6 best creative labs pc sound cards

• PRISTINE AUDIO OUTPUT | Supreme audio fidelity with 127 dB DNR hi-res 32-bit / 384 kHz playback via ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC and DSD64 playback support that satisfies even the most demanding needs of audiophiles for incredibly clean audio
• MASSIVELY POWERFUL HEADPHONE AUDIO | Custom Xamp discrete headphone bi-amp powers each earcup separately with 1Ω output impedance and drives studio-grade headphones of up to 600Ω, including high-end planar-magnetic headphones. And with the Audio Control Module, gain quick access to the Volume Control Knob, as well as the ¼” and ⅛” mic and headphones I/O connectors – all within your fingertips
• THEATRICAL-GRADE DISCREET AND VIRTUAL SURROUND | Supports discrete 5. 1 on speakers with Dolby Digital Live / DTS Connect Encoding, and up to 7. 1 virtual surround on headphones and speakers. To top it off, we have also integrated Sound Blaster’s Surround Virtualization technology onto AE-7 so that you can conveniently enjoy surround sound on most form of media
• TRUE HARDWARE ACCELERATED AUDIO | Dedicated quad-core processor designed to deliver incredibly pristine and enhanced sound on your PC without overstressing your CPU. Sound Blaster manages audio processing on the card itself, freeing your CPU to handle other tasks
• NEW AND IMPROVED SOFTWARE CUSTOMIZATION SUITE | Sound Blaster Command software interface provides hardware processed sound enhancements and complete control of audio output via the Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine for a full, customized audio experience that delivers clearer vocals, accurate cues, and bass boost

User questions & answers

Question:	Anyone know how this would couple with the game one or game zero headsets
Answer:	I have the game one headset and it sounds great. I wish the headphone ohm setting had a 50 ohm selection, but I can't go over half volume in Windows at the 32ohm setting so it pushes plenty of power. I had the sound blaster zx before this and this card sounds better.
Question:	This or the zxr? that is only $20 more but 5 year old tech. i use the logitech z906 speakers and no headphones
Answer:	i don't know, do you listen to 24bit audio, like blu rays and youtube and high-res music from hdtracks, or 32bit audio? If 24bit, you might be best off then with the ZxR, on the other hand I'd say the AE-5 is a safer bet, because of the surely nicer headphone amp inside can be properly used with many more headphones..., but then again your using speakers and might have an external headphone amp.., Hard to say.
Question:	If I hook up an astro mixamp (with headphones) to the fiber-optic port, am I losing the benefits of this card? Or will it pass through the amp
Answer:	Outputting digital audio via S/PDIF means that its quality becomes dependent of the DAC built into your external amplifier or mixamp, rather than the output stages of the Sound Blasterx AE-5 as, optical signals are in PCM stereo format only. Also, the Sound BlasterX AE-5 does not have Dolby and DTS encoding for optical out.
Question:	Does the led on the card itself work without the molex connector? i'm not interested in attaching the led strip
Answer:	For me, the led on the card DOES NOT work without the molex. As I have no interest in attaching the LED strip or using molex, I don't know if it's by design or by fault.
Question:	Does this allow a usb stick to be shared by 2 devices at the same time? (1 device reads while the other writes). is there a less costly method
Answer:	No. It would allow the same USB stick to be seen by 2 computers, but only one at a time. When you switch to PC #1 only it can see the USB inputs. When you switch to PC#2 only it can see the USB inputs and PC #1 can no longer see the USB inputs. Probably the best way of accomplishing what you're talking about is to plug the USB stick into one PC and share the drive over your network.
Question:	Does this support 1920x1080@144Hz
Answer:	I purchased this KVM. I'll post what it states in the manual to best serve you:"support for high resolution applications (supports resolutions beyond 1080p: 2560x1600 @60Hz, up to 3840 x 2400 at lower refresh rates), offering a superior KVM switching solution thatintegrates perfectly into demanding imaging, medical, and multimedia environments."In other words, I have 1440p monitor & I get 96Hz with my 27" PLS monitor running on a GTX670. I think another user posted on the review that he got 120Hz with his 1080p setup. Keep in mind if your hardware can support it I don't see why not since its just routing the signal. In other words, NO it does NOT SUPPORT 1080p @ 1440Hz, but it might work if your hardware can handle it, since this is designed as a high resolution kvm. I think it has more bandwidth to route the signal but I cannot vouch for that.
Question:	Anyone used this with a laptop & VGA cable + VGA to DVI-I adpater? Can't get the laptop to see the ext. monitor through the switch. PC tower sees it
Answer:	If I understand you correctly, this won't work. VGA is an analog signal. DVI-I is a combined cable with both analog and digital wires. A VGA to DVI-I adapter simply connects the analog and leaves the digital hanging. This StarTech switch is designed to switch the dual link dvi (digital) signal - so it would ignore any analog signal.

Product features

Sound Blaster AE-7: Hi-res PCI-e DAC and Amp Sound Card with Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-amp and Audio Control Module

HARDWARE ACCELERATED AUDIO

The addition of AE-7 to your PC rig basically means one thing – you’re adding in a dedicated quad-core processor designed with one goal in mind – to deliver incredibly pristine and enhanced sound on your PC without overstressing your CPU. Sound Blaster handles audio processing on the card itself, freeing up your CPU to handle other tasks.

Enhanced audio is only going to sound as good as the components delivering it, and with the AE-7, we’re not pulling any punches. The AE-7 features an ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC that delivers an incredibly clean 127 dB DNR audio stream at up to 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and DSD64 Playback. If pristine is at the core of your demand, the AE-7 is going to blow past your expectations.

CONVENIENCE

Take easy control with the ACM that is incorporated with a built-in microphone array, ¼” and ⅛” connectors for mic and headphones input and output connections. You can conveniently adjust the volume with the knob on the ACM – all within your fingertips.

CUSTOMIZATION – TAKE FULL COMMAND OF YOUR AUDIO SETUP

All thanks to our users and community, the newly designed Sound Blaster Command software suite has been improved based on their feedback! It’s now easier than ever to customize your audio quickly for your specific needs. The Sound Blaster Command software is available at our support site.

Do you prefer pure audio with no effects or processing while listening to music? Or do you prefer to push your audio immersion to the limits by putting the Sound Core3D enhanced audio effects to work while gaming? The ability to save and switch to multiple profiles with a simple click expands your options when it comes to changing between music, gaming, or movies.

Product description

The pocket-sized Sound Blaster G5 delivers massively superior gaming audio performance in a compellingly tiny form-factor. This virtual 7.1 24-bit/192kHz, 120dB USB Digital Audio Converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier delivers for the ultimate headphone gaming audio experience - whether it is for your PC or for your gaming console. Supported Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Mac OS X v10.8 and above.

• Native 7.1 Surround Sound Support
• Immersive 3D PC Gaming Audio
• Best-in-class Console Gaming Audio
• Blaster Acoustic Engine Pro
• Audiophile-grade Headphone Amplifier
• Built-in SB-Axx1 Audio Processor
• Backlit Volume Control with Illuminated Volume Indicator

User questions & answers

Question:	To all experts. would this fully use the sennheiser pc363d 7.1 surround? i'm looking to replace the usb dolby sound card that comes with it
Answer:	Hi there! Groove is able to playback audio up to 192kHz and 24 bit, however, it is not MQA compatible.
Question:	its work with android or ios
Answer:	The groove connects to the USB port of the computer, no sound card needed.
Question:	Is this also a DAC
Answer:	Please contact Apogee support at https://apogeedigital.com/support There is online Chat Support
Question:	Can this drive the Sennheiser HD
Answer:	J. Lee, who told you that USB 2 does not have the bandwidth to support 24-bit/192kHz? This information is totally wrong! USB 2 indeed has enough bandwidth to easily support 24-bit/192kHz and can even support 32-bit/192kHz.

Product features

Massive Audio Upgrade for your PC / MAC or PS4

The pocket-sized Sound BlasterX G5 delivers massively superior gaming audio performance in a compellingly tiny form-factor.

This virtual 7.1 24-bit/192kHz, 120dB USB Digital Audio Converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier delivers for the ultimate headphone gaming audio experience - whether it is for your PC or for your PS4 gaming console.

Immersive 3D PC Gaming Audio

The G5 is a high performance external sound card with built-in SB-Axx1 multi-core chipset for hardware accelerated audio. Even a basic motherboard stereo gets transformed into 3D virtual surround sound on your headset.

The G5 also supports multi-channel content, and 7.1 audio mixing for ultra-realistic surround sound into your headphones.

Best-in-Class Console Gaming Audio

Built with precision audiophile components, the G5 delivers a best-in-class stereo experience for you PS4 with high-resolution of 24-bit/192kHz, 120dB USB DAC hardware driven audio playback that enables you to experience your gaming audio soundtrack in amazing detail. You'll be able to detect in real time where your enemy exactly is and get the winning edge every single time!

The G5 also connects to the Xbox One via the optical digital output port (voice communications not supported via optical link).

Audiophile-grade Headphone Amplifier

The G5 is not just a 24-bit/192kHz, 120dB USB DAC. With a Texas Instruments TPA6120A2 headphone amplifier with a low output impedance of 2.2Ω, the G5 is capable of driving headphones of up to 600Ω impedance as well as sensitive in-ear monitors in the market today.

This pocket-sized external gaming sound card also supports high-resolution audio playback of up to 24-bit/192kHz, thanks to its Cirrus Logic CS4398 DAC, which has a Signal-to-Noise Ratio of 120dB.

Built-in SB-Axx1 Audio Processor

Dedicated SBX Profile selection button and Scout Mode buttons on the G5 work with the built-in SB-Axx1 multi-core processor for instant hardware accelerated audio enhancements. Get the right setting and save time with storing up to three audio profiles on the G5. All it takes is a button, along with toggle controls to switch between the profiles to suit the nature of your gameplay.

BlasterX Acoustic Engine Pro

Optimised for your gameplay and engineered to impress you with extraordinary sound, the G5 represents our true innovation in sound, beyond the realm of physical limitations through audio enhancements.

Available for Windows, the fully customisable BlasterX Acoustic Engine Pro gives you unprecedented control over your listening experience with audio realism and immersive audio effects that intelligently minimises distractions and enhances gameplay. From the whizz of bullets near your head to the terrifying roar of a troll, every detail of your game comes alive with our professionally tweaked audio enhancements.

• Includes an external high quality dual-microphone array standard with card. Supported operating systems: windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10
• Features Sound Core3D Audio Processor for accelerating advanced audio and voice technologies
• SBX Pro Studio sound technologies create unprecedented levels of audio realism including stunning 3D surround effects for your speakers and headsets
• Delivers 116dB SNR, plus audiophile-grade capacitors and gold-plated I/O connectivity and Stereo Direct lets you listen to your music pure and unprocessed at the amazing bit rate of 24-bit 192 kHz.
• Use the Sound Blaster Control Panel just toggle between you headphone and speakers system with a flip of a switch
• OS : windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10

User questions & answers

Question:	So what's the difference with the sound blaster recon3d? i see the same "sound core3d" chip
Answer:	I have the game one headset and it sounds great. I wish the headphone ohm setting had a 50 ohm selection, but I can't go over half volume in Windows at the 32ohm setting so it pushes plenty of power. I had the sound blaster zx before this and this card sounds better.
Question:	What is that circular window, is it some sort of interference shield
Answer:	i don't know, do you listen to 24bit audio, like blu rays and youtube and high-res music from hdtracks, or 32bit audio? If 24bit, you might be best off then with the ZxR, on the other hand I'd say the AE-5 is a safer bet, because of the surely nicer headphone amp inside can be properly used with many more headphones..., but then again your using speakers and might have an external headphone amp.., Hard to say.
Question:	Does this sound card have Dolby Digital Live
Answer:	Outputting digital audio via S/PDIF means that its quality becomes dependent of the DAC built into your external amplifier or mixamp, rather than the output stages of the Sound Blasterx AE-5 as, optical signals are in PCM stereo format only. Also, the Sound BlasterX AE-5 does not have Dolby and DTS encoding for optical out.
Question:	Triple Question: Worth it for headphone user? Is card's mic detachable/able to be deactivated? Will it process mic audio from MoBo usb
Answer:	For me, the led on the card DOES NOT work without the molex. As I have no interest in attaching the LED strip or using molex, I don't know if it's by design or by fault.

Product features

Sound Blaster Z Internal PCI-e Gaming Sound Card with Beamforming Microphone

This Sound Blaster Z is an ideal all-round solution for your PC gaming and entertainment needs. It comes complete with the Sound Blaster beamforming microphone for crystal clear voice communication.

Our Sound Blaster product philosophy comes from a total system approach. We've designed the Z series cards to give the best experience for not only those wishing to experience content, but those wanting to create it as well. This includes optimizations for voice chat and recording in addition to all of the amazing SBX Studio Pro audio output enhancements.

High-quality Connections

The Z card is equipped with gold plated connection points to ensure the card delivers the best possible audio signal.

3.5 mm gold plated headphone jack driven by the 600 ohm Maxim MAX97220 amp

• 3.5 mm gold plated microphone jack
• 3.5 mm gold plated 5.1 channel connections
• TOSLINK digital audio input and outputs

116 db Signal-to-noise Ratio

A signal to noise ratio or SNR of 116 dB means your audio will be >99.99% pure audio which is 35.4 times better than motherboard audio.

SBX Studio Pro Technologies

Experience awe-inspiring audio with the SBX Pro Studio suite of technologies that immerses you in your games and movies with amazing detail and a 360-degree true-to-life sound stage.

CrystalVoice Technologies

Experience crystal clear commmunication with your teammates with the CrystalVoice suite of technologies that removes echoes, ambient noises and picks up your voice from within a zone (Voice Focus). It also maintains your voice level even if you are near or further away from the microphone.

Sound Core3D Audio Processor

The quad-core Sound Core3D audio processor is to designed to offload SBX Pro Studio and CrystalVoice effects processing from your primary CPU, improving your overall PC performance, resulting in drastically superior audio and voice quality.

Sound Blaster Beamforming Microphone

When used with CrystalVoice's Focus, the bundled beamforming microphone creates an acoustic zone and suppresses noise outside it, enabling you to be heard with amazing clarity.

Sound Blaster Command Software

Access the full suite of Sound Blaster’s industry-leading audio processing technologies including Crystallizer that helps improve the dynamic range of audio, or Bass that provides bigger punch on the low end. All enhancements are fully customizable from the Sound Blaster Command software suite on PC.

Product description

Designed around the powerful Sound Core3D™ audio processor, the Sound Blaster Z series once again raises the bar for the industry standard of PCIe sound cards. Sound Blaster Z has been designed to meet the standards of those who want a vastly superior experience over motherboard audio. With external DACs delivering 116dB SNR, a 600 ohm audiophile-grade headphone amp, and massively customizable SBX Pro Studio technologies, Sound Blaster Z packs a serious audio punch.

Features:

• Includes an external high quality dual-microphone array standard with card
• Features Sound Core3D Audio Processor for accelerating advanced audio and voice technologies
• SBX Pro Studio sound technologies create unprecedented levels of audio realism including stunning 3D surround effects for your speakers and headsets
• Delivers 116dB SNR, plus audiophile-grade capacitors and gold-plated I/O connectivity
• Use the Sound Blaster Control Panel just toggle between you headphone and speakers system with a flip of a switch

• New - Retail
• 1-Year Limited Warranty
• Creative Labs 70SB150000000
• Creative Labs 70SB150000000 Sound Blaster Z Sound Card 5.1 Channels 24-bit PCI Express

User questions & answers

Question:	what are the play back and recording sample rates and resolutions that this cARD supports
Answer:	I'm sorry but I havent even used the card!!! However I cam speak of earlier soundblaster cards, they are amazing so yeah...
Question:	Does the software with this allow for independent headphone left right volume control
Answer:	after you update to your systems (drivers) yes
Question:	Is the Win 10 driver simple and straight forward? I don't want to be nagged to download smart apps nor forced pandora/spotify/amazon music nagware
Answer:	Granted it was a while ago, but when I bought this card and loaded the driver there was nothing added. There might be some optional downloads, but I'm pretty sure that kind of thing isn't built into the driver itself.
Question:	Does this sound card need any wires/cables to go to the motherboard and does it work on windows 10 pro please
Answer:	Needs no extra cables. And it works with 10 pro.

Product description

Meet the Sound Blaster Audigy Fx! This half-height sound card is powered by SBX Pro Studio Technology and instantly converts your system with 5.1 entertainment system that delivers cinematic surround sound - perfect for bringing out the best in your movies, music and games. Users can look forward to full audio customization with Sound Blaster Audigy Fx Control Panel, a downloadable PC software suite that allows users to control every aspect of SBX Pro Studio. The Audigy Fx further features 24-bit 192kHz digital-to-analog converter (Playback), 106dB SNR and a high-end 600 ohm headphone amplifier for studio grade monitoring. Minimum System Requirements: Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD equivalent processor, 2.2GHz or faster recommended, Intel, AMD or 100% compatible motherboard, Microsoft Windows 8 (32/64-bit), Windows 7 (32/64-bit), Windows Vista (32/64-bit), 1 GB RAM, > 600 MB of free hard disk space, Available PCI Express 1x slot, Available CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. Software includes: Sound Blaster Audigy Fx Control Panel, Creative ALchemy, Creative Software AutoUpdate, Creative Host Open AL / EAX5.0 HD, Creative Diagnostics. Package contents include: Sound Blaster Audigy Fx card (with full height I/O bracket), Quick Start leaflet, Installation CD containing: Drivers for Windows 7 & 8 , Vista, Creative Software Suite, User's Guide PDF, Half-height I/O bracket. Supported Operating System - Microsoft Windows 10 (32/64-bit)

• Easily converts the PC into a cinematic entertainment system by providing a compelling 5.1 surround sound
• Advanced Audio Processing with SBX Pro Studio, a suite of Sound Blaster audio processing technologies that let you bring out the best in your audio
• Includes the Sound Blaster Audigy Fx Control Panel, PC software that puts you in full control of the SBX Pro Studio suite of technologies
• 600 ohm headphone amp for high performance, studio grade monitoring
• 106 SNR and 24-bit 192kHz DAC (Playback) and 96kHz ADC (Recording)

User questions & answers

Question:	Does the optical out support 7.1 or do you have to use individual wires for each set of speakers
Answer:	For 4k, might want to get a 2070 super. But 1440 or less this will do the trick considering everything else in your system is grade A.
Question:	Does this have a front panel header
Answer:	of course. I use this with B360M bazooka
Question:	Will the software (Audigy Fx Control Panel) allow me to adjust right/left balance to compensate for my hearing loss
Answer:	Changing markets? Newegg is pretty consistent in pricing. Check it out there as well. The 5700 XT is also a good option.
Question:	does it have a AC97 header to plug in the computer case front headphone and mic
Answer:	This takes up two slots.

Product features

Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp

Sound Blaster Audigy Fx is the perfect upgrade from basic motherboard audio to legendary Sound Blaster audio. Powered by SBX Pro Studio technology, it provides high-quality 5.1 cinematic sound for your movies, music and games. It comes with the Sound Blaster Audigy Fx Control Panel, which puts you in full control of your SBX Pro Studio settings.

Enjoy multi-channel cinematic sound

The half-height PCIe sound card is just the perfect size for your home theatre PCs. You can now upgrade your cinematic experience with Sound Blaster audio fidelity. Sound Blaster Audigy Fx comes with 5.1 channel outputs so you can connect to your existing multi-channel speakers with ease.

Independent input sources

Sound Blaster Audigy Fx comes with independent line-in and microphone connectors, which allow you to plug in two different audio sources to your PC.

You can plug in your MP3 player and sing along, while recording your singing session for your friends to enjoy!

• power source type: Corded Electric

User questions & answers

Question:	Does the equalizer have a 31Hz band with a +/- 24db boost/cut range
Answer:	Do you mean cassettes? I Googled "dassettes" and came up with nothing. This is a CD player, so it plays CD's (formal ones as well as ripped ones), and it has a USB port to play a music-loaded thumb drive. It also has a FM (no AM) radio.
Question:	Would there be any issues with using 2 of these? One for my headphones, and one for my desktop speakers
Answer:	nope. just the CD player
Question:	Does it make a popping sound if there's a USB power spike
Answer:	If you need a pair of speakers and also the TEAC ai-301da-bk integrated amplifier with bluetooth usb and DAC, since what you bought, the PD 301 is just a CD player and FM radio. I hope this helps
Question:	difference between play 2 and play
Answer:	It happens often

Product features

Instantly Upgrade to High Resolution Audio

Once you upgrade from motherboard audio, you'll never go back to it again. The Sound Blaster PLAY! 3 provides such an upgrade, by giving you high resolution 24-bit 96kHz audio for your music, movies, and games.







 

Studio-Grade Listening

Crisp Voice Communications and Recording

Great Connectivity

Simple, Fuss-Free, Plug-and-Play