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Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus SABRE32-class Hi-res 32-bit/384 kHz PCIe Gaming Sound Card and DAC with Dolby Digital and DTS, Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-amp, Up to 122dB SNR, RGB Lighting System

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 2,775 ratings

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Option 1: Black with DDL and DTS
Brand Creative
Hardware Interface PCI Express x4
Audio Output Mode Surround
Platform Windows
Hardware Platform Headphones, PC

About this item

  • SUPPORTS DOLBY DIGITAL AND DTS – Now with support for Dolby Digital Live and DTS Encoding for even more delivery options to your external audio devices The AE-5 Plus also supports 5.1 discrete and 7.1 virtual surround, as well as Sound Blaster’s Surround Virtualization technology
  • POWERFUL DISCRETE HEADPHONE AMP – Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus features Xamp, our custom-designed discrete headphone amp that utilizes bi-amplification technology to power each earcup individually with 1 ohm output impedance and drives studio-grade headphones of up to 600Ω, including high-end planar-magnetic headphones
  • PRISTINE AUDIO QUALITY – Featuring the SABRE32 ultra-class PCI-e DAC to deliver up to 32-bit / 384 kHz playback with a 122 dB DNR, ultra-low distortion and jitter, the AE-5 Plus is more than capable of hi-res audio for games, music, and movies; put simply, for discerning audio lovers of any kind, the AE-5 Plus is set to blow past your expectations with pristine audio and powerful performance
  • RGB YOUR GAMING RIG – The AE-5 Plus has customizable RGB LEDs on its body, and also features an included RGB LED strip. Enjoy a symphony of lights and sound with 16.8 million colors in different patterns to choose from, all via the Sound Blaster Command software for PC
  • INDUSTRY-LEADING AUDIO PROCESSING – 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 and featuring fully customizable audio processing technologies to deliver clearer vocals, accurate cues, and bass boost

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Creative

Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus SABRE32-class Hi-res 32-bit/384 kHz PCIe Gaming Sound Card and DAC with Dolby Digital and DTS, Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-amp, Up to 122dB SNR, RGB Lighting System


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Product Description

AE-5 PLUS

Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus – Now with Dolby Digital Live and DTS Encoding for more surround sound delivery options!

Be one of the proud OPs showing off their gaming rigs on r/battlestations! The Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus is a perfect convergence between aesthetics and performance that features a SABRE32 ultra-class hi-res PCI-e gaming sound card and DAC with customizable RGB LEDs on its body, and comes with an included RGB LED strip. It also features our award-winning Xamp discrete headphone amp that utilizes a bi-amplification technology, as well as our full suite of industry-leading audio processing technologies including Surround Virtualization.

Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-amp

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.

r/battlestations Worthy

r/battlestations Worthy

The Sound BlasterX AE-5 has customizable RGB LEDs on its body, and also features an included RGB LED strip. Program up to 16.8 million colors in different patterns with the free downloadable Sound Blaster Command software for PC.

SABRE32 Ultra-class PCI-e DAC

Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine

Incredible Processing

SABRE32 Ultra-class PCI-e DAC

The Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus is a SABRE32 Ultra-class PCI-e DAC which is perfect for hi-resolution audio for games, music, and movies. It delivers up to 32-bit / 384 kHz playback* with a 122 dB DNR, ultra-low distortion and jitter.

*32-bit playback only available in Windows 10 or higher

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 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.

Incredible Processing

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!

Meanwhile, CrystalVoice technology enhances voice for clear recordings and in-game communications.

Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus Pure Edition Sound Blaster AE-7
Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus Pure Edition Sound Blaster AE-7
Customer Reviews
4.4 out of 5 stars
2,775
4.4 out of 5 stars
2,775
Encoding Dolby Digital Live / DTS Dolby Digital Live / DTS Dolby Digital Live / DTS
DNR / SNR 122 dB 122 dB 127 dB
DAC ESS SABRE32 Ultra ESS SABRE32 Ultra ESS SABRE-class 9018
Max Playback Resolution PCM: 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM: 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM: 32-bit / 384 kHz, DSD: DSD64
THD + N 0.00032% (DAC) 0.00032% (DAC) 0.0001% (DAC)
Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-amp
Swappable Op-amps N/A N/A
RGB Aurora Lighting N/A
ASIO Support 2.3, Playback and Recording 2.3, Playback and Recording 2.3, Playback and Recording
Supported Operating System Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10

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Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus SABRE32-class Hi-res 32-bit/384 kHz PCIe Gaming Sound Card and DAC with Dolby Digital and DTS, Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-amp, Up to 122dB SNR, RGB Lighting System
Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus SABRE32-class Hi-res 32-bit/384 kHz PCIe Gaming Sound Card and DAC with Dolby Digital and DTS, Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-amp, Up to 122dB SNR, RGB Lighting System
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Price$149.99-18% $89.99
List:$109.99
-11% $40.06
List:$44.99
-17% $49.99
List:$59.99
$17.99
Delivery
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2
Customer Ratings
Sound quality
4.3
4.3
4.2
4.2
4.2
4.2
Easy to install
4.3
4.3
4.3
4.4
4.4
4.4
Volume control
4.3
4.3
4.2
5.0
5.0
5.0
For gaming
4.2
4.2
4.1
4.0
4.0
4.0
Easy to use
4.0
4.0
4.4
4.4
4.4
Sold By
Creative Labs, Inc.
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Creative Labs, Inc.
Creative Labs, Inc.
hardware interface
pci express x4
headphone
pci express x1
pci express x1
headphone
pci express x1
audio output mode
Surround
Surround, Dolby Digital
Surround
Surround
Stereo Surround
Stereo Surround
surround channels
7.1
7.1
7.1
5.1
7.1
7.1, 5.1
hardware platform
Headphones, PC
Headphones
Speakers, Headphones
PC
Speakers, Headphones, PC
Speakers, PC
384 KHz
384 KHz
192 KHz
192 KHz
192 KHz
192 KHz
signal-to-noise ratio
122 decibels
122 decibels
116 decibels
120 decibels
120 decibels

Looking for specific info?

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
2,775 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like the quality and ease of installation of the sound card. They mention that it's a great product, with the usual Creative high build quality. They appreciate the crisp and crystal clear experience. Customers are also happy with the RGB lighting, and adjustment. Opinions are mixed on sound quality, performance, software, and value.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

140 customers mention102 positive38 negative

Customers like the quality of the sound card. They say it has the usual Creative high build quality, and delivers a crisp and crystal clear experience. Customers also say it's a solid card, and is easy to install. They also appreciate the sleek design and the beautiful 5.1 Dolby sound.

"...The back connections are as expected and seem of high quality (won't break easily)...." Read more

"...Sound wise, the quality is great, but the software options kill what should be a pleasant experience with this card." Read more

"...foot steps and sound imaging in game play was cool and made my sensory perception heightened which improved my experience and abilities in the..." Read more

"...AE-5 audio cards on my Windows 10 64 bit pc and had continuous problems with both cards as noted by many, many others who have bought this card...." Read more

71 customers mention57 positive14 negative

Customers find the installation process of the sound card to be easy. They mention that the software is easy to use, navigate, and navigate. They also say that the initial setup is nice, and the sound is easy on their system. Customers also mention that it's easy to connect through PCIe, and download drivers. They like the easy-to-use EQ, and say that it has tons of options. Overall, customers are happy with the ease of installation.

"...One of my favorite features is the easy to use EQ. My current headphones are the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro, and they are slightly harsh on the high end...." Read more

"...Most of the software is well designed and very easy to use. The virtual surround is everything I could ask for...." Read more

"...I switch audio profiles frequently and find the setup mostly convenient...." Read more

"...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..." Read more

32 customers mention26 positive6 negative

Customers like the RGB lighting on the sound card. They say it has a very nice lighting effect, and the LED lights are cool. Some customers also mention that the light show is interesting. Overall, customers are satisfied with the lighting options on the card.

"...Pretty good variety of lighting configurations if you are in to that sort of thing (comes with a strip as well).A++++" Read more

"...The LEDs are cool but not a deciding factor for me buying it...." Read more

"...This card also has RGB lighting which really doesn’t matter to me, but it’s a nice touch.. I’ve always been a fan of Creative Labs SoundBlaster..." Read more

"...LED lights are cool, if you're into that. I mean, it's fun to see my feet lighting up. :)" Read more

27 customers mention20 positive7 negative

Customers like the adjustment of the sound card. They say it is customizable on many levels, has multiple settings for headphones, and can save multiple EQ settings for various setups or preferences. The software that comes with it lets you adjust the EQ and other sound processing. The card has a much wider range of adjustment of equalizer type settings and volume, and it can be individually tuned and saved for multiple devices. The control panel has many customization options, and is easy to navigate through.

"...Now they sound much smoother to me. On top of this, you can save multiple EQ settings for various setups or preferences...." Read more

"...There are multiple settings for headphones so If you're using 80ohm or 250ohm beyerdynamic studio sets they have you covered...." Read more

"...the included external volume controller is a bit odd... it doesn't actually control the volume on the computer just the volume of the actual output..." Read more

"...software (I rarely say that anything has great software).. configurable on so many levels... Solid EQ presets or configure your own...." Read more

367 customers mention246 positive121 negative

Customers are mixed about the sound quality of the sound card. Some mention that the sound is amazing, detailed, and high-performance. They also say that the foot steps and sound imaging in game play was cool. However, others say that they have no sound, the line in does not appear in windows sound settings, and the optical option only provided 2 channel sound.

"...My desktop speakers are the Klipsch 2.1 setup. They sound pretty good regardless of your PC's audio processing, but on this card, they sound A LOT..." Read more

"...The foot steps and sound imaging in game play was cool and made my sensory perception heightened which improved my experience and abilities in the..." Read more

"...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...." Read more

"...Line in does not appear in windows sound settings either...." Read more

157 customers mention66 positive91 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the performance of the sound card. Some mention that it works perfect for 5.1 on their games and sounds excellent on their 2.1 system. However, others say that it doesn't play well with HP Omen desktop computers, their products routinely fail, and are completely useless.

"...playback can cause audio to stop playing, and might require a restart of the audio source...." Read more

"...For what I bought it for, it does the job nearly perfectly. It has fantastic sound quality and drives my higher impedance headphones great...." Read more

"...9/24Able to work through driver issue, but card randomly dissapears from system until reboot. At least rarely" Read more

"...The software is the worst part but it is very usable.-Switching from Headphones to 5.1...." Read more

76 customers mention26 positive50 negative

Customers are mixed about the software. Some mention that it's pretty good, functions and is manageable, and very powerful at controlling your sound system. However, others say that it is clunky, difficult for beginners, and loses some capabilities of previous versions.

"...So to achieve full functionality from this card, you need to use 2 different software packages, which will both run in the background, wasting..." Read more

"...No problems downloading the software. I use a Logitech Z5500 5.1 system for my gaming by the way...." Read more

"...The software is the worst part but it is very usable.-Switching from Headphones to 5.1...." Read more

"...One con is there's no easy way to switch between headphones and speakers...." Read more

50 customers mention19 positive31 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the value of the sound card. Some mention that it's worth every penny, a great start for the price, and well worth the upgrade. Others say that it was not worth purchasing, wasting system resources, and not enough for high end.

"...software packages, which will both run in the background, wasting system resources...." Read more

"...haven't dived into better audio processing, then this is a great start for the price...." Read more

"...No. This card is very expensive, relative to the cost of the other components...." Read more

"...Everything worked great i just felt it was too much extra work on the video card...." Read more

Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus Way better than onboard sound for sure
4 Stars
Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus Way better than onboard sound for sure
Recently I have to move over to windows 10 as I finally rebuilt my 7 year old Windows 7 PC. No bigger, except my THX X-FI Sound Blaster was just a PCI card, no go on the new boards. So I thought I would see how good onboard sound was in 2023. It's Horrible, compared to what I was use to. So This AE-5 plus is the closed card I could find under $140 that even cam close their THX card I had since 2007. Now the 32-384 sound is more clear and precise over my 24bit 96hrz card, but the THX Sound Blaster just trumps this AE-5 when it comes to gut thumping Bass. So I can't give this card a 5 star, but 4 star as I am taking a star away cause it just can't thump the bass on my Klipsch 2.1 THX PC 250 watt speakers. Now its WAY BETTER than the onboard tiny, no bass horrible sounding realtek 24 bit 192hz onbard ASUS motherboard sound card. Also the RGB is cool, but Creative is stupid no allowing you to quickly turn off the RGB, it's either turn off the internal RGB or the External RGB, plain just turn the Command console to kill it all. Still pretty with the sound now, man MP3's sure sound like junk compared to WAV's, FLAC of PCM audio.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2020
Color: Option 3: Black with 1 RGB LED StripVerified Purchase
5 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2018
Color: Option 3: Black with 1 RGB LED StripVerified Purchase
117 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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FX
5.0 out of 5 stars El DSP integrado es fantastico
Reviewed in Mexico on November 23, 2023
Color: Option 1: Black with DDL and DTSVerified Purchase
Tom F.
5.0 out of 5 stars Works well with Windows 11 if you adjust a few things.
Reviewed in Canada on May 7, 2022
Color: Option 1: Black with DDL and DTSVerified Purchase
8 people found this helpful
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simone
5.0 out of 5 stars tutto ok
Reviewed in Italy on February 25, 2024
Color: Option 1: Black with DDL and DTSVerified Purchase
Mr. Gaga
5.0 out of 5 stars OMFG! Wow!
Reviewed in Canada on May 31, 2021
Color: Option 3: 127dB SNR with Audio Control ModuleVerified Purchase
24 people found this helpful
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Oliver Hoffmann
5.0 out of 5 stars Gute Soundkarte, aber kein verstärkter Mikrofoneingang
Reviewed in Germany on April 27, 2023
Color: Option 2: White with DDL and DTSVerified Purchase
2 people found this helpful
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