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Sound Blaster X4
Hi-res 7.1 External USB DAC and Amp Sound Card with Super X-Fi® and SmartComms Kit
VIDEO
Features
Overview
1 device. 3 surround sound technologies. 7 I/O connectors. Your all-in-one audio upgrade starts here with Sound Blaster X4.
- Up to 7.1 discrete for multi-channel speakers
- Up to 7.1 virtual for headphones
- Super X-Fi Headphone Holography
- Sound Blaster's renowned Surround Virtualization
- Dolby Digital Live
- Line-out and Line-in
- Optical-out and Optical-in
- USB-C for power and audio
- Mic-in
- Headset-in
- SmartComms Kit with auto mute and two-way noise cancellation
- CrystalVoice for clear recordings and in-game communications
- Volume control knob
- Direct mic mute button
- Three EQ modes and Direct mode
- Super X-Fi and SXFI BATTLE Mode on / off
- Speakers (Line-out) and headphones switch
- Audio Balance feature
- Creative app via USB on Windows PC and Mac for full audio customization
- Creative app via Bluetooth® on Android and iOS for quick EQ and audio tweaks
- SXFI BATTLE Mode for realistic audio cues, details, and depth
- Scout Mode that instantly lets you in on the faintest sounds made by your foes
- 114 dB, 24-bit / 192 kHz
- Convenient USB-C Bus-powered
Multi-channel Surround
#TeamSpeakers or #TeamHeadphones? Why not both? The Sound Blaster X4 supports up to 7.1 discrete and virtual audio channels, so you won't have to compromise on the way you enjoy your audio. It is also capable of incredible sound performance—acoustics depth and detail—giving a new lease of life to your headphones and speakers.
Also, it offers not just one, but three different surround sound delivery options. Feel free to discover the unique characteristics of each surround option, try them out on different types of media content, and maybe—relive that favorite piece of yours in a whole new light.
Super X-Fi Headphone Holography
More than just surround technology, Super X-Fi is our award-winning audio technology that captures the listening experience of a high-end multi-speaker system in a professional studio to recreates the same expansive experience in headphones. Without missing out on audio cues and immersive ambient effects, you'll be able to hear the details effortlessly from your headphones—especially spoken dialogs in shows—with natural and lifelike soundstage that's deeply immersive and highly realistic, akin to the movie theaters.
Once set up, simply toggle Super X-Fi on and off using the SXFI button located on the device itself.
Sound Blaster Surround Virtualization
We've been in this space for a long time—more than 30 years to boot. With our renowned Surround Virtualization technology, expect top-tier surround processing made possible through our highly optimized algorithms. To put it simply, these algorithms intelligently identify and enhance the spatial information of the incoming audio, and optimize it for the chosen output format, drawing you to where the action is for a complete and immersive auditory experience.
Dolby Digital Live
For Windows users, the Sound Blaster X4 also features Dolby Digital Live for convenient encoding of any audio sources to multi-channel surround sound in real-time, all while transmitting data using only a single optical cable solution for decoding in a home theater system.
Gaming
Hear Where They Are
Raise your KDR even further in FPS games with an unfair advantage over your opponents! The Sound Blaster X4 is equipped with both SXFI BATTLE Mode and Scout Mode, so you can choose* the best weapon for your victory.
Hear your surroundings in games, just like how you would in real life. SXFI BATTLE Mode is the first and only sound mode that allows you to hear not only the directionality of where the gunshots are coming from, but distance as well—so you can accurately pinpoint your enemies' locations to the millimeter.
Combined with the hyper-realistic Super X-Fi audio and its unprecedented level of audio clarity and depth, gain the extra edge in first-person shooter games that's not just accurate, but immersive too.
This thing almost feels like cheating. BATTLE Mode is tuned specifically for first-person shooters...You'll regularly hear your enemies earlier than you otherwise would, which essentially gives you a competitive edge.
If you've been with us throughout our Sound Blaster journey, you'd know. Scout Mode is one of our trademark sound modes that focuses on detection through enhanced audio cues, highlighting each and every in-game detail that could make or break the game.
Whether it's the sound of your enemies' gun reload or a slight ruffle in the grass, Scout Mode is sure to bring the cues right to your ears. Detect your enemies' slightest movement before even seeing them on screen!
...and Scout mode was the acoustic equivalent of shining a spotlight on directional cues in the game...After playing for a day or two with Scout Mode on, turning it off made games feel incomplete in comparison.
*SXFI BATTLE Mode and Scout Mode utilize different processing technologies and cannot be used simultaneously.
Communications
Communicate Smarter with SmartComms Kit
Skip the unnecessary microphone controls, focus on your online meetings, and sound clear in them without the annoying background noise!
Developed to solve common pain points that you face on conference apps, our SmartComms Kit simplifies the way you communicate online via a suite of smart communication features.
Get unmuted as you speak and mute your microphone automatically without lifting a finger.
Our VoiceDetect feature controls your mute status by voice detection and frees up your hands—and mind—so you can focus on other important things, like a brainstorming session for the next product launch.
Remove unwanted noisy distractions from both ends of a conference call in real time.
NoiseClean-in detects static background noises coming from other users in your voice call, and suppresses the noise while retaining the vocals and spoken dialogs so you can hear them clearly. Put simply, NoiseClean-in cleans up the noises detected from your incoming audio so that their voices are better heard.
NoiseClean-out does the same—but for your own background noise. Now, no one needs to be asked to “go on mute” anymore.
*The NoiseClean features work best for static background noises such as fans, air conditioning, air purifier, humidifiers, vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, electric shavers, and even lawn mowers.
Sound Clearer with CrystalVoice Technology
Improve your voice clarity and be heard clearly with our CrystalVoice technology! The annoying echoes that interfere with your conversations are now a thing of the past with CrystalVoice's Acoustic Echo Cancellation that removes these echoes that goes on a parroting loop.
At the same time, activate Smart Volume inside the software to speak normally without having to shout or whisper—Smart Volume automatically adjusts the loudness of your voice to maintain a consistent volume throughout the conversation, no matter where your microphone (both external and on headset) is angled towards.
There's also the Microphone Equalizer that compensates for your headset's built-in microphone, or your external microphone—whether it is to reduce the harshness of your tonality or to increase the mids for vocal clarity—so you'll sound much clearer and natural to others.
When you're down for some fun, Voice Morph changes your voice into different characters and accents with a list of tuned profiles. Download our Creative app on your Windows PC or Mac to access the CrystalVoice feature!
Connectivity
Connect Everything
You asked, we've listened: The optical-in port is now on the Sound Blaster X4.
With the Sound Blaster X4 and its 7 I/O connectors, it's now much easier to connect multiple audio devices! From external microphones and headsets, to platforms like your PC, Mac, gaming consoles, and even your multi-channel speaker systems—this practically converts your desktop setup into an audio hub.
Speaker systems:
Breathe new life into your surround speaker system! The line-out ports consisting of Front, Side, Rear, and Center / Sub ports allow you to connect your 2.1, 5.1, and even 7.1 speakers for outstanding audio clarity. Coupled with 7.1 discrete and virtual support, refresh your same old speakers with a new sound identity.
PS4™ (with voice chat), Blu-ray, Set-top boxes, TV, mobile devices:
Chat in-game with your teammates on PS4 and enjoy the Sound Blaster X4's enhanced audio delivery at the same time with the newly added optical-in port! It's also compatible with your Blu-ray players, set-top boxes, and even TV. You can also connect the Sound Blaster X4 to your PS5™ via a HDMI to optical converter (not included) for enhanced audio during your gameplay!
The very same port also acts as a line-in port that will work with your mobile devices or audio players for high-quality audio without fuss.
AV receiver:
Easily connect your Sound Blaster X4 to your AV receiver and your prized surround system using the optical-out port for an enhanced listening experience.
Powering the Sound Blaster X4:
The USB-C port makes it easy for you to power up the device right on your desktop once the connection is made. And when connected to platforms like PC and Mac, the USB-C connection is used for both power and audio, making it super convenient (with less mess) to set up.
External mics and headsets / headphones with mic:
Located on the front of the Sound Blaster X4 for easy access to the microphone and headset ports, simply plug in your preferred choice and get started. Need your team to hear you better? You can further adjust your microphone's gain and volume boost via the Acoustic Engine module of the Creative app. The Sound Blaster X4 is also a headphone amplifier that's capable of driving studio-grade headphones of up to 600Ω with ease.
Controls
While it sports a clean and simple look, the Sound Blaster X4 comes with all the essential controls on the front of the product for easy access.
Direct Mic Mute Button
With a direct microphone mute button on the Sound Blaster X4, you don't have to scramble to unmute yourself in-app during a conference call, or while in-game. All it takes is a single button press, and that's it.
Pick a Mode
On the device itself, there are three EQ modes—Music, Movies, and Footsteps Enhancer—each of them specially-tuned to enhance audio for different types of content. These EQ modes are also entirely customizable so you can further tweak them to suit your preference, and save your custom settings to each of the modes via the Creative app.
Don't fancy any audio processing on your content? There's also the Direct Mode so you can listen to them in their original form, simply press and hold the Mode button to switch over.
Speaker and Headphones Switch / SXFI Button
One button, dual functions. This button allows you to toggle between having Super X-Fi and SXFI BATTLE Mode effects on or off by selecting the button. At the same time, it functions as a convenient speaker (Line-out) and headphones switch without the trouble of plugging and unplugging the devices—just press and hold to switch!
Audio Balance
Easily control the volume levels between two audio sources with the Audio Balance feature on your PC, Mac, PS5, or PS4!
After a one-time setup, you'll be able to adjust the volume mix on the volume control knob by turning the knob left to right, and vice versa—perfect for use during conference calls while listening to music or podcasts, or while communicating in-game with teammates.
Customization
Personalize Everything
Plus, there are loads of customizable settings for the Sound Blaster X4 on the Creative app. The best part? You can choose to tweak each and every element, or switch them off completely.
Audio
The Sound Blaster Quality
As it always is with any of our Sound Blaster products, our unwavering Sound Blaster promise—audio quality. The Sound Blaster X4 features 114 dB audio clarity with high-resolution 192 kHz / 24-bit playback for detailed audio that's well balanced and accurate. The extra power from the built-in amplifier also means you'll get a volume boost from the get go.
Downloads
Customize button controls, make EQ adjustments, and access Sound Blaster technologies to enhance your audio.
Create your Super X‑Fi profile and enjoy the Super X‑Fi Headphone Holography experience personalized to your ears.
REVIEWS
TechPowerUp
The Creative Sound Blaster X4 is a direct successor to the excellent Sound Blaster X3. While it isn't wildly different, it does bring a couple of meaningful upgrades that make this excellent USB sound card an interesting proposition not only for gamers but also everyone facing daily videoconferencing struggles caused by noisy environments and the poor microphone input quality of their integrated sound cards.
Techjio
"The Sound Blaster X4 stands its ground as a multimedia powerhouse. It offers solutions and improvements to a wide variety of use cases and audiences. Be it listening to music, watching movies, playing games, streaming, or even for work, there is something the Sound Blaster X4 has to offer to improve that experience."
4.8/5
Adobotech.net
The Creative Sound Blaster X4 offers exceptional audio performance, versatile connectivity, and advanced features for both entertainment and communication purposes. With its impressive surround sound, gaming features, and customization options, it's a valuable investment for audio enthusiasts and gamers looking for premium sound quality and functionality.
Customer Reviews
J. Pamintuan
great desktop external DAC.
T. W. O.
Creative Sound Blaster X4 is an excellent external USB DAC with headphone amplifier. Period. It is loaded with a lot of useful and interesting features. Perfect for games, music and movies.
G. H. Chan
Nothing but a great experience with this product. Really took my abysmal Razer speakers to new levels, enough for me to upgrade them to a pair of Creative ones almost immediately.
A Closer Look
Specifications
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Weight
- 384g / 13.55 oz
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Dimensions
- 130.5 mm x 130.5 mm x 40.6 mm (5.14 x 5.14 x 1.60 inches)
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Dynamic Range (DNR)
- 114 dB
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Audio Technology
- X-Fi, Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine, Super X-Fi, GameVoice Mix
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Max. Playback Quality
- Sampling Rate (Playback) :
Direct Mode:
Playback Resolution (Optical Out): PCM 16/24-bit / 48.0, 96.0, 192.0 kHz
Dolby Digital Live: 16-bit, 48.0 kHz
Playback Resolution (Stereo): PCM 16/24-bit / 48.0, 96.0, 192.0 kHz
Surround 7.1: PCM 16/24-bit / 48.0, 96.0 kHz
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Max. Recording Quality
- Mic-in:
16/24-bit / 48.0, 96.0 kHz, Line-in:
16/24-bit / 48.0, 96.0 kHz, Optical-in:
16/24-bit / 48.0, 96.0 kHz
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Recording Resolution
- Mic-in: 16 / 24-bit / 48.0, 96.0 kHz
Line-in: 16 / 24-bit / 48.0, 96.0 kHz
Optical In: 16 / 24-bit / 48.0, 96.0 kHz
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Platform
- USB 2.0, USB 3.0
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Connectivity Options (Main)
- 1 x TOSLINK Optical Out, 1 x ⅛″ Rear Out, 1 x ⅛″ Center / Sub Out, 1 x 1/8″ Headphone / Headset Jack, 1 x 1/8″ Ext. Mic-in Jack, 1 x ⅛″ Front-out, 1 x ⅛″ Side Out Jack, 1 x USB-C port for PC / Mac, 1 x ⅛″ Optical / Line-in Combo Jack
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Headphone Amp
- Supported Headphone Impedance: 32–600Ω, High Gain: 150–600Ω (2.3V RMS @ 150Ω, 2.9V RMS @ 600Ω), Output Impedance: 10Ω, Low Gain: 32–149Ω (1.2V RMS @ 32Ω)
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Max Channel Output
- 7.1 Channels
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Supported Operating Systems
- Windows® 10 Ver 1703, macOS 10.15 and above, Windows® 11
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Included Accessories
- Optical Cable (1m / 3.28 ft), USB-A to USB-C Cable (2m / 6.56 ft)
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DAC
- Dynamic Range (Stereo): 114 dB, THD+N (Stereo): 0.001%
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ADC
- Dynamic Range: 104 dB, THD+N: 0.0017%
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Power
- USB Bus Powered, USB-C
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Recommended Usage
- Movies and Music
System Requirements
- Intel® Core™i3 or AMD® equivalent processor
- Intel, AMD, or 100% compatible motherboard
- Microsoft® Windows 11, Windows 10 32 / 64-bit Ver 1703 or higher
- > 4 GB RAM
- > 4 GB of free hard disk space
- USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 port
- macOS X® 10.15 or higher
- Supports Intel-based and Apple CPU chipsets
- > 4 GB RAM
- USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 port
- Firmware Version 20.02-2.26.00.00-00.00.00.0.1 or later
- Available USB port
- Audio Balance feature requires a HDMI to Optical converter (not included)
- Firmware Version 5.0 or later
- Available USB port
- Available Optical-out port (for Audio Balance)
- Switch OS 5.0 or later
- Available 3.5 mm headphone port
- Available USB port (in docking mode)
- External USB Power (not included)
- Voice communication is title-dependent
- Android OS Version 8.0 or later
- Device must have built-in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) support
- iOS Version 12.0 or later
- Device must have built-in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) support
^Used as a remote controller for Sound Blaster X4 on PS5 / PS4 / Nintendo Switch only, does not support Bluetooth audio streaming
Package Contents
- Sound Blaster X4
- USB-A to USB-C Cable (2m / 6.56 ft)
- Optical Cable (1m / 3.28 ft)
- SmartComms Kit Leaflet
- Quick Start Guide and Leaflets
- Warranty Leaflets
Warranty
2-year Limited Hardware Warranty (EU Countries)
1-year Limited Hardware Warranty (Non-EU Countries)
