Creative Labs Sound Blaster X4 - Audiophile Gaming? - Honest Audiophile Impressions

A BIG thanks to Creative Labs for providing the Sound Blaster X4 for review, much appreciated. Is the X4 a good gaming experience for an audiophile? How is the X4 for music?
Purchase:
us.creative.com/p/sound-blast...
TechPowerUp X4 review:
www.techpowerup.com/review/cr...
CHAPTERS:
00:00 INTRO
00:40 DISCLAIMER
01:41 BOX CONTENTS
02:40 BUILD/DESIGN
04:40 BUTTON FUNCTION
05:35 SONIC IMPRESSIONS - GAMING
07:27 SONIC IMPRESSIONS - MUSIC
09:35 G6 COMPARISON
10:00 OUTPUT POWER & DAC CAPABILITIES
10:51 JDS LABS ATOM PLUS DAC & AMP COMPARISON
12:12 CONCLUSION
13:18 OUTRO
I am not a professional sound engineer, producer, musician, or vocalist, etc. I have not done any scientific research, measurements, or in-depth testing of any kind; just my own listening, comparing and internet reading/research. I have limited, real-life experience with recording, mixing and mastering gear. I have been involved since my teenage years with various churches as an amateur sound booth technician.
Please take these thoughts, opinions and reasonings as just that, my honest audiophile thoughts, opinions and reasonings.
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[@soggydoggy2k6]

Hi Dave from the UK :) really enjoyed the video, subscribed!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for subscribing.

[@ramnexus]

Great video. Thanks! I just upgraded to the X4 from a Sound Blaster G6. The X4 now drives my old 7.1 speaker system quite well. Good enough to fill the room with sound when gaming. The software does seem to be lacking 1 or 2 features previous Creative Labs software had - though i admit i am still learning all it can do. I am happy with it but was disappointed to see there is no internal Dolby Digital decoder in the X4 which the I used on my G6 when plugged into older consoles via optical. Cheers!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Glad you enjoy the X4. Thanks for the comment.

[@masteryoda7314]

Great review...thank you!!!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome.

[@KokoB71]

I just purchased this & I have to say it is amazing for gaming! If you are a gamer I highly recommend this product! Modern Warfare has always lagged on sound & this takes the game to another level!

[@chicoriver8606]

I just ordered the sound blaster x4 is going to be exclusive for my gaming. Do any one know of a anc headphones with 3.5 jack, that the ancis functional when is using the 3.5? Thanks.

[@TurboLoveTrain]

I've been using my x4 for almost a year now and it's amazing. It has some quarks because it's USB but the only time those quarks manifest is when using streaming video--mostly youtube. I use Brave so this could have something to do with me skipping all youtube adds but when a yt video starts, for less than a second at the beginning, my audio starts out single channel sometimes. This only seems to happen on youtube. I also use mine to combine a 5.1 system and a stereo system into 7.1. Works very well and as an added bonus my rear surrounds have their own remote. ...I love that you don't have a 7.1 or 5.1 system but reviewed it anyways... That's the whole point of using it XD

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Glad you enjoy the X4. Thanks for the impressions.

[@The_Privateer]

If someone is in the market for a decent sounding DAC/Amp with a mic input (which makes everything from gaming to general purpose use extremely convenient), it seems that the only game in town is Burson Audio. Obviously, a lot more expensive than typical 'gaming' DAC/Amps and they don't have any of the "gaming" bells and whistles (which are , IMO, just breads and circuses distractions) but Burson stuff has great sound - and even the ability to 'roll' different opamps. I have and love my Burson Playmate 2. Very clean sound on both the headphone output and mic input with clean and uncompressed mic audio that (depending on the mic) is uncolored and noise free.

[@azkaban3000]

There is Schitt Hel with Mic input for a half of Burson price.

[@Tripokaridos22]

Thanks for the review... Do u try run a Planar like Sundara or Arya on this ?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Yes as mentioned in the video, they didn't perform to their potential.

[@djphilmiller1]

Hi Dave, I’ve used the X4 a few times now in Stereo as a Dj and found the X4 sounds miles better with High Gain on the Headphone, I found the line out too low. It’s perfect now for music. Thanks for the Video

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the impressions. Glad you enjoy the X4 with headphones. The line out isnt the most powerful and better use case is for a small desktop speaker setup.

[@carminedesanto6746]

GM ☕️…an interesting piece with a party trick in the gaming dept. There’s always a compromise… Great review ☕️🍕🔥🥓👍

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Good morning! Yes indeed. Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated.

[@robertkirkpatrick1826]

I couldnt agree more. in JUST the gaming department the x4 and G6 are great...creative labs dsp is wonderful..however imo as i have my G6 next to some good audio equipment on my gaming desk...the creative labs stuff cannot wander outside its lane...it QUICKLY get smacked down by almost anything from the actual audio world. HOWEVER...in the gaming only world....very little competes. Creative labs dsp is impressive. If IFI partnered with creative labs and put their XIFI dsp inside IFIS neo idsd...OMFG i would pay $1000+ for that ALL FREAKING DAY LONG...

[@djphilmiller1]

Hey, I bought a X4 for DJ’ing in Stereo it’s perfect just changed the settings to 24 192Hz 2 Channel line out into my Yamaha MGP12

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Glad you enjoy the X4. Thanks for the impressions.

[@DaboooogA]

Only just got into this space and it is slightly overwhelming! I have a 5.1 setup and I'm looking for a compatible USB soundcard which impresses for music, film and game - am I asking too much?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

X4 would be a solid starting point. I can't think of anything else that would have the abilities for a 5.1 setup. BUT I am not into that type of gear as I mentioned in the review.

[@therebelgentleman]

HELLO I HAVE A QUESTION , hope u help me : i have mac mini m2, monitor samsung neo g8 , logi dock to use audio and the creative X4 , and a playstation 5. i connect my logi dock to mac with usb c , but how to use audio from the ps5 ? because if i connect the ps5 to thelogi dock i have to disconnect my mac from the dock . i thought to solve it buying the creative x4 , but i cant understand how to solve the problem . can u help me ?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry I don't have the answer. I suggest you contact Creative customer support for assistance.

[@djphilmiller1]

Hey, I need a sound card for my dj work with a MacBook! Nothing over to top just a good sound like the old Sound Blaster SBX ? Cheers

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry I don't know anything about soundcards, I am not into computer hardware. Here is a link to my ranking grade list if you want to look at the various DAC and amps I have reviewed (please read grade rank tab first). docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nRHnsP_4vLg9DlD9kwJ6gQuEQFqhTR0lnrkxXo3AMG8/edit?usp=sharing

[@Reaper-kf4yb]

i was considering this and a hifiman ananda (Stealth) since those realy can put elektronik musik in a very good light.. for gaming ofc.. is the x4 cut it for the ananda?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry haven't heard the Ananda Stealth.

[@Reaper-kf4yb]

@@TheHonestAudiophile thanks anyway! if you could make a educated guess that would be although appreciated :)

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

X4 is probably adequate but not the best. I'd take the X5 instead if the funds are available.

[@kvbrb]

Thanks for the review? Would this one work to connect simultaneously to a PC and a DAP? Looking for a device that can potentially boost my volume capped Sony A306 when playing through set of simple Edifier R1280DB speakers... thanks!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

You can have multiple inputs connected but only one playing at a time. If you need to boost the output of your A306 why not purchase a small amplifier?

[@kvbrb]

@@TheHonestAudiophile one playing at a time is fine, PC isn´t on all the time, as a newcomer I´m not sure what I would need. If you say small amplifier, what would I be looking for specifically? TIA

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Small amp like a Topping NX7, Fiio Q15. But if you're just connecting you Sony while at the desk that will work as well with the X4.

[@kvbrb]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Appreciate the suggestions. Thanks and all the best!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@kvbrb my pleasure, you're welcome

[@thats80s]

I rewatched this video a couple times as i suffer from FOMO when it comes to music (and gaming) which made me try out various products (dacs and headphones) to the point where it is difficult to come to terms with any tested setup in particular. I am a Tidal/Qobuz user and they say 192 is the highest it goes, while X4 also goes to 192/24 - Theoretically this should mean i am not missing any detail of the recording, correct? Going back and forth between services and DACs/Onboard i really have a hard time hearing any differences. That can mean 2 things: - I have either bad hearing and therefore am incapable of differentiating, or - the X4 is sufficient for the recordings i am listening to, and it just won't get any (or much) better. I am close to accepting the latter and as you said: "i could live with it", but there is still this thought lingering in my back that i might miss out on a greater experience. Maybe you can help me clear my head on that. Thank you! :) EDIT; my headphones are DT 900 Pro X and Hifiman Sundara

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I've not heard the Pro 900x but do own the Sundara. The X4 is about the minimum I'd take for the Sundara. Personally I prefer the Fiio K11 in this price range. If you add an external amplifier like the Drop SMSL HO150X you get a solid performance with extra power to drive the Sundara. If budget is able you could go to the Fiio K9 AKM or something else. One other thing to keep in mind is that poorly mastered and mixed tracks will sound poorly on better resolving gear.

[@thats80s]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you. I'll give K11 a try next month.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@ksbtube lol forward to hearing your impressions.

[@nicoasmr2103]

BlasterX G6 and Blaster X4 same price in my country. Which one should I choose any recommedation right now?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

X4 is a solid option and is more desktop. X6 is more portable and doesn't have as many options for filters and isn't as powerful. Depending on your use case the Fiio K11 is the better option in my opinion.

[@nicoasmr2103]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you for reply. Fiio K11 is more expensive about 70 usd than X4 and G6. And I will use my mic too. I want to choose creative it supports mic port too. I couldn't be sure which one would be better. But I think as you said X4 will be my choice.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@nicoasmr2103 I look forward to hearing your impressions.

[@OledBurnInKing]

Have you considered the schitt hel 2 or any the fiio dac amps? I'm looking for a tube amp that I can use with my android devices on the go when traveling and for my windows gaming laptop from it's 4k display when I'm watching live tv, 4k movies and playing games in native 4k. The tube amp I'm looking for has similar analog audio characteristics as technics turn tables.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I've heard and reviewed the Fiio K7. I've not heard the Schiit Hel 2. Here's a link to my K7 review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGGYmpWsoL1gkMU

[@OledBurnInKing]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I use the schiit hel 2 for my tv and have the schiit hel 2 connected to my yamaha hs50m studio monitors as well as the topping d10s dac since I have my samsung curve qled 4k tv set to uncompressed pcm audio. Anything that I have plugged in such as my gaming laptop gaming consoles and sony 4k blu ray player, I have the schiit hel 2 as the audio output playback device and I use the schiit hel 2 to control the volume from the volume knob to my yamaha studio monitors since all the knobs are set to flat and I have my yamaha studio monitors connected to any of my external devices that I have plugged in to the samsung one connect box. I'm kinda leaning towards the fiio r7 since it runs android and does everything that I need it to do. I have to plug and unplug the schiit hel 2 to for the audio otherwise there is no sound being played. I use the optical cable since it's connected to the samsung one connect box as well as the topping d10s dac connected to the samsung one connect box, a single usb c cable and the 3.5mm aux port on the back of the schiit hel 2 at the same time. All the usb connections that I use are connected with the samsung one connect box.

[@SuperSayiyajin]

Hi. I have Logitech 5+1 sound system. Can i have good performance with my sounds system?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I don't know, I didn't test that way, as mentioned in video.

[@martinnagy5788]

is Creative Sound Blaster X4 a good pair with Audio-technica ATH-M50xBT2?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry I haven't heard the M50xBT2.

[@promcrnaiz]

hey Dave, would like to hear your impression on the new Kiwi Ears Quintet

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Quintet arrived a few days ago, review coming in a little bit.

[@promcrnaiz]

@@TheHonestAudiophile cant wait 💟

[@Bibodoi]

how does the SoundBlaster x3 compare to this? These are my 2 options, the x4 cost $20 more.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry, haven't heard the X3.

[@Bibodoi]

​@@TheHonestAudiophile Does this have any problem at 24bit 192khz? because I've heard the x3 have some weird digital filter noise at 24 and 32bit 192khz. Thank you!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

If I noticed anything weird, I would've mentioned it in the video.

[@KRDH69]

Can I use this with Bose QC45 headset for gaming?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I think so as long as the QC45 is in wired mode. I haven't used the QC45.

[@viderethevaccinatorfromhol7536]

Not an audiophile product. Am I surprised? No. It's not made for us. There are many other and better products that will fit us better.

[@pfzt]

Do you have any other tips besides the JDS? In the price range of the x4?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

There are a couple offerings from Schiit but I've not heard them. Sorry I'm not a big source at this price point.

[@robertkirkpatrick1826]

As an audiophile and a hardcore gamer the Creative Labs G6 is a FAR superior product.

[@robertkirkpatrick1826]

However ii do believe the software on the x4 is more current. But the G6 is more capable, more powerful, and better specs. Audio science review did an outstanding write up of it. HOWEVER i will say that i was unimpressed with the G6 musical props. I have not tried the x4 musically. I am speaking JUST from gaming and in game music. The dsp of the g6 however is PEERLESS and sets the standard if you use the CONNECT software...NOT the command they try to force on you. Its also at a lower price right now for $115.

[@otomobilimci]

@@robertkirkpatrick1826 Thank you for your review and sharing. I was wondering if you tested the X4 for music. Which do you think I should buy, the x4 or the g6? Thank you in advance for your answer. (5.1 and headphones for more music)