Saber Forum

Greetings!

I can't tell you all how excited I was to receive my saber today!  Best of all, it has the all NEW Obsidian v4!!!!

Ok, so calming down a bit. . . I ordered a v4 initiate with a main blade of blazing red with violent amethyst FoC - a great combination that I had never tried before - an a red AV switch.   I had already watched the video that Deep had posted on the V4 launcher and operation so I knew what to expect.  The launcher and operation of the saber worked flawlessly just as they did in the video.  The saber was boxed like usual (always done fantastically to protect your saber), but there was an addition.  In the packet where you generally find US business cards, there are also clear instructions on how to operate the v4.  Of course, I didn't read the instructions before pressing the AV switch - I just had to try it out!  I have a picture of the instruction page I'll post down below. 

The operation of the new V4 is easy enough.  You turn on the saber and keep your thumb on the switch and then the saber boots up in configuration mode where you can select different fonts by pressing the switch again.  My saber had 8 (that's right eight!) fonts pre-installed.  The fonts included are:

1.  Default Obsidian
2.  Blackstar
3.  Sith
4.  Ancient Saber
5.  Episode 1
6.  Episode 2
7.  Episode 6
8.  Silent (muted) font

To confirm your sound font (after you have cycled through and picked the one you want) you simply hold the activation switch and you'll hear a voice saying "Confirmed." 
When you release the switch, your saber will be up and running the font you selected.  Multiple fonts on one saber is a feature I've been dying for US to include.  For sure my next purchase will be a v4 Obsidian saber with emerald as you'll be able to have several fonts and also be able to load any color that you want!


Some things I noticed:

*When I first turned on the v4 Obsidian saber, it seemed to me that the sound volume was a tad bit louder than the v3.  I happened to have another v4 initiate with the v3 Obsidian installed so I did some comparisons.  The v4 version of Obsidian is louder.  I had both versions of the sound boards up on max volume to be sure that the comparison was legit.  I also used the standard default sound font on both.

*  Boot sounds!!!!  This may be a little thing to some, but boot sounds now do have an impact on your saber experience.  Unlike the v3 Obsidian, where you would only hear a boot sound if you had a recharge port or you were inserting your batteries, you can now have multiple boot fonts on the v4.  This allows you to easily identify which font you have selected.  What's more, this is a great way to personalize your saber.  For example, you can have a boot sound with Yoda's voice from our own forum's Clone Wars font on any of your font banks.  That means you can have multiple voices, scenes, music, etc. on one saber.

*  With the sound effects (boots, clashes, swings, etc.), I believe that the v4 Obsidian is more clear.  On a few of my v3 Obsidian sabers the sounds would distort sometimes especially if a boot sound was playing.  This might just be my ears, but I do hear a difference.

*  If you have used a v3 Obsidian card, you will be able to access the v4 just as easily through the pummel.  When connecting a USB cable to the v4, the connections were tight and showed no signs of being accidently disconnected.  The card itself appears to be anchored to the battery hold just the same as the previous set up.


Pic of the v4 Obsidian board:

(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/Cliffvoe/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsfkpjmvvs.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/Cliffvoe/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsfkpjmvvs.jpg.html)




*  As I have posted previously, the new launcher is amazingly user friendly.  On my Windows 8 PC, I did need to use a 2.0 USB hub for the saber to connect, but I believe this is a hardware issue on my end, as at times, my USB ports are a bit finicky. 

*  Multiple sound fonts are included; however, US did not add an additional button/switch.  Some might say that this is not an upgrade as they might have wished for an Aux switch.  I find the one-button operation of the v4 to be simple and practical.  There is no aux switch to interfere with your grip or be accidently pressed when you are using the saber.  I do not see the need for an aux switch for blaster sounds as necessary as the sound banks are robust enough without additions. 

So, to summarize:  The new v4 Obsidian soundboard is a huge leap forward when compared to the previous version.  The inclusion of multiple sound fonts on one board allows the user to have different options.  This in turn, provides several different experiences with one saber.  For instance you could have a silver hilt saber that can have serve as a jedi's weapon, a sith saber, or a grey jedi with just a press of a button.  If you have the emerald option, you could augment this feature additionally by changing the colors as well.  I believe that the sound quality has been improved (i.e. the louder volume and clarity).  The new launcher is also a welcomed change.  It is much easier to navigate and allows firmware upgrades as needed. 






And now, a few quick pics of my new initiate!



(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/Cliffvoe/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsikdvifth.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/Cliffvoe/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsikdvifth.jpg.html)




(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/Cliffvoe/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsyce1gixy.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/Cliffvoe/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsyce1gixy.jpg.html)




FoC:



(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/Cliffvoe/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsrxipby7e.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/Cliffvoe/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsrxipby7e.jpg.html)







Oh, almost forgot the pic of the instructions!

(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/Cliffvoe/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpspdkvdr37.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/Cliffvoe/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpspdkvdr37.jpg.html)





I want to thank US for allowing me to review the new V4 Obsidian card.  I for one am excited to play more with the features of the saber.  I also enjoyed not having any concerns prior to purchasing my new saber even though the V4 is in the "beta" stage.  This is because I have come to expect great quality products from US and they have again not disappointed me!

Darth Calico

Nice. Hey can you post the Episode 2 font if you can get the regular files. Its not in the store front fonts so. And do a test to see if it works with older Obsidian boards like 2.0 Would be awesome if you could do that. Like the saber and color combo >:D

I don't have a 2.0 Obsidian or earlier board - All I have is the v3+.

Let me see on the font - I'll have to figure that one out!  :)

Excellent review Darth Calico....... A very well deserved point for you, my Lord  :D

Have you tried an Arbiter pommel on your Initiate v4? It's my favourite setup  :)

Thank you!  I don't have an Arbiter, but I'll have to check it out!

I haven't figured out how to access the raw files for the Ep II font through the new launcher. I emailed US to see if they know the trick!

I received an email back from Deep. He responded that the fonts cannot be retracted from the sound board. The good news is that he will be posting the default sond fonts for the V4 Obsidian onto the US website in a few weeks!

Darth Calico

Darn. So they probably wont work for older 2.0 then u.u

That's pretty awesome, mildly jealous

ahhh, wow.. a great reveiw there, dark points given.. !

on the other hand, these are BRILLIANT pictures for what my "soon to be pending" order of initiate le v4 in BR will look like! VERY excited for my 5 year old! I can see me swapping our blades for a few duels! hehe.. 

I just requested the V4 on my new saber, so I'm hoping they pick me to demo it! I would love to switch through these settings while at a con.

 Hopefully you'll be in luck, I've been lucky enough to get it added to my flamberge preorder, so we'll both be part of something special.

I was able to get my preorder upgraded to a v4 obsidian, but I did have to pay $30 as mine was already boxed up for shipping. Still glad to have the upgrade!

 Very excited to hear that they're being boxed up, i ordered mine three days after the preorders started, so with only a fortnight of march left, we're definitely edging closer to flamberge 'o' clock!

 I love that the v4 comes with multiple fonts preloaded, means i can keep the default ones as well as the one or two i mix myself..

I'm thinking the next emerald iteration might have the ability to slave the board to the obsidian, so you set your blade colour settings for each font, and change the whole look of the saber without the cable connection!

I'm hoping you're right about the next Emerald iteration as that would be epic!

Glad to hear you're happy. The initiate v4 has a beautiful hilt, and the windows help it stand out. I got an apprentice v4 . The Obsidian soundboard seems great! I'll have to send mine back for sound soon..

If you can swing it(no pun intended), you
really need (emphasize need) a saber with sound.
The obsidian sound board is truely worth it to have
at least one in your repertoire

beautiful review.  point to you.  i am eagerly awaiting my flamberge with V4 obsidian as well

I'm thinking, that when you're in the Configuration Mode (Obsidian V4) with Emerald installed, you could just twist your wrist (like setting off the clash) and cycle through preset color settings without adding any more buttons.  Like Sypho Ruut said, it'd be cool to program any of the preset colors to default to a sound font as well.

Either way, I can't wait to test out the V4!

Awesome i cant wait to get it on my next saber! Only problem is i have no idea how to get it! Do i have to have 20 posts or can i just request it on my saber? Im new to the forum and only have the aeon V4.Im getting the dark sentinal in a few weeks but im only buying it if i can get the V4 soundboard.Help please :/

 that'd be a great way of doing it, that way you'd be able to have your pre-programmed colours seperate to the fonts, so you could mix and match. Extra versatility is always good!


 Yeah, you have to have a minimum of 20 posts, and request it on the order along with your forum name. You also have to have either emerald or the buckpuck option for the saber you buy too.

 20 posts is easy enough for a couple of weeks though, welcome a few new people, maybe comment on some stuff in the galleries, reviews, that kinda thing. it's less that two posts a day for two weeks, so you should be able to manage it easily.

Well, I will give a dark side point for the review.  But, you sure made it more difficult on me.  I really want to get a dark Mantis Emerald, with the new V4 sound board now.  Man, I just had my Manticore V3 board upgraded to Emerald 4 channel & I have really been enjoying it.  But, this new V4 board it just soooooo tempting. Emerald with the V4 board, but I guess I will have to wait.  Oh well, THANKS again for such a great review.  Makes me GLAD I chose US!!

Daniel

emory said in his announcement post for the V4 Obsidian that you had to be a forum member with at least 20 Posts, order a saber with LI-ION and buck-puck, and request the V4.  i would assume the 20 post minimum is ironclad

Thank you so much for this review! I'm getting the same exact thing only LE and green AV switch and blade w/o FoC. This really made me confident in my choice. Thanks so much! Also, do you recommend a 36 or 32 blade (I'm 5'7 and growing)