Creative Sound Blaster X3 7.1 External USB DAC and Amp Sound Card (CT-X3)

Raising the bar for your desktop movie experience, X3 comes packed full of features that promise the best cinematic experience at home, regardless of your preference for speakers or headphones. It is the world's first external multi-channel USB DAC and Amp to feature our award-winning Super X-Fi technology, as well as 7.1 discrete surround on speakers, 7.1 virtual surround on headphones, and Dolby Digital Live1. Coupled with high-quality audio components that power hi-res 32-bit / 192 kHz playback at 115 dB DNR / SNR, you can be sure that audio is delivered with studio-level precision and clarity.

And when it comes to versatility, the X3 is unmatched. Featuring a myriad of connectivity options including a USB-C port, Optical-out, and Line-in that makes it compatible with most audio devices, X3 is set to redefine your movie and gaming experience at the comfort of your home.

Redefine Your Movie Experience
Imagine watching a film at home, putting on a pair of headphones, and feeling the audio move around you like the movie experience you get out of a real cinema. What's more, it works even on streamed content! Whether you're streaming the latest 4K movie off iTunes, or watching compressed clips off YouTube, the Super X-Fi processor in the X3 automatically transform videos into full-fledged, cinematic audio experience.

Concerts and Music Festivals
We can't physically bring you back to that last concert you've attended, but we can definitely help you relive the ambience and energy of that performance! When switched on, Super X-Fi brings you to the heart of a live concert with the same expanded soundstage as if you were there in person. Hear the crowd, feel the passion of your favorite band, and get absolutely pumped for the next concert.

Great for Gaming
Headphone fatigue? Thing of the past. Super Xi-Fi technology re-create natural sound in headphones that gives you a real sense of space and distance. With these Super X-Fi's spatialized effect, your game audio will sound natural to your ears, instead of sounding like the audio is piped directly into your ear canals like typical headphones, so you can extend your gaming sessions without headphone fatigue!

Escape to another reality with Super X-Fi's hyper-realistic audio effects! Super X-Fi opens up the soundstage in your headphones and delivers incredibly immersive sound enhancements! Now with Super X-Fi Gen2, experience a whole new level of surround sound gaming with your open-world games.

CONNECTIVITY
The X3 is highly versatile and compatible with many devices! Featuring a myriad of connectivity options, X3 is specially designed to be used with many platforms — you'll be spoilt for choice.

AUDIO
Powerful Audio Performance
The Sound Blaster X3 features a 600Ω headphone amplifier that's capable of driving studio-grade headphones with ease. Coupled with 32-bit / 192 kHz playback, enjoy detailed audio with clarity and accuracy. Thanks to the extra power from the amp, you'll get a load more volume!

AUDIO PROCESSING
Industry-Leading Audio Processing
To further boost your audio experience with the X3, we've also included our industry-leading audio processing technologies — featuring Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine's full suite of audio enhancements and delivered through the redesigned Sound Blaster Command software.

Streamlined and optimized, it's now easier than ever to customize your audio quickly for your specific needs. When it comes to changing audio settings between movies, music, or even games, you can save and switch to your different profiles with just a simple click. The best part of the software? You can control every bit of it.

Mobile Remote Control
For more convenience, you can also manage Sound Blaster X3 from your mobile devices using wireless Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) via the Sound Blaster Command app. Without the hassle of switching between PC and console, you can customize and save EQ settings, switch between EQ and SXFI, or switch between Headphone and Speaker output — all the necessary controls on your mobile phone.

COMPATIBILITY
Platform Compatibility
We have also summarized the features of X3 and their feature compatibility across platforms in this table.

Technical Details

Brand : Creative
Model : CT-X3
Weight : 330g
Dimensions : 129 mm x 129 mm x 40.6 mm
Dynamic Range (DNR) : 115 dB

Max. Playback Quality
Direct Mode:Sampling Rate (Playback) :
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

Recommended Usage
Home Entertainment

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

Connectivity Options (Main)
1 x â…›″ Front-out, 1 x â…›″ Line-in Jack, 1 x â…›″ Side Out Jack, 1 x USB Type-C port for PC / Mac, 1 x â…›″ Rear Out, 1 x â…›″ Center / Sub Out, 1 x 1/8″ Headphone / Headset Jack, 1 x 1/8″ Ext. Mic-in Jack, 1 x TOSLINK Optical Out

Headphone Amp
Supported Headphone Impedance: 32–600Ω, Low Gain: 32–149Ω (1.2V RMS @ 32Ω, 1.5V RMS @ 150Ω), High Gain: 150–600Ω (2.3V RMS @ 150Ω, 2.9V RMS @ 600Ω)

Audio Technologies
CrystalVoice
Scout Mode

Supported Operating Systems
Windows® 7, Windows® 10, Windows® 8.1

DAC
Dynamic Range (Stereo): 115 dB, THD+N (Stereo): 0.0004%

ADC
Dynamic Range: 104 dB, THD+N: 0.0017%

Power
USB-C, USB Bus Powered

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Windows® OS
Intel® Core™i3 or AMD® equivalent processor
Intel, AMD, or 100% compatible motherboard
Microsoft® Windows 10 32 / 64-bit, Windows 8.1 / 8.0 32 / 64-bit, Windows 7 32 / 64-bit
1 GB RAM
> 600 MB of free hard disk space
USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 port

Mac® OS
Mac OS X® 10.12 or higher
1 GB RAM
USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 port

PS4
Firmware Ver 5.0 or later
Available USB port

Nintendo Switch
Switch OS 5.0 or later
Available USB port (in docking mode)
External USB Power (not included)
Voice communications is title dependent

Android ^
Android OS Ver 7.0 or later
Device must have built-in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) support

iOS ^
iOS Ver 11.0 or later
Device must have built-in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) support
th audio streaming

PACKAGE CONTENTS
Sound Blaster X3
USB Type-A to Type-C Cable
Quick Start Guide and Leaflets
Warranty Leaflets