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Buy the Sound Blaster X5

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.

▼ 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.

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.

VIEW SOUND BLASTER X5'S PARAMETER

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. PowerPress x1 to power the device ON / OFF
2. Microphone MutePress x1 to mute/unmute microphone
3. Bluetooth
  • Enter Bluetooth pairing mode:
    Press and hold 2s
  • To reset Bluetooth pairing:
    Press and hold 5s
4. Microphone Gain Knob
  • Rotate left to decrease Mic Input Gain
  • Rotate right to increase Mic Input Gain
5. Display ButtonPress x1 to cycle through different display status
6. Headphone Gain Switch
  • Flip the switch upwards for high impedance headphones (>150 ohms)
  • Flip the switch downwards for low impedance headphones (<150 ohms="" li="">
7. Headphone / Speaker SwitchPress x1 to toggle between Headphones / Speakers output
8. Direct / DSP SwitchPress x1 to toggle between DSP Mode and Direct Mode
9. EQPress x1 to cycle through three saved EQ presets
10. PC / Console Switch
  • Flip the switch upwards for PC / Mac
  • Flip the switch downwards PS5, and PS4
11. Volume Knob
  • Rotate left to decrease playback volume
  • Rotate right to increase playback volume

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

Sound Blaster X5

2023-04-06

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.

Sound Blaster X5

2024-02-02

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.

Sound Blaster X5

2023-12-15

A Closer Look

Specifications

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
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
Remote Control (BLE)
Android devices, iOS devices
Headphone Amp
16–600Ω
Dynamic Range (DNR)
130 dB
Audio Technology
Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine
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
Headphone Amp
16–600Ω
Max Channel Output
Stereo
Audio Technologies
CrystalVoice
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
ADC
DNR: 114 dB, THD+N: -105 dB
Power
USB-C
Recommended Usage
Gaming

System Requirements

Windows
  • 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
  • Macintosh running macOS 10.15 or later
  • > 4 GB RAM
  • > 4 GB of free hard disk space
  • Available USB 2.0 / 3.0 port
PS4
  • Firmware Ver 5.0 or later
  • Available USB port
PS5
  • Firmware Ver 20.02-2.26.00.00-00.00.00.0.1 or later
  • Available USB port
Software Remote Control
  • 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

2-year Limited Hardware Warranty

Creative Store FAQ

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