Creative introduces the Sound Blaster AE-7 and Sound Blaster AE-9 audiophile-grade sound cards. Both the Sound Blaster AE-7 and Sound Blaster AE-9 are combo units with a PCI-Express sound card with Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-Amp and Audio Control Module. The Sound Blaster AE-7 and AE-9 feature the award-winning Sound Core3D audio processor same as the Sound Blaster Zx and Sound Blaster AE-5. The AE-7 is powered by the ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC processor while the AE-9 features the more premium ESS SABRE-class 9038 DAC processor. Designed for audiophiles and PC enthusiasts, the Sound Blaster AE-7 and AE-9 lack RGB Aurora Lighting - no flashy RGB lighting just straight-up high-quality audio.

Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-Amplifier

The Sound Blaster AE-7 and AE-9 sports Xamp bi-amplified headphone amp in which each earcup gets its own power from the first stage of amplification all the way through delivery. It also features an ultra-low 1ohm headphone output impedance that can drive studio-grade headphones of up to 600 ohms, including high-end planar-magnetic headphones.

Sound Blaster Command

The Sound Blaster AE-7 and Sound Blaster AE-9 comes with Sound Blaster's full suite of audio enhancements. You can enjoy Surround for an incredible immersion, Crystallizer that helps to improve the dynamic range of audio, or Bass that provides bigger punch on the low end. Meanwhile, CrystalVoice technology enhances voice for clear recordings and in-game communications. The sound cards also support Dolby Digital Live and DTS Connect Encoding.

Playback Specifications

Playback Resolution (Stereo):
PCM 16-bit / 44.1, 48.0, 88.2, 96.0, 192.0, 384 kHz, PCM 24-bit / 44.1, 48.0, 88.2, 96.0, 192.0, 384 kHz, PCM 32-bit / 44.1, 48.0, 88.2, 96.0, 192.0, 384 kHz, DSD64 (2.8 MHz)
Playback Resolution (Optical Out):
16-bit / 44.1, 48.0, 88.2, 96.0, 192.0kHz, 24-bit / 44.1, 48.0, 88.2, 96.0, 192.0kHz
Playback Resolution (Surround 5.1) – (Sound Blaster AE-9 Only):
PCM 16-bit / 48.0, 96.0, 192.0kHz, PCM 24-bit / 48.0, 96.0, 192.0kHz

Comparison Table

Pricing and Availability
The Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 and Sound Blaster AE-9 are now available for pre-order at Creative UK with an MSRP of £199.99/ $229.99USD and £299.99 / $349.99USD respectively.

United Kingdom
The Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 will be available by the 15th of July, 2019 while the Creative Sound Blaster AE-9 will be available by the 12th of August, 2019. Learn more on the product links below.

United States
The Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 will be available by the 22nd of July, 2019 while the Creative Sound Blaster AE-9 will be available by the 12th of August, 2019.