Creative’s new Sound Blaster AE-9 aims to be the premier dedicated sound card for audiophile PC users. As the flagship model in Creative’s 30th anniversary lineup, the AE-9 pushes the boundaries of high-fidelity PC audio.
Built around a robust internal ESS Sabre DAC capable of 32-bit 384kHz playback, the AE-9 boasts specifications that rival standalone digital-to-analog converters. It utilizes an isolated external digital stream box to house controls and connectors, shielding the sensitive components from electromagnetic interference inside the PC case.
Installation of the AE-9 is straightforward, involving simple insertion into an open PCIe slot and connection of the external box. From then on, users report unprecedented levels of clarity, depth and spatial precision across all audio content compared to integrated motherboard solutions.
Gamers especially appreciate how the AE-9 elevates the sonic landscape of titles, with effects like SBX Pro Studio enhancing positional cues. Creative’s proprietary Super X-Fi technology also generates virtual 71.4 surround from any set of headphones.
Content creators will find the AE-9’s high-fidelity microphone preamps and mixing controls well-suited for podcasts, streams, and voiceovers. For everyday users as well, casual listening is transformed through rich, detailed playback.
At $349, Creative acknowledges the AE-9 is an investment – but one aimed at audiophiles seeking reference-grade reproduction without compromise. For those prioritizing elite-level PC audio, it delivers the brilliant, nuanced sound they demand.
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