Creative Labs Sound Blaster AE-7

BH #CRSBAE7 • MFR #70SB180000000
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Creative Labs Sound Blaster AE-7
Key Features
  • Hi-Res PCIe DAC and Amp
  • Supports 5.1- & 7.1-Channel Surround
  • ESS SABRE-Class 9018 DAC
  • Playback: 32-Bit / 384 kHz PCM & DSD64
Designed for gaming, the Sound Blaster AE-7 from Creative Labs delivers high audio fidelity and processing. Backed by a dedicated quad-core processor, the AE-7 handles audio processing without relying on your system's CPU, which leaves your system with more available resources for other tasks. It is compatible with 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7, and features an ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC that delivers a 127 dB DNR at up to 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and DSD64 playback. 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 for speakers, 7.1-channel virtual surround for speakers and headphones, and more.
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Creative Labs AE-7 Overview

Designed for gaming, the Sound Blaster AE-7 from Creative Labs delivers high audio fidelity and processing. Backed by a dedicated quad-core processor, the AE-7 handles audio processing without relying on your system's CPU, which leaves your system with more available resources for other tasks. It is compatible with 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7, and features an ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC that delivers a 127 dB DNR at up to 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and DSD64 playback. 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 for speakers, 7.1-channel virtual surround for speakers and headphones, and more.

Included with the AE-7 is an Audio Control Module, which has been built with an integrated microphone array, 1/4" and 1/8" input and output connectors for microphones and headphones, and a volume knob.

General Features
Overview
DAC
Hi-res ESS SABRE-class 9018 with incredibly clean 127 dB DNR audio stream.
THD + N
Up to -120 dB, 0.0001%.
Playback Capability
Clear audio at 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and DSD64 Playback.
Headphone Amp
Low 1 Ohm headphone output impedance, supports 16 Ohms to studio-grade headphones of up to 600 Ohms, including high-end planar-magnetic headphones.
Surround Sound and Encoding
5.1 discrete surround for speakers, 7.1 virtual surround for headphones, Dolby Digital Live, DTS Connect Encoding, and Sound Blaster Surround Virtualization.
Convenience
Audio Control Module provides quick access to volume control knob, 6.3mm and 3.5mm mic and headphones I/O connectors. Also fitted with a built-in mic array for easy communications.
Audio Enhancements
Full suite of audio enhancements including customizable EQs and Sound Profiles, Surround, Crystalizer, Bass, Smart Volume, and Dialog Plus that further boosts your audio. For gamers, Scout Mode is useful.
Customization
Improved Sound Blaster Command software for further audio customization, with a quick on and off toggle switch to activate or deactivate audio processing effects.
Audio
Hardware Accelerated Audio
The addition of AE-7 to your Windows rig means you're adding a dedicated quad-core processor designed to deliver pristine and enhanced sound without overstressing your CPU. Sound Blaster handles audio processing on the card itself, freeing up your CPU to handle other tasks.
Clean and Crisp Audio Clarity
Enhanced audio is only going to sound as good as the components delivering it, and with the AE-7, no punches are pulled. The AE-7 features an ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC that delivers a clean 127 dB DNR audio stream at up to 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and DSD64 Playback.
Custom Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-Amplifier
Audiophile and theater-grade components deserve an audiophile-grade headphone amplifier. The AE-7 features a custom Xamp bi-amplified headphone amp in which each earcup gets its own power from the first stage of amplification all the way through delivery.

The end result in your ears is smooth audio, regardless of how dynamic or demanding the current audio scene may be. For the pro-audio users, the Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-Amp satisfies even the most demanding needs of audiophiles seeking for music in its original form, and appreciate music the way it is intended to be.

It also features a low 1 Ohm headphone output impedance that can drive studio-grade headphones of up to 600 Ohms, including high-end planar-magnetic headphones.
Surround and Processing
Theatrical-Grade Discreet and Virtual Surround
Whether you are outputting to headphones or speakers, the AE-7 is able to take stereo or multi-stream sources and transform them into immersive, theatrical audio. It supports discrete 5.1 surround on speakers, and up to 7.1 virtual surround on speakers and headphones. You can even switch between headphones and your speakers for those times you want to pump the bass or go stealthier with your headphones.

There's also Dolby Digital Live and DTS Connect Encoding for even more delivery options to your external audio devices.
Processing
The Sound Blaster AE-7 comes with Sound Blaster's full suite of audio enhancements. You can enjoy Surround for an incredible immersion, while Crystalizer helps to improve the dynamic range of audio, or Bass that provides bigger punch on the low end. Meanwhile, CrystalVoice technology enhances voice for clear recordings and in-game communications.
Scout Mode
The AE-7 also supports Creative Labs' proprietary Scout Mode for the distinct tactical advantage that enhances important in-game audio cues so you can emerge victorious. The software audio processing tech can be fully customized, or switched off completely. The best part? You get to control it from the improved Sound Blaster Command software.
Customization
Take Full Command of Your Audio Setup
The Sound Blaster Command software suite lets you customize your audio quickly for your specific needs. Do you prefer pure audio with no effects or processing while listening to music? Or do you prefer to push your audio immersion to the limits by putting the Sound Core3D enhanced audio effects to work while gaming? The ability to save and switch to multiple profiles with a simple click expands your options when it comes to changing between music, gaming, or movies.
SBX Profile
Switch between pre-tuned SBX audio profile and/or tweak your EQ and Acoustic Engine effects like Surround, Crystalizer, Bass, Smart Volume, and Dialog+.
Playback
Customize your playback settings, such as playback resolution, or switch between Direct Mode and DSP mode. You can also calibrate speakers, select pre-tuned headphone profiles, and test audio channels.
Recording
Set up and configure input sources, such as Mic-in, Aux-in, S/PDIF-in, and What-U-Hear. There are also microphone-specific controls that include Input Volume and Mic Boost, as well as CrystalVoice, Acoustic Echo Cancellation, Smart Volume, recording resolution, and Mic EQ that will help to improve the recording quality of your microphone.
Encoder
Output audio streams in either Dolby Digital Live or DTS Connect encoded format through the optical output port.
Advanced Settings
Access additional functions, such a mixer, and perform a device factory reset.
Convenience
Audio Control Module
Take control with the Audio Control Module that is incorporated with a built-in microphone array, plus 6.3mm and 3.5mm connectors for mic and headphones input and output connections. You can conveniently adjust the volume with the knob on the module, which is within reach of your fingertips.
UPC: 054651192416

Creative Labs AE-7 Specs

Key Specs
System Connection
PCIe
Inputs/Outputs
1x TOSLINK S/PDIF Output
3x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Line Output
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Microphone/Line Input
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Headphone Output
Channels
7.1
OS Compatibility
Windows 10
Windows 8.1
Windows 7
General
System Connection
PCIe
Inputs/Outputs
1x TOSLINK S/PDIF Output
3x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Line Output
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Microphone/Line Input
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Headphone Output
Channels
7.1
Impedance
1 Ohm (Output)
16 to 600 Ohms (Headphone)
16 to 31 Ohms (IEM)
32 to 149 Ohms (Normal)
150 to 600 Ohms (High Gain)
Max Sample Rate/Resolution
384 kHz / 32-Bit
SNR
127 dB
THD
0.0001%
Software System Requirements
OS Compatibility
Windows 10
Windows 8.1
Windows 7
CPU Requirement
Intel Core i3 and Faster or 
AMD  
Memory Requirement
1 GB
Storage Requirement
600 MB
Physical
Dimensions
5.7 x 5 x 0.8" / 145 x 128 x 20.1 mm (PCIe Card)
3.9 x 3.6 x 2.8" / 100 x 92 x 70.1 mm (Module)
Weight
7.6 oz / 215 g (PCIe Card)
10 oz / 284.1 g (Module)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.645 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
12.2 x 6.2 x 3.2"

Creative Labs AE-7 Reviews

Exactly what I wanted.

By Gabriel
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-09-27

I needed this card so I could output 5.1 channel compressed audio over the SPFID out. This allows me to play my home theatre pc with 5.1 surround sound. This is exactly what I needed to fully utilize my system. Easy install, sounds great, didn't have to spend a lot of time fighting windows 10.

came with a broken mic

By Tyler
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2021-05-27

the mic doesnt work half the time and i wasnt even aware it had one until last month, which is about 5 months after i bought it. the description doesnt say anything about it and its been too long for me to return it so now i have a $200 broken product that im forced to keep.some days it works fine and other days it doesnt recieve any sound at all. discord says its recieving SOMETHING but nothing is played back. something isnt right

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