Does this connect directly via PCI-E or does it use internal USB bridging like some other sound cards?

Directly via PCI-E. Works great.

Does the AE-7 sound any better than the AE-5 plus for hi res music into 5.1 speakers? I am speaking of just listening to hi res music alone.

The AE-7 features an ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC that delivers an incredibly clean 127dB DNR audio stream, which suggests it provides superior sound quality for high-resolution music compared to the AE-5 Plus. It supports discrete 5.1 on speakers, enhancing the listening experience for hi-res music.

does the Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 Sound Card (Metallic Gray) come in full height? I have a full size tower

If your talking about the size of the sound card yes it will fit in your tower it needs one pci slot on the back of your computer. It is a full size sound card....

What are the dimensions and weight of the main card and audio control module for the AE-7?

The main card dimensions are 5.71" x 0.79" x 5.04" and it weighs 0.48 lb. The audio control module dimensions are 3.94" x 3.62" x 2.76" and it weighs 0.63 lb.

What type of audio processing does the Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 use to enhance sound quality?

The Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 uses a dedicated quad-core processor for true hardware accelerated audio, designed to deliver pristine and enhanced sound without overstressing your CPU.

For now just want to use a 5.1 sound bar with bass attached to my tower, any problems with wiring connections???

No problem hooked to computer speakers

Can this support 600 ohm headphones like the DT880?

Yes, it does, its meant for headphones like DT880.

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Main image of Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 Hi-Res Internal PCIe Sound Card, Quad-Core Processor, 127dB DNR ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC, Xamp Discrete Custom Bi-amp, Discrete 5.1/Virtual 7.1, Dolby, DTS Encoding (Black)

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Alt view image 4 of 13 - Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 Hi-Res Internal PCIe Sound Card, Quad-Core Processor, 127dB DNR ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC, Xamp Discrete Custom Bi-amp, Discrete 5.1/Virtual 7.1, Dolby, DTS Encoding (Black)

Alt view image 5 of 13 - Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 Hi-Res Internal PCIe Sound Card, Quad-Core Processor, 127dB DNR ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC, Xamp Discrete Custom Bi-amp, Discrete 5.1/Virtual 7.1, Dolby, DTS Encoding (Black)

Alt view image 6 of 13 - Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 Hi-Res Internal PCIe Sound Card, Quad-Core Processor, 127dB DNR ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC, Xamp Discrete Custom Bi-amp, Discrete 5.1/Virtual 7.1, Dolby, DTS Encoding (Black)

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Alt view image 8 of 13 - Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 Hi-Res Internal PCIe Sound Card, Quad-Core Processor, 127dB DNR ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC, Xamp Discrete Custom Bi-amp, Discrete 5.1/Virtual 7.1, Dolby, DTS Encoding (Black)

Alt view image 9 of 13 - Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 Hi-Res Internal PCIe Sound Card, Quad-Core Processor, 127dB DNR ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC, Xamp Discrete Custom Bi-amp, Discrete 5.1/Virtual 7.1, Dolby, DTS Encoding (Black)

Alt view image 10 of 13 - Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 Hi-Res Internal PCIe Sound Card, Quad-Core Processor, 127dB DNR ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC, Xamp Discrete Custom Bi-amp, Discrete 5.1/Virtual 7.1, Dolby, DTS Encoding (Black)

Alt view image 11 of 13 - Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 Hi-Res Internal PCIe Sound Card, Quad-Core Processor, 127dB DNR ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC, Xamp Discrete Custom Bi-amp, Discrete 5.1/Virtual 7.1, Dolby, DTS Encoding (Black)

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Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 Hi-Res Internal PCIe Sound Card, Quad-Core Processor, 127dB DNR ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC, Xamp Discrete Custom Bi-amp, Discrete 5.1/Virtual 7.1, Dolby, DTS Encoding (Black)

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Option: Sound Blaster AE-7

Sound Blaster AE-9
Sound Blaster AE-7
Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus
SoundBlaster G8

Pristine Audio Output | Supreme Audio Fidelity With 127 Db Dnr Hi-Res 32-Bit / 384 Khz Playback Via Ess Sabre-Class 9018 Dac And Dsd64 Playback Support That Satisfies Even The Most Demanding Needs Of Audiophiles For Incredibly Clean Audio
Massively Powerful Headphone Audio | Custom Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-Amp Powers Each Earcup Separately With 1O Output Impedance And Drives Studio-Grade Headphones Of Up To 600O
Theatrical-Grade Discreet And Virtual Surround | Supports Discrete 5. 1 On Speakers With Dolby Digital Live / Dts Connect Encoding, And Up To 7. 1 Virtual Surround On Headphones And Speakers. To Top It Off, We Have Also Integrated Sound Blaster’s Surround Virtualization Technology Onto Ae-7 So That You Can Conveniently Enjoy Surround Sound On Most Form Of Media
True Hardware Accelerated Audio | Dedicated Quad-Core Processor Designed To Deliver Incredibly Pristine And Enhanced Sound On Your Pc Without Overstressing Your Cpu.

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Model
Brand	Creative
Series	Sound Blaster
Model	AE-7
Part	70SB180000000

Audio core
Audio Chipset	Sound Core3D
Channels	5.1 surround channels, and up to 7.1 virtual surround channels
Sample Rate	384 KHz
Digital Audio	32-bit
SNR	127dB
Encode	DTS Connect Encoding

Ports
Line Out	1 x 1/8" HP Out (3-pole) 1 x 1/4" HP Out (3-pole)
MIC In	1 x 1/8" Mic-in (Mono) 1 x 1/4" Mic-in (Mono)

Details
Interface	PCI Express x1
Remote Control	Yes
Operating Systems Supported	Microsoft Windows 10 32 / 64 bit, Windows 8.1/8.0 32 / 64 bit, Windows 7 32 / 64 bit
System Requirements	Intel Core i3 AMD equivalent processor Intel, AMD or 100% compatible motherboard 1 GB RAM > 600 MB of free hard disk space Available PCIe slot

Features
Features	Hardware Accelerated Audio The addition of AE-7 to your PC rig basically means one thing - you're adding in a dedicated quad-core processor designed with one goal in mind - to deliver incredibly pristine and enhanced sound on your PC without overstressing your CPU. Sound Blaster handles audio processing on the card itself, freeing up your CPU to handle other tasks. Clean and Crisp Audio Clarity Enhanced audio is only going to sound as good as the components delivering it, and with the AE-7, we're not pulling any punches. The AE-7 features an ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC that delivers an incredibly clean 127dB DNR audio stream at up to 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and DSD64 Playback. If pristine is at the core of your demand, the AE-7 is going to blow past your expectations. Theatrical-Grade Discreet and Virtual Surround Whether you are outputting to headphones or speakers, the AE-7 is able to take stereo or multi-stream sources and transform them into immersive, theatrical audio. It supports discrete 5.1 on speakers, and up to 7.1 virtual surround on speakers and headphones. You can even switch effortlessly between headphones and your speakers for those times you want to pump the bass or go stealthier with your headphones. There's also Dolby Digital Live and DTS Connect Encoding for even more delivery options to your external audio devices. Audio Control Module Take easy control with the ACM that is incorporated with a built-in microphone array, 6.3 mm and 3.5 mm connectors for mic and headphones input and output connections. You can conveniently adjust the volume with the knob on the ACM - all within your fingertips.

Dimensions & Weight
Dimensions	Main Card: 5.71" x 0.79" x 5.04" Audio Control Module (ACM): 3.94" x 3.62" x 2.76"
Weight	Main Card: 0.48 lb. Audio Control Unit (ACM): 0.63 lb.

Package Contents
Package Contents	Sound Blaster AE-7 (Main Card) Audio Control Module Quick Start Leaflet Warranty Leaflets

Additional Information
First Listed on Newegg	September 12, 2019

Warranty & Returns

Warranty, Returns, And Additional Information

Warranty

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Return for refund until: January 31, 2026

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Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 Hi-Res Internal PCIe Sound Card, Quad-Core Processor, 127dB DNR ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC, Xamp Discrete Custom Bi-amp, Discrete 5.1/Virtual 7.1, Dolby, DTS Encoding (Black)

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Item#: N82E16829102106

Best Sellers

Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 Hi-Res Internal PCIe Sound Card, Quad-Core Processor, 127dB DNR ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC, Xamp Discrete Custom Bi-amp, Discrete 5.1/Virtual 7.1, Dolby, DTS Encoding (Black)

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Learn more about the Creative Labs AE-7

Customer Reviews of the Creative Labs AE-7

Warranty & Returns

Warranty, Returns, And Additional Information

Warranty

Return Policies

Manufacturer Contact Info