Creative Sound BlasterX G5 7.1 External Gaming Audio DAC Review

The Sound BlasterX G5 is an external sound card and headphone amplifier.  If hooked into a PC it can be its own sound device or can operate as a pass thru amp when hooked into a gaming console or mobile device.

Starting with the input side we have two line level and optical connections.  These are digital connections for both audio In and Out.  The input signal will accept audio from a game console or mobile device while the output sends processed audio to an to amplified speaker system.

This allows you a chance to use the Creative audio processing before being sent to your speakers or receiver.

You will find two USB connections on the back of the BlasterX G5.  The standard Type A plug allows you to plug in a keyboard or mouse while the Micro B is the primary power input.  It is also the primary connection when connected to a PC otherwise you can use any standard USB power adaptor to power on the device.

Along the front of the BlasterX G5 you will find two 3.5mm audio jacks and a large volume knob in the middle.  Of course Creative would suggest their excellent BlasterX H5 Headset but, you could use any headphone and mic combo.

Internally the G5 is filled with audiophile grade hardware starting with the Texas Instruments TPA6120A2 headphone amplifier which can drive headphones of up to 600Ohm as well as more sensitive in-ear monitors.  The gain switch is selectable between 32-150Ohm and 150-600Ohm headsets which can be further controlled using the volume knob.

The pocket-sized external gaming sound card also supports high-resolution audio playback of up to 24-bit/192kHz using the Cirrus Logic CS4398 DAC with a Signal-to-Noise Ratio of 120dB. 

You will find two buttons next to the gain switch and control to important aspects of the G5.  Scout mode and SBX Profiles.   Both buttons work with the SB-Axx1 audio processor and enable the hardware accelerated audio enhancements.  Scout mode is either on or off while SBX will toggle between three audio profiles, First Person Shooter, Action Adventure and Driving.

The lights to the right indicate which profile is selected.

As an additional bonus you can configure these profiles to suit your needs using the BlasterX software which can then be saved to the device.

With the BlasterX G5 you will receive a single optical cable and USB cable with Micro B and Type A connectors. 

Depending on how you are connecting G5 to your device it should sit line with your existing setup either using the optical connection to a game console or USB to a PC.