Sound Blaster X5 Hi-Res Dual DAC USB Sound Card review

After installing the X5 I was prompted to install the latest firmware (1.1230131.1420).  I then installed both the Creative App (V1.13.07.00) and drivers (V 2.0.6.0).

The Creative suite is shared across all the latest Creative devices, such as the Creative T60 speakers and the Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2 Soundbar.

The Creative software comes with several Sound Modes preinstalled including effects for many of today’s top games. Selecting one of the presets like Music or Games will automatically toggle the controls to match the preset. You can also manually tune your sound with the equalizer or enable Creative’s famous Scout Mode that focuses on the detection of sounds through enhanced audio cues like footsteps or the sound of a reload to help detect hidden enemies in your favorite shooter.

The Playback screen allows for the configuration of your speakers and headphones. You can choose your headphones from a drop down of common headphone types.  Speakers can be configured by type: Desktop, Bookshelf, Tower or Custom.

Recording simply allows you to configure your Microphone and Digital audio interface between 16 bit and 24-bit modes.

Under Settings you can view the device setup, download firmware and drivers, configure the lighting appearance and link out to support.

You will need to install the Sound Blaster Creative App on your Android or iOS mobile device when connecting the X5 to your favorite console to get all of the features.  In a pinch the X5 will work right out of the box but you will not have easy access to the advanced features the X5 offers!