Creative Sound Blaster X4 Review: All-In-One Audio Solution
With its Hi-Res 7.1 External USB DAC, Amp Sound Card, Super X-Fi, and SmartComms Kit functionalities, the Sound Blaster X4 stands as an all-in-one audio upgrade for both speakers and headphones, offering users customization options and immersive surround sound experiences.
In this review, we will look into its capabilities, features, performance, and overall value proposition.
Package
The Sound Blaster X4 package includes everything you need to get started with your audio upgrade. Inside the box, is the Sound Blaster X4 device, along with a USB-A to USB-C cable for connectivity over a 2-meter distance. Additionally, there's an optical cable measuring 1 meter, perfect for optical audio connections. There's also a leaflet detailing the SmartComms Kit features, a quick start guide, and warranty information.
Design
The Creative Sound Blaster X4 boasts a compact design that blends seamlessly with any desktop setup. Its matte black finish makes it look premium, and it feels and looks sturdy-built. It features intuitive controls, including volume knobs and playback buttons, and connectivity ports, ensuring ease of use and accessibility. The illuminated LED accents give it a modern touch, enhancing its overall look.
In this review, we will look into its capabilities, features, performance, and overall value proposition.
Package
The Sound Blaster X4 package includes everything you need to get started with your audio upgrade. Inside the box, is the Sound Blaster X4 device, along with a USB-A to USB-C cable for connectivity over a 2-meter distance. Additionally, there's an optical cable measuring 1 meter, perfect for optical audio connections. There's also a leaflet detailing the SmartComms Kit features, a quick start guide, and warranty information.
Design
The Creative Sound Blaster X4 boasts a compact design that blends seamlessly with any desktop setup. Its matte black finish makes it look premium, and it feels and looks sturdy-built. It features intuitive controls, including volume knobs and playback buttons, and connectivity ports, ensuring ease of use and accessibility. The illuminated LED accents give it a modern touch, enhancing its overall look.
Connectivity Options:
Optical Out (TOSLINK)
Rear Out
Center / Sub Out
Headphone / Headset Jack
Ext. Mic-in Jack
Front-out
Side Out Jack
USB-C port for PC / Mac
Optical / Line-in Combo Jack
Measuring just 130.5 mm x 130.5 mm x 40.6 mm and weighing 384g, it strikes the perfect balance between portability and functionality, making it a versatile addition to any setup.
Features
At the heart of the Creative Sound Blaster X4 is an advanced DAC technology capable of delivering high-resolution audio playback at 192 kHz / 24-bit. This ensures clarity and detail, allowing you to experience your favorite music, movies, and games with unparalleled fidelity. Moreover, its multi-channel 7.1 surround sound support creates a truly immersive audio environment, enveloping you in a rich and expansive sonic landscape.
Side Out Jack
USB-C port for PC / Mac
Optical / Line-in Combo Jack
Measuring just 130.5 mm x 130.5 mm x 40.6 mm and weighing 384g, it strikes the perfect balance between portability and functionality, making it a versatile addition to any setup.
Features
At the heart of the Creative Sound Blaster X4 is an advanced DAC technology capable of delivering high-resolution audio playback at 192 kHz / 24-bit. This ensures clarity and detail, allowing you to experience your favorite music, movies, and games with unparalleled fidelity. Moreover, its multi-channel 7.1 surround sound support creates a truly immersive audio environment, enveloping you in a rich and expansive sonic landscape.
The device also features a 114 dB audio clarity amplifier, providing ample power to drive even the most demanding headphones. Whether you're a casual listener or an audiophile looking for the ultimate listening experience, the Creative Sound Blaster X4 delivers exceptional sound quality.
For gamers, it features SXFI BATTLE Mode, which offers more realistic audio cues and depth, along with Scout Mode for detecting faint in-game sounds, providing a competitive edge in immersive gaming environments.
The Sound Blaster X4 offers various connection options to link up with different devices. It has line-out and line-in ports, optical-out and optical-in ports, a USB-C port for both power and audio, as well as mic-in and headset-in jacks. This versatility allows you to easily connect gaming consoles, AV receivers, media players, smartphones, and more. Essentially, it acts as a central hub for all your audio needs.
The SmartComms Kit offers a suite of features designed to enhance communication experiences for users in different scenarios, be it gaming, professional calls, or casual conversations.
Here's a closer look at some of its key features:
Here's a closer look at some of its key features:
VoiceDetect: This feature intelligently automates microphone muting and unmuting based on voice detection. This hands-free functionality allows users to seamlessly transition between speaking and listening without manual intervention, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted communication during gaming sessions or conference calls.
NoiseClean: It's a two-way noise cancellation feature that effectively removes unwanted background noise from both ends of a conversation in real-time. It ensures that your voice remains clear and audible to others, enhancing communication clarity and eliminating distractions.
CrystalVoice: This technology is tailored for clear recordings and in-game communications, providing enhanced voice clarity and intelligibility. It ensures that your voice comes through loud and clear, minimizing background noise and distortion for a more natural communication experience.
Advanced Controls: This allows users to fine-tune communication settings based on their preferences. Users can adjust microphone sensitivity, volume levels, and noise cancellation settings to optimize communication clarity and ensure optimal performance.
CrystalVoice: This technology is tailored for clear recordings and in-game communications, providing enhanced voice clarity and intelligibility. It ensures that your voice comes through loud and clear, minimizing background noise and distortion for a more natural communication experience.
Advanced Controls: This allows users to fine-tune communication settings based on their preferences. Users can adjust microphone sensitivity, volume levels, and noise cancellation settings to optimize communication clarity and ensure optimal performance.
Software
The Creative app allows for audio customization on Windows PC and Mac via USB, as well as quick EQ adjustments on Android and iOS devices via Bluetooth. Users can personalize audio settings, create Super X-Fi profiles, and fine-tune EQ preferences for optimal audio performance across various media platforms.
Sound Quality
The Sound Blaster X4 boasts impressive audio quality, providing clear and detailed sound reproduction. Whether you're listening to music, watching movies, or gaming, the device ensures immersive audio experiences with rich acoustics and a dynamic range.
With support for up to 7.1 discrete and virtual audio channels, the Sound Blaster X4 offers three distinct surround sound technologies: Super X-Fi Headphone Holography, Sound Blaster's Surround Virtualization, and Dolby Digital Live. These technologies create a realistic audio environment, enhancing spatial awareness and immersion for an enhanced entertainment experience.
Pros
Exceptional Audio Quality
Versatile Connectivity
Immersive Surround Sound
SmartComms Kit
Gaming Features
Software Integration
Cons:
Price: The Sound Blaster X4 may be relatively expensive compared to other external DAC and amp solutions on the market.
Learning Curve: While the device offers customization options, users may need some time to learn how to use the software and its features.
Verdict
The Creative Sound Blaster X4 offers exceptional audio performance, versatile connectivity, and advanced features for both entertainment and communication purposes. With its impressive surround sound, gaming features, and customization options, it's a valuable investment for audio enthusiasts and gamers looking for premium sound quality and functionality.
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