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E3 2017: Creative Unveils All-New Sound BlasterX AE-5 Sound Card

At E3 2017, it’s not just the usual consoles making a splash with gaming related reveals and details. Local audio powerhouse Creative Technology has now revealed two new offerings for the ultimate audio experience while gaming this E3, starting with the…


Sound BlasterX AE-5

The newest kid on the Sound BlasterX Pro-gaming Series block, the AE-5 is touted to have the “world’s best gaming headphone amplifier for PCs.” The Xamp Discrete Headphone Amp is a dual-amp custom-built design that can handle the needs of modern audio experiences. If you want pristine audio without noise interference, this is the way to go.

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The quad-core Sound Core3D audio DSP and 122dB ESS Sabre-Class DAC lies at the heart of the AE-5, boosting regular motherboard audio up to an astounding 32(!) times more clarity. Audiophiles can rest easy with the “32-bit/384kHz lossless playback and true audio fidelity for high-definition audio in games, movies, and music.” There is also support for a discrete and full 5.1 speaker setup, surround sound here we come!

Creative went even further, adding a built-in RGB controller with their Aurora Reactive Lighting System into the AE-5. Saving you space and money, not only can the AE-5 be lighting up, you can connect up to 4 LED strips to create your own desktop light show.

Technical Specifications

  • Audio/DSP processor:
    • Sound Core3D
  • Channels:
    • 5.1 discrete speaker out
    • 7.1 virtual headphone surround
  • Interface:
    • PCIe
  • DAC: ESS ES9016K2M SABRE32 Ultra DAC
    • Max Playback Resolution: 32-bit/384kHz*
    • DNR: 122 dB
    • THD + N : 0.00032%
  • ADC : Sound Core3D
    • Max recording resolution : 24-bit/96kHz
  • Headphone amp (600 Ω) : Custom-designed discrete headphone amp (Xamp)
    • SNR : 116 dB
    • THD + N : 0.0009%
    • Output impedance : 1 Ω
    • Headphone impedance range : 16 – 600 Ω
  • Connectivity:
    • 3 x 3.5mm line out (front, rear, center/sub)
    • 1 x TOSLINK optical out
    • 1 x 3.5mm headphone out
    • 1 x 3.5mm microphone/line in
    • 1 x Intel HD audio front panel

If you want to grab a special and unique white edition of the Sound BlasterX AE-5, you can do so at the Creative website in August for US$179.99.  For the rest of us, the Sound BlasterX AE-5 will be available come July 2017 at a price of US$149.99.


Creative X-Fi Sonic Carrier

An extremely powerful home entertainment system, it not only packs in Dolby Atmos for sweet 3D audio, the Creative SuperWide X-Fi – 17 drivers in a 15.2 configuration and 2000W peak power (1000W RMS) – will blow your mind. Having immersive cinematic sound is arguably one of the best ways to experience a game, and the X-Fi Sonic Carrier does the job admirably. 

Gamers will enjoy a cinematic experience with incredible realism as more and more games adopt Dolby Atmos. Not only that, this immersive three-dimensional soundstage gives gamers a new competitive edge as each sound comes to life and moves around, and now also above. For games without Dolby Atmos, gamers can also enjoy a similar magical experience using Sonic Carrier’s 15.2 SuperWide X-Fi technology that delivers a breathtakingly wide 3D soundstage that goes beyond imagination

Sim Wong Hoo, CEO of Creative Technology, and Creator of
the Sonic Carrier.

Powered by 8 processors, not only can it be used for high-resolution audio playback, the Sonic Carrier features an Ultra HD video engine that is capable of 4K 60fps video playback of both local and online content. Add in Wi-Fi capabilities for audio/video streaming, Bluetooth, and a zero-latency wireless speaker-to-speaker link up for up to 4 subwoofers, and you have a gem of an entertainment system.

With developers like BANDAI NAMCO, SEGA Europe, Atlus, and Deep Silver adopting the X-Fi Sonic Carrier, visitors to their booths at E3 will enjoy an awesome experience.

Learn more about the X-Fi Sonic Carrier here!