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Creative 70SB181000000 Sound Blaster X3 Digital Audio Converter - Black

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 657 ratings

To see product details, add this item to your cart. You can always remove it later.
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt. You may receive a partial or no refund on used, damaged or materially different returns.
115 dB with Super X-Fi Technology

Purchase options and add-ons

Brand Creative
Hardware Interface USB
Audio Output Mode Surround, Dolby Digital
Platform Windows
Hardware Platform Headphones, PC, Speakers

About this item

  • SUPER X-FI TECHNOLOGY CINEMATIC AUDIO HOLOGRAPHY | Sound Blaster X3 is the world’s first multi-channel USB DAC with Super X-Fi technology. For movie buffs, this is the perfect desktop audio upgrade that delivers cinematic audio at the comfort of your home. Simply set up your Super X-Fi profile via a Head and Ear-Mapping process, and experience personalized audio holography directly in your headphones. You can conveniently toggle Super X-Fi on / off directly on the device to hear the difference
  • 7.1 DISCRETE, VIRTUAL SURROUND, AND DOLBY DIGITAL LIVE ENCODING | Surround immersion makes up a big part of the movie experience; X3 supports up to 7.1 discrete surround for speakers, and 7.1 virtual surround for headphones to deliver audio realism with spatialized effect that evokes emotions in your cinematic experience. For Windows users, X3 also supports Dolby Digital Live Encoding for your external audio devices
  • VARIOUS CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS | The X3 is highly versatile and is compatible with many devices. It features a myriad of connectivity options – from the latest USB-C port for PC and Mac, to Optical-out, and Line-in for your AV receivers and digital audio players. X3 is also specially designed with a large volume control knob, headphone and mic jacks, three direct access buttons, and LED indicators to provide extra convenience
  • CUSTOMIZABLE EQ PRESETS WITH BUILT-IN AUDIO BALANCE FEATURE | The X3 comes with three customizable EQ presets for different usages –Movies Mode, Music Mode and Footsteps Enhancer Mode. You can also find the perfect audio and chat volume level with X3’s Audio Balance feature – simply toggle amongst 2 audio sources via the Volume Control Knob to optimize the balance between game and chat with your teammates
  • AMPLIFY AND ENHANCE YOUR AUDIO | Featuring high-res 115 dB DNR/SNR, 32-bit/192 kHz playback for pristine audio, the X3 doubles up as a headphone amplifier, and supports studio-grade headphones of up to 600Ω. It is also equipped to further enhance your audio experience with the redesigned Sound Blaster Command Software on PC and Mac, with full access to Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine’s suite of audio enhancements, including Dialog+ for clearer dialogues, and Surround Virtualization

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$151.35
Get it May 8 - 13
Usually ships within 4 to 5 weeks
Ships from and sold by Neobits_.
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$169.00
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
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Sold by Echo Valley Trading LLC and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
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Creative 70SB181000000 Sound Blaster X3 Digital Audio Converter - Black
Creative 70SB181000000 Sound Blaster X3 Digital Audio Converter - Black
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Price$151.35$89.95-18% $89.99
List:$109.99
-7% $129.99
Typical:$139.99
-6% $36.27
Typical:$38.69
$19.99
Delivery
Get it May 8 - 13
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
Customer Ratings
Sound quality
4.2
4.3
4.2
4.3
4.2
3.7
For gaming
4.1
3.8
4.1
4.4
4.1
4.1
Volume control
4.3
4.1
4.2
4.7
4.1
Value for money
3.5
4.0
3.9
Sold By
Neobits_
i-Tech Mall
Creative Labs, Inc.
Creative Labs, Inc.
KART IT
1MiiDirect
hardware interface
usb
usb
pci express x1
usb
usb
usb
audio output mode
Surround, Dolby Digital
Surround, Dolby Digital
Surround
Surround, Dolby Digital
Stereo
Stereo, Surround
surround channels
7.1
7.1
7.1
7.1
2
7.1
hardware platform
Speakers, Headphones, PC
Headphones
Speakers, Headphones
PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4
PC
PC, Gaming Consoles
192 KHz
192 KHz
192 KHz
192 KHz
96 KHz
48 KHz
signal-to-noise ratio
120 decibels
116 decibels
120 decibels
96 KHz
platform
windows
windows 10
not machine specific
playstation 5
playstation 4, windows 10
windows

Product information

Warranty & Support

Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here

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Creative 70SB181000000 Sound Blaster X3 Digital Audio Converter - Black


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Product guides and documents


Product Description

Sound Blaster X3—Connect EVERYTHING with one device.

Sound Blaster X3

HI-RES 7.1 EXTERNAL USB DAC AND AMP SOUND CARD WITH SUPER X-FI FOR PC AND MAC

Raising the bar for your desktop movie experience, Sound Blaster X3 comes packed full of features that promises the best cinematic experience at home, regardless of your preference for speakers or headphones. It is the world’s first external multi-channel USB DAC and Amp to feature our award-winning Super X-Fi technology, as well as 7.1 discrete surround on speakers, 7.1 virtual surround on headphones, and Dolby Digital Live¹.

The Sound Blaster X3 features a 600Ω headphone amplifier that's capable of driving studio-grade headphones with ease. Coupled with 32-bit / 192 kHz playback, enjoy detailed audio with clarity and accuracy. Thanks to the extra power from the amp, you'll get a load more volume!

¹For Windows users

super x-fi headphone holography

AWARD-WINNING SUPER X-FI HEADPHONE HOLOGRAPHY

Introducing our first external USB DAC and Amp sound card to house the Super X-Fi technology, Sound Blaster X3 redefines your movie experience on PC, Mac and even PS5 and PS4.

super x-fi headphone holography

Redefine your movie experience

WHAT’S SUPER X-FI

What is Super X-Fi

PERSONALIZE YOUR SUPER X-FI PROFILE

Personalize your Super X-Fi profile

SET UP ON X3

Setting up your Super X-Fi profile

IMMERSIVE MULTI-CHANNEL SURROUND

IMMERSIVE MULTI-CHANNEL SURROUND

Sound Blaster X3 supports up to 7.1 discrete surround for speakers, and 7.1 virtual surround for headphones to deliver audio realism with spatialized effect. For Windows users, X3 also supports Dolby Digital Live Encoding.

INDUSTRY-LEADING AUDIO PROCESSING

INDUSTRY-LEADING AUDIO PROCESSING

To further boost your audio experience with the Sound Blaster X3, we’ve also included our industry-leading audio processing technologies – featuring Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine’s full suite of audio enhancements and delivered through the redesigned Sound Blaster Command software.

CONNECTIVITY

CONNECTIVITY
EQ button of Sound Blaster X3

CUSTOMIZE YOUR EQ MODES

There are three specially-tuned EQ modes that are designed to enhance audio. Simply press the “Mode” button to cycle through them—Music, Movies, and Footsteps Enhancer. They are also customizable, and you can save your settings to each mode via the Sound Blaster Command software or mobile app.

sound blaster x3 sound blaster x4, creative x4
Sound Blaster X3 Sound Blaster X4
Customer Reviews
4.2 out of 5 stars
657
4.3 out of 5 stars
850
Discrete / Virtual 7.1 and 5.1
Super X-Fi
SXFI BATTLE Mode x
Sound Blaster’s Surround Virtualization and Dolby Digital Live Encoding
SmartComms Kit via Creative app x
I/O Connectors Optical-out, Line-in and Line-out, USB-C, Mic-in, Headset-out Optical-in and Optical-out, Line-in and Line-out, USB-C, Mic-in, Headset-out
Programmable EQ Modes: Music, Movies, Footsteps Enhancer
Software / BLE Mobile App Sound Blaster Command Creative app
Audio Quality 115 dB, 32-bit / 192 kHz 114 dB, 24-bit / 192 kHz
Accessories Sound Blaster X3, USB-C to USB-A cable (2m / 6.56 ft) Sound Blaster X4, USB-C to USB-A cable (2m / 6.56 ft), Optical cable (1m / 3.28 ft)

Looking for specific info?

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
657 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like how easy it is to use the sound card. They say the software is easy to use and packed full of different EQ's and preset SFX. They appreciate the value, and connectivity of the product. However, some customers are disappointed with the stability. Customers also differ on sound quality, performance, software, and quality.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

21 customers mention16 positive5 negative

Customers like the ease of use of the sound card. They mention that the software is easy to use, it has different EQ's and preset SFX, and that it's simple to connect and use. Some say that the buttons on the card itself are easy to operate and that no extra software is required.

"...It makes a huge difference in how people perceive you. It's easy to use once you figure out the buttons and dial, and has far greater capabilities..." Read more

"...The buttons on the card itself are easy to use and it's really nice to have the volume knob if you don't have volume controls on your keyboard...." Read more

"...a great job boosting both my headphones and my speakers and the EQ is easy to use as well as having decent presets...." Read more

"...SOFTWARE: The software is clunky and tiresome to use. Way too many features that don't really do anything or negatively impact audio...." Read more

13 customers mention10 positive3 negative

Customers like the value of the sound card. They say it's worth the money, the best bang for buck for multiple uses, and a great buy. Some mention that the amp/dac alone is worth it, and it drives an expensive set of headphones beautifully.

"...Amp that can out put 2 speaker setup with ease then this is a very good price hardware for it...." Read more

"To sum it up this Amp/Dac is amazing. The amp/dac alone is worth it let alone all the custom sounds that come with the software as well...." Read more

"...It drives an expensive set of headphones beautifully, and produces nice surround sound with both "cheap" and quality speakers in 5.1...." Read more

"...Works like a charm over USB C. Way more cost effective than a nice receiver and speakers...." Read more

10 customers mention7 positive3 negative

Customers like the connectivity of the sound card. They say it can mix two audio sources with individual volume control, and appreciate the ability to mix different voice channels. They also say the ability switch between headset and speakers with a button is nice. They mention the separate mic channel is highly useful, and the headphones supported are good. Overall, customers are satisfied with the connectivity and functionality of the product.

"Bought this simply because the fact that it can mix two audio sources with individual volume control for each, ex. game audio and discord voice chat...." Read more

"...is actually really nice, and I do appreciate being able to mix different voice channels.All-around not very impressed...." Read more

"Software issues repetitive. Constant issues connecting to pc. Just did latest firmware and torched the device !!!! Won’t start won’t see device...." Read more

"...The ability to switch between headset and speakers with a button is nice - my A50 headset was always causing me grief in this regard, so I "..." Read more

86 customers mention57 positive29 negative

Customers are mixed about the sound quality of the sound card. Some mention that it adds a lot of depth to the sound experience, and appreciates the sound design in games. They also say there is no audible noise even at the highest volume, and the separation for music is amazing. However, others say that it sounded bad at first, with popping sounds when playing any audio, and very subtle white noise in the headphones.

"...I mean this is a 100 dollar DAC, yet sxfi has such immersion and sounds so clear that mp3 tracks sound like my $800 ibasso dx200 dac/amp lossless..." Read more

"...The Sound Blaster X3 is, and the sound quality surpassed my expectations...." Read more

"...I think all the functionality has it's place and adds a lot of depth to the sound experience...." Read more

"...I tried to use this card because sound quality is on a good side, but it is really annoying to listen to the music which is disconnected/shuttered..." Read more

31 customers mention19 positive12 negative

Customers are mixed about the performance of the sound card. Some mention that it works well when it decides to work, while others say that it doesn't work super with their amplifier and that the software pretty much doesn' t work.

"...The headphone dac/amp works well as you get the super x-fi experience. It is great for gaming...." Read more

"...However, this card does not work very well.Most critical issue for me is the stuttering sound...." Read more

"...The SXFI feature works great when you take the time to get good pictures of your ear/faces, initially, it sounded bad but I've come to enjoy the..." Read more

"This unit is fantastic. You can load a personal profile for the headsets you connect. You select the brand and model of headset...." Read more

30 customers mention18 positive12 negative

Customers are mixed about the software of the sound card. Some mention that it's pretty awesome, has great software, and is a fantastic piece of equipment, while others say that it is buggy and repetitive. They also mention that the software keeps forgetting the settings.

"...Basically creative has integrated software with the hardware so you can do actions with the buttons that a JDS or a Schiit cannot do, but if you do..." Read more

"...work as a "command" center to control this card, but this software has the bugs...." Read more

"...It has a software management option or totally hardware based. I currently have a 5.1 Logitech speaker system plugged into it...." Read more

"...The item is amazing, the sound is clear and the power delivered to my Sennheiser PC38X is noticable...." Read more

24 customers mention8 positive16 negative

Customers are mixed about the quality of the sound card. Some mention that the overall build quality is passable, while others say that it became more and more defective. Some say that the product is solid external sound card, while other say that is significantly underperformed out of the box.

"...Shortly, this card is not a very good choice, at least for the people who want the optical (toslink) connection...." Read more

"...through a preamp to some nice Sony speakers, and the quality improvement is noticeably better than the SBX...." Read more

"...If you shut down, or reset your computer with mute on, the X3 won't power up. You have to power cycle by yanking the cord...." Read more

"...are awesome (especially the scout mode for gaming), but none of it is worth constant, random popping...." Read more

11 customers mention0 positive11 negative

Customers are dissatisfied with the stability of the sound card. They mention that it glitches out and stops working. The control software is flaky and unreliable, and there are still some annoying glitched that persist. The drivers seem to crash with the latest Windows 10 drivers.

"...However, there are still some weird/annoying glitches that persist. If you shut down, or reset your computer with mute on, the X3 won't power up...." Read more

"...The software is a laggy, glitchy mess. Most recently, an update to the software just erased the playback section of the application...." Read more

"...If you change the output, it crashes, you just want to sit there and listen to music or play a game or watch a video it crashes, and not only does..." Read more

"...Can tend to be glitchy when working with discord, will glitch out and sound will stop coming and mic will stop working and that's slightly annoying..." Read more

DAC (Damn Attractive Case)? or (Definitive Audio Cachet)?
5 Stars
DAC (Damn Attractive Case)? or (Definitive Audio Cachet)?
Rarely do we get all the things we want, usually there is a choice to be made.In this case, you get the best of both worlds. The Case is attractive on a desk,the sound will astound you. No, it is not a $300 to $500 DAC, but it is definitely punching wayabove its weight class. The separation for music was amazing, the muddy sound was transformed into clearseparated definition and clarity. WOW!!! This on PolkAudio and Logitech *(Z5500's)* What this did for my external speakers was incredible. Now to Gaming, In FPS latest Unreal Tourn. It made my picture better, WTH you say, you heard me right, it allowed resources to be freed up by my PC to render a better image in games. NOW for the juicy stuff, It increased my kill Ratio Big Time. I can hear where people (other players are if they move or are trying to sneak up behind me. Get it and thank me later. Very Glad I bought It!
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2020
Color: 115 dB with Super X-Fi TechnologyVerified Purchase
10 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2019
Color: 115 dB with Super X-Fi TechnologyVerified Purchase
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2020
Color: 115 dB with Super X-Fi TechnologyVerified Purchase
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2023
Color: 115 dB with Super X-Fi TechnologyVerified Purchase
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2020
Color: 115 dB with Super X-Fi TechnologyVerified Purchase
11 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Ronald
5.0 out of 5 stars Better than x4
Reviewed in Canada on February 10, 2023
Color: 115 dB with Super X-Fi TechnologyVerified Purchase
Guillermo
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente Producto
Reviewed in Mexico on February 27, 2022
Color: 115 dB with Super X-Fi TechnologyVerified Purchase
2 people found this helpful
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Achilles
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, very effective and efficient in all kinds of sound
Reviewed in India on November 28, 2020
Color: 115 dB with Super X-Fi TechnologyVerified Purchase
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Product!
Reviewed in Canada on December 30, 2020
Color: 115 dB with Super X-Fi TechnologyVerified Purchase
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Product!
Reviewed in Canada on December 30, 2020
I bought this unit back in June and I am really impressed with the quality of sound and the various ways you can attach to your computer. I use the Optical, just a personal preference. I would recommend this product in a heartbeat! 5/5
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Juan M
5.0 out of 5 stars Justo lo que esperaba, gran sonido.
Reviewed in Mexico on January 15, 2020
Color: 115 dB with Super X-Fi TechnologyVerified Purchase
2 people found this helpful
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