Hard-core gamers focus on visualization as well as high-quality audio. Creative Sound BlasterX brings you such a device that is a must-have if you want any improvement in the sound. The G5, G6, and X7 are some of the popular soundcards used by many.
Comparing the Sound BlasterX G5 vs G6 vs X7, we see that the size, connections, software flexibility, and overall audio performance varies. The purpose of a soundcard is to focus on audio volume, surround sound, or increase the volume of low-noise sounds.
The sounds like someone coming behind you to shoot, reloading a gun, or an arrow coming through the trees, become prominent and louder making it realistic. Although these devices focus on gaming, you can also enjoy the surround sound or bass in movies or music.
Comparison between Sound BlasterX G5 vs G6 vs X7
Sound BlasterX G5 vs G6 vs X7: What are they used for?
The Sound Blaster G5, G6, or X7 are soundcards that act as a DAC/Amp with your PC, gaming console, or speaker. They are used to make different sounds more real, immersive, and loud so that you can follow the audio or react to it.
If you are a gamer, then you know how crucial this is. For instance, if someone is coming to shoot you, the soundcard will enhance the loudness of the footsteps making you react faster to shoot the man in that direction.
These are also ideal for movies or music. The X7 supports different ports for speakers, has Bluetooth and NFC. It also comes with an app and improved software. The G5 and G6 are smaller or ‘pocket-sized’ that have fewer features but they are entry-level products.
Design
Sound BlasterX G5
The G5 is a small compact box that you can keep in your pocket. The stylish design with lighting features is quite impressive. On the top of the box, the ‘X’ from Sound BlasterX glows when the power is turned on.
The volume knob also lights up lower or higher indicating an increase or decrease in volume. The dial is large enough to control it while gaming.
Sound BlasterX G6
The 2019 CES Innovation Award-winning G6 has a plastic build and it is a bit smaller than G5. It is an upgraded version of the G5. Similar to G5 the ‘X’ will glow when powered on and you can change its color or how fast/slow it flashes.
The volume control will also glow and it has rubber under the device so if you push a plug or press a button it will not move. If you compare creative sound blasterx g5 vs g6 from the side of design then there not much to discuss.
Sound Blaster X7
The X7 USB DAC/Amp Desktop amplifier is larger than the G5 and G6. It is made of plastic and has a matt black finish. The device doesn’t have box-like shapes like the other G5 and G6, it has a triangular shape with a large volume dial in front of it.
Comparing Sound BlasterX G5 vs G6 vs X7, we see that X7 is a lot bigger and the volume dial doesn’t light up like the G5 and G6. It has rubber feet so that the device stay put.
Technology
Sound BlasterX G5
The G5 has BlasterX Acoustic Engine Pro that makes the overall listening realistic, immersive and in-detailed which is ideal for gaming. The audio effect emphasizes minute sounds like footsteps behind you, bullets coming out of guns, or flying bees.
To boost the audio effect, the Scout mode also helps. It uses SB-Axx1 audio technology and can give an effect of 7.1 surroundings.
Sound BlasterX G6
The G6 has a CS43131 DAC chip that acts as a DAC to convert the digital to analog signal as well as a headphone amp. So it will amplify the signal once it is converted. The DAC focuses to erase any distortion in audio and the G6 supports PCM and DoP audio formats. It also supports Scout mode and is made mostly for gaming.
This device is often said to be an audiophile product. It has a new feature that helps you to adjust ‘game volume/chat balance’. Here you can alter the gaming audio and lower the chat sounds from teammates or friends. It also has a Noise Reduction feature that minimizes external noise. From the technology side sound blasterx g5 vs g6 gaming experience is a bit different.
Sound Blaster X7
The 2015 CES Innovations Awards award-winning X7 has New Japan Radio NJM2114D and Texas Instruments LME49710 op-amps. The device has a Burr-Brown PCM1794 127dB digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Comparing Sound BlasterX G5 vs G6 vs X7, we see that the G6 supports Dolby Audio and X7 has a built-in Dolby Digital decoder. The G5 doesn’t have these features.
It assists to allow the uncompressed files from the PC via USB 2.0. It uses 127dB DAC, Texas Instruments TPA6120A2 headphone amplifier, and has a 100W built-in amplifier. The SBX Pro Studio Technology helps you to adjust the sound so that the surrounding becomes immersive or the bass can be tighter and punchier.
Performance
Sound BlasterX G5
The G5 soundcard is built especially for gaming. However, users can use it in their cars like an amp. they are also great to use while listening to movies or music. While they are used for gaming, the audio quality is enhanced especially in terms of direction or low noises.
This means while playing games, you will hear the sound coming from a specific direction like behind you, or a helicopter above you. You will also listen to the rustling of leaves or people whispering. Sound Blaster X G5 Xbox one and sound blasterX g5 PUBG performance is also perfect.
You can select different presets, or the Voice FX menu in the BlasterX Acoustic Engine Pro software to change effects on the audio. The G5 can be used on PC or Xbox. To achieve the best results, you should pair the soundcards with a high-quality headphone. And it also sounds blasterX g5 ps4 works perfectly.
Sound BlasterX G6
For PC users or gamers who use headphones, this device enhances the audio that’s already in there. Just like the G5, it focuses on things like birds fluttering or something moving in the hedge.
An immediate lift in audio quality is noticed and the performance remained consistent in different headphones. But if you compare sound blaster G5 vs G6 you will find the g6 sound quality is better than G5.
For gaming, it is important that the left and rights are amplified separately and this is what the G6 does with the Amp discrete headphone bi-amp. The SBX will enhance the surround sound. It helps to gain a broader soundstage and clearer and amplified sound. It also supports Dolby Audio games or movies for PC but not Dolby DTS, Vision, or Atmos.
Sound BlasterX G6 comes with a Connect to the app with different customization options and settings. The G6 PS4 also supports GameVoice Mix with PS4, PS4 Pro, and PS4 Slim but only with an optical connection. With this option, you can pause or leave the game, volume up/down the audio of the game, and other member’s chat audio. This helps you to play games flexibly.
You can also get the best creative sound blasterX g6 PUBG play services. If you try to find the difference between creative g5 vs g6from the side of the performance then the g6 is better than g5.
Sound Blaster X7
The Sound BlasterX is said to be for ‘pro-gamers’ and audiophiles. The performance of this device is outstanding. You can immediately hear a difference when you plug it with speakers, soundbars, PC, or gaming console. But you shouldn’t go for cheap speakers rather you should pair good-quality speakers. The audio difference with speakers is more noticeable than soundbars.
The Dolby Digital is another great addition to the X7 that delivers clean and clear dialogues with quality. It supports Bluetooth 4.1 with aptX and AAC technology which means while connecting to Bluetooth devices you will get audio with the best quality.
In terms of control options, if we compare the Sound BlasterX G5 vs G6 vs X7, the X7 comes with both software and mobile app. You can use the Sound Blaster X7 Control software to switch between speakers or headphone that saves the hassle to plug or unplug different sources. The software allows you to alter speaker setup settings, use Scout Mode or adjust equalizer and it is user-friendly.
You can use the Sound Blaster X7 Control app. With which you can control the device or change different settings. You can also control the device remotely. The sound blasterX works with PS4, PUBG, and other games, so you can play your game without disturbing.
Connections
The device has several connections which makes it easier to use with different sources. There is one 3.5mm jack for a microphone and another headphone on the front side of the G5. The backside has USB-Type-A which you can use with a flash drive.
The USB port supports a gaming mouse or keyboard. The backside also has Line /optical in with which you can connect mobile, tablet, MP3 player by using a 3.5mm plug. You can also use the optical in for gaming console or AV receiver.
There is a micro USB port that you will use for power and data and they are placed on the left side. On another side, there are options like Scout Mode, SBX, and gain (low/high). If you select the low settings it will support 32-150ohms with up to 5dB gain and for high, it will support 150-600 ohms with a gain up to 15dB. The product comes with two cables, one USB to micro-USB and an optical cable.
Sound BlasterX G6
The rear side of the G6 has three ports: Line/Optical in, Line/Optical Out (analog or digital speakers), and USB (power adaptor/PC/<MAC/Switch). With Line, you can connect Nintendo, portable media device or mobile, and for Optical In connect PS4, Xbox.
The front side has a large volume knob that lights up and two ports: a 3.5mm headphone jack and a 3.5mm microphone jack. You can also press the volume knob for the mute option.
The right side has 3 buttons just like the Sound BlasterX G5: Scout Mode, SBX button, and Gain switch. You can choose low or high where low means 16-149 ohms and high means 150 to 600 ohms. The connection setting is almost the same if you compare sound blasterx g5 vs sound blasterx g6.
The SBX is used for enabling the digital signal processing which is needed to enhance the audio. If you press the Scout / Direct button once it will enter Scout Mode, if pressed for 2s, it will enter the Direct Mode button that supports 32bit 384kHz files. If you use the Direct Mode, the SBX Effect and Scout Mode will be disabled.
Sound Blaster X7
The difference between the Sound BlasterX G5 vs G6 vs X7 is that the X7 has more flexibility and more number of options than the other two. There are two headphone jacks (3.5mm and 6.5mm) and one 3.5mm microphone jack on the front side of the device. There are also three buttons: power/Bluetooth button, Dolby Digital indicator, and SBX button or indicator.
Below the volume knob is a built-in microphone array with which you can answer a call or use it during games. It uses Crystal Clear Communication with Crystal Voice technology that captures your vocals easily. On one side it has an NFC Sensor to pair with NFC devices.
The rear side has two pairs of speaker output terminal, one for the left another for the right. Besides these, there is a switch to select the 4 or 8 ohms. Then there are two RCA Line-Out to connect analog speakers or AV receivers. The 3.5mm Line-out is for powered analog speakers or A/V receiver and the 3.5mm Line-Out jack is for the Center and Subwoofer.
It also has an RCA Line-In jack, Optical S/PDIF In /Out, USB port, USB Host port, and DC-In port for power.
Things to Improve
Sound BlasterX G5
For G5 the software should be made more user-friendly and there was an audible buzzing noise when using the Line In. The latency seemed to be high that makes it noticeable.
Sound BlasterX G6
It doesn’t have any USB-C port. They have a very short power cable that makes it inconvenient. And for some, it is a bit costly.
Sound Blaster X7
The volume indicator should have an indication of low or high levels. Settings don’t remain saved like disabling mic becomes turned on when you turn it back on again or when you unplug headphones the volume reaches maximum level. These things should be improved.
Alternative Product
Sennheiser GSX 1000
Pros
- 7.1 channel Binaural Rendering. *long-lasting durability
- Immersive sound experience
- High-quality material
- Can opt for a customized audio performance
- Adjusting capacity in the loudness of the user’s voice on the headset
Cons
- Expensive price tag
Conclusion
If you are a die-hard fan of games then audio is an important criterion for you. The Creative Sound BlasterX has different types of soundcards like the G5, G6, or X7 which varies in features and options.
Comparing the Sound BlasterX G5 vs G6 vs X7 soundcards, you can consider each to be an improved version than the previous one. G5 and G6 are best for standard or general game or movie use cases. The X7 is an ‘audiophile-grade’ device, it is made for gamers who are also audiophiles.
These devices vary in terms of functions, software settings, mobile apps, but they focus on one thing firmly. That is the enhancement of audio quality and amplification of ambient sounds that makes the game more realistic. Since there isn’t anything as ‘perfect device’ these soundcards can give you some of the best experience at the given price range.
FAQs
As you leave, we hope that our parting gift i.e this FAQ section will bring a smile to your face. May it be the first in what is sure to be many adventures of success! Best of luck with your purchase!
How can I use the G5 to connect speakers?
There are different ways to connect speakers with G5.
- You can use a 3.5mm 2-channel audio cable to connect to analog speakers.
- You can use the Mini-TOSLINK cable to connect to digital speakers.
- Or you can use it to connect to the amplifier and then the speakers.
How can I pair Bluetooth devices with the X7?
Follow these steps to connect Bluetooth devices with the X7:
- Turn on the Power/Bluetooth on X7 for 2s. the indication with flash blue.
- You should try to connect the device within the 60s or else the Bluetooth pairing mode will turn off.
- Turn on the Bluetooth in your Bluetooth device like a smartphone.
- Search for nearby devices and choose Sound Blaster X7 from the list.
- Once the pairing is complete, the indicator on X7 will turn to blue.
To connect more than one device, do the following:
- To connect the second device, you simply have to follow the steps above.
- And to connect a third device, you have to enable Bluetooth in any of the two paired devices.
How to pair the G6 with gaming consoles like PS4, Xbox, or Nintendo?
They setup with different gaming consoles is easy. Follow these instructions to do so:
For Xbox One:
- Use the Optical In to connect Xbox One.
- Connect your headphones to the headphone jack at the front of the G6.
For PS4:
- Connect the G6 to PS4 using USB and/or Optical In.
For Nintendo:
- Use the USB port to connect to the Nintendo Switch Docking Station.
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