Tag: #hub

GreenTechHQ announces AIB partnership

AIB and GreenTechHQ Global Sustainabiity and Innovation Hub have announced their official partnership which will enable GreenTechHQ to further support businesses with a sustainable focus and solutions in the South East. Established in Enniscorthy in the heart of the South East region, GreenTechHQ is a world-class innovation ecosystem for companies and ecopreneurs focused on developing solutions to help climate change. As Ireland’s largest financial services provider with 3.2 million customers, AIB seeks to be a driving force for the sustainability agenda in Ireland, supporting customers and communities to make the transition to a low carbon economy.

The partnership will help GreenTechHQ support hundreds of businesses with collaborative workspaces, events, programs, investment, mentoring and support services in thought leadership, communication, innovation, training, incubation and pilot projects.

CEO, GreenTechHQ, Rita Martin said “our aim is for GreenTechHQ to be recognised as a world-class ecosystem for companies and communities who want access to a leading-edge knowledge eco system, global connections and product solutions support, to make a genuine impact in addressing climate change. We want to rapidly increase access to inspiring, affordable, and relevant sustainability training for businesses and are delighted that our partnership with AIB will provide us with support to do that as we seek to help businesses transition to a low carbon economy.”

AIB’s Head of Business Banking, Pat Horgan said “as Ireland’s biggest bank, we continue to play our part as a sustainability leader to ensure a greener tomorrow by backing those building it today. Supporting our customers to lower their carbon footprint is a key priority for AIB and our partnership with the GreenTechHQ sustainability and innovation hub will help to support businesses that are directly focused on tackling climate change.”

On Thursday evening, as part of an event held in GreenTechHQ Hub, TASC presented its report on the People’s Transition for Enniscorthy. Supported by AIB, the People’s Transition project is a community-driven programme which views climate action as an enabler for local development. Enniscorthy is the first community in the country that TASC has been working with as part of this 3-year community development initiative.

Offaly in the Irish Midlands ready to rival Europe’s key cities as green data centre hub

Offaly in the Midlands of Ireland is well-placed to become a new global hub for data centres with the potential to create thousands of green jobs, according to a new report by technology company Siemens.

The study, commissioned by Offaly County Council, explores how Offaly in the Irish Midlands region could rival Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam and Paris in being an anchor for data centres powered by renewable energy.

Siemens outlined that data centre operators will consider the region, because of the simple access to reliable, renewable energy, the abundance of land for development, the moderate climate and strong supply of talent. Sites such as Rhode Green Energy Park in Offaly have been identified as potential opportunities for data centres.

The business says that the continued growth of Europe’s data centre capitals is becoming increasingly impacted by costs and concerns about energy. Power grid constraints in Dublin, for example, which is home to the majority of Ireland’s 75 data centres may take up to 10 years to resolve. However, the spread of data centres in the remainder of Ireland is currently limited.

Joe Walsh, General Manager at Siemens Ireland, said: “The data centre industry is looking for new locations away from its traditional hubs and the Midlands of Ireland has huge potential.

“Through local investment to provide the right level of connectivity, and through collaboration in the industry’s supply chain, the region can provide the reliable, low-carbon sources of power generation required for data centre operators to meet their sustainability targets.

“This has the potential to create thousands of jobs, generate millions of Euros of investment to the region, all based on clean, green power, and catalyse Ireland’s transition to net zero.”

The Council aims for the report to help attract a data centre anchor tenant in the vicinity of Offaly’s Rhode Green Energy Park, which would be the first step in creating a thriving data centre sector. A large facility will typically create 250 permanent and 1,200 temporary jobs during construction and act as a catalyst for investment, according to the report.

Data centres could be, in part, powered by wind, solar or even green hydrogen from renewable sources, and any waste heat that is generated could be used to heat local homes, businesses, local industry and community buildings, according to the study. There are also opportunities for data centres to anchor investment by being lead tenants of eco-industrial parks alongside green energy enterprises.

Anna-Marie Delaney, Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, said: “It’s clear there is significant potential to create a new data centre cluster here in the Irish Midlands.

“This report provides us with the foundations we need to attract operators from across the globe, deliver a business case to invest in our local infrastructure and create a more sustainable economy.

“I’m looking forward to working with our partners to investigate how we can make this a reality to create high-value jobs for local people and attract new local investment.“

The study was co-funded by the EU Just Transition Fund and North Offaly Development Fund (NODF). The North Offaly Development Fund is a community group with Rhode Green Energy Park as its flagship project.

Eugene Mulligan, Chair of NODF, said: “This report provides us with key insights and a strong evident based roadmap supporting economic diversification way from peat through green energy enterprise, leveraging the many emerging renewable energy projects emerging in Offaly.”

Researchers from Siemens interviewed leaders from the data centre sector, renewable energy infrastructure developers and government bodies to inform the report.

It lays out an action plan to attract investors, including promoting Offaly and the Midlands as ‘open for data centre business’ with regional strengths such as local renewable power sources that support increased sustainability.

For more information, visit: https://new.siemens.com/global/en/company/topic-areas/smart-infrastructure.html

ZF Expands Software Technology Hub in Dublin

The ZF Group, a global technology company supplying systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and industrial technology, today announced the expansion of its Software Technology Hub in Dublin city centre with plans to hire 25 new employees. ZF is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

ZF has been operational in Ireland since 2006 and currently employs 45 software engineers. In line with ZF’s objective of enabling the next generation of mobility, the Dublin office has consistently demonstrated its capacity to innovate and deliver Software as a Service (SaaS) cloud solutions to support the digital strategy of the ZF Group. Building on the track record and reputation for excellence, ZF has identified the Dublin office as a key player in delivering its vision and strategy.

The investment in 25 new highly skilled software engineering and business roles, over the next 12 months, demonstrates ZF’s continued commitment to invest in digitalization to revolutionise mobility and create new opportunities for its products, providing the best possible service to its clients. Software engineers at ZF will use the latest tech stacks, to create cutting edge solutions that solve real world problems for ZF’s customers. Open job opportunities at ZF are posted at: Dublin – ZF Group Jobs

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney TD said: “I am delighted to hear the ZF Group have announced plans to expand their Software Technology Hub, creating 25 new software engineering and business roles in Dublin. The new jobs will be a very welcome boost for the city. It is also encouraging to see a globally recognised technology company further invest and grow in Ireland. The announcement again underscores Ireland’s position as a global hub for the world’s leading tech companies. Our skilled workforce are highly sought after and this announcement ensures they will again play a huge part in advancements in the software and technology space. Best of luck to all the team at ZF Group.”

ZF’s Martin Sharkey, Site Leader of the Dublin location: “As a leader in new and emerging mobility solutions, ZF is passionate about leveraging its knowledge and experience to help protect the integrity of the commercial vehicle and aftermarket. The expansion of our facility combines our industry commitment, along with the fact that trending software development technologies will provide global businesses with the opportunity to grow and become more diversified. There is a wealth of talent in Ireland, and we are excited to be able to invest in the engineers of the future.”

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said: “The expansion of ZF to add an additional 25 software engineers to their growing team here is most welcome. Ireland is an ideal location in terms of talent from which ZF can continue to grow and expand their offering. I wish the team continued success here.’’

Dell Lifecycle Hub now available in Ireland – simplify end-to-end device lifecycle management solution

Dell Technologies now offers Dell Lifecycle Hub managed service in Ireland to simplify IT by providing an end-to-end, multi-vendor device lifecycle management solution. The service means Dell manages the use of a customer’s PC fleet from the first use through to disposition of the device at end of life, allowing the IT team to focus on other business priorities.

Lifecycle management for end user devices is becoming more complex as companies embrace the hybrid workplace, especially for larger customers with multiple office locations and remote team members. Combining warehousing and inventory management with configuration services and deployment expertise into one end-to-end solution, Dell Lifecycle Hub:

  • Ships configured PCs and new hire kits to maximise day one productivity
  • Manages returns when employees leave the company and optimises device utilisation
  • Provides whole unit exchange when device failures occur, rapidly returning users to productivity
  • Manages device refresh at lease end or when fully depreciated
  • Facilitates proper device disposition at end of life

 Dermot O’Connell, senior vice president for Services in EMEA, said: “Now more than ever, IT is challenged to oversee the employee technology experience, maximise device utilisation and ensure their company is making the most of their PC investment. With Dell Lifecycle Hub, Dell Technologies takes care of device lifecycle management, so our customers don’t have to, allowing them more time to focus on strategic business priorities.”

Dell Lifecycle Hub is available immediately and is also offered as a resell option for channel partners. Learn more in Dell’s blog on unlocking the power of customers’ PC ecosystem.

Paysend launches new European Hub in Dublin to drive EU growth strategy with plans to hire 30 employees

Paysend, the UK-based fintech with a rapidly growing market share in card-to-card consumer payments, today announced the opening of an EU office in Dublin to drive its expansion into the European market. Having recently received an Electronic Money Institution licence (EMI) from the Central Bank of Ireland, the new location will be used to expand the simple card-to-card payment service provided by digital payments company Paysend into new European corridors.

Led by European CEO, Céline Singleton, the office is in the process of recruiting a team of up to 30 employees to take the strategy forward.

The Dublin office will be one of four global hubs run by Paysend, alongside Miami, Edinburgh and global head office London. Paysend already operates in over 170 countries worldwide serving more than 7 million customers.

Paysend Europe CEO, Céline Singleton commented, “Dublin has become a great operating hub for tech companies, with a skilled workforce and a thriving business community. We have an excellent opportunity here to attract top talent to help drive our growth into more locations in Europe.”

Group CEO of Paysend, Ronald Millar added, ‘This is a key strategic move for us. We have built an impressive global footprint since we launched in 2017, and the opportunity we now have, with the support of the Irish Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and the European EMI License that we have been granted, to expand further into Europe is exciting. As the former Head of Payments at Ulster Bank, Céline is well placed to take our ambitions forward as she builds the team and drives the growth of Paysend Europe forward.’

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, Minister of State at the Department of Finance said: “I am delighted that Paysend has chosen Dublin to grow its EU business.  They are joining a thriving export focused international financial services ecosystem in Ireland. Government is committed to growing the financial services sector across the country, through the Ireland for Finance strategy that I lead, and where fintech and digital finance is a key theme.

The expansion by Paysend is a valuable endorsement of the future growth potential for firms in Ireland based on sound regulation and the availability of talented people here. I look forward to working with Paysend in the future and wish them every success.”

Adding support for Paysend’s initiative, Mary Buckley, Executive Director IDA Ireland said, ‘Ireland has a proven track record of being an attractive location for global companies to access a well-established talent

The Innovation Exchange partners with RDI Hub to partner globally ambitious Kerry SMEs with large corporates

Skillnet Ireland has announced the partnership of The Innovation Exchange, with the RDI Hub (Research Development Innovation Hub) based in Killorglin, Co. Kerry.  The Innovation Exchange is Ireland’s innovation marketplace connecting large companies facing digital transformation challenges with technology companies that can fast-track the solution.

As the newest regional channel partner of The Innovation Exchange, the RDI Hub is a world-class centre for design-led, digital innovation located in Ireland’s South West.  It focuses on digitisation, ideation and commercialisation of innovation and research in the Digital, AI, Data and related technologies’ sectors. The RDI Hub is also part of the Fexco’s Innovation division and operates as a not-for-profit public-private partnership with Munster Technological University and Kerry County Council.

There are currently six companies signed up from Kerry; one corporate, Astellas, as well as five SMEs; Graphite Note, Quodos, Galarus, Salaso and Turtle Transformation. Cork-based, RDI hub member Perkforce is also signed up.

The initiative will allow globally ambitious tech SMEs located in Kerry the unique opportunity to pitch to, and collaborate with, large companies looking to access innovation as part of a diverse and curated community of startups and scaleups. As a part of this collaboration, the RDI Hub will bring both corporate entities and scale-up businesses situated in Kerry together as members of The Innovation Exchange, expanding its growing community.

Attending the launch, Norma Foley TD, Minister for Education and TD for Kerry, said: “Ambition in any field should be limitless, but for it to be limitless we must ensure that the right supports are in place. Today we launch The Innovation Exchange, an initiative of Skillnet Ireland. It gives an opportunity to provide a level of support which will be a catalyst for so many businesses to go further and to go beyond; there is great insight here, being provided by the experts. The spirit lauded by this new initiative and development is that together we can go further and further; limitless opportunity, limitless abilities being celebrated and given an opportunity to advance.”

Speaking at yesterday’s announcement, Paul Healy, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland said: “Today we see the Innovation Exchange developing its footprint in Kerry as part of our drive for a nationwide expansion of this successful programme. The Innovation Exchange is serving an important role in promoting innovation and economic growth in Ireland by building deep links between SMEs and large corporations, encouraging ideation and facilitating the development of new business projects between these sectors. We encourage local SMEs and larger companies with a presence in the South West to join the programme and take advantage of the many benefits it offers.” 

The aim of the Innovation Exchange is to establish a nationwide footprint by onboarding up to 10 regional channel partners throughout 2023. Earlier this year The Innovation Exchange announced its partnership with the Galway Technology Centre, which supports innovative, global trading companies in the ICT sector. The expansion of The Innovation Exchange, which currently has in excess of 350 participants, will offer even more SMEs access to the programme’s benefits, including an instant sales pipeline, market intelligence and the capability to sell to large companies

Conor Carmody, programme director of The Innovation Exchange commented on today’s news: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with RDI Hub, as we continue to bring our offering to SMEs and corporates across Ireland. Our main focus is to showcase the amazing talent and capabilities of the companies in the region, while also helping them to scale their businesses. We see this partnership with Skillnet Ireland as an opportunity to expand our network and leverage RDI Hub’s resources and expertise to support our members and drive their success.”

Liam Cronin, CEO of RDI, said: “The ethos at the RDI Hub is all about making connections for start-ups, scale-ups, SMEs, corporates, and enterprises to create, digitalise, innovate, and scale businesses for future economies. The Innovation Exchange is a perfect partnership for us as it supports the key focus of the RDI Hub   of creating new jobs, products, and services in the Southwest. This is a fantastic opportunity for agile companies to innovate and solve specific problems for large corporates, and for corporates to gain fresh perspectives on their business challenges.”

Bertie Murphy, Chief Strategy Officer Fexco and RDI Hub Board Director, said: “This new partnership between the RDI Hub and the Innovation Exchange creates a brilliant opportunity for innovation between SMEs and scaled businesses. This reinforces our vision at Fexco for the RDI Hub as a key enabler of innovation. We have already achieved success at the RDI Hub in creating an ecosystem that has generated exciting new technologies, services, and jobs. This announcement provides an opportunity for the RDI Hub to further build on that success and, in addition, facilitate the ability of SMEs to introduce innovative and transformative ideas and services to larger corporations in the region.” 

Skillnet Ireland has committed €5 million to fund The Innovation Exchange which is designed to address the barriers that exist for scaling companies when selling to large companies and multinationals. The programme will support over 1,000 companies between 2022-2025.

Scale-ups and corporates in the Kerry region are being encouraged by The Innovation Exchange to sign up at www.theinnovationexchange.ie.

The Digital Hub welcomes 29 new and returning companies to Liberties campus

The Digital Hub has welcomed 29 companies and organisations to its Dublin 8 campus since the start of 2022. Of the 26 companies, 19 are new companies, two are longer-term alumni who have decided to return operations to The Digital Hub and five are companies who had left during 2020-21 and have since returned last year.

Collectively, the new companies are leasing over 16,000 sq. ft. of office space. A total of 48 member companies now reside at The Digital Hub, up from 29 at the beginning of 2022 and collectively employing over 400 people.

Among the companies who joined the campus in the last half of 2022 are Usheru, a collaborative company using data intelligence to transform the filmmaking industry, PatientMPower, a developer of remote monitoring health solutions for patients living with chronic diseases, who return to The Digital Hub, and Henny Penny Vintage, an e-commerce vintage clothing outlet focused on sustainable fashion.

The Digital Hub has also welcomed VM Digital, a digital marketing and production agency, Payoma, a Digital Payment Solutions Provider, and Pocket Forests, a collective group bringing integrated nature projects to urban spaces, to their growing group of member companies in the latter half of 2022.

The creative nature of The Digital Hub’s surrounding area is reflected in a growing sub-cluster of artistic companies residing in the campus. This cluster includes London and Dublin based theatre group Dead Centre, who became members of The Digital Hub in the mid-2022. Dead Centre joins existing groups Block T,  field:arts, PhotoIreland and Pallas Projects who also became member companies of The Digital Hub last year.  Thanks to the collaboration with Block T and Pallas Projects there are now over 60 artists and craftspeople using studios in Digital Hub buildings.

In 2022, The Digital Hub’s multipurpose spaces including iD8 Studio, Studio 2, and Bay 1 were in high demand for events, rehearsal space, training days and meetings, with over 330 days of the calendar year used as such, collectively across all three locations. Local educational institutes BIMM Dublin and NCAD utilised multipurpose spaces for a number of classes throughout the year.  The Abbey Theatre was among five theatre companies which occupied space for rehearsals. 50% of the days booked were by organisations external to The Digital Hub, showcasing the increased demand for flexible networking and collaboration options in Dublin city.

Fiach Mac Conghail, CEO of The Digital Hub, said: “Last year, it was encouraging to welcome a diverse range of innovative companies to The Digital Hub. The increased demand for event and meeting space is reflective of a return to regular in-person gatherings following the challenges that were encountered over the past number of years. Our reputation as a location of choice for Irish and international businesses is evident from an increase in new member companies and the return of alumni organisations over the past year and I look forward to welcoming further innovative companies to our campus in 2023.”

Ollie Fegan, CEO of Usheru, said: “Collaboration is at the heart of Usheru’s operations and joining a campus of like-minded, innovative individuals and businesses is a positive move in developing our business. The Digital Hub is an ideal location with a variety of companies from diverse backgrounds collectively together on one campus in a central Dublin location. Developing technology that supports filmmakers to bring stories to life on screen is a focus of our work and we look forward to developing our operations at The Digital Hub over the coming year.”

Áine Hennessy, Founder of Henny Penny Vintage said: “As the sole operator of a business, it was a great opportunity to join a community of innovative and creative businesses developing solutions to everyday societal challenges. Henny Penny Vintage is shifting a focus from fast fashion to sustainable style by providing quality, vintage clothing for all sizes. The Digital Hub’s community and dedication to sustainable initiatives proved that the campus was a perfect fit to move business operations to an environment surrounded by a supportive network. I look forward to continuing to operate Henny Penny Vintage at The Digital Hub campus.”

The companies and organisations that have joined or returned to The Digital Hub campus in 2022 are:

  • ACGT Vector
  • Allgo
  • Alone
  • Arenametrix
  • Block T
  • BIMM Institute Dublin
  • Bitcoin Marketing Team
  • Campsited
  • CB Media
  • Dead Centre
  • Dublin Inquirer
  • Eclipse Pictures
  • field:arts
  • Henny Penny Vintage
  • Hustl + Flo
  • Kavaleer
  • Pallas Projects
  • Payoma
  • PatientMPower
  • PhotoIreland
  • Pocket Forests
  • Robert Emmet Community Development Project
  • Rolling News
  • South Wind Blows
  • Usheru
  • Verdant Productions
  • VM Digital
  • Wattics
  • ZenaDrone

For a full list of companies at The Digital Hub see www.thedigitalhub.com/member-directory

Bear Robotics announces plans for European Hub in Dublin

Californian headquartered robotics company, Bear Robotics, has today announced plans to establish a European hub in Dublin. This hub will create 25 jobs in the next 3 years, including roles in sales, software engineers, finance, and operations. The company’s flagship products, Servi and Servi Plus, are fully autonomous service robots that assists staff by alleviating repetitive work like running orders and bussing tables. Servi Plus is designed to meet evolving market demands for higher capacity. It carries 16+ dishes at once, with an expanded 40kg payload and enhanced suspension for transporting liquids and traversing ramps. These innovative service aids are popping up in a variety of hospitality businesses such as restaurants, corporate campuses, hotels, senior living facilities, and casinos around the world.

This new European hub will serve customers across the continent and help expand the company’s global footprint which includes offices in Redwood City, Dallas, Seoul and Singapore. As a part of this European expansion, Bear Robotics has recently deployed a Servi robot in Iceland.

Malachy Ryan, Head of Sales EMEA with Bear Robotics, said: “We plan to make a big impact across European service and hospitality spaces in the next few years. Our first robots have been installed in  The Glenroyal Hotel in Maynooth . Further robots will be deployed across Ireland and Europe over three to four months. Over the last few years, Ireland has experienced staffing shortages in the hospitality sector. We believe our robots will make a very positive difference for guests and the staff who will have a much better experience serving them.”

Commenting on the announcement, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD said: “I warmly welcome Bear Robotics announcement to open a European Hub in Dublin, creating 25 jobs over the next 3 years. This expansion into Europe will provide innovative new ways of working for so many in the service industry and beyond.  The use of service robots highlights the importance of technology and how we can use it as a powerful aid in our everyday lives. The new roles in Dublin will provide opportunities for our skilled workforce to join a new and exciting company as they begin their growth into Europe. I wish the team at Bear Robotics all the best with their European Hub and new chapter in Ireland.”

Dónal Travers, Head of Technology at IDA Ireland said: “Bear Robotics’ decision to locate its European Hub in Dublin where it plans on creating 25 new jobs is very good news.  The technology employed by the company in the design and development of its robots is exciting and at the very cutting edge.  I would like to wish Bear Robotics every success with its establishment in Ireland.”

“As the hospitality industry evolves, we’re committed to meeting market demands across the globe,” says John Ha, Founder and CEO of Bear Robotics. “Our recent deployments in Dublin and Kildare are especially exciting as we believe there is an abundance of opportunities in the ever-growing hospitality and economic engines of the Republic of Ireland. We sincerely hope our automation solutions benefit businesses and elevate service experiences across this incredible region.”

Creative launches its latest amplifier! The Sound Blaster X5

Creative Technology today launches the Sound Blaster X5, its latest USB DAC and amplifier sound card that ticks all the boxes on a discerning audiophile’s gear wish list. Decked with class-leading components, breakthrough audio technologies, a comprehensive connectivity profile and sporting a premium look and feel in a sleek build, the X5 simply pulls out all the stops as a compelling audio solution like no other.

Sound Blaster X5 means the business in both looks and performance. 

This is It for Pristine Audio

Sound Blaster X5 personifies the best of Creative’s audio engineering and design expertise, equipped with audiophile-grade components to achieve exceptional audio quality. It is the first Sound Blaster to feature a dual-DAC design – 2 Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs deliver high-resolution lossless playback in 32-bit / 384 kHz over PCM with ultra-high dynamic range of up to 130 dB DNR. These DACs can also decode audio formats in DoP128 and DSD256 for high-fidelity audio streaming. Audio distortion is practically non-existent with an oversampled multi-bit modulator for an incredibly low Total Harmonic Distortion rating of 0.00018%.

From studio-grade headphones with impedance of up to 600 ohms, including the most demanding planar-magnetic headphones, to sensitive in-ear monitors with 1 ohm output impedance, Sound Blaster X5 drives them all effortlessly. The award-winning Xamp discrete headphone bi-amplification technology, which is found in the high-end Sound Blaster AE series and Sound BlasterX G6, receives a design upgrade that, coupled with a dual-DAC and dual-Xamp configuration, delivers a fully-balanced headphone output and experience on the X5. A next-level design for audio fidelity makes its debut, using 2 dedicated Xamp circuits that amplify the left and right channels separately in isolation throughout the entire chain of amplification, effectively eliminating in-circuit interference, noise and cross-talk. What makes the X5 stand out even more is the fact that this type of audio design is a rare find in its price category (sub-US$300).

Audiophiles with a lean to customize their own audio signatures can do just that with the Sound Blaster X5. When connected to the Creative app, they can make adjustments with a 10-band equalization frequency graph, add on Acoustic Engine effects like Surround, Crystalizer, Bass or Dialog+, or use CrystalVoice to improve communication quality. When in the mood for gaming, Scout Mode enhances in-game audio cues to highlight details for a competitive edge.

Sound Blaster X5 also supports ASIO 2.2 for low-latency playback and recording, as well as easy access to multiple audio inputs and outputs.

Full Marks for Connectivity

Sound Blaster X5 is a competent audio hub in its own right; its versatility means it is also compatible with various devices, including gaming consoles, DVD players and other living room entertainment systems. There are two-way RCA and TOSLINK Optical connectors, a convenient USB-C audio and power port, as well as a 3.5 mm microphone-in port with an easy-to-access mic gain knob. There is also a 4.4 mm port for studio-grade balanced headphones, and a 3.5 mm port for regular headphones. All 3 ports use premium gold-plated connectors for better performance. It features a Bluetooth 5.0 receiver and a dedicated USB-A host audio port for connection to wireless audio transmitters, as well as external USB speakers, headsets and microphones.

With a set of controls designed for an intuitive user experience, Sound Blaster X5’s front-mounted buttons and switches are easy to access and right at the fingertips for the audiophile’s convenience.

Pricing and Availability

Sound Blaster X5 is priced at US$300, £269.99 and is available at the Creative online store.

For more information on Sound Blaster X5, visit creative.com/SBX5.