Is the Soundblaster Z the latest and greatest soundcard?

The last in the soundcard series is the Creative Soundblaster Z! Let's find out how good it is! Last in soundcard series!

[@anorax001]

Still using my Sound Blaster Z after 8 years from original purchase through many computer upgrades. Great card, no compatibility issues, and sound quality is far better than onboard motherboard sound.

[@AntonsHardware]

It is! Its a solid performer this card.

[@JimmyJaxJellyStax]

Same, mine has held up perfectly in many builds over 8 years! Love the sound controls and quality!

[@fonolavalencia]

Read the reviews buy it 2 years ago, didn't wanted to buy the Zx so I decided for the Z. I use a Logitech Z5500 with optical cable 5.1, everything is excelente, love this card. The other Creative cards doesn't allow you to use 5.1 sound with Optical cable, I use this because my sound system is so old, that i get tons of distortion with analog 5.1 cables. Great review !

[@AntonsHardware]

Thanks for your comment! The Z is a great card!

[@__oK__]

It is a good card. My motherboard soundcard was not working properly, but this solved my problems. Like DTS did not work before this soundcard. Now I hear 5.1 via Yamaha reciever and sound is awesome. Also different sound profiles are handy. I can recommend this. :)

[@bezerrademenezesuk]

Hi, thanks for the video, I was wondring to purchase a soundcard and decided to buy the Creative Soundblaster Z. You are right it's such ana mazing card. Easy to install and the sound wow!!! What a difference from the realtek!!! Thanks.

[@AntonsHardware]

You are very welcome! :D

[@HH-cool-]

Love your vids helping so much with making pc :)

[@AntonsHardware]

You are welcome! Like your name mister Attack Helicopter!

[@FrankMEsq-Infiniti]

The SB Z that I got came with a microphone attached that you can place on the bezel of your monitor. I didn't have a mic so this was a plus and I love the red LED light in my case. Oddly, all the things, ie, the checkbox options, he says didn't work for him do in fact work fine for me. Only thing is you really have to play with the features to get the sound you want and then be sure to save that profile because it's easy to lose the perfect sound you had.

[@LukeAndromedaNebular]

I have also bought a Sound Blaster Z and I am satisfied with it. Before I had an onboard Motherboard Sound Card. You can easily hear the difference especially on bad records. I will never use again onboard Motherboard sound card again. To get the most of your sound card you need a good headset like Sound Blaster X H7 Tournament Edition and good speakers. A game changer for me was the buy of the Logitech Speaker Surround Sound Z906 5.1. It is best buy I have done during my life. Cinema sound in it's best. Before I thought I had good speakers but after buying Z906 so much better and can put all previous speakers in the garbage. Most difference is the front speaker. You have to see Jurassic Park, Star Wars and Alien 2 again with this speaker system. Now I am thinking if upgrading from SB Z to SB AE-5 makes sense. Will I hear any difference?

[@AntonsHardware]

I think you will hear a difference with the AE-5, mainly because the DSP is alot better. Also I like the driver interface a lot better!

[@huynhphamnhannghia6417]

I also got one for 3 year! it is still good . This one is better than my DAC Topping D50s ! I connect both in my PC, the D50s make more noise even i turn off music. The Creative Z is very clear and silent

[@AntonsHardware]

I want to review the Topping D50! But you're saying that it isn't that good! Interesting!

[@huynhphamnhannghia6417]

@@AntonsHardware compare the price and the result i feel good with the Creative sound blaster Z. Maybe I need an super cable or super pre amp plus D50s for a good sound

[@damocles5047]

This is just an amazing card. i suggest everybody to buy it.

[@AntonsHardware]

It's a good card indeed! But not the best! You may be interested in some of my other video's where I explore other cards.

[@tayxiloon]

hey you use this card on win10 1909?

[@nmayxbeats2549]

@@tayxiloon Yes, i use it now on that version.

[@tayxiloon]

@@nmayxbeats2549 is the sound card worth ? can you hear more clearer footstep?

[@nmayxbeats2549]

LunZ Trendings if you have good headphones definitely yes.

[@colinsenpai7765]

Insane Soundcard with these settings i made if you're using Headphones :) Surround 0% BASS 35% Crystalizer 20 % Crossover Freq 15 Hz Hyperx Cloud 2 Headset EQ SETTINGS 10,12,10,6,3,0.0.1.2.3.2

[@mifor2588]

ColinSenpai really good Settings ;) do you also have some for speaker?

[@aldochem7202]

And for speakers 5.1 please show your config

[@colinsenpai7765]

@@aldochem7202 Don't have any

[@tayxiloon]

hey you use sbz on win10 1909?

[@colinsenpai7765]

@@tayxiloon win10 all i know

[@JasonCarmichael]

I just bought this for $49.99 direct from Sound Blasters web sight, at special price. For some reason, my MB audio keeps going bananas. So hopefully just disable the onboard everything and this will just work.

[@AntonsHardware]

Did that work? I've read that there are some issues with older AM4 motherboards and sound cards. Maybe you can update the BIOS to solve this?

[@JasonCarmichael]

@@AntonsHardware Yes, it works as expected. Zero issues since installed. My guess is my new old stock (two-year-old) motherboard has a bad "something" on it.

[@bdeflorence]

The big problem with ANY sound cards nowadays is......NO MIDI In or Out-So, I'll stick to my EMU0404, bought in 2004 and still going strong :-)

[@AntonsHardware]

I have an EMU1212 which I was going to make a video about, but I haven't been able to get it working. Any ideas? Also, I'm not into MIDI, any beginners guide you can recommend?

[@chapmanezinga9652]

Good work

[@AntonsHardware]

Thank you!

[@Belznis]

Lucky to have one, it is good, but of course it does have some small issues. Pro: you can use cheap headphones and the sound for gaming will be beautiful/surround etc. With 5.1 speakers it is an excellent choice for gaming. For audiophiles an STX II xonar will probably be a much better choice, but for this money this is a really good choice that beats the on board solutions.

[@AntonsHardware]

I agree with you!

[@faithful2008]

STX II xonar for audiophiles with win 7 and 2016 motherboards:D, Creative AE5 for audiophiles with win 10 and 2020 mothearboard:D Asus Essence STX II is allready a dead sound card on AM4 Motherboard. You got crash and system reboot while switching sound output, assus kow about it: www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1036071 And its not only about changing the outputs, but the whole system is unstable, even with drivers from maxedtech.com, maxedtech warning on their own page about incompabibility issues with Win 10 on Ryzen AM4 motherboards: maxedtech.com/xonar-sound-cards-issues/

[@Belznis]

@@faithful2008 driver issues which will probably get fixed later, as Ryzen is a new platform. Creative Z in its infancy also had problems with windows 10 and that as a brand new soundcard. This got fixed after two years, it also had output switching after reboot. Driver issues are the worst as the code is not always available to open source devs and original devs are not always willing to fix older software. Thanks for the info, for the time being it is best to stay away from older sound cards I guess, unless you can get them cheap.

[@user-ir2sy9ut1e]

The most beautiful sound card I have ever seen.Beautiful RED! and test best Rear connector lighting is asus xonor D2.There are six different color lights.it is really beautiful! ps:Just like you like sound cards. I am a 3D card lover. I own 40 3D VGA CARD. but i also sound card collect. awe64gold.sb live value. audigy1 and audigy2zs. audigy2 se（you say it is so bad!） x-fi music asus xonor d2. emu-0404 sound card emu-0404 is good

[@AntonsHardware]

I want the AWE64Gold! Cool that you have that one in your collection!

[@kawdjer6463]

Why should i buy xonar ae instead of this? İsn't this card better in terms of sound quality than xonar ae? What about strix soar and sound blaster z? Which one would you suggest for a good sound quality for both speakers and headphones?

[@AntonsHardware]

In my opinion, the xonar ae has a better price quality ratio. The z isnt bad at all. I was pleasently surprised! It comes down to how much money you're willing to pay and which software you like. Creative is more bombastic, while the ae is very basic, but functional.

[@CapriciousStoic2]

A type of visual ' table / list' of all the sound cards with diferent features - what are the advantages ? Only when you review many can you understand what are the diferences and have a full picture in you mind . For us normal not-users we are entering into a jungle to understand what they all do.

[@AntonsHardware]

That's a great idea. I was planning to create another "Best soundcard in 2020 video" in a couple of months! So stay tuned!

[@hornsteinhof7592]

The real advantage of the Sound Blaster Z is IMHO that you can get it used for very little money. I got a perfectly working one last week for 35 Euro and it was just one of many that were sold on Ebay in Germany. Otherwise, I would have gotten the recommended Xonar card. I'm on sub 100 Euro headphones and with this setup, I can hear a clear difference to my onboard sound (more punch!) but can't hear a difference to the AE-5, which I also have tried. Thanks for the video mate!

[@AntonsHardware]

You are absolutely right. The Z is a very capable card, which you can get cheap on the second hand market! Quality wise is somewhere between the ae5 and the xonar ae.

[@hornsteinhof7592]

@@AntonsHardware Thanks for taking the time to answer Anton! I'm using this opportunity to ask you: have you heard about the Sharkoon Gaming DAC Pro S or already covered it on your channel? Heard many good things about it and it's dirt cheap!

[@AntonsHardware]

I haven't tested that one! I did a video on the Creative G1 not so long ago! You may want to take a look at that one!

[@dgc940]

My question is are you using this card with headphones and pc speakers? sounds very good wired into my pioneer premier home receiver 7.1 with very high quality speakers and set to high bit rate

[@AntonsHardware]

And this moment I'm not using this sound card! I'm using the EVGA NU now, which is truly really good!

[@xKISKEx]

Master. So you recommend the xonar AE. Now it costs almost 68 euros in europe. What do you think about? It s effectly Better than blaster Z?

[@AntonsHardware]

Oeh! Difficult question! The AE is more like an internal USB card. The Z is also a good card, but it's showing it's age!

[@vivianvaldi7871]

Hello Anton, I will only use the SPDIF output with "play stereo mix to digital output" on, so to use the equalizer. Witch SPDIF u'd say is better ? Sound Blaster Z or ASUS Xonar AE Interne 7.1. with equalizer. Thx very much for ur feedback. Yes or maybe SPDIF Creative Labs Sound BlasterX AE-5 > so much better ?

[@AntonsHardware]

If you only use SPDIF, there won't be much of a difference. :D I'd go for the AE :D

[@vivianvaldi7871]

@@AntonsHardware Hello Anton, got the SB ZxR since. As some say, the next step in numericacle audio is about getting the finest regulated power source, so to get less timings errors. When u go through Spdif, ur signal goes through a special formating cheap, so the cleanest current power involved will shape the output quality. Was a complex question, I didn't know the whereabouts at that time. The ripple noise from a PSU in a PC can rate as high as mV, when a clean regulated power for today's circuitry runs at the micro Volt level (x1000 cleaner) . So the voltage regulation onboard the sound card as a big work to do & a lot in the SQ will be related to the quality of that onboard stage. Keep up the fun WORK, good WEEKEND & thx for ur help.

[@ryansohol4848]

Thanks for the video. I just bought this soundcard and I have it set up with a 2.1 system. I'm enjoying the heck out of the sound quality so far, but I really would like to get the most out of this card. Any recommendations for headphones or 5.1 system? I listen to music and game mostly.

[@AntonsHardware]

I don't use 5.1 systems, so I cannot recommend any of them. For normal use I have an edifier r1280db, but that's 2.0. For headset I use a Beyerdynamic MX300. I think it's really good quality, but it comes at a price.

[@nelsonpiedade61]

if you can find one Inspire T5500 5.1 digital used(its wath i have paired with this beauty z) you will be just amazed dolby digital live all the way,gaming and music will come to live.

[@gerjovi871]

@@nelsonpiedade61 Oh yes, i spanish, dolby live is amazing, my dream. but the signal goes out and I have to set again with the controller. Any solution?

[@rageeme]

thanks for the video :-) is there much difference between this card and the AE-5 to listen to music? I have a sennheiser Pc37x

[@AntonsHardware]

The AE 5 will have a higher bitrate/sampling frequency. 32 bits/384 kHZ vs the 24 bits/96 kHz of the Z. Also the audio does get that distored as with the Z. But both are good cards!

[@journey4109]

Hmm, my serious curiousity.. If I own already Soundblaster X3 external dac/card. Would it be better to exchange on internal card ?? I'm going to use for music (casual listening) and single player games. Also, my headphones Philip x2hr then will it be good idea to turn on SBX Surround with virtual 7.1 ??

[@AntonsHardware]

I dislike any kind of virtual surround with any card. I haven't had any good expierences with that ever. It was just a lot of echo added and I didn't have any better audio placement. An internal card could give you an improvement, but that depends on the card used. I don't have experiences with the X3, so I can't help you with that. The Soundblaster Z is a capable card by the way and not a bad choice! Also, you can find the very cheap second hand!

[@journey4109]

@@AntonsHardware Thanks for reply, I'll keep in mind.

[@evileyeball]

My only concern with this Z card is the fact it is RED and RED LEDs and will not match with the rest of my case so I will not pick this one.

[@Ome_cent___]

Following Problem: Connect PC to a 5.1 homecinema system via spdif. will i get a 5.1 output or just stereo? Right now i use the onboard-spdif with hacked realtek-drivers to get 5.1 but i feel it makes the system a bit instable. Talking about Games that need to be encoded from 5.1 to DTS or DDlive), passthrough of media already in DD or DTS are no problem. Thanks!

[@AntonsHardware]

I would say that connecting via SPDIF will give you 5.1. And there aren't that many games that support DTS. Check out this article, this will help you:www.engadget.com/2019/09/27/dts-sound-unbound-spatial-audio-pc-games

[@nathanhigginson6256]

Peter, there should be a setting under sound settings>supported formats>dolby digital live OR Dolby DTS, You shouldbe able to select either of those, and your receiver should pick it up easily.

[@amfiton002]

Good day, tell me which sound card is better Soundblaster Z or ASUS XONAR D2X?

[@hoangleminh2424]

Hi sir. could you please give me a suggest for which sound card should i get? 1/ x-fi titanium fidelity 2/ sound blaster recond3d 3/ blaster Z ? (not ZxR) cause those one are cheaper. I prefer listening high quality music and not for game.

[@AntonsHardware]

The Z is the one I'd get!

[@hoangleminh2424]

​@@AntonsHardware thank you very much. that's saved a me lot of time. somebody said titanium with chipset CA20k2 better than sound core3d. that made me confused.

[@marcojrgensen2860]

Is this a Creative Sound Blaster Z PCI Express Intern? And is it a good version?

[@AntonsHardware]

Yes it's PCI-Express and internal. I've heard Creative is about to launch a newer version of this card. But the only difference is that the Second Edition has some minor software tweaks. Can't recommend it.

On control panel, Hardware, Sound, SPDINF Interface (or something indicating the TOSLINK port), Advanced, Default Format: is there Dolby Digital and/or DTS options or just the 2 channel options?

[@AntonsHardware]

I really can't say for sure! I'm planning on remaking the video on the Z in the near future!

[@cihan.kurucu]

Antons hello. Soo do you advise us for buying this card? Or nearly or same quality asus brand s other sound cards. Is there a need paying extra money for this card? And hello to your wife, say her "you are a good guy and think of us for help"

[@AntonsHardware]

I told my wife and she smiled! It's not a bad card at all, so I would recommend it.

[@Some0neSomewhere]

I agree with most. But just understand the Soundblaster X AE-5 does not support DTS or Dolby and is $150.

[@AntonsHardware]

I agree, it doesn't. But there aren't that many games that support DTS or Dolby. Now I must add, that I did see that there was a Dolby and DTS support pack installed on a machine with an AE5. Just cannot remember if that came with the latest drivers for this card. And yes, it is expensive!

[@siloraksaksnimak]

@@AntonsHardware Hey what about that 5.1 and 7.1 thing, if i use only headphones for gaming mostly and music sometimes still with headphones. Is better sound blaster z or AE-5 and why?

[@faithful2008]

@@siloraksaksnimak bro you shouldn't compare soud blaster Z with AE5, because sound blaster Z it's a way more cheaper card, you should compare sound blaster ZXR with AE5 ;)

[@blueguy09]

@@AntonsHardware all triple a titles have DOLBY supported audio or dts

[@blueguy09]

@@siloraksaksnimak which does your headphones support is it virtual than you want sound blaster, otherwise still sound blaster

[@CUBEoneVX]

Btw the L.E.D.s are not RGB, they are just RED.

[@AntonsHardware]

I quess you're right! It's just a red LED. The AE-5 from Creative has RGB.

[@CUBEoneVX]

@@AntonsHardware yes those are indeed RGB.

[@khawk2012]

What can you tell me about MIDI... How does it play it and can I use soundfonts?

[@AntonsHardware]

Good question! Never looked at Midi that much. I know from back in the days, midi was used to generate music. Maybe this will help: blog.landr.com/what-is-midi/

[@khawk2012]

I've messed with MIDI since the 90s. The last sound blaster card I bought was the Audigy which does have the soundfont feature. They tell me that there is no more in the versions but there was a separate program for it. I still have my 98PC with all kinds of cards so switching to the latest SB will not have what I like even though there are other programs that can do it it just isn't the same..

[@medakabox2015]

I have a msi x570 tomahawk max is it worth to buy this card?

[@AntonsHardware]

That motherboard has a ALC1200 realtek codec, which is on par with this card. So you won't notice much of an improvement. If you suffer from EMI or power jitter, this maybe an option.

[@medakabox2015]

@@AntonsHardware oh! thank you

[@cristianoideyama]

The difference maybe is the amplifier on the Z...

[@raymondhachmishvili2483]

I have the ZXR with phillips 5532AN opamp date code 78 in the I\V,and signetics 5534AN in buffers stage....sound is unmatched!

[@AntonsHardware]

I'm thinking on creating a video about swapping opamps. Is it worth it?

[@raymondhachmishvili2483]

@@AntonsHardware yes ,but I found philips 5532\4 opamps, date code late 70's,early 80's to sound the best...new ones are crap ,sound to much digitized and harsh. also I have the new AE9pe,compared to the ZXR, it has less bass, more sterile sound, while the ZXR sounds more authentic, more "in your face" sound.has more weight to the sound. the AE9 is digital version of the ZXR, with the same set of opamps. they sound the same, but different approach...:) The ZXR is surely last of its kind. way ahead of everything from EVGA and Asus. second to it is the AE9 no doubt. www.head-fi.org/threads/asus-stx-ii-vs-creative-zxr.728124/page-23

[@enriques51]

This is a chance to use this card as external?

[@AntonsHardware]

This card is meant to be internal, hence the PCI express connector. You could use a PCI Express external enclosure and use Thunderbolt, but they are pretty pricey. www.newegg.com/startech-com-model-tb31pciex16-thunderbolt-3-to-pcie-x16-and-displayport/p/N82E16815158445?Description=external%20pci%20enclosure&cm_re=external_pci%20enclosure-_-15-158-445-_-Product I recommend you just get an external sound card, like the G6.

[@dokanyon]

Can someone tell me some settings (for ROCK music mainly) for the Sound Blaster Z? especially on the SBX

[@AntonsHardware]

I currently don't have the SB Z not installed, but there are presets available in the driver interface. Did you install the latest drivers yet?

[@dokanyon]

@@AntonsHardware Oh i'll do now thanks

[@AntonsHardware]

Did you get better results now?

[@dokanyon]

@@AntonsHardware nope!! :)

[@AntonsHardware]

Which I could have helped you a bit better. Sorry mate!

[@TheGamerAffiliate]

Liked the video! can you tell me if this supports 2.1 or only 5.1? Thank you much

[@AntonsHardware]

Not really sure at this moment, since I don't use this card at the moment. But if I remember correctly, you can set up te system for 2.1.

[@TheGamerAffiliate]

@@AntonsHardware okay thanks

[@harald921]

It can output 5.1, yes.

[@blueguy09]

windows 10 may have trouble recognizing the output, but your receiver or sound bar will show it does output 5.1

[@75Mdb]

Have you tried the Asus Xonar SE, if so what do you think of it?

[@AntonsHardware]

No i haven't, but for a reason. The componente used are only a slight improvement of what a quality motherboard will have. The Realtek ALC 1220x is good, but great. If the sound on your motherboard fails, then this is an ok replacement.

[@Adam-xg9zk]

Hello, do you recommend the soundcard für my Headset Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro with 250 Ohm? now Iam Using Sharkoon DAC pro s or Should buy something else?

[@AntonsHardware]

Yes I do! The Z is a good card, but to get the most out you Beyerdynamic, get a EVGA NU!

[@johnversluis3084]

@@AntonsHardware I have a Z card in one system and Evga in 2 system I love both worlds !!

[@mattraymond2935]

How do I get the volume and mute to work in spidif mode?

[@AntonsHardware]

Can't help you there, since I don't have this card installed anymore. Sorry!

[@MrCantSay]

Directeur, een 7.1 systeem werkt er niet op neem ik aan?

[@AntonsHardware]

Nope, only 5.1! Sorry!

[@MrCantSay]

@@AntonsHardware Bedankt voor je reactie 😃 dan zoek ik een andere kaart.

[@faithful2008]

For 7.1 you have Asus Strix Soar or Asus Strix raid Pro, only downside is upmix from stereo youtube to 5.1/7.1 sound awfull:D Right out the box ''Upmix'' future on Asus driver Sonic software sound very bad and no bass at all, sound worst than integrated sound card on 2020 newest motherboard. Also Asus Sonic Studio Driver do not have a LFE crossover, witch make me wonder how stupid can be Asus engineer software who design the software for card. I have to read a month on google how to found some software to upmix stereo to 7.1 and make the bass to work to. Now i use Equalizer APO + Peace software , witch upmix very good from stereo youtube to 7.1 soround and the bass is working to now.

[@UnimagiStudio]

Hi Anton. I have ASUS ROG STRIX B550-A gaming. specs for audio: - Audio Shielding - Premium Japanese audio capacitors - Audio Cover - Optical S/PDIF in port(s) at back panel ROG SupremeFX8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC S1220A - Dual OP Amplifiers - Impedance sense for front and rear headphone outputs - Supports: Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking - High quality120dBSNR stereo playback outputand113dBSNR recording input - Supports up to 32-Bit/192kHz playback * Audio Feature : - SupremeFX Shielding™ Technology - Gold-plated jacks * Due to limitations in HDA bandwidth, 32-Bit/192kHz is not supported for 8-Channel audio. do you think if I add Soundblaster Z gonna improve the sound?

[@AntonsHardware]

I have something similair on my motherboard. The audio components are impressive! You may benefit from a sound card if you experience humming and buzzing, coming from your motherboard. If not, I wouldn't spend too much money on a sound card, unless you are fool for electronics, like I am.

[@UnimagiStudio]

@@AntonsHardware thank you!

[@shereder-one]

Hi Anton nice video but aren't you going to talk about the cup minimum requirements for this card? What it means? Does this card uses a lot of threads?

[@AntonsHardware]

CPU requirements these day's isn't that big. I mean, I have a Xonar AE here and that one needs a Pentium 4, 1.4 GHz or a AMD Athlon 1400. Both of those are from 2000/2001. Also, these days these cards don't really use that many threads, as it only serves as a dac. Audio itself is generated by the CPU. Small addition: The impact of the CPU usage is so very small, that in a recent test I couldn't see any difference with an Intel 8600K processor, with audio on or off.

[@shereder-one]

Just bought a xonar AE and I'm not impressed Anton. Maybe it's because I owned a X-Fi Fatal1ty pro and later a Titanium maybe it's because the sound quality of the this new mobos are way better then they used to. Don't get me wrong buddy I'm not blaming you, I love hardware just as much as you do. I'll probably trial a ae-5. Thank for even bother to reply, much appreciated 🙏

[@shereder-one]

Forgot to tell you my speakers are shitty too... Logitech z623 - but I'm getting weird sound oscillations, some hick ups (this is really weird), and yes eats my cpu more than I'd like...

[@AntonsHardware]

You're more then welcome! Sneak peak: I'll be doing a review about the Fatal1ty in a week or two/three :D. The Titanium HD is really good, especially with the Burr Brown Dacs on it. The Xonar AE is a good entry level card that outclasses many other entry level cards. There are onboard solutions that use the same components (like the ESS Sabre DAC). I'm curious as to what you think of the AE5!

[@AntonsHardware]

Not good! Get new ones! I Like the Edifiers, but they aren't the best at all. They're just a bit (tiny bit) better than the Logitechs!

[@tibby1239]

Is it worth upgrading from recon 3d creative?

[@AntonsHardware]

You can be the judge of that :D I made a review about that card not too long ago! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXi6iHikmp52r68

[@UberPizzaZombie]

yes its amazing

[@idan1242]

its got a shitty ass drivers for win10

[@AntonsHardware]

As always Creative isn't that good in the driver department.

[@AqierDesigns]

My creative soundblaster z is crackling and sounding disgusting. I don't know how to fix it. If I try to install old drivers it says either: no compatible device found / newer drivers are already installed. I know it is because of windows, but is there no way to fix it???

[@AntonsHardware]

The problem is with Windows 10 version 1903. Microsoft has rebuild the audio path, but f****d up. The should be distributing a hot fix soon. It's not only the Soundblaster Z by the way. More cards have that issue.

[@crisjogos]

@@AntonsHardware New driver from Creative is arrived this month...Go to Creative website and for check it out...

[@barneysman9116]

I am getting it for CS GO!

[@AntonsHardware]

And?! Do you like it?

[@itsaken24k42]

Can u suggest btw Soundblaster Z and Xonar AE for my logitech Z625? I also hv hypercloud alpha for my headset.Thanks in advnce

[@itsaken24k42]

I play fps games like CSGO, apex, pubg.. and also like to hear song with great bass. My onboard realtek ALC892 kinda boring😂

[@AntonsHardware]

I would definitly go for the Xonar AE!

[@itsaken24k42]

Hehe thank you. I already bought Xonar AE and very satisfied with the sound quality☺️☺️

[@danig9931]

Does it works on windows 10?

[@AntonsHardware]

Yes it does! :D

[@hliasunknown]

Update Windows10 to 2004 version to fix SoundBlaster Z 5.1.

[@AntonsHardware]

I haven't checked that, since I'm not using that card in any system now. :( Sorry I can't help you!

[@mattb9664]

16 months old and Creative no longer supports the Z since my purchase. Has the best SQ, but it stutters and drops out either due to a windows update compatibility issue or an issue with the card itself. Madden 20 is unusable, KI, SFV, MVC Infinity War, Doom all stop working after 20 minutes now. Great times. Creative should just pull them off the market and crush them if they really want everyone to buy the current RGB card. Extremely great SQ and DD though while it was working properly.

[@AntonsHardware]

I totally agree! But aren't your troubles not caused by somthing else? Have you tried playing without the soundcard and does it crash then?

[@mattb9664]

I removed the Z and have gone back to on-board sound. No stuttering or crashing with any games now, but certainly am missing the super clear and wider stereo separation of the Z. I got most my money back using the Square Trade policy. So my Z cost like $20 (actually $35 with the policy) to use for 16 months. Not sure I’ll buy the updated RGB one.

[@BaradaNels]

Buroch The windows 10 updates have broke the Sound Blaster Z. It’s not his card. It’s the drivers.

[@mattb9664]

@@BaradaNels Once I saw that an Oct 19 driver set was released, I reinstalled the Z card. The complete Blizzard suite, Doom, Jedi First Order, etc.... all plays in Dolby Digital ok for about 30 minutes or so, then goes into a perpetual sound stutter. Madden 20 still stutters immediately after the field is loaded up. This again is only for Dolby Digital. Once I turn off Dolby Digital in the settings, then the card is ok. No matter to me though - this card only cost me $20 now after I rightfully used my Square Trade (for loss of a key feature). Shame on Creative for not maintaining their drivers during the developer beta period when Windows pre-releases the next service pack.

[@Predator000099]

Been using my sound blaster z for 4 years now, no problems. Windows 10

[@DarkStarProGamer]

Equalizer, volume normalization etc. .. are 100% software based and are available via free tools such as Equalizer APO which BTW does so much better, the 25 year old Creative control panel is actually a joke. For example with EQ you get unlimited bands . You get volume normalization by frequency band . And a whole bunch of other tweaks. And the crystal voice trick is the oldest one in the book, offered by many other free software such as Voicemod which again are light years better.

[@AntonsHardware]

Thanks for the Equalizer APO tip! Didn't know about that one bofore!

[@coolbvwes1]

Wat is de hoogte van de kaart. Ivm ik zie overal 6cm op het internet wat ik dus niet geloof. Ivm hij dan recht boven mijn grafische kaart moet passen

[@AntonsHardware]

Dat moet passen hoor. Jij is zeker geen 6 cm. Eerder 1 cm.

[@acidkhmer]

I have the zxr version, and the sound is 10 times better than my asus Phoebus sound card.

[@AntonsHardware]

I have the ZxR as well and you may be right! The Phoebus is a capable card, but component wise the ZxR is a lot better!

[@markdelgado6291]

Just give me your spare one. 🙃

[@AntonsHardware]

Hahaha, you wish! I'm keeping it for my collection! :D

[@jimmyjones6086]

@@AntonsHardware Je vrouw heeft gelijk.. beetje onzinnig om 10 geluidskaarten te hoarden. Gewoon lekker op Marktplaats gooien. Geen idee waarom je geluidskaarten zou verzamelen...

[@caseysharp8030]

I just bought for 60$.

[@AntonsHardware]

Do you like it?

[@caseysharp8030]

@@AntonsHardware Hey. Well, I previously bought the Edifier Luna Eclipse speakers, and well not to mention but it had absolutely change my media viewing experience. But then, I bought the sound card, I can clearly hear the difference even with good speakers, it was a whole other completely different level of viewing experience. I had to switch between my pc and laptop in order to listen to videos during an update and that was something else just to show how good the sound card was, the moment I plugged it in, that's when the audio went way quieter like full blast I couldn't hear it very far away so I had to turn up the speakers almost full power, that's how good it was the sound card compared to my laptop. Thanks for asking.

[@AntonsHardware]

Thank you for replying and good to hear!

[@calical26]

when you watch movie with out you turn up the vulem but when there is action shooting very loud with a sound card balence out the sound to ther sam lvl

[@AntonsHardware]

Maybe you have smart volume turned on?

[@TheSamanTK]

No drivers for Win10 1903. Crackling sound with actual drivers.

[@AntonsHardware]

Thats because of Microsoft. www.techpowerup.com/258611/windows-10-1903-has-a-nasty-audio-stutter-bug-microsoft-hasnt-managed-to-fix

[@justspartak]

Creative update drivers for Win10 1903. All work is fine! Use driver: SBZ_CD_L13_1_01_11

[@SebQc]

How many ohm ?max

[@AntonsHardware]

Creative states that the Soundblaster Z has a 600Ohm Headphone Amplifier. Don't know if that helps.

[@cupraaron]

@@AntonsHardware Can you tell me how to change the settings for headphones with high ohms? Cant find the setting in the drivers. There must be a gain-setting somewhere.... Thanks a lot!

[@blueguy09]

@@cupraaron simply connecting the headphones and selecting it from the sound drop down in windows will switch to headphone mode in the sound manager . The ohm support comes from the headphones themselves , in the manager there's a speaker headphone tab go there

[@ARUNTV650]

SPDIF LA 5.1 OUT ANY

[@AntonsHardware]

Yes it has SPDIF! :D

[@moradorderua9243]

lol

[@ARUNTV650]

SPDIF LA 5.1 SUPPORT OUT

[@AntonsHardware]

Hi ArunTV, just wondering. Is this a question or a remark?