SoundBlaster AE-9 Premium Sound Card or Just Premium Price?

[@feeterican]

I've been using Sound Blaster cards since 2003. I don't think I'll ever use onboard sound since I'm still able to hear the difference.

[@PradeepRaajkumar1981]

Great.. same here

[@Chris-ji8jw]

Hey guys, what do you pump your audio through?

[@NormanFoxLee]

hmm, but if their characteristics are the same - what is the difference? Can you check MEG Z790 GODLIKE? It uses 32-Bit/384 kHz ESS ES9280AQ Combo DAC/HPA

[@hassaninalesawi7917]

Can you tell me whats the best sound blaster( in any price ) please

[@feeterican]

@@hassaninalesawi7917 Well, for a 100 dollars you can get the SB Z SE. Or the AE-5 for 150 which is the one I'm currently using (side note if you go with that card. You don't have to plug in the sublimental power plug if your not using the LED strip it comes with) or if you want to spend a few more dollars there is the AE-7 for 229. Next system I build I will probably go for the AE-7.

[@OaklandTravel]

Finally a video that actually shows the unit and the ACM cable. Well done. :) 👍

[@magmilion4175]

I bought it for music listening on headphones and I have to say it is absolutely fantastic.

[@seadogharris2102]

Bought the AE-9 for DSD capabilities.

[@FoxWJK]

@@seadogharris2102 DSD?

[@coisasnatv]

We live in a world with full access to information, but, looks like no one look for it anymore. Gain and volume are different things, boosting the gain boosts everything, including noise (as you have noticed), also, it affects the tonal quality because it changes the signal. What any sound card/adapter offers is a very basic connection for mics, like the old electret mics. If you really care that much about sound quality for microphones, you need a mixing console, use XLR mics and apply some compression and EQ to flat the frequency response. If you disable audio EQ, you have to learn how your own ear works! Google for “Fletcher Munson,” or “equal loudness” curves and understand why you need it to "flat" your audio.

[@ragtop63]

I've been using Sound Blaster cards since 1990. I still use them for most of my gaming and general purpose PC builds because I can definitely tell the difference between the software DSP built into motherboard audio and the hardware DSP offered by discrete interfaces. Just something as simple as EQ sounds is so much better on hardware DSP.

[@Roseirful]

Thanks for the video, it was one of the two best about this card. I purchased it anyway (at 169 as B-Stock, it looks like a new card for 50% of the cost, not even a single scratch…I would have never paid 300 as I have other gear). I purchased a Marantz MPM-1000 out of curiosity and the sound was fine with the default +10dB gain. USB MPM-4000M sounded a bit cleaner but for a guy who only use microphones for Teams/Meet, it was fine. A lot better than webcam or headphones mic at least. For headphones, the sound is OK for music, SBX was impressive with the RDR2 preset. I would not buy it for music alone for sure, an external solution is better. Sound is a little bit less clean than my headphone stack. The good thing about this card is that it provides lot of inputs and outputs as well as features. Most of them are at most Ok, most of the time good. So in the audio world it is actually a cheap product price-wise (relatively to quality and features). Maybe if you are a « pro » you can find better individual (and external) products, but this one is pretty good for amateurs. The stylish ACM was decisive for me compared to the AE-7.

[@Skyrider1300R]

I am very happy to hear that B Stock cards are in a good condition .Like you i ordered mine today .Fingers crossed it will be good as yours . How s it going so far ? Everything good ? In Europe its 330 Eur and i got it B Stock 169Eur . Hope it will work . Best regards .

[@UpgradingAsUsual]

I used to buy sound blaster cards. Audigy, Xfi etc. Then I bought a budget AVR and some stereo speakers. Never looked back. Now it's evolved into a Denon x3800h with monitor audio bronze 6g speakers with 2x SVS subwoofers and 4 ceiling speakers in a 5.2.4 full Dolby Atmos system. What a journey!

[@p.1206]

All the reviews i've seen have had bad performance with mic's that don't use phantom power. But the mics that do use phantom power sound perfectly fine and great.

[@TB-tg4ri]

Even if this Video is already 2 years old, its still very Great. Thank you very much for this. This helped a Lot 🙂👍

[@RogueBrit]

Still using my Xonar.. Amazing cards

[@z00fbar]

You can swap out the cable, its a mini-HDMI to HDMI cable :) just recently replaced mine as i accidendly broke it but it was simple enough to do.

[@SuprUsrStan]

Oooo you're right! Looks like disassembling the ACM reveals a regular HDMI connector inside the device. Would it have killed them to give a USB-C interface though...

[@z00fbar]

@@SuprUsrStan i know right haha

[@atban1824]

Thank you

[@Yuenix]

Yeah i re watched your video again, Yes now I see what your saying about the mic input and the sound hissing in the background with the sm7b. Oohhhh NOW I see what your saying bro, im glad you actually really explained and made clear about the boost of sound mic input. Gotcha, Man i am glad you've clarified that. THANK you again brother.

[@ryandunham9282]

Did it fix it when you boosted it cuz I want to buy one of these myself.

[@SuperGokuSon]

The SoundBlaster sound quality anialates even the best mobo on bord soundcards in clarity alone.

[@samuelgalloway7682]

You can change the ACM cable, You have to it apart and it unplugs from inside the module

[@OaklandTravel]

Do you have to have the Sound Blaster software running to use the sound card?

[@Mr_Centipede]

I am on AE-5 plus, and the mic hissing also there. I used, mic with gaming headsets, seperate lav mic, shotgun mic, cheap ones, expensive ones, all have the hissing problem. All need to crank up the gain to be able to hear. Maybe I'll just get a usb mic. That said, the playback sound is nice. Only mic I'm having problem.

[@evileyeball]

I have an AE-5 on the way because my Asus ROG Z690-F Motherboard is an audio fail for me. The output is good I hear no problems with the output but one of my primary use cases for my PC audio wise is to connect it to my Stereo system for digitization of Physical media and the LINE IN jack on the motherboard produces low volume input 90% of the time and at random intervals it pops up to the point it should be at despite all the windows settings being correct to not lower volume or power automatically and despite the windows level control siting at the same point 100% of the time. Retasking the Front pannel Mic jack as a line in on my case via the Realtek software works flawlessly. I tried 3 different input sources, connected to the rear and the front line in, 2 different driver versions from ASUS and a custom modified fan made driver and none of them improved the situation, in fact some made it worse so hahaha I decided to get a soundcard to correct the issue.

[@upreydeen]

I like that you can replace the stock operational single amplifier chips, and probably replace them with a much better ones

[@luminousfractal420]

wire the mic directly into the soundcard, the extensions always had issues

[@willo1345]

I'm going to be honest, I listened to a lot of KZbinrs who said just stick it in direct mode as its going to be better in every way. Then I started playing with SBX for music. SBX blows direct mode out of the water completely and makes music an absolute joy to listen to. Movies is a similar experience. For gaming, I tend to use direct mode as games typically have their own processing for their sound that may make it conflict with sbx. SBX for music just really makes music sound more alive instead of just flat and boring. Granted, your mileage may vary depending on multiple factors including just the headphones you use.

[@Zmyszen]

What are your settings?

[@willo1345]

@Zmyszen I have since bought a new pair of headphones that sound completely different. You have to change the settings depending on the headphones you have.

[@SerimonVideo]

Thank you for the 4K video! Looks like you have the newer revision of this card. My AE-9 have a glossy panel on the front of the ACM, and the mini-HDMI port on the soundcard board is not protected by epoxy resin. I bought my AE-9 in 2019. It is sad that they still have not fixed the mic noise. But it is still possible to use Behringer C-1 (48V) mic without much noise. By the way, if you turn off the display on the ACM (by pressing the SBX button for 5 seconds), then the noise level will decrease slightly. By the way, Creative also have AE-9 PE (playback edition) version, which does not have a microphone part and, as a result, a little cheaper. :)

[@angeltensey]

Mics that doesnt require tons of gain like handheld dynamics will probably work well enough. I have a bunch of microphones just as like personal kink and i decided it would be easy to buy a popular amp DBX 286s to get flawless performance on any mic i want to add into my collection. I hooked up dbx to line on a ACM and now perfectly happy. ps: currently using rode procaster.

[@SerimonVideo]

@@angeltensey Yeah, the line input on a ACM has no noise at all, I have read about it before, it is very nice for quality, but you need to buy a microphone amplifier separately, sadly.

[@hubert-williams3379]

Nice video.. I bought this card about 4-5 yrs ago.. it's still sitting in the box unused.. saving it for my next build AMD Rysen, not sure which processor currently looking at AsRock Taichi E670 motherboard but this board does not have enough PCiE lanes.. one for video card and the other for the sound card.. anyway I was wondering whats your thoughts on pairing this card up with a mid level to high end motherboard.. also I love the speakers you have . Those Adam A5X what did you pay and where would you suggest I get a set from.. I'm only into High end audio.. I have the Sub 8 Kanto and the YU6's....but I want to see how much better is the Adam A5x.. I also have the Kanto Tuk on a different system which are extremely good speakers.

[@bastonyx]

7:22 - - What? I still use the ZxR with the Audio Module and it has zero of "hizz" or "buzz" or what ever you are talking about. The ZxR was and still is a good card - even the X-Fi and the external Inputs have no "hizz" or any other sounds - well, also same on even older AUDIGY cards.. You may check if you are installing your soundcards directly under your GPU - Must be an issue on your setups I guess..

[@serial_ghost1005]

First of all this is a great and informative review thumbs up!! I ordered one AE-9 just for the output. My mic is set up separately and will not be used with the AE-9. My question is: Is this soundcard good enough for the output? Was there any interference when used with a headset?

[@Yuenix]

Hey brother I love your review and feedback, but I was just curious and wondering how is it in your opinion on your feedback on 384khz sample rate quality? Just wondering how is it because I been thinking about getting it not just for gaminbut also for music production as well.

[@Crisor-i1l]

Does it make any difference between using a sound card and using an optical cable connection? I mean, is there a difference between the sound quality of the motherboard and the sound card?

[@Џони-с1в]

hello sir wich cable i shoud by for 2 monitors, rca male to xlr female or trs 1/4 to xlr female to connect with this card, im looking at mogami cables but im not sure what fits in soundcard rca or trs thank you

[@drgrindxl]

Any Ideas how to fix the problem with a modification?

[@ikkuranus]

Have you tried using mini hdmi cables + couplers to extend the length of the built-in cable. If so what length and brand?

[@birdsoup777]

I love creative products except their applications. Owned every other version Sound Blaster Live, X-FI, Audigy, Z series, AE series. I returned the AE-5 for a Burson Play DAC/AMP. Bummer, per-ordered the AE-5 and wasn't happy. Competitive Main board Audio, Graphic's cards size and heat increasing is shrinking markets for internal.

[@arnaldogonsalves1191]

Penso eu produtos SoundBlaster, muito bom mas não consegui se adequar ao usuário gamer e preço é bem fora da realidade, bom vídeo,thank you.

[@CheapSushi]

Sorry if a dumb question but for that XLR connection, can I hook up my guitar to record?

[@ProgrammingWithOsku]

Dose it has mic effects sound like revarbs and echo like old versions 5.1 XI-FI

[@albiss1164]

Would like to know if the ASIO is exclusive, non-exclusive, multi-clients ?

[@Tobnosh]

did see in a shop that sm7b needs a pre amp or cloudlifter to be optimal use, that static noice is bad even ae5 on some dacota mic have that noice , but is do also have it on the usb line

[@FRT550]

Is there a big difference between ae5 plus and ae9 for music listening?

[@pvp7]

will be a big difference if i just want audio and not voice quality, talking about the soundblaster AE 9 and the soundblaster G6, because has the same specs, and i only want a nice audio, what do you think?

[@Scottyl35]

Can I hook this sound card to my logitech 5.1 surround? My logitech already has a display and volume?

[@christopherramsay5517]

Drivers need update. Been longtime coming. I love AE9 only two things need to improve in next card. Drivers need to be more frequent and line in needs to be cleaner. But audio out is god send.

[@TheUncleshady]

How do I connect a Logitech Z5300e speaker set to this. It has the three 3.5m jacks for Center, CSub, Rear. I don't see those inputs on this AE-9?

[@ferenckluni7652]

They are there. The front connectors are RCA but the give you an RCA - jack adapter. So you can connect 3 jacks for 5.1 sound system. 😊

[@coolacadien]

Is there a big difference in quality sound compared to the PC mother board sound to justify the price?

[@weskirkland5850]

I hate having a discrete sound card but newer mobos only have a line out on the back to make more room for usb ports. My audio system still requires 5.1 (3x) 3.5mm outputs.

[@keviin1314]

Yea Mine to, beside optical but it seems dolby dont Work ober optical. But the ae 9 doesnt habe 3x 3.5mm right ?

[@reachtube]

​@@keviin1314it does most sound blasters are 3x3.5mm for 5.1, few with 7.1.thats 4x3.5mm

[@kieronsmith3609]

I have a usb c headset and 3.5mm speakers will this work with both

[@KevinMendoza94PeSwe]

get a cloud lifter or fethead for the mic, thats a must.

[@keviin1314]

Ist it possible to get 5.1 for speakers ?

[@marcuscook5145]

Given how much this thing costs, it should have much better preamps on the XLR input. Most people would be better off just getting a Focusrite Scarlett and a Cloudlifter.

[@honorabilis1]

the driver software is bad still on windows 11 have to switch from headphone to speakers every so often it messes up sbx

[@tybym]

Can you turn off the lights on the ACM module or do they turn off by themselves after a set time?

[@SuprUsrStan]

I don’t think so

[@tybym]

@@SuprUsrStan Thank you!

[@azasel82]

Need help, try to make a Karaoke out of my computer for a family usage, I have XLR Shure cable MIC SM58 Dynamic. So you saying there is no enough power for it? I was about to buy it, but can this AE-9 power my mic properly? Please let me know, already subscribe!

[@SuprUsrStan]

Sm7b and sm58 are both gain hungry mics that require at least 60 db of gain. I would not buy the ae9 for XLR input. It’s just not powerful enough to drive these mics and even if you boost the gain digitally it’s really noisy.

[@michaeldia2164]

The SM7b is a very low impedance microphone in general, a Sm58 will be fine.

[@azasel82]

Thanks bro, for my SM58, and my PC computer with AE-5 current sound card, what AMP with XRL Input, do you advise me to get? @@SuprUsrStan

[@christopherramsay5517]

Weakest part of ae-9 is line in jack. Creative would have hit homerun if line in was cleaned up.

[@SonicCDspeedrunArchives]

The fact that XLR is not up to snuff on the AE-9 is a flaw large enough to prevent me from buying this. Creative nailed exactly what I want from a modern day PC sound card in all these features, inputs, outputs, Optical In+Out, XLR in, all the headphones options, wonderful! But you can't drop the ball on the XLR input because the XLR input is what I've been waiting for! Sad. : (

[@TruePlatform]

As someone who works in the sound industry, I can honestly say that It's not the XLR input as the problem, the problem in the specific video is essentially the SM7B as its a 'dynamic' microphone, and it's known to be extremely low in sensitivity, even some of the best interfaces let alone some of the best sound Mixers in the world still have a hard time providing enough gain to push the SM7B to decent dB levels, but the easiest way around this problem is by using an XLR cloud lifter which then boosts the gain and also removes any "Noise". So don't let this discourage you from getting the AE-9. Cheers.

[@Shishio]

@@TruePlatform Your comment is like a late Christmas present to me and maybe for others. At first, I wasn't sure if the AE-9 can handle my condenser microphone but now I'm more convinced it can. Thanks mate.

[@Ninjastar202]

Does the unit control the volume on your desktop speakers?

[@SuprUsrStan]

Yes

[@christopherbusby2243]

Ive had mine for a couple of years now and honestly I feel like you can do much better for this amount of money. Just cut to the chase and get a Schit Modi and a Gilmore mk2. Youll be much happier. I find myself never using the ae 9. It sounds atrocious compared to a good dac and amp.

[@chiptoothtech4937]

LOVE YOUR CONTENT STAN!! THIS VIDEO HELPED ME DECIDED MY CHOICE IN GETTING THE SOUNDBLASTER AE-9 OR NOT. YOUR REVIEWS ARE ALWAYS AWESOME!! CANT WAIT FOR YOUR NEXT CONTENT. ^_^!

[@numinous123]

The sound is great, BUT, the mike has a slight delay on the processing and the build quality of the DAC part (the one with the plugs for the headphone and mike) has ABYSMAL quality. The first one broke, then I had it replaced....and guess what? It broke as well. A replaceable cable with have fixed this problem, but nope, when it breaks it's just broken. Also, the sound card won't work if the HDMI cable is broken.

[@iancurrie8844]

“My computer is pretty far away from my monitor” monitor and computer nearly touching in the background.

[@christopherramsay5517]

Drivers need update its 2022. Previous reviews say inputs are problem. Creative made awesome output but inputs are much to be desired. If only Creative made cleaner inputs. Would have hit a homerun.

[@Ophiuchus1]

The midi connection is a good thing.

[@SoyJaredM]

❤️

[@Shion0Hibiki]

I still use sound card lol. not paying over $1000 for a motherboard when i can get a good board for just $400 and pay another $400 for this card.

[@diesel7903]

Use a cloud lifter for the mic

[@electroplank587]

does this work on Linux ?

[@SuprUsrStan]

Dunno.

[@selcukkolunsag5304]

i have sennheiser gsp 600 headphones and bose companion2 2.0 speaker for this setup my g6 is okay but im thinking to upgrade ae-9 does it worth ? big diffrence or not ?

[@Vetorian]

Dont buy the AE-9 got one my self and its full of software problems! somthimes it does not start or the sound turns bad and rough without reason and does not go away ! it is even so bad the AE-9 does not start halv of the time i am at the moment searching the XXX time for a fix.....

[@mountedpatrolman]

I don't care what MB manufactures claim, all their sound solutions suck, including ASUS's. Until someone includes a full-blown quality DAC audio solution, I will continue to run an internal sound card, or an External setup on a laptop.

[@MikeleKonstantyFiedorowiczIV]

Creative is great company for average people who dont wanna spend a lot of cash and upgrade their audio. I bought g6 for 40$ used and its great. But if you wanna buy some high end audio better go in to topping or others companys. But i must say last years products of creative in sound cards look like they try to "make soundblaster great again". Buzzing or noise on microphone is not accetable in this price point, for me microphone jack hole is useless cause in those times you can easy find good micro usb port and builded in, low noise amp but if you are pro youtuber or profesional content creator. they fuck up hard.

[@Diego-lt4wm]

Could you suggest some companies that produce high end sound cards? In internet they only mention Sound Blaster all the time

[@ttrons2]

motherboard sound is great but the rca connections are crap and prone to hum

[@stephanemorel8904]

attention carte en panne et pas de solution de la par de créative service après vente nul nul nul je déconseille

[@gengpan]

device performance doesnt match the price.....

[@gengpan]

but is the noise the micphone's problem or the sound card's problem?

[@YTareWOKEBastards]

EVGA NU Audio Pro sound card is much better.

[@ProgrammingWithOsku]

Dose it has mic effects sound like revarbs and echo like old versions 5.1 XI-FI