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Creative Sound Blaster Z

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  1. User ratingsUser ratingsratings of product added by Productz users
  2. Expert ratingsExpert ratingsexperts ratings from editorial reviews
  3. Consumer ratingsConsumer ratingsratings from the biggest online stores worldwide
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  4. Average
3.9
based on all reviews
User ratings:
71
3.8 out of 5
71 user ratings
5 stars
32 %
4 stars
29 %
3 stars
25 %
2 stars
9 %
1 stars
2 %
Consumer ratings:
4.1 / 5
Editorial reviews:
10
  1. See more
3.9 out of 5
4 user ratings
5 stars
0 %
4 stars
75 %
3 stars
25 %
2 stars
0 %
1 stars
0 %
Read editorial reviews

Pros

  • Impressive levels of dedication
  • Crystal Voice generally works as advertised and they actually work quite well
  • imaging and soundstage was very good as well

Cons

  • Sound Blaster Z range
  • Sound Blaster Z is very much a Creative Labs/Sound Blaster sound card
  • SoundBlaster Blaster Z SoundBlaster

Key specs

  • Surround
  • PCI Express
  • 5.1
  • yes
  • yes
  • 24 bit / 192 kHz
  • 24 bit
  • Internal

Creative Sound Blaster Z - Pros & Cons

Creative Sound Blaster Z

Pros

  • Impressive levels of dedication
  • Crystal Voice generally works as advertised and they actually work quite well
  • imaging and soundstage was very good as well
  • included microphone worked very well and was able to produce very clear audio
  • excellent clarity and crispness
  • Audio imaging was very good
  • improved clarity and a much wider soundstage than
  • The hardware is well-designed and attractive
  • these features are noticeably better than their previous version
  • Music is crisp and plays back wonderfully - especially nice
  • the card also performs beautifully in playing higher bit rate Mp3s

Cons

  • Sound Blaster Z range
  • Sound Blaster Z is very much a Creative Labs/Sound Blaster sound card
  • SoundBlaster Blaster Z SoundBlaster
  • we struggled to find utility in more niche EQ settings
  • Sound Blaster does not provide a frequency response for the card
  • lackluster audio quality
  • MSI Nahimic software is poor
  • bordering on
  • onboard audio of motherboards was regarded as poor
  • soundcard was restricted to PCI-e only
  • No elevator was left unscathed

Creative - Video Reviews (8)

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Creative Sound Blaster Z - Full Specifications

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General
Sound TypeSurround
Interface TypePCI Express
Number of channels5.1
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Design
Placement TypeInternal
Colour of productBlack,Red
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Audio properties
Noise level (SNR)116.0 dB
Line-out Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)116.0 dB
D/A audio24 bit / 192 kHz
Audio quality24.0 bit
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Connectivity
Analog 3.5mm output4
Analogue RCA outputs0
Headphone outputyes
Headphone output (3.5 mm)1
Headphone output (6.3 mm / 1/4)0
Headphone outputs4
Jack Plug input0
Jack Plug output (6,3 mm / 1/4)0
Microphone inputyes
Microphone Jack Plug (3.5mm)1
Line-inyes
Line-outyes
S/PDIF in portyes
S/PDIF out portyes
Other connectors
  • Digital optical input
  • Digital optical output
  • Analogue 3.5mm input/Line-in
USBno
Icon
Features
3D sound supportyes
DirectSound supportyes
EAX supportyes
Support for ASIOyes

Creative Sound Blaster Z - Q&A

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Creative Sound Blaster Z Creative - Editorial Reviews (10)

3.9
Based on 10 reviews
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
Creative Sound Blaster Z Creative Labs Sound Blaster Z Review (Hardware)
GamingShogun | logo
GamingShogun |
Published: 30.11.2012
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Z Review (Hardware)

Creative Labs recently sent us over one of their new Sound Blaster Z sound cards. The Sound Blaster Z is the entry-level in their latest sound card line and we were very excited to review it, given the sometimes controversial outlook on discrete sound cards by gamers. If you have not heard about thi

Creative Sound Blaster Z Creative Sound Blaster Z and Zx Sound Card Review - Legit Reviews
Legit Reviews logo
Legit Reviews
Published: 03.02.2015
Creative Sound Blaster Z and Zx Sound Card Review - Legit Reviews

We look at the Creative Sound Blaster Z and Zx sound cards which feature Creative's advanced gaming audio technologies. Previously, we looked at the Creative Sound Blaster ZxR to which praised its capabilities including its unnamed virtual surround engine.

Creative Sound Blaster Z Creative Sound Blaster Z Sound Card Review
TechPowerUp logo
TechPowerUp
Published: 29.01.2013
Creative Sound Blaster Z Sound Card Review
4.0

Creative's long awaited new line of sound cards is here. Today, we take a thorough look at the new entry-level model called "Sound Blaster Z". The sound card comes equipped with the new Sound Core processor and Creative even bundles it with a decent microphone.

Creative Sound Blaster Z Creative Sound Blaster Z
AVForums logo
AVForums
Published: 17.12.2012
Creative Sound Blaster Z
4.0

The latest and greatest discreet sound card from Creative laid bare.

Creative Sound Blaster Z Creative Sound Blaster Z Review - Introduction
Vortez logo
Vortez
Creative Sound Blaster Z Review - Introduction

Today we take a look at the new entry level sound card from Creative, the Sound Blaster Z which promises to improve your audio experience for games and entertainment.

Creative Sound Blaster Z Creative Sound Blaster Z Review
Lifewire logo
Lifewire
Published: 11.09.2019
Creative Sound Blaster Z Review
3.3

We tested the Sound Blaster Z and found that it’s definitely a step up from a typical motherboard’s audio. While it’s not the highest fidelity solution in its price range, it does offer interesting features for gamers.

Creative Sound Blaster Z Creative Sound Blaster Z PCIe Sound Card Review - Custom PC Review
Custom PC Review logo
Custom PC Review
Published: 04.12.2012
Creative Sound Blaster Z PCIe Sound Card Review - Custom PC Review

It's only been about a year since we reviewed Creative's Sound Blaster Recon 3D soundcard and they're back again with a new line of products, the Sound

Creative Sound Blaster Z Creative Sound Blaster Z Soundcard Review - Gadget Review
Gadget Review logo
Gadget Review
Published: 07.01.2013
Creative Sound Blaster Z Soundcard Review - Gadget Review
4.1

Over the years I have flip-flopped back and forth over the merits of an aftermarket soundcard for PCs, and for good reason. Over the years the merits have

Creative Sound Blaster Z Creative Sound Blaster Z review
Bit-Tech.net logo
Bit-Tech.net
Published: 11.02.2013
Creative Sound Blaster Z review

Creative's new Sound Blaster card costs just £80; can it deliver quality audio?

Creative Sound Blaster Z Creative Sound Blaster Z Sound Card Review
KitGuru logo
KitGuru
Published: 31.01.2013
Creative Sound Blaster Z Sound Card Review

The Creative Sound Blaster Z Sound card is part of the new flagship series of Sound Blaster and feat

Often compared with Creative Sound Blaster Z