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Creative Releases BlasterX AE-5 Gaming Soundcard
With the excellent embedded audio solution housed in motherboards I figured that soundcards would have been a thing of the past. Creative today however releases BlasterX AE-5 Gaming Soundcard. Oh and of course, it has RGB LEDs and a LED controller.
The sound card features the world’s best gaming headphone amplifier for PCs. The Sound BlasterX AE-5 delivers the ultimate audio performance with the full force of a 122dB 32-bit/384kHz ESS Sabre™ DAC, a kick-ass custom-designed 600Ω discrete headphone amp, audiophile-grade components, and proprietary Sound Blaster audio enhancement technologies.
Delivering an industry-leading gaming headphone amplification experience, the on-board headphone amplifier is custom-built using discrete transistors and audiophile-grade WIMA film/foil capacitors in a dual-amp design to satisfy the most demanding needs of today’s intense games and high-resolution audio. Experience the difference of a discrete dual-amp design as each audio channel is individually amplified to deliver pristine, uncompromised audio. Plus, the high heat resistance of the German-made WIMA capacitors greatly reduces noise and audio interference. The Xamp’s ultra low 1Ω output impedance also makes it perfectly capable of driving sensitive in-ear monitors as well as studio-grade headphones from 16Ω to 600Ω.
122dB DNR Sabre-Class DAC with Industry Leading Audio Processing
At the heart of the Sound BlasterX AE-5 sound card is the quad-core Sound Core3D audio DSP and a 122dB ESS Sabre-Class DAC that instantly boosts regular motherboard audio with up to 32 times more clarity. The premium audiophile-grade DAC with its high dynamic range indulges users with up to 32-bit/384kHz lossless playback and true audio fidelity for high-definition audio in games, movies, and music.
Updated, refined, and perfected through years of being the leader in sound processing, Creative’s AE-5 is feature-packed with the latest and greatest version of Creative’s award-winning audio processing and algorithms that improve music, movie, and gaming experiences. The legendary Sound Blaster technologies provide fully customizable DSP-powered audio enhancements, crystal-clear vocal reproduction, in-game voice communication enhancements, 7.1 virtual surround sound and other advanced audio technologies.
World’s First Sound Card with Integrated RGB Controller Powered by Aurora Reactive Lighting System
The Sound BlasterX AE-5 card is the first sound card to feature a built-in RGB controller that comes with the Aurora Reactive Lighting System. A separate RGB lighting system could set a user back by at least USD 50, but now this is built into the card itself with the AE-5, giving users amazing value and performance for their system. This also means that valuable space within a gamer’s desktop can be saved for other components.
The RGB controller, powered by Creative’s very own Aurora Reactive Lighting System, not only lights up the card through the PCB, but also gives gamers the flexibility to build their dream gaming rig by connecting up to four LED strips to match the awesome sound with an awesome light show. The fully customizable Aurora Reactive Lighting System allows users to choose from multiple presets or program it with up to 16.8 million colors and various rhythms to choose from, using the Sound Blaster Connect PC software.
All New Scout 2.0 Feature
Scout 2.0 is an upgraded version of Creative’s well-received Scout Mode feature – Scout 2.0 now also includes Scout Radar.
Scout Radar is a smart companion that enables gamers to visualize and pinpoint their enemy’s position on a Scout Radar app with the user’s smart device, while Scout Mode lets gamers hear their enemies before they are seen. The all new Scout 2.0 feature is sure to give gamers that added winning edge.
5.1 Discrete Speaker System Support
The Sound BlasterX AE-5 comes with support for a full-fledged discrete 5.1 speaker set-up, enabling gamers to enjoy the full potential of surround sound in today’s entertainment content.
“The Sound BlasterX AE-5 represents the best amplification experience for gaming headphones that a sound card can offer. Since our very first sound card 30 years ago, we’ve always been passionate about sound when it comes to entertainment and gaming. The AE-5 embodies our continuing dedication in giving gamers the absolute best. This is an amazing way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of our gift of sound to the PC world: the Sound BlasterX AE-5,” said Low Long Chye, general manager of Creative.
“Discrete circuitry designs using components such as transistors and capacitors deliver audio with warmth and nuance that is seldom found in today’s commoditized audio products. With the AE-5, we have preserved the rich legacy of these quality components and combined it with world-class engineering and audio processing technology to deliver the absolute best audio experience for the PC. And that’s not all, the AE-5 also takes the sensory experience beyond sound with a 16.8 million color light show.”
Technical Specifications
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• Audio/DSP processor |
: Sound Core3D |
|
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• Channels |
: 5.1 discrete speaker out |
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7.1 virtual headphone surround |
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• Interface |
: PCIe |
|
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• DAC |
: ESS ES9016K2M SABRE32 Ultra DAC |
|
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o Max playback resolution |
: 32-bit/384kHz* |
|
|
o DNR |
: 122 dB |
|
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o THD + N |
: 0.00032% |
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• ADC |
: Sound Core3D |
|
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o Max recording resolution |
: 24-bit/96kHz |
|
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• Headphone amp (600 Ω) |
: Custom-designed discrete headphone amp (Xamp) |
|
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o SNR |
: 116 dB |
|
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o THD + N |
: 0.0009% |
|
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o Output impedance |
: 1 Ω |
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o Headphone impedance range |
: 16 – 600 Ω |
|
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• Connectivity |
: 3 x 3.5mm line out (front, rear, center/sub) |
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1 x TOSLINK optical out |
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1 x 3.5mm headphone out |
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1 x 3.5mm microphone/line in |
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1 x Intel HD audio front panel |
||
Sound BlasterX AE-5 Pure Edition
A special white edition of the Sound BlasterX AE-5 is also available exclusively online at creative. Unlike the standard version, which comes with a single 30cm LED strip with 10 LEDs, this special Pure Edition will include four LED strips.
Pricing and AvailabilityThe Sound BlasterX AE-5 will be available in July 2017 at USD149.99. The Sound BlasterX AE-5 Pure Edition will be available in August 2017 at USD179.99.
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Glasofruix
Member
Posts: 98
Joined: 2012-06-25
Member
Posts: 98
Joined: 2012-06-25
#5444545 Posted on: 06/19/2017 06:13 PM
This new creative card is very interresting (aside from useless RGB), since my phoebus is on life support until a windows update breaks something (shame on you asus and your, lack of, driver support). Just need some reviews, especially the vss.
Anyways, for those saying that there's no reason to buy a discrete soundcard since onboard solutions have gotten better are only half right. Because,
- to get a decent chip (alc 1150 or 1220) you have to aim for fairly high end mobos and they're not created equal in terms of isolation and amplification
- they might sound nice until you start throwing a lot of sounds at them, the sound stage becomes muddy and less precise
This new creative card is very interresting (aside from useless RGB), since my phoebus is on life support until a windows update breaks something (shame on you asus and your, lack of, driver support). Just need some reviews, especially the vss.
Anyways, for those saying that there's no reason to buy a discrete soundcard since onboard solutions have gotten better are only half right. Because,
- to get a decent chip (alc 1150 or 1220) you have to aim for fairly high end mobos and they're not created equal in terms of isolation and amplification
- they might sound nice until you start throwing a lot of sounds at them, the sound stage becomes muddy and less precise
BangTail
Senior Member
Posts: 3568
Joined: 2006-10-15
Senior Member
Posts: 3568
Joined: 2006-10-15
#5444550 Posted on: 06/19/2017 06:18 PM
Yah, as much as onboard has improved, I still prefer a dedicated sound card and I like Creative, I've never really had any trouble with them. I remember a stuck IRQ on an old AWE32 card but that was a little while ago
Yah, as much as onboard has improved, I still prefer a dedicated sound card and I like Creative, I've never really had any trouble with them. I remember a stuck IRQ on an old AWE32 card but that was a little while ago
tsunami231
Senior Member
Posts: 13565
Joined: 2003-05-24
Senior Member
Posts: 13565
Joined: 2003-05-24
#5444551 Posted on: 06/19/2017 06:19 PM
with there drivers support no thanks
@ Glasofruix
ALC1150 on my board makes the sound from old X58 SLI LE sound ****ty not to mention all the static and buzzing in my headphones is gone with this board
I also havent heard interference from CB radios bus and such with this setup either like i did with old mobo which happen rather often during school months.
Not everyone audiophile nut and as such dont care to buy dedicated when onboard is fine in comparison to how it use to be.
with there drivers support no thanks
@ Glasofruix
ALC1150 on my board makes the sound from old X58 SLI LE sound ****ty not to mention all the static and buzzing in my headphones is gone with this board
I also havent heard interference from CB radios bus and such with this setup either like i did with old mobo which happen rather often during school months.
Not everyone audiophile nut and as such dont care to buy dedicated when onboard is fine in comparison to how it use to be.
Glasofruix
Member
Posts: 98
Joined: 2012-06-25
Member
Posts: 98
Joined: 2012-06-25
#5444555 Posted on: 06/19/2017 06:35 PM
Not everyone audiophile nut and as such dont care to buy dedicated when onboard is fine in comparison to how it use to be.
I'm not an audiophile nut either, but i can hear the difference between my onboard ALC 1150 and the phoebus, not while listening to flac mind you, but in games the phoebus wins without question.
Not everyone audiophile nut and as such dont care to buy dedicated when onboard is fine in comparison to how it use to be.
I'm not an audiophile nut either, but i can hear the difference between my onboard ALC 1150 and the phoebus, not while listening to flac mind you, but in games the phoebus wins without question.
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Senior Member
Posts: 11549
Joined: 2004-05-10
Aura89, not sure why you want to argue against something I never said. Creatives drivers being 'good' (meaning vast majority of people issue-free with them) or bad was never my point or argument. All I said was they CAN BE "fault free" - or not - DEPENDING on hardware or system synergy. That was from my experience (notice I bolded 'my' in earlier post to make that distinction). Aside from that, at what point the balance tips to being 'good' drivers or 'bad' drivers, neither I nor you knows. You have statistics? I dont have statistics either. What I do have is a largely trouble free experience since my Audigy 2zs days and that is what I go by. Not asking anyone else to go by that.
NOW... since we dont have statistics, what do we have? Forums? Ever take a peek at Nvidias Geforce forums? Surely, one would think Nvidia has the worst drivers in the world. Surely if sentiment was so badly against creative drivers in forums too, it would also be reflected in product user ratings from major online etailers.
Can you or anyone else recommend another sound card brand that is fault free and where the majority of its buyers are satisfied enough to reflect that in its product ratings? How about checking Amazon or Newegg for ratings and see who fares better or worse amongst sound card brands? Sure, not scientific or accurate, but at least not skewed by repeat posters in forums blathering the same thing over and over. I truly was on the lookout for a new sound card to replace my Zx, simply for better features (disclaimer: headphones not my thing), but frankly got spooked seeing user ratings for alternative sound cards were worse than creatives (ie, Asus new strix line). Vs Creative ratings. If wanting something that is trouble-free, I am not assured I have any better chance of that in buying a non-creative sound card.