Creative SoundBlaster AE-5Plus PCIe Gaming DAC Soundcard Black

The Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus is a SABRE ultra-class hi-res PCIe gaming sound card and DAC with customizable RGB LEDs on its body, and comes with an included RGB LED strip. It has also been built with an Xamp discrete headphone amp that uses bi-amplification technology, as well as a full suite of audio processing technologies, including Surround Virtualization.

Compatible with 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7, the AE-5 Plus features an ESS SABRE Ultra DAC that delivers a 122 dB DNR at up to 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM playback, plus a low Total Harmonic Distortion of 0.00032%. It also features a 1 Ohm headphone output impedance that can drive studio-grade headphones of up to 600 Ohms, 5.1-channel discrete surround, and up to 7.1-channel virtual surround. It requires an Intel Core i3 or AMD equivalent processor, and an Intel, AMD, or compatible motherboard. On the back of the card there are three 3.5mm 5.1 line outputs for front, rear, and center channels, a TOSLINK optical output, a 3.5mm headphone output, and a 3.5mm mic/line input. There is also an Intel HD Audio front-panel connection.

Note: 32-bit playback is only available in Windows 10 or higher.

Key Features of the Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus Hi-res PCI-e DAC RGB Gaming Sound Card
Hi-Res PCIe Sound Card and DAC
Supports 5.1- & 7.1-Channel Surround
ESS SABRE Ultra DAC
Playback: 32-Bit / 384 kHz PCM
DNR/SNR: 122 dB DAC
Output Impedance: 1 Ohm
Supports RGB Aurora Lighting
Dolby Digital Live / DTS Encoding
Sound Core3D Audio Processor
Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7 Compatible
Custom Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-Amp
Maximize your prized headset's potential. Powerful headsets require an audiophile-grade headphone amplifier to drive outstanding audio performance, and that's where Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus comes in. The hi-res sound card features Xamp, Creative Labs' custom-designed discrete headphone bi-amplifier. It also features an ultra-low 1 ohm headphone output impedance that can drive studio-grade headphones of up to 600 ohms, including high-end planar-magnetic headphones.

The end result? Silky smooth audio regardless of how dynamic or demanding the current audio scene may be. From times when you need a break from gaming, the Xamp also satisfies even the most demanding needs of audiophiles seeking for music in its original form, the way it is intended to be heard.

Typical Headphone Amp vs. Xamp Headphone Amp
In a typical headphone amp, the left and right channels are amplified all at once using the same amplifier IC. With the Xamp discrete headphone bi-amp, each audio channel is individually amplified, allowing the Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus to deliver pristine audio fidelity in an unaltered lossless model to each earcup regardless of demand.

SABRE DAC
The Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus is a SABRE-class PCIe DAC that is good for high-resolution audio for games, music, and movies. It delivers an extremely clean 122 dB DNR audio stream at up to 32-bit / 384 kHz playback with ultra-low distortion and jitter.

Aurora Reactive RGB Lighting System
Enjoy a symphony of lights and sound with the Aurora Reactive Lighting System. The Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus has customizable RGB LEDs on its body, and also features an included RGB LED strip. Program up to 16.8 million Colours in different patterns with the free downloadable Sound Blaster Command software for PC.

Surround Sound Enhancement Technologies
Transform your gaming audio into immersive, theatrical audio. On top of support for Dolby Digital Live and DTS Connect Encoding, the Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus also features discrete 5.1 on speakers and up to 7.1 virtual surround on both speakers and headphones.

Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine
The Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus rides on Sound Blaster's long legacy of audio processing and enhancements, available through the Sound Blaster Command software. The Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine is a suite of fully customizable audio processing technologies that deliver new levels of audio immersion and precision for the ultimate competitive advantage. These sound technologies create unprecedented levels of audio realism, including stunning 3D surround effects for your speakers and headsets.

Scout Mode
Activate Scout Mode to give yourself a distinct tactical advantage. This tried and tested technology enhances important in-game audio cues, such as footsteps and weapon switching sounds, allowing you to quickly and accurately pinpoint your opponents' location before they pinpoint yours.