CREATIVESound Blaster Z SE

Picked this up in the sale for silly money.My motherboard didn't have an optical out, so I thought I would try a sound card at the same time as adding the optical port to my PC. The SB was on sale, so...The card arrives in a nice box with some basic instructions. You need to go to the SB website to download the software. Unlike older versions of SB cards you just get two applications now, the main one you want is the Command Center.Note that in all installations (with or without the Command Center) the card defaults to 5.1 output so is completely messed if you just plug the card in an some headphones. You need to switch the output to Stereo in the Command Center. The options are Stereo (2.0), 2.1, 4.0, 4.1 and 5.1. There are options for the type of speakers and of course headphones too.The application is simple and easy to understand. Offers the processing you would expect as well as direct mode (no processing at all). Of course you can also select the optical out from Windows (I couldn't see any way of selecting that from the application although there is probably some way).Sound is excellent. Surprisingly, it was much better than the sound from my motherboard. This was largely a tonal thing, as many audiophiles may understand that while quality is often down to money, tone can vary no matter how much you spend... or don't.I was driving a pair of Edifier 2000DB's, and while basic quality, they are capable of good sound, and certainly worked far better with the SB than with my motherboard. There was very little noise from the SB, and the optical connection showed no signs of the clicks that can happen when you change source applications. There were some feint clicks when the PC rebooted, but these were far better than I have heard with some combinations.All in all, it works very well. Money well spent. Highly recommended.

I've always had good quality sound systems and I've always gone for Sound Blaster soundcards to compliment the sound systems. I own 2 of these cards now, the latest purchase was to upgrade my Sound blaster Audigy card which was becoming more and more buggy in Windows 11. As soon as all the drivers were installed and the firmware was updated this worked perfectly alongside my Logitech Z906 sound system.Like all Sound Blaster cards the ability to tune the audio to your own personal preference is possible with little to no effort. The sound quality bump was also noticeable even from the Audigy FX so anyone upgrading from onboard sound will notice a massive difference.Installation is easy if you are comfortable working with PC components, if you are less comfortable I would recommend watching a video before installing, but this can be installed by most without the need of a professional.I think this is excellent value for money given the audio quality upgrade you get from this.

The perfect sound card that is even suitable for mixing sound on a computer withbeautiful sound and the quality of surround sound itself does a great job. However, you should remember to choose the right speakers to fully use the potential of this sound card. I recommend it

So I thought the issue had been fixed in the Second Edition but apparently not.I bought the card for its 5.1 capabilities (Upgrading from onboard 5.1) and while it sounds great, the problems soon start.Do you like your left channel comming out of your right speaker and your rear right channel coming out the left speaker, along with all the others being swapped too...? Because that's what happens constantly, whether you're In game or just listening to music. ITS VERY BROKENTheres a bunch of posts from all the other people who suffer from the same problem. Lots of fixes tried, nothing works.Creative support will ask for a diagnostic report. Their last reply:"We will investigate the case further and contact you back.Thank you for you patience and understanding during this interim"Specs:Win 10i9 9900kAsus Z390Tested with 3 x 3.5mm analog and Dolby digitial opticalMostly likley going to refund unless Creative pull some magic out the bag.

After purchasing a new graphics card I started hearing some feedback through the on board sound device and so needed a better solution. I am glad I made this purchase, the sound is great with all the IO ports that I need, and more. It is an okay price (£65) I would prefer it to be a little cheaper but it is still worth the price if you need a quality sound device.

Soundblaster has been going for decades now and they still live up to their great reputation of great sound quality. I wish I had bought this long ago but I thought with having HD sound built into my motherboard already I would not need a separate sound card but how so wrong I was. I now realize what I have been missing for a few years. The sound is so good I keep thinking someone or something is in the room it's that lifelike. Always wondered why my Firetv sounded better now I know. Also, you get Dolby Digital and Atmos with this card, easy setup its child play, to test the surround just go to YouTube and pick a 5.1 test video then just enjoy.