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The best PCI-e sound card we have ever made
As the best PCI-e sound card we have ever made, the Sound Blaster AE-9 delivers audio that is absolutely pristine, with a 129dB DNR and 32-bit 384kHz playback from its hi-res ESS SABRE-class 9038 reference DAC. The sound card also includes Sound Blaster’s very own Xamp fully Discrete Headphone Bi-Amplifier, supports headphones up to 600Ω and has an ultra-low 1Ω headphone output impedance for sensitive in-ear monitors. It also features a whole range of processing technologies – such as Sound Blaster’s own Acoustic Engine, Dolby Digital Live, and DTS Connect Encoding – as well as a convenient and powerful Audio Control Module.
A Feast for Your Ears
Built with the absolute best components to deliver pristine, detailed audio quality that would satisfy even the most demanding audiophile.
Terrific for Headphones
The fully discrete Xamp Headphone Bi-Amplifier delivers pristine audio in an unaltered lossless mode to each earcup regardless of demand.
Incredible Processing
The Sound Blaster AE-9 comes with Sound Blaster's full suite of audio enhancements, including Surround for an incredible immersion, Crystallizer that helps improve the dynamic range of audio, or Bass that provides bigger punch on the low end. Meanwhile, CrystalVoice Technology enhances voice for clear recordings and in-game communications. All enhancements are fully customizable from the Sound Blaster Command software suite on PC. On top of Sound Blaster's own processing capabilities, the Sound Blaster AE-9 also supports Dolby Digital Live and DTS Connect Encoding.
Powerful Sound All Around
Immerse yourself in audio! The Sound Blaster AE-9 supports discrete 5.1 surround channels, and up to 7.1 virtual surround channels. The sound card also comes with Sound Blaster’s Surround technology that provides the best virtual surround sound experience on the market. The tech can be fully customized, or switched off completely.
Power at Your Fingertips
Many of the Sound Blaster AE-9's powerful features, such as the incredible Xamp, are contained within the Audio Control Module that sits on your desk. The Audio Control Module also supports dynamic/phantom-powered condenser microphones, perfect for serious content creators and streamers.
Clayton Chroust
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2025
By itself this sound card is better than most dac/amp separates and combos up to 1.5-2K, I have ordered and tried a few and was not overly impressed when playing direct mode with my DT 1990 pros. For about $300 you can swap out all the op-amps with Burson V7 vivids and this combo is pure bliss to your ears. Definitely on par with a 1,200 to 2,000 dac/amp with significant improvement to vocals/soundstage and bass extension. A highly recommend this card even just by itself, but upgraded even more so. This card powers any headphone I have thrown at it so far... DT 1990s, Arya Stealth, Arya Organic, and I am just waiting on my hopeful endgame headphone of HD 800s.
BagelBits
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2025
I upgraded from my AE-5 to this AE-9 and you can hear the diffrence, it's nicer and clean but soo much more expensive.The Command Center app that Windows uses doesn't seem to need an update at all, it picked up on it and was compatible from first run. No annoying software swapping and reboots.I'm a gamer so I play for long periods, and after like 30 minutes the card feels warm, like a mid setting to cook an egg. but my AE-5 gets kind of warm too so it seems to put me at ease to find them both do a similar thing but ya it's slightly warmer than my AE-5. I found no concerns online saying the card has failed from this many times but there was one case I came across where someone new to things might of messed up for other reasons and or had a bad factory build, defective in other words.but I guess I'll find out since his card died in like a year, and I just started using my card but guess what if my card dies and I find out what it was or if it's a weird unknown reason I will update this review with what I know, but in the case I don't update then the card has been good to me and I'm enjoying it with my DT 1990 Prowell, good luck to the buyers.
Steven Kelly
Reviewed in Canada on May 16, 2024
Have it hooked up via rca to my Onkyo Amp, powering Passive Paradigm Bookshelf Monitors and a Monoprice 12" sub, the sound quality is top tier. Can't wait to try it with my Panasonic open ear monitors as well
The geeks shall inherit the earth
Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2024
The description on Amazon shows this card as using a PCI interface. That is not true, It uses the PCI-Express (PCIE) interface. PCI has not been used for over a decade.
Physics Teacher
Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2024
Playing ROON into the SB AE-9 is as though hearing my music collection for the first time! The DSD files leap to life. Even the 16 Bit 44 KHz files have renewed vibrancy.My settings are all Native - NO DSP.Frightfully expensive but worth it!
Ferdinand C.
Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2024
I love how they build it
gojeff99
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2024
Warning. When you switch from speaker to headphones dont have headphones on as you can get a max volume pop or part of the audio you are listening too play thru the headphones and it is loud. Creative really needs to address this issue. Otherwise I love it. Xlr mic input is clean. It would be nice to have a button to switch between speakers and headphone mode instead of the hold button for 2 seconds thing. If your a gamer I suggest using 48000hz 24bit for gaming and if you listen to high quality music and stuff switch it back and forth.
Thiago P.
Reviewed in Brazil on August 18, 2023
Em primeiro lugar, a pergunta número um que tive que fazer antes de comprar: "Preciso mesmo de uma placa de som em 2023?". E imediatamente depois de comprar esta placa , posso dizer que sim! Você literalmente não saberá o que está perdendo até conseguir uma!! Ao contrário das GPUs ou CPUs, as placas de som nunca ficam realmente obsoletas. Não adianta utilizar um fone fraco com uma placa dessas, principalmente fones com USB. A diferença em jogos é impressionante! Cada detalhe é captado de forma cristalina. Eu poderia entrar nos detalhes do componente, mas para resumir, eles têm 2 a 3 fases integradas para ajudar na gravação e na saída limpa. Sem mencionar nos recursos de software integrados para aumentar a qualidade. O Software Creative Labs tem um conjunto completo. Qualquer coisa que você possa imaginar está inserida nele, desde o equalizador até os filtros embutidos para microfone, predefinições, etc., mas também não é super técnico (muito fácil de usar) para que ele possa alimentar o hub e fornecer +48V ao seu fone de ouvido/microfone.
Kenneth B
Reviewed in Canada on February 6, 2022
The DAC was not as much as value added as I thought. In which case - go with the SE-7 if you want an external volume control plus a DAC. Maybe that will change in the future if I experiment with line-in for my musical instruments.But yes it sounds great.
ezfl
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2022
This is overkill for most people but if you want the best internal sound card, this is it. Amazon doesn’t sell this directly, you’ll have to buy it from third party sellers. My recommendation is check Creative’s website from time and time and look at their B-Stock. You’ll save $100-$150.
TheLiberal Hindu
Reviewed in India on May 31, 2021
I bought AE-9 and have been using it with my Sony HT-RT3 home theatre system which is connected to this card via an optical cable. I must tell you that I have never experienced sound like this in my life and I have used other sound blaster and Asus cards as well in the past.If you are planning to buy AE-7, please don't. Save some more money and go for AE-9 with your eyes closed.Pros:1. Crystal clear sound that would impress even the biggest audiophiles on this earth. You will hear each and every beat if you are using Dolby/DTS connect mode along with an optical cable.2. Sound card is made of top notch gold plated components which makes it durable for life.3. Best part is the Audio Control Module (ACM) which has plenty of I/O options and modes. It has an XLR mic input with 48v phantom power. I am a YouTube creator and checked the recording, it was awesome.4. If you are creator then you don't need to buy separate interface like Scarlett for recordings, just plug in XLR and record.Cons:1. DTS connect mode stops working sometimes but that seems to be the issue with almost all sound blaster cards. This is an issue Creative is long due to look at seriously.2. It's a power hungry card. It needs a separate 6 pin power cable (one used for GPUs). It eats a total of 150W power, 75 from pcie slot and 75 from your PSU. So need to check your power supply esp if you already have a hungry GPU.All in all its the best choice for professionals and rival cards don't even come close in sound quality.
Arturo Bustamante
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2021
Love it got here just on time
Karoly
Reviewed in Canada on October 28, 2020
Seen lots of reviews showing the sheer craftsmanship and quality into the the build. The software is the one thing I'd like finer control over it.
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