In the wake of their new product shoewcase at IFA 2019 earlier this month, Creative Technology have now announced availability of the Sound Blaster X3, a USB DAC powered by their Super X-Fi headphone holography. Built with 30 years of revolutionary audio know-how dating back to the first Sound Blaster sound card for PCs, the DAC when combined with Super X-Fi creates a more representative and immersive surround-sound soundstage for both 7.1 and stereo headsets.
From a dry technical standpoint the Sound Blaster X3 is a high-resolution, 7.1 multi-channel USB DAC, offering up to 32-bit / 192 kHz playback, and features a headphone amplifier capable of driving studio-grade headphones. However, as with all audio products, such detail fails to convey Creative's confidence in the hardware. Besides offering 7.1 discrete channel output, this external sound card also offers 7.1 virtualization on stereo speakers, and also features Dolby Digital Live encoding for connecting optically to external receivers for multi-channel speakers.
Super X-Fi captures the listening experience of a high-end multi-speaker system in a professional studio, and recreates the same expansive experience in your headphones using complex algorithms and computationally intensive techniques to custom fit audio, for every individual, through a sophisticated Head and Ear-Mapping process.
In principle, when paired with headsets of appropriate quality, the X3 will offer cinema levels of immersion when watching your favourite movies, and the virtualisation technology can be custom-tuned to personal preferences. Personalised EQ presets maintain adaptability to a wider range of audio styles, which is perfect for film fans of any particular genre.
Functionality is broadened with the Audio Balance feature, through which the volume feed can be toggled between two audio sources with a turn of the knob. Creative envision that the feature will be of particular value to PC and Mac users who like to chat while watching movies or playing games, or prefer listening to their favourite songs while gaming. And like many gaming devices, the X3 supports a wide range of connectivity for cross-platform support with PC, Mac, PS4 and Nintendo Switch.
Accompanying the Sound Blaster X3 is the Sound Blaster Command configuration utility for desktops, and a corresponding mobile app for console users and those who want to avoid the hassle of switching to a desktop app for control and customisation.
Upgrade Promotion for Sound Blaster Users
Creative is offering the opportunity to upgrade from their old sound cards with a 15% discount on the latest Sound Blaster products. This promotion will be valid for all upcoming Sound Blaster products launched until the end of the year in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, United States of America, and Singapore. For more information, visit creative.com/upgrade.
Pricing and Availability
Sound Blaster X3 has an MSRP of £119.99, but is available on Creative.com for £109.99 inc. V.A.T. For more information, visit creative.com/SBX3.
