Tag: #DAC

Sound Blaster G8: Versatility Redefined

Creative Technology today proudly announces the release of the Sound Blaster G8, the latest external gaming DAC designed for those seeking a superior listening experience beyond standard audio. Building on the Sound Blaster legacy, the Sound Blaster G8 brings something new to the table as the first external gaming DAC to feature dual USB-C inputs with mixing capabilities, ensuring seamless connectivity for users. Coupled with ultra-high-resolution 32-bit/384 kHz playback and a proprietary Xamp discrete headphone bi-amplifier, the Sound Blaster G8 sets to deliver outstanding audio clarity and precision, making it a must-have for gamers, audio enthusiasts, and content creators.

A New Standard in Audio Performance

The Sound Blaster G8 breaks new ground as the first external gaming DAC to offer dual USB-C inputs with mixing, allowing users to connect two devices—such as a PC and console—at the same time without sacrificing audio quality. This handy feature eliminates the need for additional mixing devices, while keeping the desktop space clutter-free.

Unlike most amplifiers on the market, Creative’s proprietary Xamp discrete headphone bi-amplifier drives the left and right headphone channels individually, resulting in a smoother, more detailed audio experience. Boasting a dynamic range of 130 dB, the Sound Blaster G8 brings music, movies, and games to life, letting every subtle sound and explosive moment be heard with remarkable clarity. Additionally, with the ability to support headphones with an impedance range from 16Ω to 600Ω, the Sound Blaster G8 offers exceptional sound quality and connectivity across any setup, whether for everyday listening or with high-end gear.

The Sound Blaster Advantage

For gamers, the Sound Blaster G8 is more than just a sound card—it’s a tool to gain a competitive edge. With the Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine, users can customize audio settings via the Creative App, tailoring everything to their preferences. The 10-band equalizer allows for precise adjustments, from chest-thumping bass to crystal-clear highs, allowing gamers to create a signature sound profile that matches any gameplay.

On the flip side, the Scout Mode boosts critical audio cues like footsteps, giving players an edge in situational awareness, while CrystalVoice technology ensures clear communication by reducing background noise and echo. Plus, the GameVoice Mix feature makes it hassle-free to balance voice chat and game audio for the perfect in-game experience. Mission-critical controls, including SBX acoustic engine/scout mode, DSP/direct mode, headphone/speaker mode, and Game-Voice Mix, are conveniently located on the top panel for quick access.

All-in-One DAC

Connecting devices to the Sound Blaster G8 is also effortless. Users can easily link their gaming console, mobile device, PC, and more via USB-C, enabling seamless audio mixing and streaming. Adding to that, the HDMI ARC makes it easy to integrate into any console setup. And to sweeten the deal, the Sound Blaster G8 comes with support for Dolby Digital, allowing users to experience an immersive soundstage filled with greater depth and realism.

Lastly, the launch of the Sound Blaster G8 strengthens the Sound Blaster G series, offering a comprehensive line-up of gaming DACs designed to cater to diverse needs. With enhanced connectivity options, the Sound Blaster G8 serves as the ideal upgrade for existing Sound BlasterX users, delivering an elevated audio experience that adapts to every gamer’s setup.

Pricing and Availability

Sound Blaster G8 is priced at GBP129.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit creative.com/SoundBlasterG8

See our creative reviews 

NAD Electronics Introduces the C 379 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier

NAD Electronics, a leading manufacturer in high-performance audio, announces the launch of its new Classic Series amplifier, the C 379 HybridDigital™ DAC Amplifier at the HIGH END Munich International Audio Show. The C 379 builds on NAD’s commitment to innovation and value-driven performance with a ground-breaking design featuring a carefully engineered Class D output stage, industry-leading ESS SABRE® DAC, and the second generation of Modular Design Construction (MDC) technology for upgrades and expandability. The NAD C 379 will be available at the end of June 2024 for a suggested retail price of US $1,099 / EUR€ 1,199 / GBP £899. 

The NAD C 379 utilises a customised UcD output stage with HybridDigital technology to deliver 80 watts of Continuous Power (into 8 and 4 Ohms) and a remarkable 120 watts of Dynamic Power (4 Ohms), all with virtually no noise or distortion. The C 379 can also be bridged with the C 268 Stereo Power Amplifier in a fully balanced configuration for 300 watts continuously and over 500 watts instantaneously to provide maximum power and performance for the most demanding tracks.

The NAD C 379’s highly efficient power supply consumes less than half the power of conventional amplifiers in its class while also providing clean power to all amplification stages. This energy-saving supply and balanced design also provides near perfect regulation of voltage across a wide range of conditions. 

“The NAD C 379 stands in a class of its own, integrating of every essential component of a high-performance music system and accommodating all music sources from vinyl to digital streaming,” said Cas Oostvogel, Product Manager of NAD Electronics. “With its meticulous, low-noise circuits and the ability to enhance both its features and power output, this Class D integrated is a testament to the legacy of NAD’s Classic Series and our relentless pursuit of sonic excellence at an affordable price.”

The digital circuity is built around the critically acclaimed ESS SABRE® ES9028 DAC, the industry’s highest performance 32-bit digital-to-analogue converter with unprecedented dynamic range and ultra-low distortion. 

Featuring the second generation of NAD’s Modular Design Construction, MDC 2, the  C 379 and its two expansion slots allow users to upgrade the amplifier’s capabilities with emerging A/V technologies and additional features through the module, including BluOS high-resolution multi-room streaming and Dirac Live Room Correction. The available MDC2 BluOS-D module further enables seamless integration with BluOS, Apple AirPlay 2, and two-way aptX HD Bluetooth. 

With BluOS, users can connect the C 379 to their home network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet and experience the most advanced multi-room wireless music management system with        24 bit/192kHz resolution. Controlled through the BluOS app for smartphone, tablet, or desktop, BluOS manages your digital music collection and connects to over 20 high-quality streaming music services including Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Spotify, and more.

Additionally, the NAD C 379 is equipped with a variety of analogue and digital connectivity including aptX HD Bluetooth, HDMI eARC, MM Phono stage, and two independent subwoofer outputs. The integrated amplifier also includes a built-in separate headphone amplifier with low output impedance and high output voltage capability, allowing it to drive a wide range of headphones.   

Join them at the HIGH END Munich International Audio Show from May 9-12, 2024, in Rooms D107 and D108 located in Atrium 3.1 at the MOC Event Centre and experience the NAD   C 379 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier.

FEATURES AND DETAILS: 

 

  • Customised HybridDigital UcD Amplifier with Stereo and Bridge Modes 
  • 2 x 80 Watts per channel of Continuous Power (8 and 4 Ohms)
  • 2 x 120 Watts per channel of Dynamic Power (4 Ohms)
  • 1 x 300W, in bridge mode
  • Industry-leading ESS SABRE® 32-bit/384kHz DAC
  • Dual MDC 2 Ports for Future Upgrades and Expanded Features
  • MM Phono Stage with Accurate RIAA Equalization and Ultra-Low Noise
  • Built-in Separate Headphone Amplifier for Low and High Impedance
  • HDMI eARC, Optical Digital and Coax Digital Inputs
  • Dual independent Subwoofer Outputs

NAD Electronics Announces the C 389 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier

NAD Electronics, the  highly regarded manufacturer of high-performance audio/video components, today announced  the C 389 HybridDigital DAC amplifier, the perfect cornerstone for an audiophile-grade stereo  system combining exceptional sound quality with the flexibility and the long-term value offered  by NAD’s latest Modular Design Construction platform, MDC2. Available for retail sale in early  Summer 2022, the C 389 will carry a suggested retail price of $1,499 US / £1,299 GBP / €1,499 EUR. 

Featuring NAD’s proven HybridDigital UcD amplifier design and the same ESS Sabre DAC  used in the brand’s up-market Masters Series amplifiers, the C 389 has been engineered to  deliver thrilling dynamics and transparent, detailed sound. The digital section is built around a  32-bit/384kHz ESS Technology Sabre DAC chip renowned for its near-zero levels of clock jitter,  exceptionally wide dynamic range, and ultra-low noise and distortion, delivering astonishing  clarity and holographic imaging on all sources. 

For the output stage, the C 389 uses a customized version of NAD’s HybridDigital UcD design,  with multiple UcD amplifier modules in balanced bridged configuration and an innovative  switch-mode power supply that can provide ample reserves of current on demand. Delivering  130 Watts per channel of continuous power, the C 389 can produce real-life listening levels with  any loudspeaker load, with virtually unmeasurable distortion and noise through the audioband,  and effortless reproduction of musical transients.

With a full suite of digital and analogue inputs, including an ultra-low-noise phono stage and  HDMI eARC interface, the C 389 can accommodate all your source components. In addition to  two sets of speaker outputs, the C 389 has two subwoofer outputs, preamp outputs, and a  dedicated headphone amp.  

The C 389 incorporates the latest iteration of NAD’s Modular Design Construction technology,  MDC 2, and with its two MDC2 expansion slots, the C 389 can adapt to technical advances and  evolving user needs. Introduced in 2006, NAD’s Modular Design Construction future-proofing  technology lets owners of MDC-capable components add new capabilities by inserting an expansion module into an MDC slot on the rear panel. Introduced in 2021, MDC2 is an all-new  design that allows two-way communications between the expansion module and host component.  NAD’s first MDC2 module is the MDC2 BluOS-D, which features BluOS high-res multi-room  streaming and Dirac Live room correction. 

NAD C 389 Rear

The MDC2 BluOS-D connects to your home network via Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet. With the  MDC2 BluOS-D installed, the C 389 can be part of a whole-home music system with as many as  64 zones. Controlled via the BluOS Controller app, available for Android, iOS, macOS, and  Windows, listeners can play music from over 20 streaming services including Tidal, Deezer,  Qobuz, Amazon Music HD, or Spotify, or from their personal music libraries. Like all BluOS enabled components, the MDC2 BluOS-D will bring MQA decoding and rendering capability to  the C 389, as well Apple AirPlay 2 and control by popular voice assistants. Connect the supplied  microphone to the MDC BluOS-D’s USB port, and then run the free Dirac Live app on a smart  device or personal computer. Dirac Live room correction compensates for acoustic problems like  standing waves and room reflections. The results are transformative and offers deeper, more  textured bass; more precise imaging; and improved timbral accuracy.  

Key Features  

  • Customized HybridDigital UcD amplifier in fully balanced bridged configuration • Continuous Power: 2 x 130 Watts per channel into 8/4 ohms (preliminary) • Instantaneous Power: 210 W into 8 ohms, 300 W into 4 ohms, 350 W into 2 ohms (preliminary)  
  • Vanishingly low harmonic and intermodulation distortion 
  • Nearly unmeasurable noise through the entire audioband 
  • Dual MDC2 ports for expanded functionality 
  • Optional MDC2 BluOS-D module adds BluOS Hi-Res multi-room music streaming and Dirac  Live room correction 
  • Jitter-free 32-bit/384kHz ESS Sabre DAC 
  • Ultra-low-noise MM phono stage with infrasonic filtering circuitry 
  • Two optical, two coaxial digital inputs 
  • HDMI-eARC input 
  • Two pairs of line-level analogue inputs with ultra-low-noise buffer amplifiers • Speaker A/Speaker B outputs
  • Two-way Qualcomm aptX HD Bluetooth 
  • Dual subwoofer outputs 
  • Dedicated headphone amplifier 
  • CI-Friendly – IR remote, 12V Trigger in/out, IR in/out, RS-232 Serial port • Seamless integrations with smart home control systems such as Control4, Crestron, RTI, URC,  Lutron, and Elan 

Review – The Creative Sound Blaster G3 USB-C DAC. #Creative #Gaming #Tech

The Creative Sound Blaster G3 is a Portable External Console Gaming USB-C DAC Amp for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Mac, This enhanced gaming audio experience has voice chat balance capability, a customizable EQ preset with custom-tuned Footsteps Enhancer, and on-the-fly audio adjustments without having to exit your game’s screen.

 

The first impression of the unit was the feel of the unit, the plastic seems flimsy, with the buttons/switches not as comfortable as I would expect for the well-know Singapore-based Creative, Technology company.  The inclusion of the USB Type-C to Type-A Converter reinforced the UpToDate technology with the fibre optic cable. 

 

Package contents,

  • Sound Blaster G3
  • Optical Cable (1m / 3.28 ft)
  • USB Type-C to Type-A Converter
  • Quick Start Leaflet
  • Warranty Leaflet

Compatibility.

 

Setup:

The basic setup was easy in terms of the units was designed for use with gaming consoles with No software required, no drivers just plug and play. When using the advance features via the Creative app, this had challenges in the connection to the unit, the app had to removed from the android phone and reinstalled as did not pair immediately to the Samsung S10 phone. After reinstalling this worked ok. The setup was done via a PS4 Slim which does not have an optical port (The standard Ps4 and PS4 does), this was easily connected directly to the optical port on the TV and worked. 

Overall.

There were a few niggles in the build quality the app setup and the length of the cable option.  On the positive, once the set up was done there is an abundance of features tailored to specific games in the app, which can be adjusted from your phone and saved on the unit or via the app. The audio difference was noticeable in terms of isolation out specific sounds to your colleagues on the games or enhanced sound which often go unnoticed on the game. This is a real gamer paradise in terms of sounds. 

Available from https://en.creative.com/p/sound-blaster/sound-blaster-g3