, with strap, that offers up to 30 hours of action; a wireless drum kit with four pads, a metal-reinforced kick pedal and wooden drumsticks; and a stage-grade USB microphone with 48 kHz audio quality and 15-foot cable. To add a fourth person, another guitar can be purchased ($99) or use an old Guitar Hero or Rock Band axe.
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Keep in mind, rocking to tunes like Van Halen’s “Panama” and Judas Priest’s “Halls of Valhalla” really need the ears bleeding during a performance.
So, gift-givers might also consider an upgrade to their entertainment room’s sound potential before the “Rock Band 4” sessions by adding the multifunctional Sound Blaster X7, bundled with a pair of compact companion EMU XM7 bookshelf speakers (Creative Labs, $529.98 for the set).
The lightweight, triangular-shaped X7 box packs a major, multi-option sonic punch (a 100-watt stereo amplifier, 127 db digital-to-audio converter and 600 ohm headphone amplifier) and hooks up to the PS4 through the TOSLINK digital audio port.
It also provides Dolby Digital 5.1 and SBX Pro Studio processing for full audio immersion and offers seven preset profiles to focus on getting the best sound experience out of movies, games and music.
Audiophiles can connect the X7 to Blu-ray players and other entertainment consoles (use the TOSLINK digital audio port, no HDMI port available); headphones (stereo or 3.5 mm jacks); or computers and smart devices via Bluetooth, NFC (near field communication) and a traditional USB port. Attach passive speakers (4 or 8 ohm options available) via wires to gold-plated binding post connectors.
The onboard microphones also offer ease of communication on conference calling or talking to teammates in certain video game set-ups.
Additionally, owners can virtually control the X7 audio output using computer software (Mac or PC) or an app (iOS and Android) package to tweak near every layer of sound including altering one’s voice for any multiplayer gaming sessions.
The 12-inc- tall, E-MU XM7’s speakers each feature 5-inch custom designed woofers, an oversized magnet and shielding, and a 1-inch high efficiency silk dome tweeter delivering wide frequency response, booming bass and excellent dynamic range.
• Joseph Szadkowski can be reached at jszadkowski@washingtontimes.com.
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