Creative - Sound BlasterX G5 - Black

Name: Creative - Sound BlasterX G5 - Black
Brand: Creative
SKU: 5142203
Rating: 4.4 (44 reviews)

Model: SB170000000

SKU: 5142203

This item is no longer available in new condition. See similar items below

Key Specs
- Product Height: 0.9 inches (The out of box height of the item. Height is measured as the vertical distance from the bottom of the item to the top as it would be primarily used or placed.)
- Product Width: 2.9 inches (The out of box width of the item. Width is measured as the horizontal distance from one side of the item to the other as it would be primarily used or placed.)
- Product Length: 4.3 inches (The out of box length of the item. Length is measured as the longest dimension of the item.)
General
- Product Name: Sound BlasterX G5
- Brand: Creative
- Model Number: SB170000000
Audio
- Audio Bit Depth: 24 bits (The number of bits of information in each sample of digital audio. Generally, the higher the number, the greater the resolution and more detailed the sound.)
- Audio Sample Rate: 192 kilohertz (Generally, the higher the sampling rate, the greater the sound quality.)
- Sound Type Supported: 3D Surround
- Surround Sound Support: 7.1 channels
Compatibility
- Operating System Compatibility: Mac, Windows
Dimensions
- Product Height: 0.9 inches (The out of box height of the item. Height is measured as the vertical distance from the bottom of the item to the top as it would be primarily used or placed.)
- Product Width: 2.9 inches (The out of box width of the item. Width is measured as the horizontal distance from one side of the item to the other as it would be primarily used or placed.)
- Product Length: 4.3 inches (The out of box length of the item. Length is measured as the longest dimension of the item.)
Other
- UPC: 054651190344

Enhance your gaming experience with this SoundBlaster external sound card. It has a built-in chipset that can transform even the most basic stereo sound into 3D surround sound capable of supporting 7.1 audio. You can adjust the volume quickly on your SoundBlaster external sound card by using the Scout Mode buttons and illuminated knob for volume.

Virtual 7.1 24-bit/192kHz, 120dB USB: This virtual USB Digital Audio Converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier delivers for the ultimate headphone gaming audio experience - whether it is for your PC or for your gaming console.
Native 7.1 Surround Sound Support: Supports virtual 7.1 channel audio input signals for realistic virtualization via BlasterX Acoustic Engine Pro.
BlasterX Acoustic Engine Pro: Optimised for your gameplay and engineered to impress you with extraordinary sound, the G5 represents our true innovation in sound, beyond the realm of physical limitations through audio enhancements.
Audiophile-grade Headphone Amplifier: With a Texas Instruments TPA6120A2 headphone amplifier with a low output impedance, the G5 is capable of driving headphones of up to 600Ω impedance as well as sensitive in-ear monitors in the market today.
Built-in SB-Axx1 Audio Processor: Dedicated SBX Profile selection button and Scout Mode™ buttons on the G5 work with the built-in SB-Axx1 multi-core processor for instant hardware accelerated audio enhancements.
Backlit Volume Control: With a volume knob that's sized for easy accessibility during gameplay, there's a crimson red backlight that provides visual aid in low-lighting conditions.

Whats Included

Sound BlasterX G5
Quick Start Leaflet
Warranty Leaflet
Micro USB Cable
Mini TOSLINK cable

Q: Does this sound card allow for microphone use in "what you hear" (stereo mix) mode?

A: Yes. It's adjustable in the Software package you download. Look under "Advanced Settings/Mixer."

Q: I currently play my backing tracks from my laptop phone out, directly to my my Roland speakers (sometimes to the mixer and then to the speakers ) Please tell me how to hook up my BlasterX G5 for this example Thanks

A: undefined

Q: Hi, when is it available to purchase online on best buy website,,, this has been showing Unavailable for very long time?

A: undefined

Q: Can I record from line in input like smart recorder

A: undefined

Q: Does this provide 7.1 surround sound through headphones when plugged into a PS4 via USB?

A: undefined

Q: What is the lbs of the product?

A: This model is 14.4 ounces.

Q: Does it work with 7.1 usb headsets? (Mine is g.skill sr910)

A: The 7.1 channel headphone may convert the two stereo channel to the 7.1 channel headset. If not then only two channels on the headset will receive. 7.1 channel emulation. Note even though the headset brings 7.1 channels to the ears, only two ears will hear them. Creative figured out how to do signal processing to emulate the 7.1 channel surround behavior. Think of the signal as a fourier series combining signals arriving at the ear with different phases with respect to reference signal like the center channel. I kind of just threw that in there.

Q: Does it works with 7.1ch usb headsets? (Mine is G.skill sr910)

A: undefined

Customers are saying

Customers consistently note the Sound BlasterX G5's sound quality, with some even comparing it to high-end audio equipment. The amplifier is also widely praised for its ability to drive both speakers and headphones effectively. At its price point, many customers feel that it offers excellent value for money. While there are no major complaints, some users have mentioned minor issues such as a lack of advanced features or customization options.

This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.

Customer Images

The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Great for gaming
I have had this for nearly two months now and haven't had a single issue with the G5. I am constantly switching between my onboard amp/dac and this with no conflicts at all. The software is very easy to use and the crystalizer option with a small 20 level setting for surround makes it very easy to hear footsteps in fps games and pinpoint exactly what direction they are coming from. Music isn't as good with settings at default though. Every feature of the software has a negative impact on music quality. The crystallizer option is the only one that could be seen as an improvement for some with certain headphones. With my beyerdynamic dt 990's and HD650's every option negatively impacts the sound and even turning it all off doesn't help much. It always seems to be processing the music and messing with it making the sound stage more narrow and the imaging worse. There is an option for a direct sound mode that solves the issue and prevents you from using all the other built in features of the app like eq. It's a good thing because the G5 tends to boost the gain too high in high gain mode adding distortion and clipping. I use an eq app called peace that has a setting to prevent clipping that lowers the gain in all programs making everything much easier and cleaner sounding. This isn't a powerful amp but without adjusting for the clipping or distortion my 250ohm dt 990's would be painfully loud at a 10 out of 100 volume setting. With the gain set properly I can get to a comfortable listening level around 40 where it should be for a usb powered amp with these internals. At the $75 I paid for it I couldn't be happier. You can't find something of similar quality anywhere near that price. At the standard $150 it's not as easy. It's still one of the best values at that price if you want something small but at that price you are only $50 away from getting a schiit magni/modi setup which I would recommend if size isn't an issue. That is unless you purpose is to use it mainly for gaming then the extra features of the G5 come in handy.
Posted 9 years ago by Mrcrunch08
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Buy new and get used
Buy 2 audio cards, one of which is used, with dirt, wear marks and missing accsesorios not brought the manual, which badly done by Bestbuy sell me something used. lack digital cable, the USB cable has markings that show the use and the card has a raised plaque that can be seen in the images, it is obvious that is used and cosmetic dudoso.aun the state have not tried, who knows what surprise I'll take. very badly made, badly made
Posted 9 years ago by XeoTB
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Good for PC; Bad for Console Gamers
This is a good deal if you meet these three criteria. 1) You use headphones for PC and not for a console [You will not be able to use virtual surround with a console] 2) You are looking to use Virtual Surround Sound and 3) You have high impedance headphones which require amplification beyond what a typical motherboard delivers. It is a very good product. Currently I have a Gigabyte Z170 Gaming 7 Motherboard which has Creative quad-core sound and SBX Pro Studio. So I can attest to it being the same quality as the internal sound card. I believe the E5 is slightly newer, it runs on different software. It is really only meant for use with headphones, though there is a line out for stereo. Switching between a surround sound setup and headphones is the only real difference I have found between these and the built in quad-core. It is a DAC and headphone amplifier, and at $75 isn't the best option if those were the only uses you have for it. The Virtual Surround is the only reason I would recommend this over a tube based Amp. It is some of the best Virtual Surround I have ever heard, and as a VR user Virtual Sound is really important for me. I find 7.1 headphones very gimmicky. Virtual Surround is really the only way to get a good surround experience with headphones. I also am running high impedance headphones, which is another thing I can attest it works well with. I have Sennheiser HD600's, and typical amplification isn't an option. Again, if you are just looking to drive high end headphones for music, I would look elsewhere. If you want to use them for gaming, and believe me they work well for that, thi is a good option. It has a mic in port as well, so you can buy an attachable boom mic to use for communication and not have to plug it in at a different location. I don't know why the price has been lowered so drastically as this is hardly a year old, and it may be Creative is going to release another product to replace it. It is a niche product in my opinion, and although it does work on the PS4 you will not get the virtual surround on consoles. So if you are a PC gamer looking for better sound to go with your high end headphones, and especially if you are using a laptop and do not have the option of an internal card, this is a slick deal. If you mostly listen to music, or you do not play games on PC. If you are a console gamer. If your headphones cost less than this product. You will not benefit much from this purchase. If you need a headphones amp for music, look into tube amps.
Posted 9 years ago by Chance