
I've had 4 other Creative sound cards and none of them were as buggy as this one. It's so unfinished it looks like you're beta testing. Sometimes the Acoustic Engine doesn't work at all (I disabled sxfi). You have to restart your device or something. In line-out mode, the bass booster is inactive for no reason. The side channels in 7.1 are not surround sound at all, they sound like a stereo source is playing through them. Rear channels in 5.1 are not in surround. sxfi switch not working, need to use controller. The channel tester sometimes stops and plays a channel 7 times. I had an AE-5 and it also had buggy software. You can't use 7.1 surround sound and are limited to 5.1 even though it says it's 7.1 (you can check the windows control panel). I've contacted support and they insist it's version 7.1, although it's not (check Reddit too). Also annoying: Each card has its own software. I have software for it, my E5, my AE5, X3 and my GX1. and their menus look so different it looks like they are made by different manufacturers. I've bought creative cards for surround sound, but recently I found the best surround sound for a lot less: the DTS x headphones. so there is practically no redemptive quality.

Creative Labs Sound Blaster Play! 3 External USB Sound Adapter - Compatible with Windows and Mac - Plug and Play (No Drivers Needed) - Enhanced 24-Bit 96Khz Playback Upgrade
53 Review

Enhanced Sound Blaster Play! 4 Hi-res USB-C DAC and Sound Adapter with VoiceDetect Auto Mic Mute/Unmute, Dual Noise Cancellation, Bass Boost, Dynamic EQs | Ideal for Windows PC Video Calls
13 Review

BEHRINGER UM2 Audio Interface with XLR/TRS, 1/4", USB, and RCA β Black, 1-Channel
62 Review

πΆ External USB Sound Card - CREATIVE Sound BlasterX G6
85 Review

Fractal Design Node 304 - Black - Mini Cube Compact Computer Case - Small Form Factor - Mini ITX β mITX - Enhanced Airflow - Modular Interior - Includes 3x Fractal Design Silent R2 120mm Fans - USB 3.0
42 Review

Computer case be quiet! Pure Base 500 black
32 Review

MasterBox Q300L Micro-ATX Tower with Magnetic Dust Filter, Acrylic Side Panel, Adjustable I/O & Ventilated Airflow, in Black
40 Review

Computer case AeroCool Cylon black
39 Review