Creative Sound Blaster X4 vs X3: A Big Upgrade?

[@lumbeeman01]

It makes me want to pull my hair out when people say " onboard is better than a separate card" or " I couldn't tell the difference" Either they have sound hearing issues or they have something in their setup all wrong. It is like saying, the 5 dollar earbuds you get at the gas station is just as good as a flagship pair of cans. SMDH

[@Malinkadink]

They're not wrong, unless you have a really cheap budget motherboard onboard audio is fine for most people. The exception however even with good onboard audio is driving higher impedance headphones. Then you will want at least a separate amplifier, but anyone shopping for those kinds of headphones should know that already.

[@r3conwoo]

I have the X4, it is my first DAC so I don't have anything to compare it to but I like it. My favorite part is just how easy it is to switch from headphones to my desktop speaker set-up with only 1 press of a button. Before I would have to open up windows sound panel and reassign devices.

[@toneboat923]

This is a major selling point for me. I assume headphones go in the front jack and the desktop plugs in one of the back ports?

[@r3conwoo]

@@toneboat923 yes that's exactly how it works

[@toneboat923]

@@r3conwoo Do you happen to know what the default button is to switch between outputs?

[@r3conwoo]

@@toneboat923 to change inputs just press and hold the SXFI button for just a moment then release and that should do it.

[@b0finken]

Does the volume slider in windows lagg when you change volume? I can't stand how my volume slider are lagging with the X4.

[@vMaxHeadroom]

Thanks for the review as I have the X3 and wanted to know what the X4 brought to the table. Love my X3 and will stick with it. One of the big reasons for the X3 is the 5.1 setup for my speakers which take so much of the headache away for a proper multi speaker setup..

[@rjsmith2007]

Get yourself a used X7 instead. It sounds so much better!

[@Manerick]

I have both, Which one would you recommend I sell?

[@bigmike4133]

I'm Still rocking the Sennheiser GSX 1000. Been a few years now and I got no complaints.

[@fohhee]

I got the X3, the Super X-fi are amazing.

[@TheKingPrawn114]

Adam comes through with the info I needed yet again.

[@computerenthusiast402]

Sound Blaster enthusiast should definitely get one of these DAC’s. The Clarity in Treble and Voice is Amazing and Base is full of Punch. I really like my x3. Best investment I made in my computer since the Creative Audigy Zs2. Its Night and Day between these two sound devices. Now I need to get some better headphones.

[@llamatarian3913]

This might be a dumb question but are you able to switch inputs with this? Can I leave a mic, headphones and speakers all pluggged in at the same time and swap between headphones/speaker?

[@computerenthusiast402]

@@llamatarian3913 Yes, at a push of a button you can switch from headphones to speakers.

[@Red-Red-Red-Red]

How does the X3/X4 compare with the Soundblaster 5.1 Pro (USB)? I've owned it for 11 years and want to understand if it's worth an upgrade? I mainly an audiophile for sound / music editing and playback FLACS or simple 320kbp MP3s

[@Darkslide2AR-FE]

I've been heavily sticking to my X-Fi Titanium HD internal soundcard due lack of better sound cards, would the x3 or x4 be an upgrade in terms of sound? the dac and amp feature is something I'm interested in but otherwise debating if it's worth it for me.

[@flaviologiudice8844]

Is it possible to manage 2 Input devices? I have a Tower PC and a laptop and i'd like to switch whenever i want Thanks for answer

[@wintermutemind]

Спасибо большое за сравнение. Вы единственный кто это сделал на Ютубе, вы большой молодец. Возьму, конечно, X3, надеюсь, мой игровой опыт станет куда лучше. Хорошего вам дня :)

[@adilsonportojr.245]

the most important advantage feature of X4 you didn't covered: battle mode.

[@01Gamemaster10]

I have the X3 and the X4 is NOT worth the upgrade. I do love my X3. It does everything what my last Soundblaster Z also did.....but then extern and not in my system. This was the most importend for me since my Gpu sits vertical and blocking all my pcie slots.

[@01Gamemaster10]

@Jon M The X3 also has a optical in dude.

[@TheArtikFoxx]

Thank you for the detailed walkthrough and review, made my first dac shopping much easier!

[@iamwangine8752]

Thanks , i think i will stick on X3 , i will use only to passthrough SPDIF out for my Denon AVR4308 and only for 24/192k output . Thanks , the vid give me a hint to make the decision between X3 and X4 , u deserve a like .

[@iamwangine8752]

I buy the X3 , unfortunately no way to force out the DD live on optical out , i try also on my older model Denon AVR3805 and no chance to get it . Its shows as enable but on windows wont let me enable it. That creative feature work perfetctly on blaster X-FI 5.1pro v3 on both receivers . So the issue as otherscomplain are on microsoft bad boy or even internal on creative . I will return for sure if i dont solve next days . Thanks

[@sladewilson9741]

Imagine my surprise in learning Creative is still in business.

[@TheQuickyouknow]

I'm surprised myself. I remember Creative from the mp3 player days. Felt like that was a major part of their business that disappeared with smart phones. I still have my Creative Zen Vision M lol.

[@Linkale_]

​@@TheQuickyouknowclearly they're going to the niche audiophile market know. There's not much need for dedicated sound hardware for the average consumer. That being said, I've had a sound blaster g5 for a few years now and the virtual surround sound it's incredible, I wouldn't like to play any other way

[@user-pp8pk9gu7n]

there is no information anywhere about which DAC is used in X4(thd+n 0.001%) For example, it is known that X3 has DAC from asahi kasey akm4458 (thd+n 0.00004%). What is the DAC of x4????

[@djphilmiller1]

Great Video 😊 I just use Stereo as a Dj only change to HIGH GAIN on Headphone ! now it’s perfect 😊

[@saaamion]

i have bought Sonos Ray speaker bar which connects via optical audio cable, i wanted to connect it to my pc but unfortunately my motherboard does not have an optical audio port, can Creative Sound Blaster X4 solve my issue?

[@merhanter]

It shoukd

[@lightyagami344]

Hi i need advice.. i have a soundbar as speaker for pc and the x4. I tried connecting my soundbar to x4 via optical cable but it wouldn’t work.. there is no sound.

[@martinnagy5788]

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

[@djphilmiller1]

Hi, Great video thanks ! as a Dj I only use Stereo and found it a little low volume on line out so used the headphone and that was also low but using the High Gain it’s perfect for Stereo music 😊x

[@KralDurionix]

Will it work with my wireless headset? I've never used a sound card before so I don't know. I'm using Hyperx cloud 3 wireless headphones.

[@spazbandicoot]

Fantastic video. I'm convinced - I will be buying the X4 ASAP.

[@-INFERNUS-]

I'm using a Sound Blaster AE-7. I can never use motherboard audio, still can't compete with a dedicated sound card. So many people build high end PCs yet no high end sound card. To me it's not complete without one.

[@-INFERNUS-]

@@pcworld Thank you Adam🙂

[@MatrixJockey]

Too bad it's hard to add a sound card to your PC when you have an ITX build.

[@-INFERNUS-]

@@MatrixJockey Yeah ☹️ but another alternative is an external DAC if you have any space to place it.

[@ignacio8597]

Yeah I recently got the ae-9 and I'm a big fan.

[@-INFERNUS-]

@@ignacio8597 Oh nice you got the best one out of them all. Amazing card I know. 👍

[@WiseOldDudee]

Man i don't know if my ears are super sensitive or something but the video is full of subtle popping/crackling.

[@babakaya3567]

Teşekkürler. bende tam bu içeriği arıyordum. x3 bana da cazip geldi. 👍

[@ZeroZ06]

Does the X3 or the X4 work with a 2.1 PC speaker setup?

[@SiMPLYHaZZaRD]

Yes

[@FalloutOFF]

I am the owner of 7.1. headphones. of the middle price category. And I would like to understand which card for them to purchase X3 or X4? Is there any difference in the program for these cards that would definitely answer my question? Direct sound is important to me.

[@FalloutOFF]

@@pcworld thank you, you interrupted my agony of choice))

[@TheeGrandPooBahh]

My old Soundblaster z from a decade ago just died when I plugged in my new MoonDrop Arias. I also have DT 770 250 ohms. Would the x3 or x4 work? Appreciate the time.

[@ployth9000]

if you can get an X7 that is the one :) GOAT the best one they ever made so far

[@ployth9000]

can you review the soundblaster x7 with sparkos or other op amps installed I still prefer soundblaster over the fiio k9 pro simply because I can also use it for my consoles

[@MichaelLargent]

I had two X4s fail in a row, ended up switching to the Fiil K3. It's not as loud, but sounds cleaner and hasn't died.

[@OlaJustin]

AUCH!

[@MichaelLargent]

@@pcworld Basically they start losing power. It cuts off once here, again later there, eventually it happens more and more until it fails. Requires pulling the power each time. A lot of others on Reddit have had the same issue.

[@MichaelLargent]

@Jon M seems unlikely. Out of 6 DACs it's only this one.

[@SuperInternetuser]

Is it possible to pass out via optical and still have the virtual surround 'baked' in? I had the AE-9 and it did not allow me to send out virtual surround via optical unless I were to encode it. I do not intend to buy a receiver on top.

[@puppy_BYTE]

should disclose if u got it free from the company or not...

[@JRmaxGamer]

Do you happen to know how to make the card stay on when the PC is turned off?

[@saidrahal]

does this work with a 250 Ohms DT 990 Pro? I feel that the XG1 merely gives some volume to these headphones

[@thekendrickhuynh]

How are you using this with 2 PCs? I understand that each of the optical ports can go into different optical ports on your receiver, but don't you have to switch out the USB-C cable every time you switch between your PCs?

[@LedNe0nDevil]

If I watch a video on audio hardware, I wanna see the inside.

[@Expedit75]

I have a G6. Is it a good idea to get the X4 for gaming only ? With 2.1 speakers and a Logitech pro X helmet

[@Sh1dzo]

Tell me, please, I had a sound blaster x3, there was a sound delay in general with all applications and games, about 100 milliseconds (they have a driver running 2048 samples, the buffer size is unchanged), I made a return, but this x4 has some delay sound?

[@nobodyanybody3374]

Any reason why Creative reduce the feature set yet the price goes up a little?

[@nobodyanybody3374]

@@pcworld Maybe it's a good way to convince people on the fence to get X3.

[@ScottBeeson]

Great video. I have a pair of Edifier R2000DB's. My current setup is something like this: Dell XPS laptop, Dell Thunderbolt Docking station, LG Monitor, Aux-out to RCA, into the Edifiers. Will I notice an improvement in sound quality if I purchase this external sound card and hook it directly to the dock via USB, then optical out to the Edifiers?

[@TLegend77]

Yes definitely.

[@PunkCajas]

Yes you will notice I have the Edifier R2000Db, I have m-audio super dac but I thinking about buying one of the creative X. also have a virtual amp and the sound is amazing for music now, really amazing when compared with stock sound from the R2000db witch already as a built-in dac

[@vijay1700]

Hi, Are you aware of any internal sound card with built-in amplifier and background noise reducer below 50 USD?

[@UmarAbid]

I am looking for somthing like this is this better than g5 or sound I get x4 I don't have any sound card but I need one now

[@Relax-il7zn]

Random but would love help. Would buying this improve sound quality substantially for say headphones like the ATH M50s? I want to make them my new gaming headset and use for music. I'm a sweaty fps player, but bored of all the gaming headsets and once again, want them for music too. I remember them sounding great for that.

[@pcworld]

What is your DAC situation right now with those headphones? -Adam

[@velodetali]

Will it provide 7.1 sound by toslink for av receiver -?

[@BarDelRey]

Is the Sound Blaster X4 capable of using the line in and the mic at once? The X3 version cannot record from the microphone and line-in at the same time :(

[@funnypepe]

Have X3 and X4 ... X4 can concurrently use Mic-In(as input device) and Line-In (monitoring to HP/Speakers). X3 cannot do that. Also X4 SXFi Battle Mode is worth its money for gaming !

[@johnenoch6877]

I couldn't not tell the difference between the MB DAC and this one, so ended up returning it and used the one on my MB, and a powered mixer.

[@michael_janus]

This thing allows to plug 5.1 or 7.1 acoustics to a notebook. This is a huge difference :) But if you don't need that then this model is useless. Though good standalone pci-e cards noticeably enhance sound quality compared to an onboard ones, if you have decent acoustics ofc.

[@metaleater9]

For what purpose did you use the optical input on the X4 for your 2 PC setup?

[@pcworld]

For a streaming setup. -Adam

[@charleswoodruff9013]

Please explain your 2 pc setup.

[@boobio1]

HOW THE FUK DOES IT SOUND????????????????

[@stuartgibson9755]

Just stumped up the cash for the X4 as I want to connect my old but superb Logitech Z5500 5.1 speakers to my gaming laptop which has the fairly standard meh Realtek Audio onboard. I have always gone for Creative products in the past and I see no reason to go for anything else.

[@westnylefx]

I use a Creative Soundblaster Z currently, its great.

[@est189]

How does this compare to the G6? Thanks!

[@robertsamson4610]

No thank you I'll stick with my Dennon AM-FM Receiver for all my sound needs.

[@terencebonifacio6333]

I have a question, i have x3 but i dont know how to connect my audioengine 2+ speaker while im using my headset

[@terencebonifacio6333]

@@pcworld okay thanks

[@Umi_Oni]

But why would you want to connect a hot plate to your computer

[@AbsitInvidea]

i have searched all over the internet, but I can't find ANYONE using the line out; no text, no pictures of examples of what devices work well with it aahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[@justacasualgamer5774]

Damn, I want this~ but the price in my country is more than doubles because there is no official distributor for Creative brands.

[@Aderas82]

Great video. I have a question though. Is the X4 a really big step up from motherboard audio? In my case its the ROG SupremeFX on a Crosshair VIII Impact motherboard. it uses an m.2 style interface for the "sound card" but the jacks are still on the i/o area of the motherboard. I have a great audio setup with a receiver and a 5.1 speaker setup with Focal Aria 906 front and rear and matching center with a REL Sub. I want to get the best discrete surround I can out of a pc. I have tried using the hdmi out from my RTX 30 series card as well. Just a bit confused on which way to go. Should add that an internal card isn't really an option at the moment due to the current build/size. might look into a micro atx build down the road and then possibly the EVGA NU Audio if that would be much better than say the X4 Thanks.

[@Aderas82]

@@pcworld Thanks for the Reply. I did order it and got it on the 9th. I'm obviously using a receiver with a multi channel input capability. so I had to pick up some decent 3.5mm to RCA cables. So with all that done, at volumes above -35db I get a hiss and high frequency whine. I was able to solve with a few in line ground loop isolators. (Had this issue with the sub too.) It does sound quite a bit better. Has a wider sound stage, and a much better sound all around. Its like a veil was lifted. I didn't realize what I had actually been missing running sound from my 3090. (if nVidia had an equalizer, or mixer for its hd audio, I think it have been ok) Sure it was configured for 5.1, but it sounds immensely different in game with the X4. For example playing Conan exiles, mining, chopping wood, and combat are now much more directional with the majority coming from the center, rather than just from the front of the room. and the ambience of wind, water running, birds chirping etc., is much more enveloping. Now I have a free HDMI 2.1 port I can run to my new tv to play games like Elden Ring on :)

[@kawdjer6463]

@@Aderas82 İf you are using windows 11, any issues?

[@raymondhachmishvili2483]

The way it looks its a downgrade The X3 uses AKM4458 32bit velvet Dac. the X4 uses a circus logic cs4382a-cqz dac. the AKM is a higher quality Dac

[@davidzaitz6628]

I want to have great mic quality and the option to power wireless headphones or speakers. Should I get the X4 and hook everything into that? Or Get the Katana v2 and just run everything through that as it has an included DAC?

[@davidzaitz6628]

@@pcworld Hmmm. I care most about having incredible mic quality. Then just want a great headphone set up to spare my family from the noise, but also a solid speaker option. If the headphones are not wireless its not a deal breaker. Does the Katana kill all these birds with one stone? Or Would it be better to get the X4 and pick a separate speaker system. I have a shure MV7 mic

[@sim2er]

For anyone interested: you can get good quality and even low latency sound through Bluetooth with Apt-X HD, however there's not a standardized way to get 3 channels of Bluetooth audio which is why most wireless gaming headsets need a dongle or base-station. One alternative is to use the Xbox wireless protocol, but I've found that console headsets are often highly tuned and sound poor when used for music. There's a reason most streamers have a separate microphone from their headphones, but in my experience Logitech headsets are often the jack of all trades master of none with suitably above average performance across the board. If you want mic quality over all else, I'd look at professional headsets from companies that sell to call centers etc. Like Poly/Plantronics. I've got their backbeat pro2, but as a Bluetooth set it has limitations despite faststream codec.

[@Sloane-my7qg]

is it worth the upgrade if I am using the GC7??

[@panzfaust9812]

How is quality compared to the generic mobo audio?

[@panzfaust9812]

@Jon M I see. Where I live, its about 250usd at least

[@ignacio8597]

@@panzfaust9812 at that price point the ae-9 is only $100 more

[@BotsandBits]

The X4 is a terrible mess and the software is no better. Once you try and use SPDIF, this thing becomes a total headache. Creative supports only answer to getting it working is to disable everything on the X4 and use my on board sound passthrough the x4 instead. Also, when selecting SPDIF, the input switching buttons no longer work. It will switch to Headphones fine, but switching back defaults to Line Out, so you have to open windows sound settings again and manually switch back to spdif. Also, with Dolby encoder on, and Dolby content playing. No other sound source will work. "Audio renderer error" On top of that, switching between Line & SDIF disconnects the unit "Please wait, connecting creative device" and if there's audio playing while this happens, the device will not connect and require a pc reboot. Line out doesn't output correct 5.1. It outpus in stereo, putting Left channel over Front Left & Rear Left. Creative said to adjust the Surround option in mixer, but that just adds echo. So it's downscaling 5.1 to stereo, then pumping that out Left & Right. I hate this thing so much. Audio Technica headphones sound awesome on it though.

[@sonofutopia]

The downgrade about playback resolution must be due to the change to the optical input, that one can only do it at most 24bit 192khz. Since it's only support optical for surround sound that means it can only support dolby digital decode..... Looking forward to see Creative release new soundcard with eArc I will instandly buy it.

[@fabioxe]

What audio is recorded or saved in 32 bit to play in 32? And where would I get that 32 bit audio to be able to play?...I ask seriously, I just don't know...

[@redcoat6184]

I think it's very rare like master recordings (I think tidal) but I don't think you'd notice the difference for anything else.

[@fabioxe]

@Redcoat I have tidal and hifi plus with an mqa device, and even that I can't find anything that says it's 32 everything says 24 or even 16. But yes, maybe a few or some could be 32, but I haven't seen it.

[@vincentgreen2001]

I have the X4. It sounds great but the creative app and especially the sxfi app for windows crashes constantly. I wish they would put development time on the apps considering you need them both or even better put the sxfi function in the creative app.

[@OlaJustin]

I'll never trust Creative to stick to one app! Haha

[@FractalPrism.]

i will stick with the $200 BEACN Mix Create. its far better and has dedicated knobs to individually control multiple software sources.

[@12345sdot]

Can you review the G6 please?

[@PookaBot]

Are these things worth it for a stereo setup? I had a Z and it was no better than the onboard. Both were a downgrade on the onboard Sound Blaster my old 4690k's Gigabyte board came with. Wish I could get that chip in an add in board.

[@westnylefx]

what? a creative Z is WAY better than onboard. were you not using it in direct mode?

[@lumbeeman01]

Something wasn't right with your setup then if you are saying the card was no better than onboard. Even the cheapest of audio cards is leaps and bonds better than onboard.

[@RaGe_74]

question, does the headset port support mic via the same port ? or do i need to get a headset with seperate jacks ?

[@sim2er]

There are plenty of splitters and joiners. I think most 3.5 mm are combo ports these days. Confirmed: the front ports are combo/headset *and* mic. So no splitter or joiner is necessary

[@RaGe_74]

@@sim2er thx bud. Got the gc7 instead. But also has the combined jack connection. Just still love my astro a40 headset. Only the astro dac broke... Fell of the desk Just a few times to many.

[@toneboat923]

Can you do a walk through of this? :D

[@Zomfoo]

Creative is still around? What is it, 5 guys working out of a garage?

[@XerxezsX]

For PC/Xbox gaming I have the Bose companion 20 multimedia speakers, when I bought them 4 years ago they cost $249.99 and now they cost $399 😂 anyways, just buy a good quality speakers and that's all you need.

[@error4159]

I wonder if Creative bought a JDS Labs Element or just copied it from pictures?

[@error4159]

@@pcworld So they bought one before making a plastic copy.

[@Noyjitat]

They should really do better on quality to market these. I've been buying creative sound cards for every pc I've built since the audigy 2. I miss the days they included all kinds of games with your sound card purchase. Hell my soundcard actually introduced me many cool games I would have otherwise never purchased.

[@bullshitdepartment]

I've read audiophiles on Reddit basically saying soundcards and dacs dont change sound quality at all on modern mobos

[@Noyjitat]

@@bullshitdepartment that couldn't be further from the truth. Motherboard soundcards are not only more affected by interference but do not have quality components. Also if you have shit earphones/speakers you won't notice any quality improvements what so ever. The quality of this soundcard in the video however looks rushed. At the end of the day most people will settle on whatever graphics card they can afford and a monitor/tv and everything else be damned.

[@bullshitdepartment]

@@Noyjitat I browsed the audiophile reddit for a bit and from what I gathered realistically, there isnt enough interference to make any effect on the audio. I've picked up AT-ADH700X open headphones, good deal btw would recommend

[@Mnorbert25]

Asus Xonar U7 steel beats with Dolby Atmos !

[@archavenx]

sorry is this an external sound card?

[@yaznool]

did you see it inside a computer? 🙃🤣

[@mister3976]

I dont understand any of this... Should I pick the X4 or the X3? 10$ difference for a newer product? This is not a comparison of products offered to consumers that are on-market. This is just a thinly veiled sponsored ad. If it is not then you are being employed as a tool for distribution of free promotion. There is also next to no practical information here. I happen to know what a dac is, or what direct mode does but new consumers would not and experienced consumers would go elsewhere than soundblaster to begin with unless a specific case was made for the quality of their products over ones offered by non computer oriented audio companies. This video just hurts my brain and I am tempted to unsub. Only reason I hesitate is that gordon was highly recommended by Steve from GN.

[@opius1199]

@ZIV Just adding to your excellent answer, PC World is a written magazine more than a youtube channel. More in-depth reviews/articles you usually find on their web-pages.

[@mister3976]

I must be from some other internet bubble and dont understand how things are done around these parts. What is a "quick review"? I never heard of that. Apparently what qualifies is saying that "It is your favorite product". Glossing over driver issues because "it is worth it". Comparing it to nothing on market or discussing it's inherent features. Finally you have two nearly identical products around, with boxes, and camera shots doing product placement but it is not sponsored because it is implied that "oh well I just happen to have that on hand". So what am I to understand that everyone around the office has a soundblaster dac and they just happened to get a new one randomly? It was paid out of pocket? It was not sent by soundblaster? I dont know how to feel either way. If it was sent at least I could say it is funds to help improve the channel but that is not disclosed and I cant assume that the "quick review" is neutral either because it is of such low informational quality that it can be mistaken for an ad. Instead of consuming more PC World content like magazines and podcasts I think by now the only advisable course of action is to see myself out. Sorry gordon I tried.

[@mister3976]

@ZIV Creative knows full well that whoever bought their product wont want to dispose of their purchase because a new refresh for 10$ more came out. Under the guise of addressing a market segment that does not exist the mainstream public is being reached and is offered a feature-less technical-free exposition of the new product. With empty encouragements to spend while waving the product around such as "I am here to convince you to upgrade your sound since there are no GPU's around". It is easy to see the angle of approach on display here. In my world there is a word for that. Especially when everything else about the exposition glosses over issues while using meaningless compliments like I outlined above. Also you are not a pre-school teacher and I can determine when I am being disrespectful or not. Policing someone's tone will not prevent me from stating the obvious.

[@funnypepe]

PCWORLD DOESNT HAVE A CLUE ABOUT X3 / X4 .. videos like this are typical ADs with no-brainers. There is a reason why X4 came out . He has no skills to figure out the differences and make quality video about them.

[@itsdeonlol]

The X4 looks nice Adam!

[@tommy6742]

I rather spend a little bit extra for a nicer dac+amp stack like the Schiit Modi+Magni/Vali stack, Topping E30+L30 stack, iFi Zen Dac+Can stack, or the JDS Atom stack. This dac/amp don't even have a headphone port for 6.3mm jacks like the one that the Sennheiser HD 600 uses.

[@fabioxe]

yeah but they don't have the separate line out's for true speaker sourround sound right? This is different if I"m not mistaken.

[@HidroPig]

The only reason I see for the downgrade is that creative will release a "pro" version for more money :)

[@korbensc7218]

I wish they would have added a 6.3mm headphone output :/ That would've been a reason to upgrade, but so.. meh.

[@sim2er]

Does the size of the trrs plug really affect quality? I'm pretty sure passive adapters are cheap and don't affect the signal at all

[@ProfSnakes]

@@sim2er adapters can definitely effect the signal, depending on quality of the jack and quality of the adapter. If the contacts aren't good they can add crackling noises to your sound. Also the extended length add stress to the jack. Skip adapters if you can.

[@thesupremeginge]

I'm still not sure about that shirt....👀

[@gnored]

No 192K? Forget it!

[@AllboroLCD]

Based on sheer lack of an equal alternative, its a good card. Even with the crappiest of PC speakers you will notice an immediate difference in sound though.

[@TNM001]

i'm pretty fed up with Creative now because of drivers. have a G6 here and the drivers just act up, reproducably producing popping and crackling sounds (using the native win-driver does not) and thats just unacceptable after all this time on the market. i use it without drivers now which is like having 1/2 the product (use any 40$ usb-dongle with mic-in if you need that, or a DAC if not, 1/3 the price). i would not touch a X3 or X4 with a 10 foot pole, same problems have been reported with the X3 and there is NO reason to believe the X4 will do better. its a sad state of affairs. p.s. i used a x-fi music for years with Danial.K drivers but he retired. the upgrade to the G6 was not worth it and i don't know of alternative drivers for it.

[@lescarpio]

I just purchased a refurbed G6 and it works fine in my system, most recent firmware and drivers. I actually ditched the X3 because although it did everything the G5 did (my sound card before the X3), it didn't sound as good to me. And the SXfi was ok for movies but didn't sound as good for gaming imo.

[@TNM001]

@@lescarpio good for you, at least you didn't feel you wasted money then. i also agree the usb-soundcards somehow sound worse than my x-fi music did. its subtle but audible. less lows and sharper highs on my dt990/250ohm. also, which can be a bummer, alot of compression on the mic, so it can sound "quiet" without creative-software. win-usb drivers have the boost locked away, which sucks. my antlion-usbcard that i got for the mic years ago has higher gains for half the price and is more adjustable with standard usb drivers...its not even funny if you compare both cards.

[@Expedit75]

I have a G6. If it s just for gaming in 5.1/7.1 (speakers 2.1 and headphones Logitech pro X) Should I get the X4 or keep the G6 ?

[@TNM001]

@@Expedit75 i'm in the camp of "never change a running system", especially with sketchy drivers from creative. if your G6 works...i see no reason to switch. if you just want to try something new, you have 14 days to send it back if ordering online.

[@TheMxboy199]

I’ve had the x4 for several months I don’t use most of the feature except direct mode and scout mode. It’s pretty nice tho

[@b0finken]

Did the windows volume slider lag when changing volume with the x4? It lags for me.

[@Taimenu]

Can you just plug and use it without software?

[@TheMxboy199]

@@Taimenu yes

[@jozsefstefanics6354]

I love,how everybody forget to tell the issues with the creative app and sxfi.Both of them are trash, keep crashing.SXFI cant even log in every time.I would not recommend that product, because of the shit app.Stay with the mb audio and dont throw money out for that

[@m45_44N]

X4 should've been named X3a ..

[@Vara91391]

ok, so it's the same crap with different colors and a a lower price talk. The marginal differences your ears won't recognize anyway, so if someone would blindfold you and have you listen to both, you won't notice which one produces better sound. X3 in this case = clear winner.

[@FernandaFoertter]

Mine nvidia ruler

[@fktygglbtchbtch1384]

buggy and shtty sw/drivers still...just like back in the haydays

[@blakecasimir]

Buy an Audient Evo instead. Creative are garbage.

[@cusoonmyfriend3738]

i warn people, DONT EVEN THINK to buy this soundcard, u have to show your blood type, proof of identity to download the sxfi app ..this is complete BS

[@audioelitist3677]

I wouldn't buy anything from Creative, even at a 100% discount.

[@AirrowRocket]

I have no clue what you're talking about.