Creative Sound Blaster X7 Product Experience Manual

®

PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE

Meet the

Future of

Audio

Combining

the full force

of an impressive

24-bit/192kHz

127dB DAC, a kick-ass

100-watt audio amplifier,

top-notch audiophile grade

components and our proprietary

audio enhancement technologies,

the Sound Blaster X7 is the biggest,

baddest, boldest Sound Blaster to date!

Designed to easily assimilate and connect

with a whole range of gaming and entertainment

systems, this compact trapezoidal prism fits right

into your domain and delivers the most mind-blowing

high-resolution audio listening experience.

SOUND BLASTER X7:
AN OVERVIEW

Get acquainted with the Sound Blaster X7’s
controls, connectors and connectivity options.

EXPERIENCING THE
SOUND BLASTER X7

Discover a whole new side of audio using the
Sound Blaster X7.

ENHANCING
AUDIO PLAYBACK

Learn how to easily enhance your audio with the
downloadable Sound Blaster X7 Control mobile app
and Sound Blaster X7 Control Panel software.

APPENDIX

Set up the Sound Blaster X7 for RMAA measurement
in real-time 24-bit/192kHz playback and recording
using analog inputs and outputs.

06

14

16

21

ULTRA HIGH-END SOUND BLASTER

WITH 24-BIT/192kHz HIGH RESOLUTION

127dB USB DAC & AUDIO AMPLIFIER

• Ultra High Fidelity Digital Audio

• Powerful Amplification • Audiophile Experience

SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE 6 SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE 7

ARCHITECTURE, CONTROLS & CONNECTORS

USB Host Port

• Connect to select smartphones
or tablets for high-fidelity
audio playback

• Connect to iOS devices using
Lightning connector for
recording

• Charge select mobile phones
and devices!

Headphone Stand Slots

• Insert the supplied
headphone stand to hang
your headphones on

3.5mm Center / Subwoofer

Line Out Jack

• Connect to Centre and
Subwoofer inputs on
powered analog speakers or
A/V receiver

Dual Headphone Jacks

• Connects to ¼” (6.5mm)
studio-grade headphones
and

1

/

8

” (3.5mm) headphones
for simultaneous audio
listening

SBX / Call Button &
Inditcator

• Turn on SBX Pro Studio for
intelligent audio processing

• Activate the voice assistant*
on your smart device

Volume Control Knob

• Adjusts the volume level

Beamforming CrystalVoice
Microphones

• For crystal clear voice
communications

Mic In jack

• Connect to a microphone
for recording

Power /

Bluetooth

®

Button & Indicator

• Press to switch on

• Press and hold 2 sec for

Bluetooth

pairing

• Press again to switch off

Key Features

• 1x

Bluetooth

4.1 Module supporting HFP with HD Voice and A2DP with AAC, aptX and aptX-Low Latency

• 1x USB 2.0 Host port allows direct streaming of high quality, lossless audio from Android and iOS devices

• 4x swappable op-amps for customizable tonality

NFC Sensor

• Just tap for one-touch

Bluetooth

pairing

DC-In Port

• Connect to the supplied 24V

2.91A AC/DC power adapter

Impedance Switch

• Select impedance of
connected passive speakers
(4Ω – 8Ω)

2-way Binding Post
Terminals

• Connect to passive speakers
via bare wires or banana
plugs

Front RCA Line Out Jack

• Connect to powered analog
speakers or A/V receiver

Dolby Digtal Indicator

• Lights up in white when Dolby
Digital decoding is activated

USB Port

• Listen to high-resolution
digital audio playback from
PC/Mac

3.5mm Rear Line Out Jack

• Connect to Rear Left
or Rear Right inputs on
powered analog speakers or
A/V receiver

Optical S/PDIF In Jack

• Connect to a game console
or TV via optical cable

Optical S/PDIF Out Jack

• Connect to recording devices
with optical connectors

RCA Line In Jack

• Connect to line level audio
sources.

* For iPhone 4S and above and certain Android/Windows phones only

Sound Blaster X7: An Overview

98

Audiophile-grade components for superb playback performance

Designed to indulge users with pristine audio quality, the Sound Blaster X7 is packed with the finest of the
finest audiophile-grade components that deliver the absolute best audio performance.

A powerful, flexible and programmable SB-Axx1TM multi-core DSP evolves
the Sound Blaster X7 into a full-fledged external sound card. Coupled with
legendary Sound Blaster technologies and readily available iOS and Android
applications, it provides instant access to amazing hardware powered audio
processing for audio playback and voice communication.

• SBX Pro StudioTM technology for incredible audio playback

The fully customizable SBX Pro Studio suite of technologies enhances audio

playback for music, movies and games, giving you unprecedented audio
realism.

• CrystalVoiceTM technology for crystal clear voice

CrystalVoice technology dramatically improves voice pick-up and

intelligently removes background interference so that you are heard clearly
in a conversation or voice recording.

TECHNOLOGY INSIDE

Intelligent processor for customizable enhancements

CONNECTIVITY

Audio Sources

Optical

Connect a game console or TV to
experience amplified and enhanced
audio for your games or movies.

Digital USB

Connect to a laptop or desktop
for up to 24-bit/192kHz high­resolution digital audio playback.
Functions as a full-fledged
external Sound Blaster for your
PC/Mac.

Analog

Connect portable media players for
clear, powerful analog audio playback.

SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE

• Burr-Brown PCM1794 D/A Converter

127dB dynamic range for high-resolution playback of HD audio tracks up to

24-bit/192kHz

• Burr-Brown PCM4220 A/D Converter

Delivers high quality, low noise analog line-in audio playback and recording of

up to 24-bit/192kHz

• Texas Instruments TPA6120A2 headphone amplifier

Supports up to 600Ω impedance – driving all headphones in the market

• Texas Instruments TPA3116D2 Class-D stereo amplifier

Efficiently delivers up to 100W power (2 x 50W @ 4Ω)* to passive bookshelf and

tower speakers

*100W speaker output requires upgrade to high power adapter (24V 6A)

• Nichicon “Fine Gold” capacitors

Offers rich sound in the bass register and clearer highs

Sound Blaster X7: An Overview

SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE

SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE

SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE

Sound Blaster X7: An Overview

10 11

Audio Sources (cont.) Headphones

Manual

Bluetooth

Pairing

Connect to

Bluetooth

devices
with robust high-quality low
latency aptX® and AAC music
streaming.

USB DAC

Experience pristine
powerful audio from
select smartphones/
tablets* via the USB
Host port.

Microphone

Connect your
favorite microphone
for clearer singing
or voice input.

1

/4” (6.3mm)

Headphones

1

/8” (3.5mm)

Headphones

One-Touch

Bluetooth

Pairing

NFC Technology allows for
one-touch pairing. Simply
tap your NFC-enabled device
on the Sound Blaster X7 to
instantly pair and connect.

Creative Multipoint lets you connect 2

Bluetooth

devices simultaneously and easily

toggle between them.

SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE

CONNECTIVITY

(cont.)

Sound Blaster X7: An Overview

* Compatible with:

- iOS devices using Lightning connector (iPhone 6^, 6 Plus^, 5S, 5C, 5, iPad Air, iPad Mini)

- Android devices (Samsung Galaxy S5, S4, Note 3, Note 2; Google Nexus 5, Nexus 7;
Sony Xperia Z Ultra; Xiaomi Redmi, Redmi Note, Mi 3; LG G2)

^ Compatiibility tests in progress

OPTICAL

COAXIAL

REAR

16V AC IN

~

FRONT

CENTRE/
SUBWOOFER/
REAR CENTER

AUDIO

OUTPUTS

AUDIO INPUTS

ANALOG

LEFT RIGHT

1

2

3

1

2

3

SPEAKER

CONFIGURATION

--

6.1/7.1

--

5.1

12

13

Speaker System

1 2 3

Passive speakers (bare wires)

Connect the wires from the positive and
negative terminals on each speaker to
the corresponding terminals.

Passive
speakers
(banana
plugs)

Simply push
the banana
plug into the
binding post
of the Speaker
Output
terminal.

OR

OR

5.1 Channel
Analog Speakers

Active speakers

front rear center/

subwoofer

audio
inputs

center

speaker

front

speakers

rear

speakers

CONNECTIVITY

(cont.)

SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDESOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE

Sound Blaster X7: An Overview

front rear

audio
inputs

center/

subwoofer

2.1
Channel
Analog
Speakers

in

audio

puts

speakers

audio

inputs

14

15

To truly test the capabilities of the Sound Blaster X7 and the quality of the audio reproduction, our team
performs listening tests with a variety of genres and with different pairs of headphones. We do not believe in
limiting ourselves to just gaming demos, but to achieve a more critical assessment, we use Industry Reference
Tracks for the auditions. For an inclusive listening experience, we also do not confine ourselves to using just our
signature Aurvana Headphones, but have included in our tests the Fostex T50RP Critical Listening Headphone
as well as the Beyerdynamic DT880 (600 ohms) headphones among others.

What has the award winning German music composer, Mr Hans
Zimmer, to do with games? Well, very much! To bring out the
realism in games, compelling detailed graphics and captivating
audio must go hand in hand. Hans Zimmer’s masterpiece
in Modern Warfare 2: Opening Title is able to draw out the
suspense, fear and heroic spirit of the game. If played on just
measly speakers or average headphones, the soundstage and
presence will never be felt, let alone London Philharmonic
Orchestra’s spectacular scoring for this game. However, when
played through the Sound Blaster X7, the opening piece creates
an ambience that puts you right there in the battlefield! Truly,
music stirs the emotions and in this “Opening Title”, either
courage rises out of you or goosebumps out of fear!

Demo #1: Experience unparalleled realism

Hans Zimmer – Modern Warfare 2: Opening Title

Leona Lewis’s

Bleeding Love

is the top selling single world wide
in 2008. The pop/R&B ballad showcases Leona’s impressive
vocal prowess. Accompanied by church organs, synthesized
strings, wood block percussions and even a distorted marching
drum, this song is brought to a whole new level of rhythm via
the Sound Blaster X7. The Sound Blaster X7 is adept to splendid
displays of contemporary songs as it is for audiophile music and
even music created for games.

Demo #2: Experience powerful vocals

Leona Lewis – Bleeding love

If you have been watching movies on your tablet or smartphones,
you would notice the lack of impact and cinematic audio effects.
Let this demo of the award winning Life of Pi show you what the
built-in SB-Axx1 multi-core processor on the Sound Blaster X7 can
do for your mobile movie experience. Simply push the SBX button
on the Sound Blaster X7 to activate Sound Blaster’s intelligent
processing capabilities and you will be transported into the movie
itself! Experience true-to-life surround sound, enhanced movie
dialogs and minimized volume level changes, just like in the
cinemas. Have absolute audio control over any movie audio using
the Sound Blaster Central mobile app (for iOS and Android) or the
Sound Blaster Control Panel software (for PC and Mac).

Demo #3: Experience compelling movies

Dolby Demo – Life of Pi

http://www.dolby.com/us/en/technologies/dolby-digital-plus/life-of-pi-demo.html

SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDESOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE

Experiencing the Sound Blaster X7

16

17

The Sound Blaster X7 comes with an amazing mobile application.
Sound Blaster X7 Control app supports both iOS and Android, giving
you unprecedented audio controls and enhancements right in the
palm of your hand!

SOUND BLASTER X7 CONTROL APP FOR SMART DEVICES

Overview

Activate Scout Mode to enhance
audio realism in combat games

• Configure speakers or headphones

• Test speaker polarity

Download free from

Apple App Store or
Google Play Store.

Select or modify CrystalVoice audio
settings

2

Select or modify SBX audio settings

1

43

Adjust the dynamic range of the
Dolby Digital decoder

6

Calibrate your speakers to make
your home theater rumble just right

5

Adjust volume levels of playback or
recording outputs and channels

7

SOUND BLASTER X7 CONTROL PANEL FOR PC/MAC

The Sound Blaster X7 Control Panel software for PC/Mac gives you simplified control and complete
configuration of every playback and voice aspect of the Sound Blaster X7. Visit http://support.creative.com to
download the Sound Blaster X7 Control Panel.

Overview

Speaker/Headphone selection

• Select the audio output to speakers or
headphones

Volume Level Control

• Adjust master volume

• Mute/unmute the volume

SBX audio settings

• Select audio enhancements or
modify settings

1

CrystalVoice audio settings

• Select voice enhancements or
modify settings

• Choose other VoiceFX effects

2

Equalizer settings

• Select a preset equalizer profile

• Modify equalizer settings

7

Speakers/Headphones settings

• Configure speakers or headphones

• Perform speaker calibration

• Test speaker polarity

4

Cinematic settings

• Adjust the dynamic range of the

Dolby Digital decoder

5

Scout Mode settings

• Activate Scout Mode to enhance

audio realism in combat games

• Assign short-cut keys to activate

Scout Mode

3

Mixer settings

• Adjust volume levels of playback or
recording outputs and channels

6

Profile selection

• Shows the current audio profile

loaded

• Select another profile

• Import/Export audio profiles

8

10

9

SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDESOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE

Enhancing Audio Playback

Modify Sound Blaster X7 Control
settings

8

Select, import or export audio
profiles

9

18 19

SBX Surround – Move the slider higher to “open” up a larger sound field and simulate a surround speaker

setup. A lower percentage gives a more “centered” audio. SBX Surround can be experienced when you plug in
a pair of headphones into the Sound Blaster X7.

SBX Crystalizer – A higher percentage means a larger amount of audio details restored.

SBX Bass – Slide the slider to adjust the enhancement of bass sounds. More harmonic tones will be added the

higher you go. You can also adjust the Crossover Frequency to set the transition of bass.

SBX Smart Volume – Activate Smart Volume to normalize volume levels (Normal), pump up the volume (Loud),

or reduce loud burst of sounds for those late night sessions (Night). Move the slider to adjust the intensity
accordingly.

SBX Dialog Plus – To hear dramatically clearer dialog, slide the slider higher for more voice enhancement.

CUSTOMIZING PRE-DEFINED AUDIO PROFILES TO SUIT
YOUR NEEDS

You can also select preset equalizer profiles or configure equalizer settings.

• For Sound Blaster X7 Control Panel : Click the Equalizer menu .

• For Sound Blaster X7 Control : Tap [Equalizer].

7

A. Music / Movies / Gaming

In the SBX Pro Studio menu , select or modify the options as desired.

1

Sound Blaster X7 ControlSound Blaster X7 Control Panel

CrystalVoice FX – Select to choose up to 18 different VoiceFX effects to morph your voice instantaneously.

CrystalVoice Smart Volume – Activate Smart Volume to ensure voice volume consistency, regardless of your

distance from the microphones. Slide the slider to adjust the level of mic normalization.

CrystalVoice Noise Reduction – Select to reduce unwanted noise from your conversation.

CrystalVoice Acoustice Echo Cancellation – To remove echoes from conversations, enable Acoustic Echo

Cancellation.

CrystalVoice Voice Focus – Enable Voice Focus to create an acoustic zone where your voice is picked up clearly

while noise outside the zone is suppressed.

Mic EQ – Select to choose a microphone equalizer preset.

B. Voice Communication

In the CrystalVoice menu , select or modify the options as desired.

2

SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDESOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE

Enhancing Audio Playback

20

1. Simply click the Mixer tab on the menu and adjust the volumes using the sliders.

2. Click the gear icon next to the sliders to adjust the left or right balance.

CONTROLLING AUDIO OUTPUTS AND CHANNELSCONFIGURING SPEAKERS / HEADPHONES

A Mixer is also available on the Sound Blaster Control Panel software.

It allows you to adjust the volume levels of individual outputs and channels (microphone, headphones, etc).

The Speakers/Headphones menu allows you to configure your speakers and headphones so that you get
the best listening experience with the Sound Blaster X7.

• Settings

Configure your speakers or headphones to achieve your preferred listening mode.

- Direct Mode: Bypass all playback, monitoring and microphone effects to listen to audio in its purest form,

directly from the source.

- SPDIF-In Direct: Enable bit-to-bit input streaming of up to 24-bit/96kHz signals without processing. When

turned on, other audio input sources will be disabled.

- Normal Gain: Select for headphones with 32 ~ 300 ohm impedance

- High Gain*: Select for headphones with 300 ~ 600 ohm impedance

• Calibration

Calibrate your speakers to make your home theater rumble just right.

• Polarity

Test the polarity of your connected speakers to determine any inappropriately wired speakers or out-of-

phase speakers.

4

SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE

Enhancing Audio Playback

21

SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE

* WARNING!

Select the appropriate gain level before connecting your headphones.
High gain may damage your headphones if the impedance does not match.

This document guides you through the set up of your Sound Blaster® X7, for RMAA measurement in real-time
24-bit/192kHz Playback and Recording using the Analog Inputs and Outputs. Comparison charts for results of
the 24-bit/44.1kHz, 24-bit/48kHz, 24-bit/96kHz and 24-bit/192kHz. RMAA measurements can also be found at
the end of this document. These Analog I/O tests prove that superb quality analog audio inputs and outputs can
be achieved by the product’s very high quality DAC, ADC and board design.

Setting up Sound Blaster X7 for Analog Measurement

Your Sound Blaster X7 has the unique feature of using hardware digital signal processing to improve audio
quality and listening experience. However, such processing is considered “distortion” by tools designed to test
for audio precision.

Hence, in order to properly measure the Sound Blaster X7’s analog precision, you must first disable all such
processing.

The recommended procedure for disabling such processing is as follows.

1. Launch Sound Blaster X7 Control Panel

The Sound Blaster X7 Control Panel is an application designed specifically for input and output configurations
of the Sound Blaster X7. Navigate to each of the following menu tabs, SBX Pro Studio, CrystalVoice, Scout Mode,
Equalizer, and disable (“Off”) all audio effects from each of these features.

TESTING METHODOLOGY USING RMAA V6.4.0

Turn off SBX Pro Studio

Appendix

Turn off CrystalVoice

Turn off Equalizer

22

SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE

23

SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE

Turn on Direct Mode

Appendix

Set Impedance
to “8Ω”

3. Output and Input Setup

• At the Mixer tab, select “Playback” and set the Master Speaker Volume to 100%. Set the rest of the Monitoring
source and SPDIF Out to 0% and mute them.

2. Cable Loopback Connection and Set Impedance

Use a high quality RCA to RCA audio (stereo) cable; connect the Line output to Line Input for the loopback test.
Then set the impedance to 8Ω at the back of Sound Blaster X7.

24

SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE

25

• Your Sound Blaster X7 is now properly set up for Analog measurement.

• Select “Recording”, set Line In volume at 50%, set all other Recording inputs to 0% and mute them.

4. Setting Up RMAA for Analog Measurement:

• Launch RMAA v6.4.0

The latest version of the RMAA software can be downloaded from the following website:

http://audio.rightmark.org/download.shtml

• Select the bit depth and sampling rate you wish to test. Select a matching sample rate for both the
Speaker endpoint and Line In endpoint at the audio device properties page.

Appendix

26

SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE

27

• Establishing playback and recording levels:

Click on this button in the Run tests section,

Adjust the Recording Line-In level (@~50%) till the test tones are ~-1dB.

• Repeat the RMAA test with different sample rate such as 24-bit, 44kHz, 24-bit, 48kHz 24-bit, 96kHz or 24-bit,
192kHz.

• Summary of Audio Settings:

- Master Sampling Rate : Matched to the test performed e.g. 192kHz

- Speaker Mode : Stereo (Spk) for Line Out, Direct Mode On

- Master Volume : 100% (0dB)

- Record Source : Line-In @ 50% (~-1dB)

- All Other Inputs : 0% and Muted

- All Monitoring Source : 0% and Muted

- All Audio Effects : OFF

- Impedance Setting : 8Ω

RightMark Audio Analyzer
Test Report for Sound Blaster X7 (24-bit, 192 kHz)

Testing device Speakers (Sound Blaster X7)

Sampling mode 24-bit, 192 kHz

Interface MME

Testing chain External loopback (line-out - line-in)

RMAA Version 6.4.0 PRO

20 Hz - 20 kHz filter ON

Normalize amplitude ON

Level change -0.1 dB / -0.3 dB

Mono mode OFF

Calibration signal, Hz 1000

Polarity correct/correct

Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB +0.02, -0.11 Excellent

Noise level, dB (A) -118.5 Excellent

Dynamic range, dB (A) 118.3 Excellent

THD, % 0.0020 Excellent

THD + Noise, dB (A) -91.7 Very good

IMD + Noise, % 0.0027 Excellent

Stereo crosstalk, dB -112.4 Excellent

IMD at 10 kHz, % 0.0023 Excellent

GENERAL PERFORMANCE VERY GOOD

Summary

Appendix

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SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE

Frequency response

Dynamic range

Noise level

THD + Noise (at -3 dB FS)

Left Right

From 20 Hz to 20 kHz, dB -0.41, +0.02 -0.56, -0.13

From 40 Hz to 15 kHz, dB -0.11, +0.02 -0.26, -0.13

Left Right

RMS power, dB -116.2 -116.7

RMS power (A-weighted), dB -118.2 -118.9

Peak level, dB FS -88.7 -88.1

DC offset, % +0.0 +0.0

Left Right

Dynamic range, dB +116.3 +116.1

Dynamic range (A-weighted), dB +118.1 +118.6

DC offset, % +0.00 +0.00

Left Right

THD, % +0.0021 +0.0019

THD + Noise, % +0.0021 +0.0019

THD + Noise (A-weighted), % +0.0027 +0.0025

Intermodulation distortion

IMD (swept tones)

Stereo crosstalk

Left Right

IMD + Noise, % +0.0028 +0.0026

IMD + Noise (A-weighted), % +0.0017 +0.0016

Left Right

Crosstalk at 100 Hz, dB -104 -106

Crosstalk at 1000 Hz, dB -112 -111

Crosstalk at 10000 Hz, dB 108 -107

Left Right

IMD + Noise at 5000 Hz, 0.0028 0.0029

IMD + Noise at 10000 Hz, 0.0021 0.0019

IMD + Noise at 15000 Hz, 0.0020 0.0021

Appendix

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RightMark Audio Analyzer
Test Report for Sound Blaster X7 (24-bit, 96 kHz)

Testing device Speakers (Sound Blaster X7)

Sampling mode 24-bit, 96 kHz

Interface MME

Testing chain External loopback (line-out - line-in)

RMAA Version 6.4.0 PRO

20 Hz - 20 kHz filter ON

Normalize amplitude ON

Level change -0.1 dB / -0.3 dB

Mono mode OFF

Calibration signal, Hz 1000

Polarity correct/correct

Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB +0.02, -0.09 Excellent

Noise level, dB (A) -118.5 Excellent

Dynamic range, dB (A) 118.5 Excellent

THD, % 0.0017 Excellent

THD + Noise, dB (A) -93.0 Very good

IMD + Noise, % 0.0026 Excellent

Stereo crosstalk, dB -112.8 Excellent

IMD at 10 kHz, % 0.0020 Excellent

GENERAL PERFORMANCE VERY GOOD

Summary

Frequency response

Dynamic range

Noise level

THD + Noise (at -3 dB FS)

Left Right

From 20 Hz to 20 kHz, dB -0.27, +0.02 -0.41, -0.13

From 40 Hz to 15 kHz, dB -0.09, +0.02 -0.24, -0.13

Left Right

RMS power, dB -116.5 -116.6

RMS power (A-weighted), dB -118.4 -118.7

Peak level, dB FS -97.3 -98.0

DC offset, % +0.0 +0.0

Left Right

Dynamic range, dB +116.3 +116.5

Dynamic range (A-weighted), dB +118.2 +118.7

DC offset, % +0.00 +0.00

Left Right

THD, % +0.0017 +0.0016

THD + Noise, % +0.0018 +0.0017

THD + Noise (A-weighted), % +0.0023 +0.0022

Appendix

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Intermodulation distortion

IMD (swept tones)

Stereo crosstalk

Left Right

IMD + Noise, % +0.0026 +0.0025

IMD + Noise (A-weighted), % +0.0015 +0.0016

Left Right

Crosstalk at 100 Hz, dB -108 -106

Crosstalk at 1000 Hz, dB -112 -111

Crosstalk at 10000 Hz, dB -84 -86

Left Right

IMD + Noise at 5000 Hz, 0.0023 0.0027

IMD + Noise at 10000 Hz, 0.0017 0.0018

IMD + Noise at 15000 Hz, 0.0016 0.0020

RightMark Audio Analyzer
Test Report for Sound Blaster X7 (24-bit, 48 kHz)

Summary

Testing device Speakers (Sound Blaster X7)

Sampling mode 24-bit, 48 kHz

Interface MME

Testing chain External loopback (line-out - line-in)

RMAA Version 6.4.0 PRO

20 Hz - 20 kHz filter ON

Normalize amplitude ON

Level change -0.1 dB / -0.3 dB

Mono mode OFF

Calibration signal, Hz 1000

Polarity correct/correct

Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB +0.02, -0.11 Excellent

Noise level, dB (A) -118.8 Excellent

Dynamic range, dB (A) 118.6 Excellent

THD, % 0.0016 Excellent

THD + Noise, dB (A) -93.3 Very Good

IMD + Noise, % 0.0026 Excellent

Stereo crosstalk, dB -116.0 Excellent

IMD at 10 kHz, % 0.0019 Excellent

GENERAL PERFORMANCE EXCELLENT

Appendix

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Frequency response

Dynamic range

Noise level

THD + Noise (at -3 dB FS)

Left Right

From 20 Hz to 20 kHz, dB -0.22, +0.02 -0.37, -0.13

From 40 Hz to 15 kHz, dB -0.11, +0.02 -0.26, -0.13

Left Right

RMS power, dB -116.7 -117.0

RMS power (A-weighted), dB -118.6 -119.1

Peak level, dB FS -87.6 -92.5

DC offset, % +0.0 +0.0

Left Right

Dynamic range, dB +116.4 +116.8

Dynamic range (A-weighted), dB +118.3 +118.9

DC offset, % +0.00 +0.00

Left Right

THD, % +0.0016 +0.0016

THD + Noise, % +0.0017 +0.0017

THD + Noise (A-weighted), % +0.0022 +0.0021

Intermodulation distortion

IMD (swept tones)

Stereo crosstalk

Left Right

IMD + Noise, % +0.0026 +0.0025

IMD + Noise (A-weighted), % +0.0014 +0.0015

Left Right

Crosstalk at 100 Hz, dB -113 -113

Crosstalk at 1000 Hz, dB -116 -114

Crosstalk at 10000 Hz, dB -84 -86

Left Right

IMD + Noise at 5000 Hz, 0.0021 0.0027

IMD + Noise at 10000 Hz, 0.0015 0.0018

IMD + Noise at 15000 Hz, 0.0014 0.0021

Appendix

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SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE

RightMark Audio Analyzer
Test Report for Sound Blaster X7 (24-bit, 44 kHz)

Testing device Speakers (Sound Blaster X7)

Sampling mode 24-bit, 44 kHz

Interface MME

Testing chain External loopback (line-out - line-in)

RMAA Version 6.4.0 PRO

20 Hz - 20 kHz filter ON

Normalize amplitude ON

Level change -0.1 dB / -0.3 dB

Mono mode OFF

Calibration signal, Hz 1000

Polarity correct/correct

Summary

Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB +0.02, -0.11 Excellent

Noise level, dB (A) -118.8 Excellent

Dynamic range, dB (A) 118.8 Excellent

THD, % 0.0015 Excellent

THD + Noise, dB (A) -94.1 Very good

IMD + Noise, % 0.0025 Excellent

Stereo crosstalk, dB -115.7 Excellent

IMD at 10 kHz, % 0.0018 Excellent

GENERAL PERFORMANCE VERY GOOD

Frequency response

Dynamic range

Noise level

THD + Noise (at -3 dB FS)

Left Right

From 20 Hz to 20 kHz, dB -0.21, +0.02 -0.36, -0.13

From 40 Hz to 15 kHz, dB -0.11, +0.02 -0.26, -0.13

Left Right

RMS power, dB -116.6 -116.9

RMS power (A-weighted), dB -118.5 -119.2

Peak level, dB FS -101.5 -100.2

DC offset, % +0.0 +0.0

Left Right

Dynamic range, dB +116.7 +116.7

Dynamic range (A-weighted), dB +118.6 +119.0

DC offset, % +0.00 +0.00

Left Right

THD, % +0.0016 +0.0014

THD + Noise, % +0.0016 +0.0015

THD + Noise (A-weighted), % +0.0021 +0.0019

Appendix

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Intermodulation distortion

IMD (swept tones)

Stereo crosstalk

Left Right

IMD + Noise, % +0.0025 +0.0024

IMD + Noise (A-weighted), % +0.0014 +0.0014

Left Right

Crosstalk at 100 Hz, dB -111 -114

Crosstalk at 1000 Hz, dB -117 -113

Crosstalk at 10000 Hz, dB -84 -86

Left Right

IMD + Noise at 5000 Hz, 0.0018 0.0025

IMD + Noise at 10000 Hz, 0.0014 0.0017

IMD + Noise at 15000 Hz, 0.0013 0.0020

Test Comparison Chart

Test

[MME] Speakers

(SB X7)

24-bit/192 kHz

[MME] Speakers

(SB X7)

24-bit/96 kHz

[MME] Speakers

(SB X7)

24-bit/48 kHz

[MME] Speakers

(SB X7)

24-bit/44 kHz

Frequency response
(from 40 Hz to
15 kHz), dB

+0.02, -0.11 +0.02, -0.09 +0.02, -0.11 +0.02, -0.11

Noise level, dB (A) -118.5 -118.5 -118.8 -118.8

Dynamic range,
dB (A)

118.3 118.5 118.6 118.8

THD, % 0.0020 0.0017 0.0016 0.0015

THD + Noise, dB (A) -91.7 -93.0 -93.3 -94.1

IMD + Noise, % 0.0027 0.0026 0.0026 0.0025

Stereo crosstalk, dB -112.4 -112.8 -116.0 -115.7

IMD at 10 kHz, % 0.0023 0.0020 0.0019 0.0018

Appendix

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SOUND BLASTER X7 PRODUCT EXPERIENCE GUIDE

Technical Specification

GENERAL

Connection Type (PC Interface) USB 2.0 HS

Outputs: Speaker/Headphone (Analogue) Stereo RCA/Headphone (6.5mm), 5.1, passive speakers

Inputs (Analogue) Line, Mic

Digital Connectivity Optical In/Out, USB, USB Host

Maximum Playback Quality 24-bit/192kHz

Maximum Recording Quality 24-bit/192kHz

SNR for Playback 127dB (DAC)

Headphone(s) Output 2 (1 x 1/4” & 1 x 1/8”)

Charging Output up to 2.1A

Headphone Amplifier Up to 600ohms

Digital Amplifier 2 x 50W*

Wireless (Digital RF 2.4GHz) Bluetooth/NFC

ASIO 2.0 Support Playback/Record

Additional Features

Work with PC, Mac, iOS, Android devices, Internal Mic Array

Hardware Accelerated SBX Pro Studio, Built-in Mic

Wireless Connectivity

Bluetooth 4.1 support LE

Bluetooth Profile A2DP, HFP, AVRCP

Codec SBC, AAC, aptX-LL

Multi-point Connectivity 2

NFC Quick Pairing/Connect Yes

AUDIO ENHANCEMENT TECHNOLOGY

Virtual 3D Surround (Headphones/Speakers)

Hardware Accelerated

SBX Pro Studio

Crystallizer

Speaker Bass

Smart Volume

Dialog Plus

Dolby Digital Decoder Ye s

VOICE ENHANCEMENT TEHCNOLOGY

Microphone EQ Yes (12 Presets)

Noise Reduction

CrystalVoiceFX (Voice Effects)

Smart Volume

GAMES

Host OpenAL /EAX 5.0 Yes

Virtual 3D Surround (Headphones) SBX Pro Studio

Alchemy (DS3D) Yes

®

© 2014 Creative Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. The Creative logo, Sound Blaster, the Sound Blaster logo, SBX Pro Studio, the SBX logo, CrystalVoice and VoiceFX are registered trademarks or trademarks
of Creative Technology Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries. Mac and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPad Air and iPad mini are trademarks
of Apple Inc. Android is a registered trademark of Google Inc. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. aptX is a trademark of CSR plc.
The

Bluetooth

®

word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Creative Technology Ltd is under license. All other products are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective owners. The software for the product may not be used separately from the hardware. Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment
on the part of Creative Technology Ltd.

Corporate Headquarters
Creative Technology Ltd, 31 International Business Park #03-01 Creative Resource Singapore 609921
Tel: +(65) 6895 4000 Fax: +(65) 6895 4999 Creative Website: www.creative.com
For more details on Sound Blaster products, visit www.soundblaster.com

Rev A