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Brand | Creative |
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Series | Sound Blaster |
Model | AE-7 |
Part | 70SB180000000 |
Audio Chipset | Sound Core3D |
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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 |
Line Out | 1 x 1/8" HP Out (3-pole) 1 x 1/4" HP Out (3-pole) |
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MIC In | 1 x 1/8" Mic-in (Mono) 1 x 1/4" Mic-in (Mono) |
Interface | PCI Express x1 |
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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 | 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. |
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Dimensions | Main Card: 5.71" x 0.79" x 5.04" Audio Control Module (ACM): 3.94" x 3.62" x 2.76" |
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Weight | Main Card: 0.48 lb. Audio Control Unit (ACM): 0.63 lb. |
Package Contents | Sound Blaster AE-7 (Main Card) Audio Control Module Quick Start Leaflet Warranty Leaflets |
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Date First Available | July 21, 2020 |
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Pros: Accessibility. Reliability. Trustworthy manufacturer. A name you know is good. Audiophile quality.
Cons: Another expansion card. Sometimes quirky software. Slight increase in energy usage. "Scout" audio feature has been criticized by many.
Overall Review: Before SoundBlaster, I used a Votrax unit, but it was severely limited in function. Then came the SoundBlaster card that I added to my 386 computer and Wow! the sound was good! Ever since then I have added an audio card to my computer builds because I do a lot of work with music and need an easy way to do it. Over the years they have incorporated MIDI, XLR, FireWire, USB and various other modalities of music transfer to their units so that I can use my keyboard (or other musical instrument) to send a signal direct to the computer with no latency and a clean sound. The AE7 has a Hi-res PCI-e DAC, Headphone Bi-amp and audio at 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and DSD64 Playback. Audiophile, pure and simple. That is why I am willing to add the SoundBlaster Audio card to my system.
Pros: * Easily installed and accessed * Drivers are up-to-date * Amazing sound quality (Note: I use ATH-m50x headphones) * Sleek, minimalist design on the card in-tower * Usable with a more wide array of input and output cords * Directional sound is absolutely ridiculous. My COD abilities went through the roof after this purchase. * Deep bass you can feel, punchy drums, beautiful trebles * PCIe format keeps the table-top clutter to a minimum, as opposed to other amp and dac combos * The audio control module adds a layer of instantaneous, "analog" control that I absolutely love.
Cons: Splitting hairs, but it does tend to make my webcam my default mic input on any given program now, even though I have a tripod mic on my desk that is set to default. I'm also not keen on the design of the desktop audio control module, but again, I'm being very picky. It's purely subjective, and it's operation is superb. Scout mode hasn't been touched, it's basically a sham.
Overall Review: Absolutely amazing. For what I was looking for, this was the perfect purchase, and I would definitely purchase again given the choice, even at the $200 price point.
Pros: It sounds like I am in the movie theater and it's not RGB.
Cons: None. This one of the best
Overall Review: I recommend it if you prefer soundcards.
Pros: This is a very nice sound card. Everything is crystal clear, and it does exactly what you would expect.
Cons: It seems Creative has moved away from bundling usable software for anything else but gaming. That is too bad. I purchased this product on the sound quality, and know how to get around most of the issues.
Overall Review: I had no issues installing this (hardware and software wise). Happy with this product.
Overall Review: They do put out better audio than any onboard audio on Any motherboard. Make sure you have headphones that can take advantage of it, and you'll be amazed at how you can hear everything. Music never sounded so great, and it does help in gaming as well. Not only can you hear footsteps, but you can easily tell exactly where they are.
Pros: Finally, I can get real volume from all sites. For some reason, many sites did not have the db level I wanted.
Overall Review: Good alternative to even the REALTEK onboard audio.
Pros: Seems well made Minimalist Aesthetics SBX Software has a good balance between sound profile options, EQ, and simplicity 👌🏽
Cons: Not compatible with Smart TVs, but in all fairness this product was not advertised as such. It was my mistake for assuming that because HDMI and DP 1.4 worked, so would this card.
Overall Review: Would buy again if I had the appropriate kit. Recommend you double check system requirements/ support page before buying to avoid making the same foolish assumptions as I.
Pros: 32bit 384khz direct mode. No rgb. No molex. Power by the pci slot.
Overall Review: I upgraded from the ae-5 to this because I didn’t need the overkill stuff on the ae-9. The ae-7 is essentially the same thing as the ae-9 card wise, the difference is the desktop unit which I didn’t need. These capacitors and shielding are upgrades of the ae-5. In turn you get better interference reduction and higher dba output. Sound playback at 32bit 384khz in direct mode using source material or from master versions in tidal using exclusive mode allowing the card to do the decoding, is the BEST sound you will find from a sound card on the market. Games and movies sound phenomenal when left in native 5.1, even on a headset. There is no rgb, but the name lights up in plain white, which in my opinion matches the brushed aluminum appearance just fine. I’d buy this thing 10 times again.