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Creative Labs Sound Blaster PLAY! 3 External Sound Card & USB DAC Amp

BH #CRSBP3 • MFR #70SB173000000
11 reviews
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Creative Labs Sound Blaster PLAY! 3 External Sound Card & USB DAC Amp
Key Features
  • Upgrade Motherboard Audio
  • 24-Bit/96 kHz Audio Output
  • 24-Bit/48 kHz Microphone Input
  • ~93 dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)
Upgrade the motherboard audio on your Windows or Mac system using the Sound Blaster PLAY! 3 External Sound Card & USB DAC Amp from Creative Labs. With a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of ~93 dB, its integrated internal amplifier drives a variety of headsets, ranging from mobile phone earbuds to gaming and studio-grade headphones, to deliver high-resolution audio at 24-bit/96 kHz for music, movies, games, and more. If you're looking to record podcasts or utilize in-game communications, USB connectivity provides 24-bit/48 kHz audio for microphones. Additionally, downloadable Sound Blaster Control Panel software offers greater audio realism and immersive audio effects, and also includes optimized profiles for selected earphone brands.
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Creative Labs PLAY! 3 Overview

Upgrade the motherboard audio on your Windows or Mac system using the Sound Blaster PLAY! 3 External Sound Card & USB DAC Amp from Creative Labs. With a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of ~93 dB, its integrated internal amplifier drives a variety of headsets, ranging from mobile phone earbuds to gaming and studio-grade headphones, to deliver high-resolution audio at 24-bit/96 kHz for music, movies, games, and more. If you're looking to record podcasts or utilize in-game communications, USB connectivity provides 24-bit/48 kHz audio for microphones. Additionally, downloadable Sound Blaster Control Panel software offers greater audio realism and immersive audio effects, and also includes optimized profiles for selected earphone brands.

Upgrade to High-Resolution Audio
The Sound Blaster PLAY! 3 provides an upgrade from motherboard audio by giving you high-resolution, 24-bit/96 kHz audio for your music, movies, and games.
Studio-Grade Listening
The Sound Blaster PLAY! 3 drives a wide range of headphones, from mobile phone earbuds and gaming headsets all the way to more expensive studio-grade headphones. The downloadable Control Panel software also includes optimized profiles for selected earphone brands.
Crisp Voice Communications and Recording
USB connectivity improves mic recording capabilities, giving you clean 24-bit/48 kHz quality for podcasts or in-game communications.
Plug-and-Play
Connecting the Sound Blaster PLAY! 3 to a Windows or Mac system is easy. Simply connect it to a USB port and you're good to go. While drivers are not necessary for basic device installation and use, Creative Labs strongly recommends downloading drivers to use with Sound Blaster Control Panel software, which delivers more powerful and advanced audio enhancements and controls.
Headphone Connectivity
The Sound Blaster PLAY! 3 lets you connect your headsets with single or split stereo/mic connectors easily, removing the need for a Y-splitter cable.
Sound Blaster PLAY! 3 Control Panel (Windows & Mac)
The downloadable Sound Blaster PLAY! 3 Control Panel software provides powerful control over your listening experience with audio realism and immersive audio effects that help to enhance your music, entertainment, and games.
SBX Pro Studio
SBX Pro Studio increases and expands virtual surround spaciousness, allowing you to enjoy cinema-quality sound in the comfort of your home. Specially designed sound profiles help to improve the audio experience for your headsets.
UPC: 054651191273

Creative Labs PLAY! 3 Specs

General
System Connection
USB-A 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1
Inputs/Outputs
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Microphone Input
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRRS Headphone/Microphone Input/Output
Channels
2.0
Software System Requirements
OS Compatibility
Windows 10
Windows 8.1
Windows 7
macOS 10.9 or Later
Physical
Dimensions
5.4 x 0.9 x 0.3" / 22.9 x 22.9 x 7.6 mm
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.125 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
6.25 x 3 x 1.1"

Creative Labs PLAY! 3 Reviews

Not worth the money

By Vincent
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2024-12-27

Call this a “DAC” is being polite. It really is just a USB to headphone and mic connector. Doe nothing when it comes to digital to analog conversion.

Does just what I needed to do

By Ryan
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-04-12

This provided powerful and high quality audio input and output for my work laptop for not very much money. People have complimented me on the improved microphone quality.

See any errors on this page?

Can this unit operate with a stand alone ...

Can this unit operate with a stand alone microphone, i.e., a micrphone not attached to a headset?
Asked by: Philip
Yes, you can use with a standalone microphone. A headset is not required.
Answered by: Geoff
Date published: 2020-10-01

Does this work with Centos Linux?

Does this work with Centos Linux?
Asked by: John
No, Linux not supported.
Answered by: Sagi C
Date published: 2020-07-17

Will this allow me to play my headphones louder ...

Will this allow me to play my headphones louder from iTunes output jack on my Macbook Pro (mid-2010)?
Asked by: James
Yes the external sound card always gives louder sounds for you headphones and speakers.
Answered by: ilich
Date published: 2020-07-10

Will this work with Nvidia Shield (Android)?

Will this work with Nvidia Shield (Android)?
Asked by: Dushan
No, this would only work with a Windows or Mac Operating System.
Answered by: Moe
Date published: 2019-05-23

Does this device include an option for StereoMIx ...

Does this device include an option for StereoMIx (used to be called record what you hear) ?
Asked by: David
This does not have that capability that would be based on the software you are using
Answered by: Ian
Date published: 2020-10-02

Is the microphone jack mono or stereo?

Is the microphone jack mono or stereo?
Asked by: Garen
The Creative Labs Sound Blaster PLAY! 3 External Sound Card & USB DAC Amp has a mono mic input.
Answered by: Calvin M
Date published: 2024-10-02

Will this work for headsets with one jack(trrs)?

Will this work for headsets with one jack(trrs)?
Asked by: Todd
Yes. The Creative Labs Sound Blaster PLAY! 3 External Sound Card & USB DAC Amp, BH #CRSBP3, will work for headsets with one jack for both the headset and mic (TRRS).
Answered by: Elchanan P
Date published: 2025-12-04

I want to go into a 2013 MacBook Pro that has no ...

I want to go into a 2013 MacBook Pro that has no audio input port. (my previous MBPro 2011 had an audio in port) I want to go into the 2013 laptop USB port with line-in audio, not a microphone. I also want to monitor the line-in audio with headphones. Will this device do that?
Asked by: Billy
Yes, this is possible as long as the device you are monitoring is TRRS compliant.
Answered by: Darius
Date published: 2021-02-18
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