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Sound Blaster G3
Portable External Console Gaming USB-C DAC Amp for PS4™, PS5™, Nintendo Switch™, PC, and Mac
VIDEO
Features
Overview
This is it. The first Sound Blaster made specifically for PlayStation® and Nintendo Switch™ users.
If you were a PC user, it would be easy getting a DAC, amp, or sound card to satisfy your audio needs. But why isn't it the same for console users? With 30 years of legacy and technical expertise in PC audio, we are venturing beyond the PC and into gaming consoles, and the Sound Blaster G3 is our answer. Designed to be a fuss-free, driverless audio upgrade for your gaming consoles, the G3 is meant to provide users with premium gaming features without having to break the bank.
Making our first foray into gaming audio on consoles, we debut our latest GameVoice Mix for game and voice chat balance capability, a customizable EQ preset with custom-tuned Footsteps Enhancer, and on-the-fly audio adjustments without having to exit your game's screen.
If all you have ever known is the default audio on your consoles, try the G3. We'll let its performance speak for itself.
DESIGNED TO FIT YOUR NEEDS
The Sound Blaster G3 is a highly versatile accessory that's perfect for work and play. Because it is such a nifty product that's packed with features for specific use, we've outlined the best features that allows the Sound Blaster G3 to improve your audio for your conference calls, or while gaming.
GET 25% OFF WHILE YOU'RE AT IT!
Driverless Audio Upgrade
Powered by USB-C. Perfect for PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Mac.
An instant audio upgrade, the G3 is powered entirely via USB-C. This one dongle works directly across the different platforms that you own—PS4, PS5, Switch, PC, or even Mac. The best part? The setup doesn't get more straightforward than how we've designed the G3 to be—no special software, and no drivers needed. And to enjoy USB audio, simply plug in the G3 to your devices, and it will work straight out of the box.
For devices with the older USB-A port, we've provided a USB-C to USB-A converter. All that's required is for you to plug the converter onto the G3, and plug it into the USB Type-A port to hear improved audio quality.
Better Gameplay with GameVoice Mix
Game Better. Chat Better. Win Battle.
You have that pair of headphones. It's your absolute favorite, but why do you need to fork out so much more in order to get access to that ONE feature you covet?
The G3 debuts our latest GameVoice Mix*, a gaming feature often found only in products that are priced at a premium. The G3's GameVoice Mix gives you game audio / chat balance capabilities—all without having to let go of your existing headphones or hurting your wallet.
Chatting with your team while gaming on PS4? Balance your game's audio and teammates' chat volume as you wish. Without leaving your game screen, our GameVoice Mix volume dial allows you to easily increase your voice chat volume during a raid to hear your team better, or decrease the chatter and amp up your gaming audio during a particularly climatic scene on your game—simply plug in the G3 via the USB-C and Optical / Line-in port to better your gameplay.
*This feature is available for PS4, PS4 Pro, PS4 Slim, and PS5 via optical connection only.
HOW TO SETUP GAMEVOICE MIXSetting up GameVoice Mix on different platforms
The volume control scroll wheel on G3 allows you to balance the volume levels between your gaming audio and teammate's voice chat dialogues. Flip the switch on the right side of the G3 to ‘MIXING', and while connected via USB and Optical-in, simply set the end points and sources as below:
PS4 / PS5 SETUP
To set up the GameVoice Mix feature on your PS5 or PS4, please refer to our dedicated support page for Sound Blaster G3.
Windows PC Setup
After plugging in the G3 to your PC, follow the steps:
- Step 1
Settings > System > Sound > Sound Control Panel > Playback Tab > Sound Blaster G3 > Right Click Speakers ... “Set as Default Device” - Step 2
Settings > System > Sound > Sound Control Panel > Playback Tab > Sound Blaster G3 > Right Click Headset ... “Set as Default Communications Device” - Step 3
Settings > System > Sound > Sound Control Panel > Recording Tab > Sound Blaster G3 > Right Click Microphone ... “Set as Default Device”
MacOS Setup
After plugging in the G3 to your Mac, follow the steps:
- Step 1
System Preferences > Sound > Output > “Sound Blaster G3 Speakers” - Step 2
System Preferences > Sound > Input > “Sound Blaster G3: Microphone”
One Hand. All Controls.
Built with form and functionality in mind, the G3 provides direct access to the independent mic and volume controls on each side of the device. While you're busy maneuvering in-game with one hand on the controller, you can make mic and volume adjustments instinctively on the other with just a single hand grip!
Controls Overview
Microphone Volume Dial
Increase or decrease your mic volume
Microphone Mute Switch
Toggle between the mute and unmute switch for microphone
Mode Button
Toggle between Default mode and Footsteps Enhancer mode
LED Light Indicators
Off: Default Mode
White: Footsteps Enhancer Mode
Microphone Port
Connect with your microphone
Optical / Line-in Port
Connect the G3 to your PS4 / Nintendo Switch / PC or Mac via the Optical Cable (provided) or a Line-in Cable (not provided) for GameVoice Mix
GameVoice Mix / Volume Dial
GameVoice Mix: Control the volume mix between your gaming audio and teammate's voice chat to you
Volume: Increase or decrease the volume level of your audio
GameVoice Mix's LED Light Indicators
Orange: Gaming Audio > Voice Chat
Green: GameVoice Mix On
Blue: Voice Chat > Gaming Audio
GameVoice Mix / Volume Switch
Toggle between the GameVoice Mix feature or volume level of your audio
Headphones / Headset Port
Connect with your headphones or headset
Customization
Footsteps Enhancer
Hear, Then See.
In a game where each millisecond counts, waiting till you spot your enemies on screen will probably get you KIA. With the G3, gain the ability to hear beyond what you see with our custom-tuned Footsteps Enhancer, a customizable EQ that allows you to hear footsteps that pinpoints exactly where your opponents are.
On-The-Fly Mobile Remote
One App. All Controls.
Make on-the-fly changes to your audio settings directly on the G3 via your mobile phone! Without having to unplug or exit your game, you can remotely control your sound settings through the Creative app.
Hate it when you are chatting with the team, but you can't tell if you sound too soft or too loud? Simply switch on the mic-monitoring feature via the mobile app, and control how you want to be heard, while hearing yourself.
And that's not all! You can also make instantaneous bass and treble adjustments, further customize your Footsteps Enhancer mode, or even adjust your volume and mic controls when your G3 is out of reach—all you need is Bluetooth® connectivity.
Audio
High-Quality Audio
Hear Better.
At the core of G3 lies a sound chip that supports high-definition audio performance, with the capabilities to drive studio-grade headphones of up to 300Ω. Combined with a super compact and lightweight form factor, this is the audio upgrade that's been missing from your console's setup.
Creative App
For Windows PC and Mac users, you can access the full suite of Sound Blaster's industry-leading audio processing technologies including 7.1 Surround Virtualization, Crystalizer, Bass, Smart Volume, and Dialog+, or even additional functions such as Mixer settings.
Perfect For Both Work and Play!
The Sound Blaster G3 doubles up as great add-on to improve your conference calls and making sure that you sound more professional while communicating clearly all the time.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TELECOMMUTING WITH THE SOUND BLASTER G3
Compatibility
We have also summarized the features of G3 and their feature compatibility across platforms in this table.
| PS5 | PS4 | Nintendo Switch | Windows PC | Mac | |
| USB-C Connectivity | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| GameVoice Mix | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Volume and Mic Control | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Footsteps Enhancer EQ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Creative App (Mobile) | *Via Creative app for Android and iOS devices. | ||||
| Creative App (For PC And Mac) | ✔ | ✔ | |||
In The Box
Sound Blaster G3
Optical Cable (1m / 3.28 ft)
USB-C to USB-A Converter
Audio Survival Guide
REVIEWS
Eurogamer.net
At around £55/$60, the Sound Blaster G3 is a significant investment. However, it is something that you can use with a wide range of consoles and computers, or even Android phones, and you'll get some benefit out of it even for listening to music or playing non-competitive games. For that reason, if you want to take your audio quality seriously and you're using wired headphones, the G3 is a sensible acquisition.
Androidcentral
For $60, this is an excellent addition to your gaming experience, especially if you have cheaper headphones, or, if you are like me, you play your games through a monitor with terrible speakers. If you are a fan of gaming audio but don't have the best setup right now, it's worth your time to pick one of these up today.
4/5 Stars
eTeknix
If you’ve got great headphones that cost a small fortune, they’ll ensure you’re able to get the most out of them. I’ll admit, not everyone needs a good amp, some just don’t care. However, if you want to spark life into your movies, music and games, this is a pretty affordable way to do it!
Customer Reviews
C. Ng
The G3 plugs direct into my laptop's USB-C port and immediately improved the audio capabilities of my work station. 1. Headphones and speakers sounded better with purer silence - no electronic hiss! 2. Zoom and Google Meet conferences are clearer for my audience with the G3's mic-in. 3. Enjoy clean, high resolution recordings for media productions. The unit is even capable of recording live system sound as an input! Overall the G3 punches hard well above its weight! and I am not even using it for gaming yet.
H. Ahmad
Great companion to my SHP9500.
F. Pinto
Amazing product
A Closer Look
Specifications
-
Weight
- Main Unit: 32g / 1.1 oz, USB-C to USB-A Converter: 4g / 0.1 oz
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Dimensions
- 210 x 39 x 15 mm
-
Headphone Amp
- 16–300Ω
-
Dynamic Range (DNR)
- 100 dB
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Playback Resolution
- PCM 16-bit, 48.0, 96.0 kHz, PCM 24-bit, 48.0, 96.0 kHz
-
Recording Resolution
- Mic-in: 16-bit, 48.0, 96.0 kHz
Mic-in: 24-bit, 48.0, 96.0 kHz
Optical In: 16-bit, 48.0, 96.0 kHz
Optical In: 24-bit, 48.0, 96.0 kHz
Line-in: 24-bit, 48.0, 96.0 kHz
Line-in: 16-bit, 48.0, 96.0 kHz
-
Platform
- USB 2.0, USB 3.0
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Connectivity Options (Main)
- 1 x ⅛″ Headphone-out Jack, 1 x ⅛″ mini TOSLINK Optical / Line-in Combo Jack, 1 x ⅛″ Ext. Mic-in Jack
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Supported Operating Systems
- Windows® 8.1, Windows® 10, Mac OS X v10.12 and above, Windows® 11
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Included Accessories
- USB-C to USB-A Converter, Optical Cable (1m / 3.28 ft)
-
DAC
- Dynamic Range (Stereo): 100 dB
-
Power
- USB Bus Powered, USB-C
-
Recommended Usage
- Gaming
System Requirements
- Intel® Core™i3 or AMD® equivalent processor
- Intel, AMD or 100% compatible motherboard
- Microsoft® Windows 10 32 / 64-bit, Windows 8.1 / 8.0 32 / 64-bit 1 GB RAM
- >600 MB of free hard disk space
- USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 port
- Mac OS X® 10.12 or higher
- Supports Intel-based and Apple CPU chipsets
- 1 GB RAM
- USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 port
- Firmware Version 5.0 or later
- Available USB port (as Chat Audio Output)
- Available Optical Out port (as Game Audio Output)
- Switch OS 5.0 or later
- Available 3.5 mm headphone port
- Available USB port (in docking mode)
- Voice communications is title dependent
- Android OS Version 8.0 or later
- Device must have built-in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) support
- iOS Version 11.0 or later
- Device must have built-in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) support
^ Use as a remote controller for Sound Blaster G3 on PS4 / Nintendo Switch only, does not support Bluetooth audio streaming
Package Contents
- Sound Blaster G3
- Optical Cable (1m / 3.28 ft)
- USB Type-C to Type-A Converter
- Quick Start Leaflet
- Warranty Leaflet
Warranty
2-year Limited Hardware Warranty (EU Countries)
1-year Limited Hardware Warranty (Non-EU Countries)
Featured Questions
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Does the Sound Blaster G3 support Windows 7?
No. The Sound Blaster G3 does not support Windows 7. The Sound Blaster G3 supports Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 8.0.
-
What is GameVoice Mix?
The GameVoice Mix feature functions like an audio mixer where you can control the volume level of your game's background music (BGM) vs. the voice chat coming from your teammates at the other end directly through the dial control on Sound Blaster G3. For example, where communication is crucial during a game, you can increase the chat volume (thereby decreasing BGM volume) instantly, so that you can hear your team louder over the game's BGM. This feature is incredibly handy since you don't have to enter the Settings menu or exit the game, and especially so for PS4 users who don't have the option to “tab out” of a screen to make adjustments.
With Sound Blaster G3's GameVoice Mix, the access to these controls are at your fingertips. To access the feature, simply flip a dial on the side of G3 to activate GameVoice Mix. Make a quick one-time setup on your devices, and you're good to go.
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You may notice the following issues when performing Windows update:
- Unable to detect sound card
- Intermittent sound card detection
- Audio distortion
- Audio cuts
- Other forms of noise such as audio crackling or clipping sounds
Performing a Windows update increases your CPU usage. In some cases, Windows may temporarily disable the Windows audio component during an update, causing the abovementioned issues. We recommend the following when performing a Windows update:
- Stop the playback. Allow Windows to complete all the updates, and reboot the system once the updates are completed.
- Avoid performing any unnecessary background tasks or activities which may require high CPU usage.
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How do I do a factory reset to my Sound Blaster G3?
While connected to your device, press and hold the EQ button located in the middle of the Sound Blaster G3 for >8 secs. The LED ring will blink red for 5 times, indicating the G3 is reset. Once reset, the Sound Blaster G3 will be reverted back to the default factory settings.
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Can the Sound Blaster G3 remember a custom EQ in its memory?
Yes. The Sound Blaster G3 can remember one EQ preset at a time in its memory. This means it can remember the last used EQ setting upon connecting it to devices such as gaming consoles.
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Can the SBX profile settings be remembered by the Sound Blaster G3?
No. The SBX Acoustic Engine profiles can only be configured and saved in the Sound Blaster Command software. This software is available only on PC and Mac platforms.
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Does the Sound Blaster G3 work with mobile phones?
The Sound Blaster G3 will work with mobile devices with digital audio streaming implemented through its USB-C port, in a manner compliant with the USB Audio Standard.
Due to the wide variety of mobile phones and operating systems that may have different implementation of digital audio streaming through USB-C, it is not recommended for you to purchase this with the sole purpose on using it for your mobile devices.
You will have to approach your mobile device manufacturer to check if your mobile device is compliant with the USB Audio Standard.
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What macOS versions does the Sound Blaster G3 support?
The Sound Blaster G3 supports macOS version 10.12 or higher.
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Does the Sound Blaster G3 support Xbox?
Audio playback is supported via optical connection while it uses the USB connection for power. However, it does not support voice communications due to Xbox's system implementation.
-
Does the Sound Blaster G3 support Nintendo Switch?
Yes. Audio playback is available via USB connection in Nintendo Switch. However, voice communications support is limited to certain game titles, and is not available across all titles due to Nintendo Switch's system implementation.
Some game titles that have been verified to work with the Sound Blaster G3 include: Fortnite, Paladins, SMITE, and DC Universe Online.
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How can I enable microphone monitoring when using the Sound Blaster G3 with my PS4?
Use the Sound Blaster Command mobile app > Go to Microphone > Enable / disable the mic monitoring.
