Creative Launch Sound Blaster X - Pro Gaming Audio Gear

New audio equipment, including headsets, in-head headphones and an external sound card with headphone amp, comprise Creative’s fresh gaming lineup.

New audio equipment, including headsets, in-head headphones and an external sound card with headphone amp, comprise Creative’s fresh gaming lineup.

PRESS RELEASE

COLOGNE, Germany – 4 August 2015 – Creative Technology Ltd today announced at gamescom 2015 – as part of the Sound BlasterX Gaming Series the Sound BlasterX G5, the Sound BlasterX P5, and Sound BlasterX H-series headsets.

Sound BlasterX G5

The Sound BlasterX G5 is an external sound card that comes with the built-in SB-Axx1 multi-core chipset for hardware accelerated SBX Pro Studio enhanced audio and transforms even basic stereo into 3D positional surround sound on your headset. The Sound BlasterX G5 also supports multi-channel content, delivering true 7.1 audio for ultra-realistic surround sound.

Built with precision audiophile components, the Sound BlasterX G5 is also a 24-bit/192kHz, 120dB USB DAC and headphone amplifier with 2.2 ohm output impedance for high fidelity playback – driving studio-grade headphones up to 600 ohms and sensitive in-ear monitors. The illuminated volume control knob and dedicated SBX and Scout Mode buttons also allow for quick volume or audio adjustments during gaming sessions.

• USB plug-and-play functionality
• Dedicated SB-Axx1 audio processor
• 120dB DAC for 24-bit/192kHz playback
• Headphone amplifier with low 2.2 ohm output impedance supporting sensitive in-ear monitors and studio-grade headphones up to 600 ohms
• Cross-platform connectivity
• USB port for easy connection to additional USB devices such as mice or keyboards
• Integrated volume and audio enhancement controls
• Backlit ‘X’ logo and volume control knob

Pricing and Availability

Sound BlasterX G5 is priced at £119.99 and will be available at the online store at creative.comNovember 2015.

Sound BlasterX P5

As a smaller and lighter headset solution with far superior noise isolation, the Sound BlasterX P5 is built with two custom-tuned, high-sensitivity 7mm FullSpectrum drivers with port tubes for deep clean bass and clear highs, and a high-performance omni-directional inline microphone optimized for vocal capture.

Unlike other bass heavy in-ear gaming headsets, its well balanced audio signature offers a wide, layered soundstage with rapid response, giving gamers tactical advantage through the distinct ability to perceive cues, depth and location accurately. It is tuned to enhance the listening experience and not to overwhelm, allowing gamers to experience an amazing level of detail while being immersed in the gaming experience for extended hours without listening fatigue. The Sound BlasterX P5 sets the new audiophile in-ear standard for gaming while delivering powerful sound even at low volumes.

• Titanium coated diaphragm
• Custom tuned 7mm FullSpectrum drivers
• High sensitivity, low impedance design
• High-performance inline microphone with call and playback controls
• Premium build with advanced noise isolation
• 3 sizes of soft spiral-ribbed silicone earbuds
• Carrying case included

Pricing and Availability

Sound BlasterX P5 is priced at £59.99 and will be available at the online store at creative.com End-October 2015.

Sound BlasterX H-series Headsets

Sound BlasterX H7

Made for the discerning gamer, the flagship product in the new Sound BlasterX line, the Sound BlasterX H7, combines comfort and durability with the best audio performance available. The headset supports USB connectivity for high definition lossless digital audio which includes 7.1 surround sound for immersive gaming.

Every detail of the product design was scrutinized based on feedback from pro-gamers as well as features that are in demand in the market. Two of the most important features for a gaming headset are durability and comfort. At its core, the Sound BlasterX H7 features a simplified design: less parts means less weight, and the highly flexible, single-piece reinforced steel band bends all the way around the head for a precise, comfortable fit. The earcups are lined with plush, replaceable protein leather/memory foam cushions to ensure lasting comfort and a perfect seal against unwanted ambient noise, and are connected to the headband with lightweight flexible aluminium brackets.

In addition to listening to gamers around the importance of comfort, we have also taken design cues of the highest end headphones and positioned the large 50mm FullSpectrum drivers in the earcups at an angle to create a mini-acoustic chamber over the ear, delivering high definition 24-bit/96kHz digital audio and best-in-class 7.1 surround sound. The Sound BlasterX H7 allows gamers to experience an amazing level of detail while being immersed in the gaming experience for extended hours without listening fatigue.

No gaming headset is complete without the ability to communicate. The Sound BlasterX H7 comes with a high-quality, detachable, noise cancelling microphone for crystal clear in-game communication. The headset also features a replaceable tangle-free nylon braided USB/analog OFC (oxygen-free copper) cable, offering dual connectivity options. This means you can connect across platforms, such as to PC/Mac via USB cable or to mobile devices or consoles via analog cable.

Features of the Sound BlasterX H7:

• USB connectivity for 7.1 surround sound and high definition lossless digital audio
• Alternate analog connectivity
• Flexible reinforced steel headband
• Light durable aluminium earcup bracket
• Lightweight, ergonomic design
• 50mm FullSpectrum drivers
• Detachable noise cancelling microphone
• Replaceable tangle-free nylon braided USB/analog OFC (oxygen-free copper) cable
• Inline remote with volume, mic and playback controls
• Replaceable protein leather/memory foam ear cushions
• Backlit ‘X’ logo with customizable pulsating effect on earcups

Sound BlasterX H5

Also available is the Sound BlasterX H5, the professional analog headset variant of the Sound BlasterX H7. The headset retains the DNA of the flagship Sound BlasterX H7, but without USB connectivity and backlit earcups. Made with the same premium materials and drivers, each part of the headset is made with a difference that users will be able to feel, hear and experience.

• Flexible reinforced steel headband
• Light durable aluminium earcup bracket
• Lightweight, ergonomic design
• 50mm FullSpectrum drivers
• Detachable noise cancelling microphone
• Replaceable tangle-free nylon braided OFC (oxygen-free copper) cable
• Inline remote with volume, mic and playback controls
• Replaceable protein leather/memory foam ear cushions
• Splitter cable extension included for connectivity to sound cards

Pricing and Availability

The headsets are priced as follows:

• Sound BlasterX H7 – GBP129.99
• Sound BlasterX H5 – GBP99.99

Sound BlasterX H5 will be available at the online store at creative.com End-September 2015, while Sound BlasterX H7 will be available November 2015.

BlasterX Acoustic Engine and BlasterX Acoustic Engine Lite

The Sound BlasterX Gaming Series comes with the BlasterX Acoustic Engine software for PC. It is designed to intelligently decrease distractions and enhance essential audio details in games, giving gamers an added advantage. The full, customizable version of the BlasterX Acoustic Engine is available for the Sound BlasterX H7.

The BlasterX Acoustic Engine Lite version is available for the Sound BlasterX H5 and other analog headsets in the Sound BlasterX series, and it comes with four pre-set profiles allowing gamers to customize their audio profile to the game genres that they are playing. For instance, ‘First-Person Shooter’ increases spatial reality and perception with virtual surround, ‘Action & Adventure’ enhances realism for a cinematic experience, ‘Real Time Strategy’ boosts clarity and reduces distractions so that gamers stay focused when pitched against time, and ‘Driving’ magnifies details such as tire noises as the car races along–enabling gamers to hear subtle differences while racing.