Update 2019-01-26: Regarding the issued with the line in not being detected, I have been in contact with Ceative, and I must give them a big complement, as they have been in touch regularly and fairly quickly. With their help, I was able to solve the issue, sort of.
If you need to use line in, then it will work if you remove the front panel connection from the card. Once I did that, the line in option magically appeared. The person working on this case informed me that he will let the relevant people know about this issue.
Again, I am impressed at the efficiency and accuracy of their response. I have upped my rating to 5 stars.
Original review...
As far as sound goes, this is much better than my on-board sound. I have no use for LED lighting, I never have, so I have not connected the LED strip.
A few things bug me about this card, or more to the point, the software used to customize the sound. There are 2 different software packages. 1) The older Sound Blaster Connect 2 and 2) the newer Sound Blaster command. I prefer the sound blaster command software because the interface is better and more logical. However, with the Command software, there is no customization or settings for the LED lighting. As I have also discovered, you cannot use Line IN as an input if using only the Command software. Line in does not appear in windows sound settings either. When you choose the multi Input configuration the only choice is Microphone or Front Panel Microphone.
Upon installing the older SB Connect2 software, I was able to enable the line in as an input, and it also appeared in the Command software. The connect software does not let you adjust the speaker and input volumes, the balance and quality settings - these must be done through the windows sound settings. Why??? It also does not show the "What U Hear option. Again, a visit to windows sound settings is necessary to enable/adjust this. The newer Command software allows all volume/balance and quality settings to be made without the necessity to visit the windows sound settings - which Microsoft has made very well hidden.
So to achieve full functionality from this card, you need to use 2 different software packages, which will both run in the background, wasting system resources. It might be nice if Creative created an all inclusive software/driver package that let you do everything in one application. Having to use 2 different software apps is not very "creative" at all.
You can output up to 32 bit 92kHz with sound settings enabled and up to 32 bit 384kHz with Direct Sound turned on - this disables all sound enhancements (EQ, SBX). You can record up to 32 bit 96 kHz, which is fine for me as I use 24/96 to record my vinyl. There is a variable gain headphone amp, but it's not clear if that just applies to the back headphone jack, or to the front one as well. Which brings to mind another annoyance - the SB cards use to have the option to mute the rear line outs (speakers) when headphones were plugged into the front - not so anymore. You have to open the software (either one), and select the headphone output manually.
Sound wise, the quality is great, but the software options kill what should be a pleasant experience with this card.
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Product Description
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
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
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.
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SABRE32 Ultra-class PCI-e DACThe 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 EngineThe 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 ProcessingActivate 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. |
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| Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus | Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus Pure Edition | Sound Blaster AE-7 | |
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| Customer Reviews |
2,801
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2,801
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| Price | $139.80 | — | $199.99 |
| 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 |
Compare with similar items
This Item  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 |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $139.80 | -18% $89.99 List: $109.99 | $139.99 | -11% $40.04 List: $44.99 | -17% $49.99 List: $59.99 | $17.99 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| Easy to install | ||||||
| Volume control | ||||||
| For gaming | ||||||
| Easy to use | ||||||
| Sold By | Creative Labs, Inc. | Creative Labs, Inc. | Creative Labs, Inc. | Amazon.com | Creative Labs, Inc. | Creative Labs, Inc. |
| hardware interface | pci express x4 | pci express x1 | headphone | pci express x1 | headphone | pci express x1 |
| audio output mode | Surround | Surround | Surround, Dolby Digital | 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 | Speakers, Headphones | Headphones | PC | Speakers, Headphones, PC | Speakers, PC |
384 KHz | 192 KHz | 384 KHz | 192 KHz | 192 KHz | 192 KHz | |
| signal-to-noise ratio | 122 decibels | 116 decibels | 122 decibels | — | 120 decibels | 120 decibels |
Reviews with images
Win 11 Pro 23H2 Core Isolation/Memory Integrity compatble!
Had to retire my X-Fi Titanium due to driver incompatibilities with Windows 11 Memory Integrity. Used on-board RealTek HD Audio and as it sounded okay, I knew there had to be something better.I stumbled on the AE-5 Plus and I'm so glad I did. The sound quality is absolutely amazing compared to the on-board and even the X-Fi Titanium. Sound cards are alive and well in 2024!The website says it needs a PCIe x4 slot. Not true, as it functions perfectly in a PCIe x1 slot, which it was actually designed for.Not sure about the reviewer who couldn't get it working in Win 10 x64, as it works perfectly in mine(I dual boot). I'll see how it behaves when 24H2 comes along later this year.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2020
Color: Option 3: Black with 1 RGB LED StripVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2018
Color: Option 3: Black with 1 RGB LED StripVerified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
LJA
YES!!!! YES!!! and YESSSS!!!!!
Reviewed in Canada on March 28, 2024Color: Option 2: White with DDL and DTSVerified Purchase
LJA
Reviewed in Canada on March 28, 2024
FINALLY I ordered this thing..... and I'm in love. Great power, FANTASTIC SOUND, great mic control (voice changer is so fun in games) and a phenomenal software interface for adjustments. The only downside is the RGB's don't work with my MSI program , so it just means another start up program (were used to that by now). Your PC does not detect this is a separate stereo / headphone out so that is handled in the Creative software to switch back and forth which I wish wasn't a thing, but honestly its not bad. (Side note, when you switch inputs you hear the sound card click - which tells me they are using actual switches which is awesome!) I'm using this with some Sennheiser EPOS PC38X headphones as well as a Logitech 5.1 PC stereo and they both sound fantastic on this card.
The 4 RGB lighting strips are great, magnetic and sticky on the back for extra adhesion and they look great when properly installed, originally I had them facing inward which really showed the individual LEDs- I ended up mounting them on the front, aimed to the back and they add such nice ambient lighting to the PC - very customizable in the Creative program. Also it was plug and play on my Win 11 PC - just make sure you download the Creative app or nothing works. I did NOT have to disable my onboard audio for this to take over.
In closing, great soundcard and wish I bought this a long time ago - gives me exactly what I wanted at a reasonable price and looks fantastic in my system! Highly recommend,
Images in this review
FX
El DSP integrado es fantastico
Reviewed in Mexico on November 23, 2023Color: Option 1: Black with DDL and DTSVerified Purchase
simone
tutto ok
Reviewed in Italy on February 25, 2024Color: Option 1: Black with DDL and DTSVerified Purchase
Mr. Gaga
OMFG! Wow!
Reviewed in Canada on May 31, 2021Color: Option 3: 127dB SNR with Audio Control ModuleVerified Purchase
Oliver Hoffmann
Gute Soundkarte, aber kein verstärkter Mikrofoneingang
Reviewed in Germany on April 27, 2023Color: Option 2: White with DDL and DTSVerified Purchase
