Creative Sound BlasterX AE-7 Hi-res PCI-e DAC and Amp Sound Card

DAC

Hi-res ESS SABRE-class 9018 with an incredibly clean 127 dB DNR audio stream.

THD + N

Up to -120 dB, 0.0001%.

Playback Capability

Clear audio at 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and DSD64 Playback.

Headphone Amp

Low 1 Ohm headphone output impedance, supports 16 Ohms to studio-grade headphones of up to 600 Ohms, including high-end planar-magnetic headphones.

Surround Sound and Encoding

5.1 discrete surround for speakers, 7.1 virtual surrounds for headphones, Dolby Digital Live, DTS Connect Encoding, and Sound Blaster Surround Virtualization

Convenience

Audio Control Module provides quick access to volume control knob, 6.3mm and 3.5mm mic and headphones I/O connectors. Also fitted with a built-in mic array for easy communications.

Audio Enhancements

Full suite of audio enhancements including customizable EQs and Sound Profiles, Surround, Crystalizer, Bass, Smart Volume, and Dialog Plus that further boosts your audio. For gamers, Scout Mode is useful.

Customization

Improved Sound Blaster Command software for further audio customization, with a quick on and off toggle switch to activate or deactivate audio processing effects

Hardware Accelerated Audio

The addition of AE-7 to your Windows rig means you're adding a dedicated quad-core processor designed to deliver pristine and enhanced sound without overstressing your CPU. Sound Blaster handles audio processing on the card itself, freeing up your CPU to handle other tasks.

Clean and Crisp Audio Clarity

Enhanced audio is only going to sound as good as the components delivering it, and with the AE-7, no punches are pulled. The AE-7 features an ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC that delivers a clean 127 dB DNR audio stream at up to 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and DSD64 Playback.

Custom Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-Amplifier

Audiophile and theatre-grade components deserve an audiophile-grade headphone amplifier. The AE-7 features a custom Xamp bi-amplified headphone amp in which each earcup gets its own power from the first stage of amplification all the way through delivery.

The end results in your ears are smooth audio, regardless of how dynamic or demanding the current audio scene may be. For the pro-audio users, the Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-Amp satisfies even the most demanding needs of audiophiles seeking music in its original form, and appreciate music the way it is intended to be.

It also features a low 1 Ohm headphone output impedance that can drive studio-grade headphones of up to 600 Ohms, including high-end planar-magnetic headphones.

Theatrical-Grade Discreet and Virtual Surround

Whether you are outputting to headphones or speakers, the AE-7 is able to take stereo or multi-stream sources and transform them into immersive, theatrical audio. It supports discrete 5.1 surrounds on speakers and up to 7.1 virtual surrounds on speakers and headphones. You can even switch between headphones and your speakers for those times you want to pump the bass or go stealthier with your headphones.

There's also Dolby Digital Live and DTS Connect Encoding for even more delivery options to your external audio devices.

Processing

The Sound Blaster AE-7 comes with Sound Blaster's full suite of audio enhancements. You can enjoy Surround for an incredible immersion, while Crystalizer helps to improve the dynamic range of audio, or Bass that provides a bigger punch on the low end. Meanwhile, CrystalVoice technology enhances voice for clear recordings and in-game communications.

Scout Mode

The AE-7 also supports Creative Labs' proprietary Scout Mode for the distinct tactical advantage that enhances important in-game audio cues so you can emerge victoriously. The software audio processing tech can be fully customized or switched off completely. The best part? You get to control it from the improved Sound Blaster Command software.

Take Full Command of Your Audio Setup

The Sound Blaster Command software suite lets you customize your audio quickly for your specific needs. Do you prefer pure audio with no effects or processing while listening to music? Or do you prefer to push your audio immersion to the limits by putting the Sound Core3D enhanced audio effects to work while gaming? The ability to save and switch to multiple profiles with a simple click expands your options when it comes to changing between music, gaming, or movies.

SBX Profile

Switch between pre-tuned SBX audio profile and/or tweak your EQ and Acoustic Engine effects like Surround, Crystalizer, Bass, Smart Volume, and Dialog+.

Playback

Customize your playback settings, such as playback resolution, or switch between Direct Mode and DSP mode. You can also calibrate speakers, select pre-tuned headphone profiles, and test audio channels.

Recording

Set up and configure input sources, such as Mic-in, Aux-in, S/PDIF-in, and What-U-Hear. There are also microphone-specific controls that include Input Volume and Mic Boost, as well as CrystalVoice, Acoustic Echo Cancellation, Smart Volume, recording resolution, and Mic EQ that will help to improve the recording quality of your microphone.

Encoder

Output audio streams in either Dolby Digital Live or DTS Connect encoded format through the optical output port.

Advanced Settings

Access additional functions, such as a mixer, and perform a device factory reset.

Audio Control Module

Take control with the Audio Control Module that is incorporated with a built-in microphone array, plus 6.3mm and 3.5mm connectors for mic and headphones input and output connections. You can conveniently adjust the volume with the knob on the module, which is within reach of your fingertips.