Creative Sound Blaster X3 Review

UI & Usage

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Computer connection (PC/MAC)

Like most modern USB-DACs, the Creative X3 doesn’t need any driver on most computers. If you’re using a MAC, this is no surprise as Apple has made a mission to ensure that every device you’ll connect will work directly…ish.

Same song on Windows, all you have to do is get your USB cable from the DAC to your computer, and both will immediately enter a new relationship. True plug&play, unless you stuck to Windows XP, where a driver remains mandatory.

Strangely, if you install the Sound Blaster Command app on Windows, you’ll have the choice to (re)install the X3 driver, forcing you to reboot your system in the meantime.

Smartphone / DAP connection

If you want, you can connect the Sound Blaster X3 to your phone, or DAP. As long as your phone supports USB OTG connections and can provide enough juice for the X3, it’s a wrap.

I tried it on my iPhone and couldn’t get it to work, whereas the iPad did just fine. The FiiO M15 was a match too, even if the combination isn’t really useful.

Game console connection (PS4/Nintendo Switch)

As advertised on Creative’s website, the Sound Blaster X3 can be connected to your favorite game console, AKA Sony’s PS4 and Nintendo Switch. And Xbox? Nothing on that, and unfortunately if I own the first ones, the letters didn’t make it to my playroom, yet.

To pair the X3 and your console is child’s play. Just use your USB Cable, and you’re done. For the Switch, if you want to use the DAC without the dock, you’ll have to use a USB Type-C to Type-C cable though. Nothing too complicated.

Unfortunately, lots of options aren’t available on the console, only on PC. Discrete/virtual 5.1, Audio balance, scout mode, and crystal voice, remain PC reserved. 

But, Super X-Fi is still accessible, and that is the main course.

Discrete / Virtual Surround

One of the most useful features of the Sound Blaster X3, in my opinion, is the 5.1/7.1 output.

Thanks to that, I could revive my old Logitech Z-5500, one of the mightiest Computer speakers set of its time. All I had to do is plug the four outputs of the kit, to the corresponding inputs, straight and simple.

But, as I did that, I questioned myself: in case of a 7.1 setup, how do you get the “.1” if you have to choose between Center and Sub with the last port. No information in the manual, and nothing online, so if you have a clue, feel free to tell me.

Once that’s done, all you have to do is launch your music as you normally do, and enjoy the magic of surround sound. If you do not have multi-channel tracks, you can enable virtual surround and get the DAC to re-address your stereo source, into multi-channel sources.

Again, this is only possible with a computer.

SXFI APP and Sound Blaster Command

If you really want to go the extra mile, and fully appreciate Creative’s engineers’ work, you really should get their app.

What for you may say? Because thanks to that, you can personalize your own audio profile, and photo captures your ears and face. Sounded like voodoo to me, but hey, we are in 2020 and I’ve seen crazier scheme. Once you’ve done that, the information will be uploaded yo your own profile and you’ll be able to hear the difference. If you took the time to install the  Sound Blaster Command app.

Also, after installing the app, you gain access to LOT of options :

• Super X-Fi activation of course
• Equalizer, 10 bands, but 3 customs pre-selections and multiple choices for your game
• Roll-Off filters, with a real technical explanation
• Virtual Surround, up to 7.1 channels
• Headphone gain, normal (32-149 ohms) or high (150-600 ohms

Ah, of course, it doesn’t work with non-certified Super X-Fi headphones. So no, you can’t enjoy that one with your TOTL headphones, just Creative’s approved headphones.

Sorry !

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