Tag: #sounblaster

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.

Review – The Creative SoundBlaster X3. #Creative #Gaming #Tech

The first Impressions of the SoundBlaster X3, looked spacious and appealing to the eye once taken out, the first feel was a plastic frame with 3 buttons that didn’t feel out of place with an LED in the middle. It consisted of a volume wheel which was made from metal giving it a better look and feel of weight. The wheel is also a button for different modes and to connect to Bluetooth which will get to later.  The quality of the feel of the X3 felt solid, with good  packaging, made out of solid  materials  as compared to the previously reviewed Creative Sound Blaster G3, which we listed as “plastic seems flimsy”   https://techbuzzireland.com/2020/05/08/review-the-creative-sound-blaster-g3-usb-c-dac-creative-gaming-tech/

The SoundBlaster X 3 includes a USB type C to type A converter which would suit modern-day technology, it comes with a lot of connection choices on the back of the blaster such as a front, side, rear and C/SUB line out so plenty of options but does not come with any of the other types of connections. The USB cable was extra-long which is great to allow connections a distance away.

Once turned on the SoundBlaster x 3 was appealing as the LED lights turned on behind the wheel which gave it a look of intensity, portrayed as a powerful Sound blaster.

 

Package contents,

  •         Sound Blaster X3.
  •         A USB type C to type A converter.
  •         Quick and easy set up guide.
  •         Leaflets & Instructions of more in detailed instructions
  •         Warranty Guide

Warranty – 2  Years

 

Compatibility:

 

The compatibility of this particular SoundBlaster X3 it is more aimed in the direction of PC players rather than consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo switch. This was used with a PlayStation 4 on our tests.

Apps,

SoundBlaster command,

And for the X3 in particular SXFI app,

Setup.

In the case of the PS4, the set up was pretty basic as all that was needed was the USB type C to type A converter to connect the SoundBlaster X3 to the PS4 which can be done on the Nintendo switch the same. Then plug your headset/ (headphones and mic) to the aux for the headphone and if the mic is separate there is a mic aux connection too.

 

 

To set up on the PC all of the connections from your normal speakers can all go into the back connections on the SoundBlaster X3 and will come through the headset with the aux connection on the front of the sound blaster a mic can also be connected separately to the headset/headphones.

The setup is similar for all the consoles, which can be set up for your gaming, movie and music experience by the different colour LED lights.  We observed to get the full benefit of the SoundBlaster X3 you should then download the 2 App to your smartphone above or to your PC.

In this case, the consoles and app were used on the PlayStation 4 slim & the Samsung s10.  Connection to the phone and Soundblaster via Bluetooth required the download of the sound blaster command app and set you, blaster, in Bluetooth mode.  The connection was via the Search for the X3 in the app and put the X3 in pairing mode by holding down the volume wheel until it flashes its white LED.

SXFI app

The Install of the App was easy, scan the QR from the box follow the link and download the app. Once connected the SXFI app goes through a tutorial to select your headphone and will ask to take a picture of your ears and head to customise your headset for your gaming experience, ( This part of the installation is unusual without leaving a logic for its purpose on the install ). Once finished go to the SB command app and the data will link and the command app will give the option for music and different types of games which is a great feature and once the SXFI is activated on the app your experience gets a whole lot better.

SXFI technology has done a great job at creating a 3D surround sound out of your headset which is enjoyable for players and all music and gaming experiences.

                         

Overall:

There are a few hiccups with the app as if you click of the app the SoundBlaster will have to reconnect when the app is turned back off but once the setting is done it won’t change until the phone tries to reconnect but only a small error wouldn’t be too much bother. Other than the plastic case and buttons the SoundBlaster X3 overall is a great audio experience when connected with the apps. The mic sometimes echoes but is not a huge problem for the user and can be solved but it is full of options and great settings for all sorts of games.

The pre-set options for numerous games, default earphones and the options to change the audio experience is a delight for gaming, a setup in the right direction to enhance the audio gaming experience.  BUY HERE Price £109.99

Sound BlasterX G6: Complete the Console Gaming Experience,now with with GameVoice Mix for PS4. #Gaming #PS4

Creative Technology has boosted the console gaming experience yet again. With a new firmware update adding GameVoice Mix to the Sound BlasterX G6 features set, users can now expect an even better performance with quality audio, seamless controls and enjoy game-chat balancing alongside pristine audio for unparalleled console gaming.

Since its launch back in 2018, the Sound BlasterX G6 has been well-received by tech reviewers, winning prominent awards such as the CES 2019 Innovation Awards Honoree in ‘Gaming’.

Powered by audiophile-grade components (including a 130 dB DNR, 32-bit / 384 kHz DAC) and the award-winning Xamp discrete headphone bi-amplifier, driven by the fabled Sound Blaster surround sound virtualization technology, and packaged in a sleek yet handy form factor, it has established itself as a mainstay on many gamers’ ‘must-have’ accessories lists.

 

With GameVoice Mix, the Sound BlasterX G6 is a console gamer’s dream.

With game-chat balance being an increasingly popular feature especially for console gamers, the Sound BlasterX G6 has been boosted with GameVoice Mix, elevating the gaming experience at no extra charge. Users can seamlessly adjust both the voice chat volume and gaming audio with a simple turn of the control knob, without having to exit the game – so that they can focus on the gameplay itself.

Pricing and Availability – Sound BlasterX G6 is priced at GBP129.99 and is available at Creative.com. For more information, visit creative.com/G6