Отзывы о Внутренняя звуковая карта Creative AE-9
184 отзывов пользователей o Creative AE-9
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Creative AE-9?
Поделитесь своим опытом и помогите другим сделать правильный выбор
Gavin
10.10.2024
2/10
Оценка пользователя
Ужасно
Item failed, no support to be found
Do not rely on Creative products if you want to expect to have any sort of warranty backing up the hardware you pay for. They offer no support for items purchased through Amazon - I cannot even open a ticket on their website.
This item worked great for 2 months and then suddenly failed. It completely ceased to function. I do not trust brands that make it hard to get support for their products when they stop working as intended. Creative proves themselves to be of the lesser companies that do not stand by their products. I will no longer use Creative products.
Update: The sound card has not completely failed. After further investigation, the issues appear to be due to the 12-month old, horribly written software drivers for this card. Creative support has no contact number and will not help at all since I did not purchase it from them, and says to contact Amazon, where I am well outside of my return window. Will never be purchasing from Creative again.
This item worked great for 2 months and then suddenly failed. It completely ceased to function. I do not trust brands that make it hard to get support for their products when they stop working as intended. Creative proves themselves to be of the lesser companies that do not stand by their products. I will no longer use Creative products.
Update: The sound card has not completely failed. After further investigation, the issues appear to be due to the 12-month old, horribly written software drivers for this card. Creative support has no contact number and will not help at all since I did not purchase it from them, and says to contact Amazon, where I am well outside of my return window. Will never be purchasing from Creative again.
Amazon Customer
10.10.2024
2/10
Оценка пользователя
Ужасно
AE7 audio drops off to 1900's quality! Talk about a Sound Blaster from the past!
Sound was working for one week. Bought on Oct 20th, 2019. Experiencing the audio drop off issues like everyone else is. I went through all their reddit post 'fixes' and sorry they don't work. I'm done being a 'work-for-free' tech for creative while I try to help them fix their brand new product they sold me. Tech support gets a 3 star for trying but also a 3 star for not fixing anything yet.
Bottom line is... what good is ANY sound card if it plays sound like a scratchy 1900's record?
For $200+ no one should have to repair anything brand new!
I'm just thankful the return period is still available. My onboard realtek will have to do (yuk!)
Bottom line is... what good is ANY sound card if it plays sound like a scratchy 1900's record?
For $200+ no one should have to repair anything brand new!
I'm just thankful the return period is still available. My onboard realtek will have to do (yuk!)
YazX
10.10.2024
10/10
Оценка пользователя
Великолепно
OMG...buy it now
I'm coming from SBX-Z card paired with old Intel MOBO, back then the integrated sound quality was piece of horse crap, so after upgrading to X570 ASUS Gaming-F, the sound quality is decent, but felt like its just flat and not up to the standards.
I got this card to see if there are any differences, first run, it felt like the same and i was like f*** this s*** and got extremely disappointed, but i said to myself, let me play with the settings and configure it properly, so that item in the software menu called Encoder is magical, its set to No Encoder by default , turned it on, set some other settings like crystalizer and smart volume and started to play with the built-in profiles the result is just OMG, the clarity, surround, everything is just awesome, you could even hear ant steps walking on instruments.
only thing annoyed me is the length of the LED strip, its made for mid-tower cases, mine is super tower (COSMOS C700M) case, it barely covers half of the case, i would got another strip if i had known, anyway, its not a big of a deal.
Saw some reviews bashing molex connecter as this card requires it for LED lighting, i have no problem with molex, not sure why people are crying over it, its just a connecter similar to any other.
I got this card to see if there are any differences, first run, it felt like the same and i was like f*** this s*** and got extremely disappointed, but i said to myself, let me play with the settings and configure it properly, so that item in the software menu called Encoder is magical, its set to No Encoder by default , turned it on, set some other settings like crystalizer and smart volume and started to play with the built-in profiles the result is just OMG, the clarity, surround, everything is just awesome, you could even hear ant steps walking on instruments.
only thing annoyed me is the length of the LED strip, its made for mid-tower cases, mine is super tower (COSMOS C700M) case, it barely covers half of the case, i would got another strip if i had known, anyway, its not a big of a deal.
Saw some reviews bashing molex connecter as this card requires it for LED lighting, i have no problem with molex, not sure why people are crying over it, its just a connecter similar to any other.
M.C.P.
10.10.2024
8/10
Оценка пользователя
Хорошо
Great quality for value
Pros: As a Creative product, the sound quality is as expected, and it is adequate for my purposes, which is studio post-production. I'm not concerned with the gaming, so I use the control panel in direct mode and use the Windows 10 sound mixer to control the volume of the output. At first, my Adobe Audition did not want to recognise the ASIO drivers for the AE-7, but eventually settled in to using them. I did not have any issues with installing the software for the control panel, as some have complained in earlier reviews. I am in hopes this will be a good replacement for my X-fi titanic card. All of the Creative cards were still functioning at the time they were replaced, although the RCA outputs of the X-fi failed a couple of years before I bought the AE-7, and I used that one for 5 years. I have no reason to believe this unit will be the exception.
Cons: Does not have audiophile quality RCA outputs like the X-fi. Also, the add-on does not function as expected, it does not automatically switch the card from speaker to headphone output- this has to be done in the Soundblaster control panel, which is why I gave the card only 4 stars. So effectively, the headphone/ mic add-on is useless to me.
Cons: Does not have audiophile quality RCA outputs like the X-fi. Also, the add-on does not function as expected, it does not automatically switch the card from speaker to headphone output- this has to be done in the Soundblaster control panel, which is why I gave the card only 4 stars. So effectively, the headphone/ mic add-on is useless to me.
Max Loh
10.10.2024
8/10
Оценка пользователя
Хорошо
Works well for me. Software needs hotkey capabilities, but I wrote a script as a workaround.
Sound quality is pristine, although I will say the difference in sound from another decent soundcard or even good onboard sound, would likely be insignificant and not verified with A/B scientific blind testing. But it's worth mentioning that both the AE-7 and my onboard mobo sound had a leg up over their new "X3" USB device, because the Soundblaster X3 actually introduces a very slight hissing noise floor when using headphones which the other two don't.
I'm buying it mainly for the SBX 3d binaural effect on headphone for games and also because I'm afraid they'll stop supporting older products like SBZ. I came from CMSS-3D on old x-fi cards; SBX is pretty much the same thing, but it's a really awesome technology which stands the test of time.
Also the headphone volume control is really pretty and cool-looking.
One con is there's no easy way to switch between headphones and speakers. For that I wrote a program that binds auto-clicking to a hotkey; it's called "sound blaster command switcher" (not to be confused with soundblaster z switcher which doesn't work on the new console), on sourceforge.
I did not encounter any of the well-known issues which plagued other users, such as random crackling or channel-switching. Maybe I got lucky.
I'm buying it mainly for the SBX 3d binaural effect on headphone for games and also because I'm afraid they'll stop supporting older products like SBZ. I came from CMSS-3D on old x-fi cards; SBX is pretty much the same thing, but it's a really awesome technology which stands the test of time.
Also the headphone volume control is really pretty and cool-looking.
One con is there's no easy way to switch between headphones and speakers. For that I wrote a program that binds auto-clicking to a hotkey; it's called "sound blaster command switcher" (not to be confused with soundblaster z switcher which doesn't work on the new console), on sourceforge.
I did not encounter any of the well-known issues which plagued other users, such as random crackling or channel-switching. Maybe I got lucky.
SanAntonioITguy
10.10.2024
10/10
Оценка пользователя
Великолепно
Creative is back baby!
I was never a real fan of the RGB craze. I mean it is cool, but it was all fluff.. I am silicon dating myself here.. I remember going to Electronics Boutique's (before it became EB games) at the mall and EggHead looking at the newest sound blaster 16. Then I remember getting the Audigy and then Audigy 2.. then the RX... but that was all before 2008ish... Creative kinda went silent when it came to innovating the next big audio jump.. I do not blame them with MP3s with so called "cd quality" - 128bit I mean what was the point? 24bit audio was way more than enough. recording while respectable still did not hold their own to the dedicated capture cards. They re-focused their attention to other products.
Then they came out with the 32bit pro audio. FINALLY. Not that it really means anything at this point. I do not know of anything out there that can take advantage of that kind of fidelity. I was excited to see the AE-7 card designed for gamers. 127db 5.1 discreet surround or 7.1 virtual. with a ESS SABRE 9018 DAC. Plus a custom Bi-amp dedicated/designed for audiophile grade headphones with an impedance of 1 - 600ohms.
I picked up this card because a neon green brand with 3 snakes told me I could no longer get replacement ear pads for less than a two year old headphones from them and they recommended I get new ones. So I did.. I picked up the EPOS I Sennheiser GSP 600. Respectably a starter audiophile headphone. amazing gaming headphones. I spend most of my day on headphones from work using MS teams, music.. Pandora, FLAC, or movies either digital or streamed. they all sound amazing. audio is super crisp. Windows 10 did not have a issue with the drivers like some other card MFGs.
Their software is actually really good. like Nvidia as with optimized graphic profiles per game they have done the same type of optimization. Like an EQ but it is much more tuned to the type of game than just adjusting hertz. I probably hear the footsteps in CoD much clearer and louder than my opponent.
I think the days of games having tailored audio based on the chip (like what they did with Audigy) are gone, but I think creative has taken the correct step in still being able to bring you that type of experience.
This is not a cheap card, but IMHO it is the best card when compared to the other cards on the market at a similar price point. it does not have all the added accessories like some of the others, but I think if you were able to put them head to head you can hear the difference. If you plan on using $30 headphones I wouldn't bother.
It is a lot harder to gauge audio. everyone hears differently some folks hear frequencies better/worse than others... and you cannot really pause it and study the difference like you can with a graphics card or tv. I can tell you that for me personally. I can hear the difference. I have had a noticeable difference in my gaming performance across the board. music sounds better. The mic is really good as well. I can speak normal and have not had a complaint from anyone that I was too loud or to soft. no hissing or buzzing. Even though that is more of a headphone thing it does attest to the protection they put in place on the hardware to minimize EMI interference from the rest of the PC components. That being said I would still recommend putting the card as far away from the other cards as possible! lol.
I do have one gripe. switching between the headphone and speaker inputs is done in software. not a big deal it opens quickly and is easy to get to I just wish there was a toggle switch I could add to the taskbar or a right-click option on the service icon in the notifications area or a button/switch on the volume command thingy that sits on your desk.
Anyway... that is it. I hope this helps you decide one way or another. OH for those looking for some RGB goodness it has some.. minimal but some. just my style.
Then they came out with the 32bit pro audio. FINALLY. Not that it really means anything at this point. I do not know of anything out there that can take advantage of that kind of fidelity. I was excited to see the AE-7 card designed for gamers. 127db 5.1 discreet surround or 7.1 virtual. with a ESS SABRE 9018 DAC. Plus a custom Bi-amp dedicated/designed for audiophile grade headphones with an impedance of 1 - 600ohms.
I picked up this card because a neon green brand with 3 snakes told me I could no longer get replacement ear pads for less than a two year old headphones from them and they recommended I get new ones. So I did.. I picked up the EPOS I Sennheiser GSP 600. Respectably a starter audiophile headphone. amazing gaming headphones. I spend most of my day on headphones from work using MS teams, music.. Pandora, FLAC, or movies either digital or streamed. they all sound amazing. audio is super crisp. Windows 10 did not have a issue with the drivers like some other card MFGs.
Their software is actually really good. like Nvidia as with optimized graphic profiles per game they have done the same type of optimization. Like an EQ but it is much more tuned to the type of game than just adjusting hertz. I probably hear the footsteps in CoD much clearer and louder than my opponent.
I think the days of games having tailored audio based on the chip (like what they did with Audigy) are gone, but I think creative has taken the correct step in still being able to bring you that type of experience.
This is not a cheap card, but IMHO it is the best card when compared to the other cards on the market at a similar price point. it does not have all the added accessories like some of the others, but I think if you were able to put them head to head you can hear the difference. If you plan on using $30 headphones I wouldn't bother.
It is a lot harder to gauge audio. everyone hears differently some folks hear frequencies better/worse than others... and you cannot really pause it and study the difference like you can with a graphics card or tv. I can tell you that for me personally. I can hear the difference. I have had a noticeable difference in my gaming performance across the board. music sounds better. The mic is really good as well. I can speak normal and have not had a complaint from anyone that I was too loud or to soft. no hissing or buzzing. Even though that is more of a headphone thing it does attest to the protection they put in place on the hardware to minimize EMI interference from the rest of the PC components. That being said I would still recommend putting the card as far away from the other cards as possible! lol.
I do have one gripe. switching between the headphone and speaker inputs is done in software. not a big deal it opens quickly and is easy to get to I just wish there was a toggle switch I could add to the taskbar or a right-click option on the service icon in the notifications area or a button/switch on the volume command thingy that sits on your desk.
Anyway... that is it. I hope this helps you decide one way or another. OH for those looking for some RGB goodness it has some.. minimal but some. just my style.
Rooster
10.10.2024
10/10
Оценка пользователя
Великолепно
Sound quality better than stock Realtek and fixed a microphone problem
I purchased this card, begrudgingly, because the stock Realtek chipset on my motherboard had a major problem with the microphone and I did not want to spend more money on more hardware. The mic port on my system would barely produce sound. I tried every solution suggested on the internet and nothing fixed it. I even tried a USB microphone, to no avail. In one attempt to fix the mic problem I loaded older Realtek drivers and I was able to get the mic to work, but then I lost the subwoofer capability. Thus, I decided to try an add-on sound card to fix the problem.
I will admit that the cost of this card was off-putting. I was paying a huge premium just to get a microphone to work correctly on a really good computer system. However, based on my research, I felt that it would fix my problem and it was one of the latest boards from Creative, so I felt that the drivers would be current. (Realtek rarely updates sound drivers, and that is a big problem.)
The Creative card fixed the problem, and more than that, it is easier to setup the sound on my system. Furthermore, the app for it has options to tweak the microphone. That was more than I expected.
Now for the bonus... The sound of my music sounds at least 30 to 40% better! I thought my sound was good before, but it is now much better. Very clean and exacting. Yes, I did need to readjust everything, including tweaking my sub-woofer and making a custom equalizer, but once that was done, the sound was unbelievable.
Would I purchase this card if it was not for the mic problem? No. This card is very expensive, relative to the cost of the other components. However, because I also got better sound quality for my music, I am very happy with it. If money is no object, these expensive sound cards are much better than stock sound chips on motherboards, hands-down. And if you have a microphone problem, this will fix it.
Do note: This is an expansion card for an ePCI slot on a motherboard. If your motherboard has x4 technology on the PCI bus, be absolutely certain that the motherboard manufacturer has upgrade their BIOS/UEFI so sound cards will work correctly in their x4 slot! Fortunately, my motherboard manufacturer had already addressed the incompatibilities and this card worked. My UEFI had already been updated with the lasts fixes before I installed the card. So far it is working fine.
I will admit that the cost of this card was off-putting. I was paying a huge premium just to get a microphone to work correctly on a really good computer system. However, based on my research, I felt that it would fix my problem and it was one of the latest boards from Creative, so I felt that the drivers would be current. (Realtek rarely updates sound drivers, and that is a big problem.)
The Creative card fixed the problem, and more than that, it is easier to setup the sound on my system. Furthermore, the app for it has options to tweak the microphone. That was more than I expected.
Now for the bonus... The sound of my music sounds at least 30 to 40% better! I thought my sound was good before, but it is now much better. Very clean and exacting. Yes, I did need to readjust everything, including tweaking my sub-woofer and making a custom equalizer, but once that was done, the sound was unbelievable.
Would I purchase this card if it was not for the mic problem? No. This card is very expensive, relative to the cost of the other components. However, because I also got better sound quality for my music, I am very happy with it. If money is no object, these expensive sound cards are much better than stock sound chips on motherboards, hands-down. And if you have a microphone problem, this will fix it.
Do note: This is an expansion card for an ePCI slot on a motherboard. If your motherboard has x4 technology on the PCI bus, be absolutely certain that the motherboard manufacturer has upgrade their BIOS/UEFI so sound cards will work correctly in their x4 slot! Fortunately, my motherboard manufacturer had already addressed the incompatibilities and this card worked. My UEFI had already been updated with the lasts fixes before I installed the card. So far it is working fine.
Amazon Customer
10.10.2024
8/10
Оценка пользователя
Хорошо
Unbelievable upgrade over onboard. Best upgrade ever!!
Update (see below) Ok I wanted one if these for a long time and finally purchased the Ae-7, was gonna get the Ae-9 but this went on sale and I wanted this mostly for gaming, plus specs are pretty similar so I decided this is good for now. I've owned X-fi and Recon3D and loved them amazing cards, but my current system only had onboard Realtek HD, paired with a very old set of THX certified Logitech Z680 5.1 speakers connected through the optical. Onboard just didn't sound right. the sound was OK but sounded flat. Positional sounds were not very accurate and just lacked presence. Bass sounded loose.. So i installed the Ae-7, played with the settings for awhile, I decided to turn crystalizer and surround to max, and set cinema preset, then started sampling some audiophile music, put on a bunch of dolby atmos demo compilations on YouTube, then watched some movie trailers. and all I can say is WOW!!! The difference is just unbelievable. The speakers came alive and It sounds like I have hundreds of speakers all over the room, I can hear every little nuance, sounds come from everywhere. Bass is so tight and everything is just on point. Sounds better than my dolby atmos hedphones or my surround sound system in my living room.. I just cant believe the difference. If people are telling you onboard audio is good enough and you don't need a dedicated sound card, then they just don't have the right speakers. I just cant explain the difference you have to hear it for yourself. It's like going from a black and white TV to virtual reality. If I close my eyes I can't even tell where my speakers are I am engulfed in sounds all over. The bass sounds so tight and accurate and I hear things I couldn't before, I haven't even tried a game yet I just want to stay up all night sampling everything. Best purchase ever soooooo happy!!
UPDATE: ok I don't know if it's me but for the life of me I cant get the volume to work over spdif connection slider in windows or in software does nothing I have to control volume with my speaker knob. ive never had this issue. only mutes on and off, but YouTube video slider works? I don't get it i tried every setting. I've completely Uninstaller and reinstalled software and drivers. Until this is fixed I am deducting a star. Awesome sound, but no volume control? Is software messed up?
UPDATE: ok I don't know if it's me but for the life of me I cant get the volume to work over spdif connection slider in windows or in software does nothing I have to control volume with my speaker knob. ive never had this issue. only mutes on and off, but YouTube video slider works? I don't get it i tried every setting. I've completely Uninstaller and reinstalled software and drivers. Until this is fixed I am deducting a star. Awesome sound, but no volume control? Is software messed up?
Tim H
10.10.2024
8/10
Оценка пользователя
Хорошо
Great sound card, decent drivers, headphone switching sucks
As someone who has been using Creative sounds cards since the Awe32 was released this is by far their best sound card. My last sound card was a X-Fi Titanium and It was decent with a good balance between gaming and audio content creation (DAW VST ASIO work). The drivers were always iffy at best but did the job. The card being long in the tooth and exhibiting issues I decided to upgrade. The AE-5 is a solid card with flexible outputs and outstanding headphone properties. The drivers are some of the best that I have ever seen for Creative. The LEDs are cool but not a deciding factor for me buying it. The biggest downside and one that almost makes me regret buying it is the auto headphone switching, it does not exist. With all of my old sound cards when I plug in my headphones the software would automatically switch from speakers to headphones. With this sound card that is not an option, you have to go into the Soundblaster Command Center and switch from speakers to headphones. While this is only a few mouse clicks some games do not apply the settings until you close the game. For example, I normally game with 5.1 surround, if someone joins my group and wants to chat they can hear the game sound over the chat where as before I could just plug in my headphones, the software would switch to headphones and they would not hear the game explosions and gun fire.
Overall this was well worth the upgrade despite not auto headphone switching. Outstanding sound quality and stable drivers
Overall this was well worth the upgrade despite not auto headphone switching. Outstanding sound quality and stable drivers
Brian
10.10.2024
8/10
Оценка пользователя
Хорошо
Good hardware, decent software, room for improvement
I purchased the Creative AE-7 to replace a Sound Blaster Z. My primary use is for gaming with headphones. I do not use speakers with this card. I currently use Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 Ohm and DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm headphones with it. While the Z drove the DT 770s without a problem, they did not adequately drive the DT 990s. The primary reason for upgrading to the AE-7 was for improved sound quality and the ability to properly drive the DT 990s.
The Creative AE-7 hardware (card) is very good. The sound quality is noticeably improved over the Z, and the DT 990s are properly driven. Whereas these headphones sounded thinner with the Z, they sound full and rich with the AE-7. The AE-7 brings out all of the little details in audio that I didn't hear before, which makes it a joy to listen to. I ended up hooking up the headphones directly to the headphone jack for the best results.
The supplied ACM accessory is not as good. Because the volume that is set in the OS directly controls the signal that goes to the output, the ACM audibly distorts, even when the knob is turned to only 25%. For this reason, I find the ACM completely unusable. A better design would have been to separate the OS signal from the card signal. Other competing products allow for 100% OS signal to be provided as input into the card, with a separate volume control for the final signal that goes out of the card. Had the AE-7 been designed this way, with the ACM controlling the card's signal output directly, I would find it far more useful.
So, the main card is fantastic. The ACM is essentially a paperweight. Which I can live with, because the ACM was a nice to have, not a necessity. It just means that someone considering the AE-7 needs to understand the ACM limitations with higher impedance headphones.
The software (Sound Blaster Command) is a big improvement over the older software that was bundled with the Z. Installing and configuring it was seamless and painless. I especially like the selectable gains for different impedances and how well the virtual 7.1 sounds. I used Equalizer APO and HeSuVi with the Z, but find the virtual surround on the AE-7 so good that I don't feel the need to use a different HRTF solution. It really does sound that good. Sound positioning is spot on, the sound clarity is great in all channels, and the volume is balanced all around. I primary play MMORPGs, and ended up using the Witcher 3 SBX profile for the surround setting. I do not use the Crystalizer or the Bass controls, preferring to manually equalize.
The documentation for the software is lean, and lacking in detail in some key places. Specifically: There really needs to be documentation (any documentation) about what the different default SBX profile settings actually do. For example, what differentiates "RPG" from "Adventure and Action"? Having a short explanation in a bullet list would not take much time to write, and add a lot of value to the documentation. As a user, I should not have to guess, or use trial and error, to determine what a provided setting does, and what its intended use is for.
Finally, thoughts about the equalizer. I found the equalizer passable, but disappointing. The provided functionality is a limited fixed band equalizer, with a pre-amp and the standard 10 frequencies. The pre-amp is not labeled in the GUI, and not documented, leaving me to guess as to what it was there for. These little details are annoying, especially since they are so easy to fix. Despite these shortcomings, it does an adequate job at letting me apply Oratory1990 measurements; adequate because the equalizer range is clamped at +/-12dB. It would be more useful if this were widened to +/-24dB. I understand that the range was clamped to prevent clipping, but properly applied settings should fix clipping. Even better would be an option to use a parametric equalizer, with configurable center frequencies and gains. For a card marketed as "audiophile", I associate a parametric equalizer with this level of control.
In summary, I am pleased with the AE-7 overall. For what I bought it for, it does the job nearly perfectly. It has fantastic sound quality and drives my higher impedance headphones great. The ACM is not useful, due to distortion and degraded sound quality. Most of the software is well designed and very easy to use. The virtual surround is everything I could ask for. The equalizer is adequate, and does the job, but would benefit from some additional work to bring it up a notch in quality.
The Creative AE-7 hardware (card) is very good. The sound quality is noticeably improved over the Z, and the DT 990s are properly driven. Whereas these headphones sounded thinner with the Z, they sound full and rich with the AE-7. The AE-7 brings out all of the little details in audio that I didn't hear before, which makes it a joy to listen to. I ended up hooking up the headphones directly to the headphone jack for the best results.
The supplied ACM accessory is not as good. Because the volume that is set in the OS directly controls the signal that goes to the output, the ACM audibly distorts, even when the knob is turned to only 25%. For this reason, I find the ACM completely unusable. A better design would have been to separate the OS signal from the card signal. Other competing products allow for 100% OS signal to be provided as input into the card, with a separate volume control for the final signal that goes out of the card. Had the AE-7 been designed this way, with the ACM controlling the card's signal output directly, I would find it far more useful.
So, the main card is fantastic. The ACM is essentially a paperweight. Which I can live with, because the ACM was a nice to have, not a necessity. It just means that someone considering the AE-7 needs to understand the ACM limitations with higher impedance headphones.
The software (Sound Blaster Command) is a big improvement over the older software that was bundled with the Z. Installing and configuring it was seamless and painless. I especially like the selectable gains for different impedances and how well the virtual 7.1 sounds. I used Equalizer APO and HeSuVi with the Z, but find the virtual surround on the AE-7 so good that I don't feel the need to use a different HRTF solution. It really does sound that good. Sound positioning is spot on, the sound clarity is great in all channels, and the volume is balanced all around. I primary play MMORPGs, and ended up using the Witcher 3 SBX profile for the surround setting. I do not use the Crystalizer or the Bass controls, preferring to manually equalize.
The documentation for the software is lean, and lacking in detail in some key places. Specifically: There really needs to be documentation (any documentation) about what the different default SBX profile settings actually do. For example, what differentiates "RPG" from "Adventure and Action"? Having a short explanation in a bullet list would not take much time to write, and add a lot of value to the documentation. As a user, I should not have to guess, or use trial and error, to determine what a provided setting does, and what its intended use is for.
Finally, thoughts about the equalizer. I found the equalizer passable, but disappointing. The provided functionality is a limited fixed band equalizer, with a pre-amp and the standard 10 frequencies. The pre-amp is not labeled in the GUI, and not documented, leaving me to guess as to what it was there for. These little details are annoying, especially since they are so easy to fix. Despite these shortcomings, it does an adequate job at letting me apply Oratory1990 measurements; adequate because the equalizer range is clamped at +/-12dB. It would be more useful if this were widened to +/-24dB. I understand that the range was clamped to prevent clipping, but properly applied settings should fix clipping. Even better would be an option to use a parametric equalizer, with configurable center frequencies and gains. For a card marketed as "audiophile", I associate a parametric equalizer with this level of control.
In summary, I am pleased with the AE-7 overall. For what I bought it for, it does the job nearly perfectly. It has fantastic sound quality and drives my higher impedance headphones great. The ACM is not useful, due to distortion and degraded sound quality. Most of the software is well designed and very easy to use. The virtual surround is everything I could ask for. The equalizer is adequate, and does the job, but would benefit from some additional work to bring it up a notch in quality.
JMLE
10.10.2024
2/10
Оценка пользователя
Ужасно
Avoid if you are running any modern AMD chipset
There are serious comparability issues with the pcie channels. Creative is aware of the problem and has no coordinated with motherboard manufacturers to fix it. Tested with Asus B550
JaxMacFL
10.10.2024
10/10
Оценка пользователя
Великолепно
Very pleased with the Creative Sound Blaster AE-7
The AE-7 installed without a hitch. New software is improved and simplified, less bloated. Performance - outstanding!
Epyon9283
10.10.2024
2/10
Оценка пользователя
Ужасно
Do not buy
This card is completely useless. The left/right channels (if using 2-ch speakers) will switch on you randomly. If you're using headphones the card will utilize a virtual surround system. The audio channels will move around on you after a minute or two in games. Sounds coming from behind you will sound like they're directly to your right. Sounds to your right will sound like they're coming from directly in front. This is completely worthless for gaming. You can gain a slight reprieve by switching to direct mode but you of course lose the virtual surround. Then the audio channels only switch occasionally instead of every couple minutes.
Additionally, if your RAM is anywhere faster than DDR4-3000 you're going to have a bad time. The audio will randomly just stop working which will require a reboot.
I just ripped out the card and switched back to my onboard realtek sound. At least it works reliably.
Garbage.
I'm now the owner of an expensive sound card shaped paperweight.
Additionally, if your RAM is anywhere faster than DDR4-3000 you're going to have a bad time. The audio will randomly just stop working which will require a reboot.
I just ripped out the card and switched back to my onboard realtek sound. At least it works reliably.
Garbage.
I'm now the owner of an expensive sound card shaped paperweight.
Clayton Chroust
10.10.2024
2/10
Оценка пользователя
Ужасно
Not detected in windows/won’t initialize?
I was so stoaked when I get this to go with my new headphone and mic setup for gaming but I could not get it to detect in wi does 10 on my Asus Rog Strix x570-e. I tried different drivers and a new bios but no luck, I also tried different slots since my 2080 takes up like 3 slots, which didn’t work and kicked my 2080 to x8 instead of 16x. My boot up time also slowed down dramatically with the card in the slot, I went from like a 10 second boot to almost a minute with some glitches, as soon as I removed the card computer was back to normal. I’m not sure if the slot i had it in plus a 2080 covering my other slots and having a nvme drive on the motherboard was the problem too? I ended up retiring my whole order and sticking to my usb headset for gaming since I wanted an internal solution and not a usb sound card or dac/amp combo. After further reading there appears to be an issue with either the 3001 asus bios or the sound blaster drivers as some have reported success with an old bios and a beta sound driver.
Robert K Hoffman
10.10.2024
6/10
Оценка пользователя
Плохо
Great card, not for streaming I think
I picked up this card as my previous 13 dollar sound card had a bunch of audio chatter for when I was streaming. This card solves this problem, but presents several of it's own issues. Firstly, I cannot hear myself in realtime as I could with previous sound cards, there is a pretty heafty delay. This is due to the drivers creative uses for this device. In the past I could manipulate the windows levels through the playback devices and this would enable real time mic playback. This card lacks this windows option. It has the option to listen to the device, but again, there is a delay.
The other issue I have with this card is the fact that I have to use the front audio jacks for the headset and mic. The back audio jacks located on the card itself do not function properly.
The software is a little hard to get used to at first, but I believe they have fixed a lot of the initial issues they had with it.
The card does sound great, if you are just using it for music or strictly gaming and not streaming.
The other issue I have with this card is the fact that I have to use the front audio jacks for the headset and mic. The back audio jacks located on the card itself do not function properly.
The software is a little hard to get used to at first, but I believe they have fixed a lot of the initial issues they had with it.
The card does sound great, if you are just using it for music or strictly gaming and not streaming.
LWood
10.10.2024
2/10
Оценка пользователя
Ужасно
Unhappy
Like other reviewers, The sound stops until you change the output in their software. Twice, it cut out and I had to remove and replace the card - it fits a little loose in the socket. This is in an Asus x99 board that was not cheap. The latest drivers haven't helped, either. I would have to say don't buy it until they have worked the gremlins out.
Matthew Burghard
10.10.2024
2/10
Оценка пользователя
Ужасно
An amazing piece of garbage
With the 4.5 star review average on this product i decided to ignore the negative reviews and I regretteded it.
The SBX feature doesnt work over the Optical output.
The aux outputs have a constant hissing or whine.
The card itself doesnt actualy do Dolby or DTS audio but rather relys on a third party card to produce the audio for it.
The drivers that are included with the card installation are garbage and will crash the card with only windows drivers making it work at all.
and the only way to get decent audio is with a third party sound suite.
The only reason i got this card was i was hoping the quad core processor would reduce latency but that doesnt appear to be the case either.
The SBX feature doesnt work over the Optical output.
The aux outputs have a constant hissing or whine.
The card itself doesnt actualy do Dolby or DTS audio but rather relys on a third party card to produce the audio for it.
The drivers that are included with the card installation are garbage and will crash the card with only windows drivers making it work at all.
and the only way to get decent audio is with a third party sound suite.
The only reason i got this card was i was hoping the quad core processor would reduce latency but that doesnt appear to be the case either.
Andy999
10.10.2024
2/10
Оценка пользователя
Ужасно
I almost tossed it into the garbage.
I have this soundcard hooked to my very expensive speakers.
First of all I would like to state that the SoundBlaster Command software is very annoying and clunky to use! My recommendation is to avoid using it. If you are using an optical output you will need to turn off the SBX profile. I did this accidentally and found out that many of my sound problems disappeared I was ready to return this soundcard because I was really starting to hate it. This soundcard will take a lot before you get happy using it. Apparently SoundBlaster has never heard of an optical output because the software has very poor support for optical output. Like I said I was ready to return this card because it had so many sound problems. It still has a few problems and sometimes I need to turn on direct mode which disables the equalizer and makes everything sound like crap. I would say this soundcard is over priced and I almost tossed it into the garbage.
First of all I would like to state that the SoundBlaster Command software is very annoying and clunky to use! My recommendation is to avoid using it. If you are using an optical output you will need to turn off the SBX profile. I did this accidentally and found out that many of my sound problems disappeared I was ready to return this soundcard because I was really starting to hate it. This soundcard will take a lot before you get happy using it. Apparently SoundBlaster has never heard of an optical output because the software has very poor support for optical output. Like I said I was ready to return this card because it had so many sound problems. It still has a few problems and sometimes I need to turn on direct mode which disables the equalizer and makes everything sound like crap. I would say this soundcard is over priced and I almost tossed it into the garbage.
Computer Sage
10.10.2024
10/10
Оценка пользователя
Великолепно
Wholly Toledo! Batman!
I didnt expect much upgrading from an Creative Labs Sound Blaster Recon 3d THX, but man was I surprised! The sound quality, software and RGB lighting is KICK booty! This sound card handles everything I throw at it! GAMES, VIDEO, MUSIC and more! It even can fine tune the sound from my lil 2.1 system! Best part is the software which allows you to fine tune your sound! PLUS you still get "what you hear" as a recording channel.
Mykl
10.10.2024
10/10
Оценка пользователя
Великолепно
Impressive gaming audio.
This card isn't just a game changer it's a game maker. The sound it helps produce is beyond impressive and changing. Remember to set the 2.1-5.1-7.1 audio correctly and everything else for me sounded great. I had no trouble setting up the software and getting it to work, it switches between my headphones and computer speakers just fine with shut off of audio. The main 3 settings I've used is Gaming, Concert and Cinema, only tweaking slightly to how I prefer to hear the individual audio profiles.
Components:
X570 ASUS Prime-P
3700X
G. Skill 3600 DDR4, 16GB RAM
3070 RTX
RUN MUS RGB K3
Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
Components:
X570 ASUS Prime-P
3700X
G. Skill 3600 DDR4, 16GB RAM
3070 RTX
RUN MUS RGB K3
Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
Kindle Customer
10.10.2024
4/10
Оценка пользователя
Ужасно
Do Not Recommend.
This card was a huge waste of time and money. I purchased this because I wanted to use the SpDif connection for my sound bar. Unfortunately, Creative has had a problem with their SpDif working properly for some two years now. Apparently, there isn't a workaround or fix. After spending eight hours trying to get this to work as advertised--including the documentation included, FAQs on Creative, and various other sites--I pulled it and went to the the built-in MB sound. Unfortunately, I didn't see any of the reviews here listing this problem or I would have avoided the purchase altogether. I wasted entirely too much time with this one.
I was quite disappointed. I was always a Creative fan since the original Sound Blaster was released years ago.
I was quite disappointed. I was always a Creative fan since the original Sound Blaster was released years ago.
Sin'Jin
10.10.2024
8/10
Оценка пользователя
Хорошо
I bought it for the Audio Control Module
The only reasons I bought this was for the headphone amp and the Audio Control Module.
I have always wanted a remote way to control my headphones and mics. I bought the sound card because my motherboard malfunctioned and I lost headphones function.
I think sound quality has not improved over my Asus Hero Maximus onboard audio.
The Sound Blaster software is ... lacking.
I have always wanted a remote way to control my headphones and mics. I bought the sound card because my motherboard malfunctioned and I lost headphones function.
I think sound quality has not improved over my Asus Hero Maximus onboard audio.
The Sound Blaster software is ... lacking.
BigFred
10.10.2024
10/10
Оценка пользователя
Великолепно
Can Seemingly Rescue Bad Cans
I bought the AE-7 to get a top notch audio experience with headphones or possibly 5.1 speakers. I have a pair of Sennheiser Game Zero SE headphones, that were supposed to be good. But listening to music with them left me with a feeling of "why bother?" With the AE-7 using the SBX processing, I was able to make the Game Zeros enjoyable. I'm now using Monolith 1060's which are *chef's kiss*
The breakout knob is heavy and convenient. The mic works well. I like the software too. Plus the lighting on the card is cool without being obnoxious. I'm pretty excited with how much it elevated my sound experience and the ease with which it happened.
The breakout knob is heavy and convenient. The mic works well. I like the software too. Plus the lighting on the card is cool without being obnoxious. I'm pretty excited with how much it elevated my sound experience and the ease with which it happened.
Tracy
10.10.2024
10/10
Оценка пользователя
Великолепно
Best $150 for sound in my computer
I got this card, after seeing a lot of problems and bugs in the Realtek ALC1220 drivers for my ROG STRIX Z390 H Gaming board towards last. The Realtek codec and drivers went so nuts, that I wasn't hearing certain sounds in games. and even had odd random lockups, and the only thing I could do to get going again was press the reset button on my case.
After I got this card, and installed it and configured it the way I wanted, I started playing games, and listening to music, and this card is far better than the Realtek codec on my motherboard, even though the Realtek Codec, as an ESS Sabre DAC with it, for it's implementation.
Admittedly I haven't used a Sound Blaster card for years, and was tempted by a card using a CMEDIA chip, which would have been a mistake.
The software was easy to use, which is also a plus.
After I got this card, and installed it and configured it the way I wanted, I started playing games, and listening to music, and this card is far better than the Realtek codec on my motherboard, even though the Realtek Codec, as an ESS Sabre DAC with it, for it's implementation.
Admittedly I haven't used a Sound Blaster card for years, and was tempted by a card using a CMEDIA chip, which would have been a mistake.
The software was easy to use, which is also a plus.
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