--- product_id: 330662708 title: "Sound Blaster X4, External USB DAC & Headphone Amp, 7.1 Surround | External USB Dac, Headphone Amp, 7.1 Surround, Dolby Audio, Multi-Device, Audio Control, USB Audio" brand: "creative" price: "R5331" currency: ZAR in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 category: "Creative" url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/330662708-sound-blaster-x4-external-usb-dac-and-headphone-amp-7 store_origin: ZA region: South Africa --- # 600Ξ© headphone amp power 7.1 discrete surround sound USB-C + optical-in connectivity Sound Blaster X4, External USB DAC & Headphone Amp, 7.1 Surround | External USB Dac, Headphone Amp, 7.1 Surround, Dolby Audio, Multi-Device, Audio Control, USB Audio **Brand:** creative **Price:** R5331 **Availability:** βœ… In Stock ## Summary > 🎧 Elevate your audio game β€” because your sound should be as sharp as your hustle. ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Sound Blaster X4, External USB DAC & Headphone Amp, 7.1 Surround | External USB Dac, Headphone Amp, 7.1 Surround, Dolby Audio, Multi-Device, Audio Control, USB Audio by creative - **How much does it cost?** R5331 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/330662708-sound-blaster-x4-external-usb-dac-and-headphone-amp-7) ## Best For - creative enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted creative brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - β€’ **Pro-Grade Mic Clarity:** SmartComms Kit with CrystalVoice ensures your voice is heard loud and clear, cutting out background noise effortlessly. - β€’ **Customizable Audio Control:** Instantly switch EQ modes, toggle Super X-Fi, and balance multiple audio sources with intuitive hardware controls. - β€’ **Immersive 7.1 Surround Sound:** Experience crystal-clear multi-channel audio that puts you in the center of every game and movie. - β€’ **Game-Changing Audio Precision:** 114 dB SNR and hi-res 192kHz/24-bit playback deliver studio-quality sound for work and play. - β€’ **Universal Device Compatibility:** Seamlessly connect to PC, Mac, consoles, and multi-channel speakers with USB-C and optical-in ports. ## Overview The Creative Labs Sound Blaster X4 is a premium external sound card delivering 7.1 discrete surround sound with Dolby Digital Live and Super X-Fi technology. It features advanced SmartComms Kit and CrystalVoice for crystal-clear communication, supports high-impedance headphones up to 600Ξ©, and offers versatile connectivity via USB-C and optical-in ports. Designed for professionals and gamers alike, it provides customizable EQ settings, hardware controls, and studio-grade 114 dB SNR audio clarity with 192kHz/24-bit hi-res playback. ## Description desertcart.com: Creative Labs 70SB181500000 Sound Blaster X4 External Sound Card : Electronics Review: Creative Sound Blaster X4 | Crazy good - This has pretty mind-blowing audio when you set it up properly. At first, I didn't think very much of it at all and even considered returning it until I started playing with the dials and buttons Here's my pros/cons: + Likely the best sound delivery alteration implementation I've experienced yet + All *hardware* aspects feel extremely premium - Does take some tweaking/getting used to - Many features are not intuitive; you're going to have to fully read the manual and keep it around for reference for a while. -For whatever reason when I got it, I fully expected the LED ring to indicate the volume level in some way such as dimming as volume goes lower or turning them off around the ring as the volume gets lower. It does not. I know that was not an advertised feature in any capacity but to me it would just make sense that it should/would. Seems like a bit of a missed opportunity to just "feel right/satisfying" to have that physical indication of what you're doing on the unit itself at a glance - The apps (yes multiple) suck. There's really no excuse as to why you should have to use Location Data to connect to the unit -- Yes I know you use it for this reason or that reason (likely something to do with low power bluetooth connectivity). I don't care. I never have my location on unless I especially need it to preserve battery life and further, it's aggravating that the entire suite of apps is not compiled into a single one; that's multiple apps for both PC and the Mobile versions. People shouldn't have to have multiple apps/programs to control a single device - I'd very very much like to have some basic passthrough capabilities through the Bluetooth, such as being able to connect the x4 to bluetooth speakers so they can benefit from it using the app as a control to do so. To my knowledge, that is not possible. - Would very much like the microphone output and headphone output on the back or either side of the device instead of the front. Would also be okay with a set on each side of the device. It would be far more flattering on my desk than having my microphone input on the front Overall, despite criticisms, the pros heavily outweigh the cons. I am more than willing to trade ascetics for functionality, and I'm more than willing to spend the time to get the software side doing what I want and boy does the Soundblaster x4 ever deliver function. If I were to upgrade to the x5 down the line though, Creative will have to have a very compelling new feature set, or they'd have to remedy most if not all my cons above (2025 edit) Oh, this is way after the fact but an important note Fully functional on Linux *after* setup, softwareless. That was a very pleasant surprise. Review: Great if you don't want a PCIE Sound Card - I have had the Creative Z, Zx, ZxR and AE-9. I have the Logitech Z906 5.1 system and Sony MDR1AM2 headphones and the X4 sounds great with it. It may not be the BEST specs like the AE-9 but the AE-9's breakout box for XLR input is HORRIFYINGLY bad for XLR mics. I bought a Scarlet 4i4 and then moved on to the Wave XLR because I wanted to stream and the Wave XLR has amazing software that replaced Equalizer APO and Voicemeter because the Wave XLR supports VSTs and audio routing. I really wanted this to remove the sound card from my system so all my fans would hit my massive 3090ti and the X4 allowed me to do just that. The X4 has all the features I need, optical out and a great headphone DAC at a way cheaper price than the AE-9. SXFi is a gimmick but it has its uses, just not really for me. To get 5.1 with the Z906, you need to click Playback then click Speakers (line out) and SPDIF Out you need to click "Set Default", then go to Device click Encoder and select Dolby Digital Live. To use heaphones go to Playback and click Headphones and under audio quality click "Set Default" for Speakers, then go to Device, Encoder and turn OFF Dolby Digital Live. I dislike having to click 3 things in different menus to accomplish this when on my AE-9 I literally just had to press one button of push the volume nob on the breakout box for 3 second. The software is also not as intuitive as the Sound Blaster Command Center but this very new so maybe they will fix a few things in the future. What I want to see is when I click the three dots for Speakers (Line Out) give an option to set to toggle the DD encoder and the same for Set Default for SPDIF Out, there should be an option to click use the DD encoder or not. When I click headphones or Set Default on Speakers, I should be given the same DD toggle. If they make those changes I would say this is literally perfect. ## Features - 7.1 DISCRETE SURROUND WITH SUPER X-FI AND DOLBY DIGITAL LIVE - Supports up to 7.1 discrete for multi-channel speakers and virtual for headphones - IMPROVED COMMUNICATION WITH SMARTCOMMS KIT AND CRYSTALVOICE - Features our SmartComms Kit, a suite of smart communication features that simplify the way you take work calls on Windows 10 platform. Turn on VoiceDetect to auto mute and unmute your mic, or get rid of static background noise in your own environment as well as the other parties' via our two-way noise cancellation feature NoiseClean. In tandem, CrystalVoice technology enhances voice for clear recordings and in-game communications - CONNECT WITH EVERYTHING - With a newly added optical-in port, it is now much easier to connect multiple audio devices, from external microphones and headsets, to platforms like your PC, Mac, gaming consoles, and even your multi-channel speaker systems. Just power up the Sound Blaster X4 via the USB-C port, and enjoy high-quality audio with everything. The Sound Blaster X4 is also a headphone amplifier that is capable of driving studio-grade headphones of up to 600Ξ© - EASY ACCESS TO ALL CONTROLS - Pick between three EQ modes or re-program them, and save your settings on the device. There are also the Direct Mic Mute, Direct Mode, Super X-Fi and SXFI BATTLE Mode on/off buttons, as well as a speaker (Line-out) and headphones switch button. After a one-time setup, instantly adjust the volume levels between two audio sources (SPDIF / Optical / USB) with the Audio Balance feature via the volume knob, perfect for communicating with music on - GAME AND HEAR YOUR WAY – Choose between SXFI BATTLE Mode or Scout and get to winning your FPS game. Configure each element of your audio settings or switch them off completely via the Creative app. Access the full range of audio adjustments via the PC app, or make quick adjustments to your EQ settings from your phone. All these are powered by our Sound Blaster’s audio promise with 114 dB audio clarity and hi-res 192 kHz/24-bit playback ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B0953LL5R6 | | Audio Output Mode | Dolby Digital, Surround Sound | | Best Sellers Rank | #32 in External Sound Cards | | Brand | Creative | | Compatible Devices | Personal Computer, Laptop, Gaming Console, Speaker, Headphone, Amplifier | | Customer Reviews | 4.0 out of 5 stars 1,577 Reviews | | Hardware Connectivity | USB | | Hardware Interface | USB | | Hardware Platform | USB | | Item Dimensions L x W x H | 5.16"L x 5.16"W x 1.61"H | | Item Weight | 620 Grams | | Manufacturer | Creative Labs | | Maximum Sample Rate | 192 KHz | | Mfr Part Number | SB1815 | | Model Name | x4 | | Model Number | X4 | | Platform | Not Machine Specific | | Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 114 dB | | Surround Sound Channel Configuration | 7 1 | | UPC | 054651194731 | ## Product Details - **Audio Output Mode:** Dolby Digital, Surround Sound - **Brand:** Creative - **Compatible Devices:** Personal Computer, Laptop, Gaming Console, Speaker, Headphone, Amplifier - **Hardware Interface:** USB - **Platform:** Not Machine Specific ## Images ![Sound Blaster X4, External USB DAC & Headphone Amp, 7.1 Surround | External USB Dac, Headphone Amp, 7.1 Surround, Dolby Audio, Multi-Device, Audio Control, USB Audio - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Tnh+AqVeS.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Color** options. ## Questions & Answers **Q: How do you switch between Speakers and Headset?** A: Sound Blaster X3 has Super X-Fi Button. Press and hold to switch between Line-out (Speaker) and Headphones Output. When in Headphones mode, press once to enable / disable Super X-Fi. **Q: Can you turn off the Center Speaker in the 5.1 speaker configuration menu? My system does not have one.** A: Yes you can, you need to set it to 5.1 and then open the windows sound control panel, and go through the steps and remove the center form there. After you do that, the sound blaster will make a phantom center channel so it sounds like voices etc come from your monitor. I run a 4.1 setup too **Q: So if i connect this usb c-a to my windows 10 pc and optical to my LG home theater will it let me configure windows speaker config for 5.1?** A: Sound Blaster X3 once successfully installed on a supported system such as Windows 10, you can set the speaker configuration available from the settings. For more specific details, you may contact Creative Technical support directly. **Q: Sound blaster x4 β€œalso compatible with your blu-ray players, set-top boxes, and even tv.” connected tv cannot get audio, how does this work?** A: make sure it is in the correct mode and your tv is outputing to the correct plug. ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Creative Sound Blaster X4 | Crazy good *by M***L on November 26, 2022* This has pretty mind-blowing audio when you set it up properly. At first, I didn't think very much of it at all and even considered returning it until I started playing with the dials and buttons Here's my pros/cons: + Likely the best sound delivery alteration implementation I've experienced yet + All *hardware* aspects feel extremely premium - Does take some tweaking/getting used to - Many features are not intuitive; you're going to have to fully read the manual and keep it around for reference for a while. -For whatever reason when I got it, I fully expected the LED ring to indicate the volume level in some way such as dimming as volume goes lower or turning them off around the ring as the volume gets lower. It does not. I know that was not an advertised feature in any capacity but to me it would just make sense that it should/would. Seems like a bit of a missed opportunity to just "feel right/satisfying" to have that physical indication of what you're doing on the unit itself at a glance - The apps (yes multiple) suck. There's really no excuse as to why you should have to use Location Data to connect to the unit -- Yes I know you use it for this reason or that reason (likely something to do with low power bluetooth connectivity). I don't care. I never have my location on unless I especially need it to preserve battery life and further, it's aggravating that the entire suite of apps is not compiled into a single one; that's multiple apps for both PC and the Mobile versions. People shouldn't have to have multiple apps/programs to control a single device - I'd very very much like to have some basic passthrough capabilities through the Bluetooth, such as being able to connect the x4 to bluetooth speakers so they can benefit from it using the app as a control to do so. To my knowledge, that is not possible. - Would very much like the microphone output and headphone output on the back or either side of the device instead of the front. Would also be okay with a set on each side of the device. It would be far more flattering on my desk than having my microphone input on the front Overall, despite criticisms, the pros heavily outweigh the cons. I am more than willing to trade ascetics for functionality, and I'm more than willing to spend the time to get the software side doing what I want and boy does the Soundblaster x4 ever deliver function. If I were to upgrade to the x5 down the line though, Creative will have to have a very compelling new feature set, or they'd have to remedy most if not all my cons above (2025 edit) Oh, this is way after the fact but an important note Fully functional on Linux *after* setup, softwareless. That was a very pleasant surprise. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great if you don't want a PCIE Sound Card *by T***K on May 28, 2022* I have had the Creative Z, Zx, ZxR and AE-9. I have the Logitech Z906 5.1 system and Sony MDR1AM2 headphones and the X4 sounds great with it. It may not be the BEST specs like the AE-9 but the AE-9's breakout box for XLR input is HORRIFYINGLY bad for XLR mics. I bought a Scarlet 4i4 and then moved on to the Wave XLR because I wanted to stream and the Wave XLR has amazing software that replaced Equalizer APO and Voicemeter because the Wave XLR supports VSTs and audio routing. I really wanted this to remove the sound card from my system so all my fans would hit my massive 3090ti and the X4 allowed me to do just that. The X4 has all the features I need, optical out and a great headphone DAC at a way cheaper price than the AE-9. SXFi is a gimmick but it has its uses, just not really for me. To get 5.1 with the Z906, you need to click Playback then click Speakers (line out) and SPDIF Out you need to click "Set Default", then go to Device click Encoder and select Dolby Digital Live. To use heaphones go to Playback and click Headphones and under audio quality click "Set Default" for Speakers, then go to Device, Encoder and turn OFF Dolby Digital Live. I dislike having to click 3 things in different menus to accomplish this when on my AE-9 I literally just had to press one button of push the volume nob on the breakout box for 3 second. The software is also not as intuitive as the Sound Blaster Command Center but this very new so maybe they will fix a few things in the future. What I want to see is when I click the three dots for Speakers (Line Out) give an option to set to toggle the DD encoder and the same for Set Default for SPDIF Out, there should be an option to click use the DD encoder or not. When I click headphones or Set Default on Speakers, I should be given the same DD toggle. If they make those changes I would say this is literally perfect. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Works as advertised. *by J***Y on July 10, 2026* This was perfect for my needs. I am NOT and audiofile, so the technical details for the frequency ranges supported by the card were not a concideration for me. I was looking for something that would easily configure and work for basic PC Gaming and YouTube surfing. To be picky, I give it 4-stars and leave room for the same cabling interface in a sound card that supported a wider frequency range. But honestly, I would not be able to listen for the difference, I'd just know it was there in the specs. As far as I can tell, the same cabling interface is not supported in newer sound cards with Higher frequency spces (I spent nearly 3 weeks doing AI searches for options that would work. The work-arounds were either unavailable or too technical for me to want to deal with). I had a very old set of Altec Lansing 5.1 surround sound speakers (Altec Lansing 251) with cabling that worked out perfect with the jacks on the back of this external sound card. This may have been overkill for what I needed, but the input jacks for the old speakers (no optical cable option) did not align correctly with the on-board jacks for my new motherboard (MSI MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard). I can easily switch back and forth from external speakers to Headphones, mute the sound, and the large radial control knob is a great feature. ## Frequently Bought Together - Creative Labs 272791 So 70sb181500000 Sound Blaster X4 Retail - KabelDirekt Optical Audio Cable – 10ft Digital Optical Cable for soundbars, Fiber Optic Lead (Digital S/PDIF Cable, Stereo Systems/amplifiers/amps, Home Cinema, Xbox One/PS4) --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - πŸ›’ **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** β€” Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** β€” Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - πŸ’° **No Hidden Fees** β€” All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - πŸ”„ **15-Day Free Returns** β€” Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - πŸ”’ **Secure Payments** β€” Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** β€” Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/330662708-sound-blaster-x4-external-usb-dac-and-headphone-amp-7](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/330662708-sound-blaster-x4-external-usb-dac-and-headphone-amp-7) --- *Product available on Desertcart South Africa* *Store origin: ZA* *Last updated: 2026-07-26*