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Sound Blaster X5
Hi-res External Dual DAC USB Sound Card with Fully Balanced Xamp Headphone Bi-amplifier for Audiophiles
VIDEO
Features
Overview
Audiophiles and pro-audio lovers: The Sound Blaster X5 is made for you.
Top-notch components. Industry-leading technologies. Exceptionally high-resolution audio.
In a gist, the external USB sound card fires up to 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM playback at 130 dB DNR, and features dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs, our custom-designed, fully balanced Xamp headphone bi-amplifier, and customizable DSP EQ functions.
On the connectivity front, it comes with a USB-A Host port with USB audio that works with USB microphones and headsets, and even wireless Bluetooth® transmitters for wire-free audio. This is amongst a plethora of connectivity options such as TOSLINK optical and RCA connectors, so you can connect the Sound Blaster X5 to various platforms, including PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, and even your sound systems, AV receivers, set-top boxes, and Blu-ray players.
If you are an audio enthusiast or have a discerning pair of ears, the Sound Blaster X5 is one of the best desktop audio accessories you'll ever need in your get-up.
"Creative is back with a bang!! Their new Sound blaster X5 has it all. It caters to both gamer and audiophiles.."
- theheadphonelist
▼ find out more ▼
Audio
Boosts overall product performance
To enhance the Sound Blaster X5 for smoother operability, the dual microcontroller unit (MCU) design also serves to minimize inter-dependency between major components, reducing the risk of a single point of failure. This allows for improved efficiency with quicker response time between user interaction and device control, and boosts overall product performance.
Pure audio,
pure enjoyment
It also supports ASIO 2.2 playback and recording over USB and S/PDIF, so you can easily access multiple audio inputs and outputs at ultra-low latency, and enjoy audio in its purest form.
the perfect headphones sidekick
Sure, you have the most coveted pair of headphones, but are you truly maximizing its potential? The Sound Blaster X5 is engineered to bring out the best in any headphones, including yours.
Silky Smooth Sound
Have a go at silky smooth audio that satisfies even the most demanding desires of pro-audio users! Sound Blaster X5 is equipped with our custom-designed Xamp discrete headphone bi-amplifier technology that drives each earcup individually via 3 stages of amplification circuits.
Great with studio-grade Headphones
This external sound card works with a wide range of headphones, with the capability to drive studio-grade headphones of up to 600Ω, including the most demanding high-end, open-back planar-magnetic headphones, as well as sensitive IEMs, with an ultra-low 1Ω headphone output impedance.
Fully balanced headphones bi-amplifier
How? Our Xamp technology works in tandem with the dual DAC ensemble to amplify the audio signals of the left and right earcups independently. This arrangement eliminates noise caused by in-circuit interference and keeps crosstalk to a minimum. The fully balanced audio can then be delivered through a 4.4 mm gold-plated headphones output connector for an accurate reproduction of the original audio content in its purest and authentic form, ensuring nothing but fidelity to satisfy your inner audiophile's desires.
Supports virtual surround
It also supports virtual surround on your headphones, deploying HRTF (head-related transfer function) algorithms onto audio streams for immersive, theater-like audio envelopment with realistic spatial audio positioning, to whichever content you choose indulge in.
PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT
Input: USB, Output: Line Out, Signal: 0 dBFS Sinusoidal, Resolution: 24 bit, 192 kHz
1. FREQUENCY RESPONSE
2. SILENT NOISE FLOOR
Input: USB, Output: Line Out, Signal: -20 dBFS Sinusoidal, Resolution: 24 bit, 192 kHz
3. STEREO CHANNEL SEPARATION
-20dBFS Left-to-Right
4. STEREO CHANNEL SEPARATION
-20dBFS Right-to-Left
Connectivity
now wire-free, and more
Go wireless with Sound Blaster X5? Not a problem. The USB DAC sports a Bluetooth receiver so you can stream high-quality audio from your mobile devices, Windows PC, or Mac to Sound Blaster X5 directly.
At the back of the Sound Blaster X5, there is a dedicated USB-A host audio port, for you to connect to a wireless audio transmitter such as the Creative BT-W4 or Creative BT-W3 - so you can play high-definition audio such as aptX Adaptive (BT-W4), aptX HD(BT-W3) wirelessly to your Bluetooth headset+. This USB-A host audio port* also works with external USB speakers, microphones, and headsets for extra flexibility.
+ Bluetooth receiver must support corresponding aptX codec
* USB Host Audio port support maximum 5V 100mA USB Audio Class Device on PC, Mac and Console only
And there's more! Choose from a plethora of RCA and TOSLINK Optical connectors, a gold-plated 3.5 mm Microphone-in port with an easy-to-access mic gain knob, as well as a convenient USB-C audio port that also powers the Sound Blaster X5 via a single cable for fuss-free audio enjoyment. For versatility, the Sound Blaster X5 also features a ubiquitous gold-plated 3.5 mm headphones port for easy connectivity to your commonplace unbalanced headphones and a gold-plated 4.4mm port for your prized balanced headphones.
Wireless Bluetooth 5.0
Stream audio wirelessly from your PC, Mac, or mobile devices
3.5 mm Mic-in
Connect an external microphone for communications or audio recording
3.5 mm 4-pole Unbalanced Headphones-out
Connect to a pair of versatile 3.5 mm headphones or headset to enjoy fuss-free audio
4.4 mm 5-pole Balanced Headphones-out
Connect to a pair of 4.4 mm balanced headphones and enjoy clean, unadulterated audio reproduction.
RCA (Line-in and Line-out) and TOSLINK Optical Connectors
Plug in your sound systems, AV receivers, Blu-ray players, set-top boxes, and even TV
USB-C
Power up the Sound Blaster X5 and stream audio directly with the same USB-C connection to Windows PC, Mac, PS5, and PS4
USB-A Host Audio Port
Connect to external USB speakers, headsets, microphones, or even a wireless audio transmitter such as Creative BT-W4 or Creative BT-W3
Controls
it's all
right there
The Sound Blaster X5 features an entire get-up of front-mounted buttons and switches that are easy-to-access and intuitive for everyone.
| 1. Power | Press x1 to power the device ON / OFF |
| 2. Microphone Mute | Press x1 to mute/unmute microphone |
| 3. Bluetooth |
|
| 4. Microphone Gain Knob |
|
| 5. Display Button | Press x1 to cycle through different display status |
| 6. Headphone Gain Switch |
|
| 7. Headphone / Speaker Switch | Press x1 to toggle between Headphones / Speakers output |
| 8. Direct / DSP Switch | Press x1 to toggle between DSP Mode and Direct Mode |
| 9. EQ | Press x1 to cycle through three saved EQ presets |
| 10. PC / Console Switch |
|
| 11. Volume Knob |
|
Customization
make it truly yours
You are in full control to take your audio further. Make adjustment to the 10-band EQ frequency graph, select from a list of Acoustic Engine's pre-tuned audio profiles, or switch them off completely for clean, pure, unadulterated sound. Our Creative app offers you full customizability over what you wish to hear, or not.
Devices
The overview of all the available features on Sound Blaster X5.
Playback
Switch between Speakers (Line-out) or Headphones output, set your audio quality for each audio source, configure your surround speakers set up.
Recording
Set up and configure input sources such as Microphone, Line-in, and Optical-in.
Settings
Perform device factory reset and access other settings including Firmware, Driver, and Software updates.
Volume
Adjust the volume levels of your audio and microphone.
Sound Mode
Make quick adjustments to all your sound settings on headphones or speakers, including your EQ settings as well as Acoustic Engine features settings.
There are also pre-tuned audio profiles in the drop-down list to get you started instantly.
Acoustic Engine
Customize your Acoustic Engine effects like Surround, Crystalizer, Bass, Smart Volume, and Dialog+ individually for both headphones and speakers.
Equalizer
Personalize your EQ settings with this 10-band EQ to your liking. You can also make adjustments to the Preamp, Bass, and Treble sound settings. The default EQ modes—Music, Movies, and Footsteps Enhancer—can be toggled directly on the Sound Blaster X5 device. You can also tweak them further and save your settings to each mode.
CrystalVoice
Adjust your Noise Reduction level, activate Acoustic Echo Cancellation and Smart Volume for better communication quality, and select from a list of pre-tuned Mic EQs. Just to make things a little more fun, there's a list of Voice Morph options that allows you to change your voice into different characters and accents.
Direct Mode
Delivers audio in its purest form, directly from the source. When Direct Mode is activated, all audio effects will not be applied to your audio output. This function can be toggled directly on the Sound Blaster X5 device.
Scout Mode
For the avid gamers, activate Scout Mode to enhance important in-game audio cues that highlights each and every audio detail—the sound of your enemies' gun reloads or a slight ruffle in the grass. You can also assign a hot key on your keyboard on your PC.
Mixer
Make instant adjustments to your Playback, Monitoring, and Recording settings based on the different audio sources.
Downloads
Creative App
Make EQ adjustments on the 10-band EQ curve and save it as a preset on the device itself, manage multiple Acoustic Engine profiles and presets, and access Sound Blaster technologies to enhance your audio.
REVIEWS
Headphonesty
The Creative Sound Blaster X5 is an instrument packed to the gills with features. It is suitable for various daily activities, from chilling to music, gaming, work calls, online meetings, and mixing.The keyword to describe the X5 is “versatility.” The X5 is compatible with a vast array of devices, and the mic and Bluetooth quality are no slouches, making it a perfect companion for working from home. The complimentary Creative app also unlocks many usable attributes, exponentially increasing its practicality.
4/5
Audiosciencereview
I expected lackluster performance but in many cases, the X5 produces very competent performance ... I am going to recommend the Creative Labs Sound Blaster X5.
Expert Reviews
Gamers in particular are very well served here. From adjusting the response of the mic to focusing on particular areas of the frequency range or specific elements of a soundtrack, the Creative is a useful and helpful device. But no matter what you’re listening to or participating in, the amount of adjustability available in the control app – particularly the desktop version – means it’s always possible to maximise your experience.
Customer Reviews
F. Kaminski
I have owned Creative products for years. This is the best Creative product I have ever owned and I'm really glad I purchased it. The only missed opportunity with this device by Creative is not making SXFI available.
K. Hibiki
Best Dac I use ever, Delivery speed very fast, form order to delivered to me 4 days.
c. karas
In a short review and only plugged with t100 speakers the product worth the money. Easy install and update too. Been connected with T100speakers via optical connection the speakers sing. Great improvement from super x fi hd.. Very detailed presentation and creation of center speaker. I can't wait to plug it to my 1995 Michi system. Well done.creative !!!. I also liked that despite the luck of some features such as sub out, XLR etc, the product kept the price low but with minimum compromises for quality..
A Closer Look
Specifications
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Headphone Output Power (Unbalanced)
- 0.98 Vrms (60 mW) @ 16Ω, 1.47 Vrms (65 mW) @ 33Ω, 4.11 Vrms (112 mW) @ 150Ω, 4.14 Vrms (52 mW) @ 330Ω, 4.15 Vrms (29 mW) @ 600Ω
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Headphone Output Power (Balanced)
- 1.18 Vrms (86 mW) @ 16Ω, 1.90 Vrms (109 mW) @ 33Ω, 5.86 Vrms (313 mW) @ 150Ω, 8.25 Vrms (206 mW) @ 330Ω, 8.28 Vrms (114 mW) @ 600Ω
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Remote Control (BLE)
- Android devices, iOS devices
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Weight
- 879g (1.93 lb)
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Dimensions
- 216 x 170 x 72 mm (8.5 x 6.69 x 2.83 inches)
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Headphone Amp
- 16–600Ω
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Dynamic Range (DNR)
- 130 dB
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Audio Technology
- Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine
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Max. Playback Quality
- Line Out/Headphone Out: Stereo, Up to PCM 32-bit / 384.0 kHz, DoP 128, DSD 256
Optical Out: Stereo, Up to PCM 24-bit / 192.0 kHz
-
Recording Resolution
- Mic-in: PCM 24-bit / 192.0 kHz
Optical In: PCM 24-bit / 96.0 kHz
Line-in: PCM 24-bit / 192.0 kHz
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Connectivity Options (Main)
- 1 x TOSLINK Optical In, 1 x TOSLINK Optical Out, 1 x RCA Line-in, 1 x RCA Line-out, 1 x 3.5 mm Headphones-out (Unbalanced), 1 x 4.4 mm Headphones-out (Balanced), 1 x 3.5 mm Mic-in, 1 x USB-C port of PC/Mac/PS4/PS5, 1 x USB-A Host Audio-out port
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Headphone Amp
- 16–600Ω
-
Max Channel Output
- Stereo
-
Supported Operating Systems
- Mac OS X v10.5 and above, Windows® 10 Ver 1703, Windows® 11
-
DAC
- 2 x Cirrus Logic CS43198 high-resolution DAC, PCM 32-bit / 384 kHz playback, DoP 64, 128 support, DSD 64, 128, 256 support, THD: -115 dB, DNR: 130 dB
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ADC
- DNR: 114 dB, THD+N: -105 dB
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Power
- USB-C
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Recommended Usage
- Movies and Music
System Requirements
- Intel® Core™i3 or AMD® equivalent processor
- Microsoft® Windows 11, 10 32 / 64-bit Ver 1703 or later
- > 4 GB RAM
- > 4 GB of free hard disk space
- Available USB 2.0 / 3.0 port
- Macintosh running macOS 10.15 or later
- > 4 GB RAM
- > 4 GB of free hard disk space
- Available USB 2.0 / 3.0 port
- Firmware Ver 5.0 or later
- Available USB port
- Firmware Ver 20.02-2.26.00.00-00.00.00.0.1 or later
- Available USB port
- Android OS Ver 8.0 or later
- iOS Ver 12.0 or later
- Built-in Bluetooth Low Energy support
Package Contents
- 1 x Sound Blaster X5
- 1 x USB-C to USB-A Cable (1.5m / 4.9 ft)
- 1 x Optical Cable (1.5m / 4.9 ft)
- 1 x 3.5 mm to RCA Stereo Cable (2m / 6.6 ft)
- 1 x Quick Start Guide
- 1 x Warranty and Compliance Leaflet
Warranty
1-year Limited Hardware Warranty
