Creative AE-5 User Manual
EXPERIENCE GUIDE
PCIe DAC WITH DISCRETE HEADPHONE AMP
INTRODUCING THE
SOUND BLASTERX AE-5
Get the ultimate audio performance with the full force of a 122dB
32-bit/384kHz ESS Sabre™ DAC, a kick-ass custom-designed
600Ω discrete headphone amp, top-notch audiophile-grade
components and proprietary Sound Blaster audio enhancement
technologies.
The Sound BlasterX AE-5 upgrades your rig with true lossless
sound and brilliant light show. The world’s first sound card with
integrated RGB controller lets you not only enjoy immersive, rich,
precise sound in games, music and movies but also gives you unique
control over the lighting effects in your PC case.
OVERVIEW
ARCHITECTURE & CONNECTORS
XAMP DISCRETE HEADPHONE AMP AURORA REACTIVE LIGHTING SYSTEM
• Discrete components in a dual-amp
design amplify each audio channel
individually for pristine audio
• Ultra low 1Ω output impedance drives
16-600 Ω headphones
I
• Built-in RGB controller
• Fully programmable to create unique
lighting effects up to 16.8 million colors
H
A
B
C
D
E
F
A
LINE IN / MIC IN
To a microphone, headset mic connector or line level
audio source
B
HEADPHONE
To a headphone/headset with 3-pole/4-pole plug
C
FRONT (L/R)
To Front Left/Right inputs on powered analog
speaker or AV receiver
REAR (L/R)
D
To Rear Left/Right inputs on powered analog
speakers or AV receiver
E
CENTER / SUBWOOFER
To Center and Subwoofer inputs on powered analog
speakers or AV receiver
G
122DB DNR SABRE-CLASS DAC
• True audio fidelity with up to
32-bit/384kHz* hi-res lossless
playback.
* Windows® 10 and above
F
OPTICAL OUT
To recording device or amplifier with optical connectors
G
POWER CONNECTOR
To peripheral power connector for RGB lighting
H
FRONT PANEL HD AUDIO HEADER
To front panel Intel HD audio connector
I
RGB HEADER
To LED strip via extension cable
Supports up to 4 LED strips
SOUND BLASTERX AE-5 EXPERIENCE GUIDE
KEY FEATURES
122DB DNR SABRE-CLASS DAC
At the heart of the Sound BlasterX AE-5
sound card is a 122dB Sabre-Class DAC
that instantly boosts regular motherboard
audio with up to 32 times more clarity.
This premium audiophile-grade component
with its high dynamic range indulges users with up to 32-bit/384kHz* lossless playback and true
audio fidelity for high-definition audio in games, movies and music.
* On Windows 10 and above
XAMP DISCRETE HEADPHONE AMP: TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE
The on-board headphone amplifier is custom-built using discrete transistors and
audiophile-grade WIMA® film/foil capacitors in a dual-amp design to satisfy the
most demanding needs of today’s intense games and high-resolution audio.
Sound BlasterX AE-5 (122dB)
Average onboard audio (90dB)
32x clearer
Experience the difference of a discrete dual-amp design as each audio channel is individually amplified
to deliver pristine, uncompromised audio. Plus, the high heat resistance of the German-made WIMA
capacitors greatly reduces noise and audio interference. The Xamp’s ultra low 1Ω output impedance
also makes it perfectly capable of driving studio-grade headphones as well as sensitive in-ear
monitors from 16Ω to 600Ω.
WORLD’S FIRST SOUND CARD WITH INTEGRATED RGB CONTROLLER
The Sound BlasterX AE-5 card is the first sound card to feature a built-in RGB controller
– saving valuable space within a desktop for other components.
The RGB controller, powered by Creative’s very own Aurora Reactive Lighting System,
not only lights up the card through the PCB, but also gives gamers the
flexibility to build their dream gaming rig by connecting up to four LED
strips to match the awesome sound with an awesome light show.
The fully customizable Aurora Reactive Lighting System allows users
to choose from multiple presets or program it with up to 16.8 million
colors and various rhythms to choose from, using the Sound Blaster
Connect PC software.
SOUND BLASTERX AE-5 EXPERIENCE GUIDE
KEY FEATURES
INDUSTRY LEADING AUDIO PROCESSING
Updated, refined and perfected through years of being the clear leader in sound processing, the AE-5
is feature-packed with the latest and greatest version of our award-winning audio processing and
algorithms that improve music, movie and gaming experiences.
The quad-core Sound Core3D audio DSP and the legendary Sound Blaster technologies provide
fully customizable DSP-powered audio enhancements, crystal-clear vocal reproduction,
in-game voice communication enhancements, 7.1 virtual surround sound and other advanced
audio technologies.
ALL NEW SCOUT 2.0
Step up your game with the world’s first smart gaming companion
that enables you to visualize and pinpoint your enemy’s position
in FPS games via a dedicated Scout Radar display on your
mobile device.
Coupled with Scout Mode that lets you hear your enemies before you see them, the all-new Scout 2.0 is
sure to give you that added winning edge on the battlefield.
SOUND BLASTERX AE-5 EXPERIENCE GUIDE
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