Tried an external sound card: the Creative Sound Blaster X3

Simon Lüthje14. April 2020

Even if PCs and laptops nowadays have a sound card installed and you don’t necessarily need a dedicated sound card, it is usually still worth upgrading the integrated sound cards. Unfortunately this is not always possible, be it because there is no PCIe slot available, a laptop or even a console. This is where the forefather of sound cards comes into play.

Creative offers with the Sound Blaster X3 an external USB-DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) with headphone amplifier, which enables not only virtual but also real 7.1 surround sound.

The Creative Sound Blaster X3 can be connected via USB to PS4, PC or Mac. Any other source can also be used via a jack input, but then of course with reduced functionality.

Is it worthwhile to upgrade from an internal sound solution to the Creative Sound Blaster X3 for 124.99 Euro? Let’s find out!

Technical details

Compatibility	Windows, Mac, PS4, Nintendo Switch
Max. playback quality	Playback Resolution (Stereo): PCM 16/24/32-bit / 48.0, 96.0, 192.0 kHz Playback Resolution (Optical Out): PCM 16/24-bit / 48.0, 96.0, 192.0 kHz Surround 7.1: PCM 16/24/32-bit / 48.0, 96.0, 192.0 kHz, Dolby Digital Live: 16-bit, 48.0 kHz
Max. recording quality	line-in: 16/24-bit, 48.0, 96.0, 192.0 kHz Mic-in: 16/24-bit / 48.0, 96.0, 192.0 kHz What-U-Hear: 16/24-bit, 48.0, 96.0, 192.0 kHz
Power supply	USB type C
ADC	dynamic range: 104 dB, THD+N: 0.0017%
DAC	Dynamic range (stereo): 115 dB, THD+N (stereo): 0.0004%
Audio technologies	CrystalVoice, Scout Mode
Headphone amplifier	low gain: 32 – 149Ω (1.2V RMS @ 32Ω, 1.5V RMS @ 150Ω) High gain: 150 – 600Ω (2.3V RMS @ 150Ω, 2.9V RMS @ 600Ω)
Input options	1 x 3.5 mm Output front 1 x 3.5 mm socket (line input) 1 x 3.5 mm socket (Side Out) 1 x USB Type-C port for PC / Mac 1 x 3.5 mm jack (rear) 1 x 3.5 mm output for center speaker/subwoofer 1 x 3.5 mm headphone/headset jack 1 x 3.5 mm Ext. mic input jack 1 optical TOSLINK output
Dynamic range (DNR)	115 dB
Dimensions	129 x 129 x 40.6 mm
Weight	330 g
Price	€ 144.99*

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Creative Sound Blaster X3 externe USB-DAC- und Verstärker-Soundkarte price comparison

€ 144.99

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