Creative Sound Blaster X3 User manual

HIRES 7.1 SUPER XFI® USB DAC WITH
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
EXPERIENCE GUIDE

Introducing Sound Blaster’s latest external sound card, Sound Blaster X3 is a high-
resolution, 7.1 multi-channel DAC Amp with built-in Super X-Fi and 32-bit / 192 kHz
playback capability. The DAC Amp also features customizable equalizers, Dolby
Digital Live encoding, supports headphone impedance of up to 600Ω, and Audio
Balance, our latest feature which allows users to attenuate volume between two
audio sources by simply turning a knob.
In addition, with the award-winning Super X-Fi technology, which has bagged a total of
15 awards at CES 2019, capture the listening experience of a high-end multi-speaker
system in a professional studio, and recreate the same expansive experience on
headphones using complex algorithms and computationally intensive techniques to
custom-fit audio for each individual, through a sophisticated Head and Ear-Mapping
process. Super X-Fi has the ability to transform all movies and videos into full-fledged,
cinematic audio experience, giving users the opportunity to experience the movie
theater experience in the comfort of one’s home.
Features and specifications aside, the X3 was designed and assembled with a large
volume control knob, three distinctive physical buttons, and LED indicators to provide
convenience, both visually and physically, as well as accessibility to end-users. The
external sound card also features a microphone and headphone jack, plus an array
of connectivity options on its back. Achieving pristine quality and an elevated audio
experience has never been this easy.
INTRODUCING

i) FRONT
Headphone Jack
Microphone
Control Button
Super X-Fi
Button
Mode Button
Microphone-in
(Mono)
Volume Control Knob
ii) BACK
Side-out
(L / R)
Center /
Subwoofer Optical-out
USB Type-C Port
Front-out
(L / R)
Rear-out
(L / R) Line-in
ARCHITECTURE, CONTROLS & CONNECTORS
OVERVIEW

STEP 1:
DOWNLOAD SXFI APP
Download the SXFI App from the
Google Play Store or App Store.
STEP 2:
REGISTER AN ACCOUNT
Register your Super X-Fi account.
This account can be used across
all products with built-in Super X-Fi
technology.
Note that this account is NOT your
Creative Store account. It is a separate
registration.
STEP 3:
HEAD AND EAR-MAPPING
Go through a simple one-time capture
of three pictures - right ear, face, and
left ear.
Tips:
• Ask a friend to help capture the
pictures!
• Also, be sure to hold your phone
parallel to the ears when you
capture the pictures (it should be
held parallel to the ear as shown
in the image above, not the head)
Follow the steps below to set up a personalized Super X-Fi profile for a customized listening experience.
This personalization needs to be done only once and can be completed in three simple steps.
SETTING UP YOUR PERSONALIZED SUPER X-FI PROFILE

CONFIGURING SOUND BLASTER X3 WITH YOUR
SUPER X-FI PROFILE
Transferring your personalized profile onto Sound Blaster X3 can be done eortlessly either through the Sound Blaster
Command app on your mobile device or Sound Blaster Command, available for Windows / Mac.
Follow the steps below to complete the setup guide to enjoy the magic of Headphone Holography.
FIRST-TIME USERS:
1. DOWNLOAD THE SOUND BLASTER COMMAND
APP & ACCESS THE DASHBOARD
Launch the app and tap on the side menu located on
the top left of the app. Tap on “Connect to Device” to
configure your device. Alternatively, you may also tap
on the blue bar at the bottom of the app to connect an
Audio Device.
2. ADD AN AUDIO DEVICE BY PAIRING THE SOUND
BLASTER X3
Turn your mobile device’s Bluetooth on and return to
the app. Sound Blaster X3 will appear under the list
of Audio Devices available. Tap on it to start pairing. A
pop up will appear to confirm Application Pairing. Tap
on “OK” to complete this step.
4. ENHANCING SUPER X-FI EXPERIENCE ON THE
SOUND BLASTER COMMAND APP
You may now remotely control the Sound Blaster X3 via
your mobile device and further configure Super X-Fi by
using the toggle buttons, update Super X-Fi profiles, or
adjust the Equalizer settings on the dashboard to suit
your audio needs.
3. DOWNLOAD YOUR SUPER X-FI PROFILE TO THE
SOUND BLASTER X3
1. Tap the button on screen to sign in to your Super
X-Fi account. You may also complete this step later
by tapping on the ‘Skip’ button.
2. A pop up will appear to prompt you to open the SXFI
App. Tap on ‘OK’ to sign in to your profile. The SXFI
App will then launch. Return to the Sound Blaster
Command app after signing in to your account.
3. Your Super X-Fi profile will automatically download
to the audio device. Upon completion, the pop up
will close. Tap on the ‘Done’ button to complete the
setup.
4. Your Super X-Fi profile has now been successfully
downloaded onto the Sound Blaster X3.

EXPERIENCING SUPER XFI TECHNOLOGY
Imagine capturing the listening experience of a high-end multi-speaker system in
a professional studio, and recreating the same expansive experience - with the
original depth, detail, realism, and immersion – on headphones. By mapping the
listener’s head and ear shapes, and transforming audio based on those parameters
via Super X-Fi technology, users can now experience audio as though it is coming
from outside the headphones.
Made possible with Super X-Fi computational audio, the technology uses complex
algorithms and computationally intensive techniques to custom-fit audio, for every
individual, through a sophisticated Head and Ear-Mapping process, and is achievable
by simply taking three photos of the user’s face and ears with a mobile device. An
Artificial Intelligence engine then uses complex algorithms to combine extracted
head and ear features, the room’s acoustic map, and the targeted headphone
dynamics for the optimal audio experience.
Since its debut, Super X-Fi technology has received rave reviews and has also
garnered many awards, including 15 awards from CES 2019 alone.
MULTICHANNEL SURROUND SOUND
With Sound Blaster X3, experience greater surround sound envelopment, depth,
immersion, and ambience effects with improved, realistic surround coverage within
the room when you watch your favorite movies in the comfort of your own home.
The external sound card offers discrete 7.1 channel output, which has the ability to
deliver sharper spatial effects and impressive bass performance for a more realistic
and engaging experience.
Enhancing more than just movies, the X3 also amply transforms the audio quality
of music and games, bringing users the full circle of an augmented entertainment
experience. The external sound card also integrates Dolby Digital Live encoding,
presenting users the convenience of encoding any audio sources to multi-channel
surround sound in real-time while transmitting data using only a single optical cable
solution for decoding on a home theater system.
KEY FEATURES

KEY FEATURES
AUDIO BALANCE AND REMOTE APP SUPPORT
Discover the sweet spot when striking a balance between two audio sources with
the Audio Balance feature. Sound Blaster X3’s Volume Control Knob allows users to
to attenuate the volume between SPDIF Interface and Line-out (Speaker), manage
game audio / chat balance, as well as mix audio channels during conference calls
while listening to audio tracks by simply turning the knob left to right, and vice
versa. By default, the balance between both sources is set at 50% – SPDIF Interface
and 50% – Line-out (Speaker). The balance can be reset easily by pressing the
Volume Control Knob once, perfect for use during conference calls.
Also, Sound Blaster X3 has been given mobile app support, allowing users to
download / manage SXFI profiles, customize EQs, remotely switch modes, perform
software / firmware update, and more on the official Sound Blaster Command app.
Skip the hassle of having to switch between PC and console, while managing the
X3 on your mobile device through the use of Bluetooth Lower Energy (BLE). To
download the app, visit the App Store for iOS devices or Google Play Store for
Android devices.
INDUSTRYLEADING AUDIO PROCESSING
Developed and refined with over 30 years of experience in the audio processing
& enhancement industry, Sound Blaster X3 incorporates the latest versions of our
leading audio processing effects and algorithms to achieve crystal clear vocal
reproduction and in-game voice communication enhancements for movies, music
and games.
The sound card also includes Sound Blaster’s Surround virtualization technology
that can be fully customized entirely towards the needs of each user and three
built-in EQ presets to enhance their audio experience. Additionally, users may also
further customize and assign their personalized EQs to any of the built-in EQ slots
through the Sound Blaster Command software or mobile app to better suit their
preferences.
PRISTINE AND DETAILED AUDIO QUALITY
Sound Blaster X3 is not only the first Sound Blaster DAC Amp to incorporate Super
X-Fi technology, but it also delivers pristine and detailed audio, offering users more
than just a motherboard audio upgrade for desktops. The DAC Amp also provides
audio enhancements for consoles, bringing users a richer movie, music, and gaming
experience.

POWERING SOUND BLASTER X3
CONNECTING HEADPHONES, HEADSET AND MICROPHONE TO
SOUND BLASTER X3
*Mic / Audio splitter cable not included

CONNECTING SPEAKERS AND OTHER PERIPHERALS TO
SOUND BLASTER X3

1. Device Tab
Device(s) connected will be listed here. If there are multiple recognized devices connected, click on the tab to switch
between devices for further customization and configuration.
2. Device’s Dashboard Menu
The tabs displayed on the Dashboard Menu vary among devices. When switching between devices, the Dashboard
Menu automatically updates to match the device’s features and capabilities.
•SBX Profile
Switch between pre-tuned SBX audio profiles for your music, movies, and games or tweak EQ and Acoustic Engine
effects such as Surround, Crystalizer, Bass, Smart Volume, and Dialog+ on this tab.
•Equalizer
Customize equalizer settings to fine-tune and personalize how audio sounds.
•Playback
Set up and configure your Speaker, Headphone, and Digital (SPDIF) outputs. Features such as playback resolution
settings, switching between Direct Mode and DSP mode, calibration of speakers, selection of pre-tuned Headphone
profiles, and testing of audio channels can be found here.
AUDIO ENHANCEMENT AND CUSTOMIZATION
1
2
SOUND BLASTER COMMAND FOR PC
Available for Windows®, the comprehensive and fully customizable Sound Blaster Command software offers users
a complete control over their listening experience, from audio realism to immersive audio effects, all which will
intelligently enhance how users perceive audio.
Visit creative.com/support/SBX3 to download.

•Recording
Set up and configure input sources such as Microphone, AUX-in, SPDIF-in, and What U Hear. Microphone-specific
controls include Input Volume, Mic Boost, as well as CrystalVoice, which offers Noise Reduction, Acoustic Echo
Cancellation, Smart Volume, Voice Morph, recording resolution, and Mic EQ that will help to improve Microphone
recording quality.
•Scout Mode
Set up Scout Mode to enhance important in-game audio cues. Allows you to hear your opponents from a distance,
giving you a distinct tactical advantage during combat.
•Encoder
Allow users to output audio stream in either Dolby Digital Live or DTS Connect encoded format through the
Optical-out port.
•Mixer
Adjust settings for Playback, Recording, and control Audio Balance here.
3. User’s Account and Software Settings
Users may sign in to their Creative Account to Register Products and view Warranty Status.
4. Dashboard
The dashboard displays a selection of SBX Profiles that can be accessed either by clicking on the drop-down menu or by
leafing through. Further tuning, adjustments and customizations can also be conveniently accessed on the dashboard.
5. Device Status
This is the information bar that display the status of the device. Information such as output path (Headphone or
Speaker), SBX status, Dolby Audio, or DTS Connect output, Microphone status and Speaker / Headphone Volume
are displayed here. Click on the output switch to toggle between Speakers and Headphones. The highlighted icon,
e.g. SBX Profile, demonstrates the current device’s status. Users may also mute / unmute recording volume on a
microphone as well as audio playback volume on the available slider bar.
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5
3
AUDIO ENHANCEMENT AND CUSTOMIZATION
2

SUPER X-Fi
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2
3
1. Super X-Fi Toggle Button
Enable / disable Super X-Fi technology by clicking the toggle button.
2. Super X-Fi Profile Selection
If more than one profile is tagged to your registered account, click on the drop-down menu to select your preferred
choice of personalized profile.
3. Headphones Selection
Click on the drop-down menu to access a list of headphones certified for use with Super X-Fi. Select the brand and
model of headphones in use, if available, for the optimal Super X-Fi experience.

AUDIO ENHANCEMENT AND CUSTOMIZATION
SBX PROFILE
1. SBX Profile Drop-down Menu
On the SBX Profile tab, click on SBX Profile’s drop-down menu to access a list of available SBX profiles to apply to
your device:
•Tocreateanewprofile,clickonthe+button
•Torevert/rename/deletenewprofilesmade,clickonthe...button
Note: Pre-tuned SBX profiles, with their respective Equalizer and Acoustic Engine settings, cannot be deleted and can only be
reverted back to default settings.
2. Profile Scrolling
Users may select a different profile by clicking the left / right arrow to select previous / next profile.
3. SBX Profiles
A total of five illustrated profiles will be shown on the dashboard each time for ease of accessibility. Selected SBX
profile will be highlighted and displayed in the middle. The highlighted profile will then be applied to the device in use.
4. Scroll Bar
Users may click and drag on the Scroll Bar to fast scroll between SBX profiles.
5. Acoustic Engine
Click on the toggle button to turn on / off each of the Acoustic Engine parameters such as Surround, Crystalizer, Bass,
Smart Vol and Dialog+. Users may click and drag on the dial to change each parameter’s values individually. Users
may also click on the (i) button for more info.
Bass is only available when in Stereo Speaker or Headphone-out mode. Additionally, users may also set Bass
Redirection and Crossover Frequency under Speaker Configuration window while in 5.1 Speaker configuration.
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5
4
1
2
3

AUDIO ENHANCEMENT AND CUSTOMIZATION
EQUALIZER
2
3
1
Users may change, edit and / or customize the balance of frequencies by clicking on the Equalizer tab.
Note: Default profiles that have their Equalizer settings edited cannot be deleted and can only be reverted back to default settings.
Presets created by users can only be renamed or deleted.
1. Equalizer Preset Selection: Click on the drop-down menu to switch between available equalizer presets. To create a
new Equalizer preset, click on the + button. To revert/rename/delete new profiles made, click on the ... button.
2. Graphic EQ: When hovering over the EQ’s canvas, the cursor will switch to a pen. Click and draw across the EQ
canvas to create a new EQ effect. To fine-tune the effect, simply drag the cursor up / down on each band.
3. Bass & Treble Slider: Users may adjust the bass and treble level by clicking and dragging on the respective bars. Any
changes made to the Bass / Treble values will be reflected on the EQ’s pop-up window as shown in the illustration
above.
EQ effects are applied to the device in use, in real-time. Users may click on the close button at top right of the EQ
window to close the pop-up.

AUDIO ENHANCEMENT AND CUSTOMIZATION
SCOUT MODE
Scout Mode enhances important in-game audio cues – such as footsteps and weapon switching sounds – allowing
you to quickly and accurately pinpoint your opponent’s location, giving you a distinct tactical advantage during combat.
1. Turn on / off Scout Mode by clicking the toggle button. Turning on / off Scout Mode by using Hot Key is also supported.
2.Click on the check box to activate /deactivate the use of Hot Key for Scout Mode. Thereafter, click on the key
assignment field and press your desired key on the keyboard (accompanied with “Alt”, “Ctrl” or “Shift”) to assign a Hot
Key for Scout Mode.
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SOUND BLASTER X3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model Sound Blaster X3
GENERAL
Audio Processor Super X-Fi UltraDSP
Connectivity
1 x ⅛“ Front-out Jack
1 x ⅛“ Rear-out Jack
1 x ⅛“ Center / Subwoofer-out
1 x ⅛“ Side-out Jack
1 x TOSLINK Optical-out
1 x ⅛“ Headphone Jack
1 x ⅛“ Ext. Mic-in Jack
1 x ⅛“ Line-in Jack
1 x USB Type-C port for PC / Mac
SNR for Playback 115 dB
Maximum Playback Quality 32-bit / 192 kHz
Headphones Supported 32 – 600Ω
Key Features Super X-Fi Technology, 115 dB DNR / SNR, 32-bit / 192 kHz Hi-res DAC, 7.1 Discrete Channel
Output, Dolby Digital Live Encoding, Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine, Audio Balance
SOFTWARE
Downloadable Software Sound Blaster Command (For Windows®)
Audio Enhancement Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine, Scout Mode, CrystalVoice, Virtual 7.1 Surround
Android^
• AndroidOSVersion7.0orlater
• Devicemusthavebuilt-inBluetoothLow
Energy (BLE) support
iOS^
• iOSVersion11.0orlater
• Devicemusthavebuilt-inBluetoothLow
Energy (BLE) support
^ Used as a remote control for Sound
Blaster X3 when connected to a PS4 /
Nintendo Switch only. Does not support
audio streaming via Bluetooth
PS4
• FirmwareVersion5.0orlater
• AvailableUSBport
• AvailableOpticalOutport(forDolby
Digital decoding)
Nintendo Switch
• SwitchOS5.0orlater
• Available3.5mmheadphoneport
• AvailableUSBport(indockingmode)
• ExternalUSBPower(notincluded)
• Voicecommunicationsistitledependent
Windows® OS
• Intel®Core™i3orAMD®equivalent
processor
• Intel,AMD,or100%compatible
motherboard
• Microsoft®Windows1032/64-bit,
Windows 8.1 / 8.0 32 / 64-bit, Windows 7
32 / 64-bit
• 1GBRAM
• >600MBoffreeharddiskspace
• USB2.0/USB3.0port
Mac® OS
• MacOSX®10.9orhigher
• 1GBRAM
• USB2.0/USB3.0port
MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Find out more: www.creative.com/SBX3
© 2019 Creative Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. Creative, the Creative logo, Sound Blaster, X-FI, the X-Fi logo, Super X-Fi, SXFI, and the Super X-Fi
logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Creative Technology Ltd in the United States and/or other countries. Manufactured under license from
Dolby Laboratories. Dolby, Dolby Audio, and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners and are hereby recognized as such. All specifications are subject to change without prior notice. Actual product may dier slightly from
images shown. Use of this product is subject to a limited warranty. Before using the software, you must agree to be bound by the terms and conditions
of the end user license agreement.