Introduction
One external USB DAC to rule them all! Yes, Creative Sound Blaster X4 is a hi-res 7.1 external USB DAC and amp sound card with Super X-Fi and SmartComms Kit. Works with all types of platforms like Windows PC, macOS, PS5 / PS4 and Nintendo Switch. And comes with a lot of interesting features like Scout Mode, CrystalVoice, and more. Come on, let’s discover it together in detail…
Special Thanks
This review is possible thanks to below companies. Be sure to check them out…
- Creative for this Creative Sound Blaster X4 Hi-res 7.1 External USB DAC and Amp Sound Card with Super X-Fi and SmartComms Kit
Package Content & Design
Everything comes well protected. Once taken Sound Blaster X4 out, you can find optical cable, USB-A to USB-C cable, SmartComms Kit leaflet, warranty leaflets, quick start guide and leaflets in the package. Be sure to take your time to go through the documents. You will need them because X4 is packed with a lot of features and functions.
Excellent build quality with metallic dark grey colour sturdy plastics chassis. It is considered a medium size external USB DAC with dimensions of 130.5 mm x 130.5 mm x 40.6 mm. There is a big volume control knob with LED light ring that you can’t miss. Follow by 3 buttons. All of them have multi-function to control.
Nothing much at the bottom. Just 4 anti-skid pads to provide stability. Yes, it is rock stable.
Most of the inputs and outputs are located at the back. For example, line out for stereo, 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound. Optical input and output are supported. Finally, USB-C for power source and also acts as USB DAC when used directly. FYI, even Android smartphone can power Sound Blaster X4.
A dedicated microphone input and headphone jack output at the front. That’s all.
Software
You can use Sound Blaster X4 directly without any software. But you are missing some of the goodies then. Therefore, Creative App and SXFI App are here for you and me. Available on Windows PC, App Store and Google Play.
In short, Creative App gives you the ability to customize button controls, make EQ adjustments, and access Sound Blaster technologies to enhance your audio. And SXFI App to create your Super X‑Fi profile and enjoy the Super X‑Fi Headphone Holography experience personalized to your ears.
Creative includes a lot of tweaks that let you enhance the Sound Blaster X4 sound output. Be sure to take your time to configure them to get the best combination for you. Yes, each of the equalizer values can be adjusted to suit your taste. Increase the treble or bass. Totally up to you. Lastly, you can also opt for the direct mode that output the sound in the purest form without any audio effect.
For non-Windows platform, mobile app is there for you to configurate the Sound Blaster X4.
Performance Result
Enjoy virtual surround sound enhancements. Super X-Fi headphone holography is supported through headphones. And Sound Blaster’s renowned surround virtualization through speakers. Dolby Digital Live for Windows users to encode any audio sources to multi-channel surround sound in real-time.
Sound Blaster X4 also supports up to 7.1 discrete and virtual audio channels. And a lot of connections are supported in both digital and analogue. Just pick the one that suit you best. For Windows PC, you get extra goodies to enjoy. For example, you can enjoy SmartComms Kit, Sound Mode, Acoustic Engine, CrystalVoice and Scout Mode. Further tweak the audio output and input with them. As usual, take your time to play around to find the best combo.
PC gamers will enjoy these enhancements, especially on the communication part. X4 can mute and unmute your voice automatically through VoiceDetect feature. It also removes unwanted static background noises like fans, air conditioning, and so on through NoiseClean-in feature. That’s not the end, it also improves your voice clarity with the CrystalVoice feature. When bored, just use Voice Morph to change your voice into different characters and accents. Make funs with your friends and family members.
Sound Quality
Excellent sound for the price! Sound Blaster X4 is loaded with 114 dB audio clarity. Comes with detailed high-resolution 192 kHz / 24-bit playback quality. Don’t forget the built-in amplifier that gives you the extra power up to 600Ω. Rest assures that it can push high impedance headphones easily. However, it does bring slight hiss noise with low impedance headphones on high volume level. Not an issue as you won’t notice it unless nothing is being playback.
You can select any sound signature that you prefer thanks to a lot of customization in the Creative App. Just adjust each of the values in the programmable equalizer to match the taste that you want. Make it has crystal clear treble or deep powerful bass. Totally up to you. Setup 3 sound signatures and then you can toggle between them easily with the mode button. That’s it.
One for music, another one for movie and final one for games. Use scout mode to highlight enemies’ gun reloads or footsteps. Enjoy crisp, clear and wide soundstage on music mode. Yes, all the musical instruments can be heard clearly even in the complex scene. Increase the bass level in movie mode to bring much more excitement. Again, be sure to fine tune everything to suit your taste. Enjoy unlimited possibilities and enjoyments with Sound Blaster X4.
Advantages
- 7.1 discrete & virtual surround support
- Excellent details retrieval
- Super X-Fi Headphone Holography
- Analogue, optical & UBS-C support
- Multiple platform support
- Tweak, enhanced sound with Creative App
- Excellent build quality
Limitations
- Slight hiss noise on low impedance headphones
Conclusion
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. Interested? Head to Creative Website for more information. Get yours there too.
