The Sound Blaster AE-9 is a pricey card but it does everything it sets out to do incredibly well.

9/10 Amazing

Sound Blaster AE-9

2019-09-24

The AE-9 is the sound card that made me believe in sound cards again on a conceptual level, and if that's not enough of a recommendation I don't know what is.

Sound Blaster AE-9

2020-09-03

The built-in audio on your PC motherboard is usually just good enough, but sometimes you want to really get immersed in games and enjoy movies how the production teams intended. That's where something like the Sound Blaster AE-9 really makes a difference.

4.5/5 Recommended

Sound Blaster AE-9

2019-08-19

if you want both top-notch sound quality and a wide range of recording options, the AE-9 is a clever all-in-one solution that justifies its premium price tag.

Sound Blaster AE-9

2019-09-23

The AE-9 is an all-around great device, and you can what you pay for. Many of you probably don’t need a $350 sound card, but it’s definitely something I would consider if you are looking to improve the immersive quality of your gaming and media. And it’s especially worth the price if you want to upgrade from a USB mic like the Blue Yeti to an XLR mic instead. I highly and enthusiastically recommend it. It’s one of those devices that is great at what it’s trying to do while also solving problems and eliminating the need for other devices.

Sound Blaster AE-9

2019-10-29

The Sound Blaster AE-9 delivered an excellent listening experience. Creative nailed the core audio output functionality and headphone amp, while delivering stable drivers with tons of features right out of the box.

Hot Hardware Recommended

Sound Blaster AE-9

2019-09-24

With a fairly decent XLR mic input, the AE-9 is a solid device for those looking to elevate their audio experience in games and movies, as well as improve their podcast or online streaming audio quality.

Sound Blaster AE-9

2021-10-04

But if you’re searching for a single audio package that functions efficiently, the AE-9 is your best option. Also, it’s an excellent choice when you create music or podcasts since it’s the so-called Jack of all trades.With that said, the Sound Blaster AE-9 sounds amazing, works efficiently, and excellently.

9/10

Sound Blaster AE-9

2020-03-25

Easy to setup well performing card

I have had this card for a few weeks now and it still amazes me! I went from a WAY older soundblaster card to this and its a night and day difference. I do everything from listening to music to playing games with the occasional watching a movie and everything sounds so rich and clean. I do have the DAC paired with a pair of Sennheisers HD660S AND HD650. I thought the headphones were awesome before....

What sets this PCIe sound card apart from others is the addition of the Brown-Burr Op amps. After a comparative listening test, I found that the AE-9 possesses a pristine acoustic clarity across the full sound spectrum, which can be refined even more to the users tastes by swapping out Op Amp pairs. The included Audio Control Module means no more fiddling with cables behind the desktop. Top tier capacitors and gold connectors round out a superior feature set, yet at an attractive price point compared to other high-end PCIe cards. The AE-9 meets my DAW needs while exceeding my audio expectations.

Excellent Performance and Sound Quality. Have hooked up a Sennheiser HD800s and you will be blown away listening to DSD 64 and 352 Hz music.

This sound card represents the pinnacle of audio engineering from Creative and their legacy. It is audiophile grade and built amazingly well. The sound from the highly coveted ESS Saber 9038 DAC is sublime, clear and crisp. It drives all manner of high impedance 300 Ohm Sennheiser Headphones to their max potential with tonal balance and neutrality. From the midrange HD 600/650 to the endgame HD 800. The creative software is great with it's simple easy to navigate user interface. The service/shipping was fast and it was a pleasant and smooth experience.

After solving Windows 11 compatibility issues (all Windows fault with dodgy updates creating device security problems) got the card and software working perfectly. Sounds amazing and very flexible options via software to control the card. Best sound card I have ever owned - moved from Asus sound cards that suffered horribly with compatibility and software update issues. Will be staying with the AE9 and Creative. Currently hooked up through THX surround system - perfect.

Connect to my PC Windows 11 and it works right out of the box. I connect the Opt out to the Opt in amplifier receiver; it sounds so great detail of all instruments when listening the music, and movie. Best sound card I have ever had.

Easy install, best sound I have ever got out of a PC. Sadly after 6 hrs - while idle, the ACM module went blank and lost all the inputs. I did the troubleshooting guide and within 6 hrs I had the RMA approved and it's on its way back. Great sound card, hopefully just a random failure.... Fantastic support though.

Love it

Excellent product !!!

Totally worth it!! stable drivers and the app is cool but need some optimizations at device initialising at the application opening.

I had the ZxR for 6 years. This is definitely an upgrade. I use this for music production and it is superb. There is one issue, which is with the ASIO drivers, these are not consistently recognized by Ableton Live 10 or iZotope Ozone. When they are, at least in Ableton, the drivers seem to require very high latency settings to avoid cracking. When I switch to ASIO4ALL, the settings are normal and everything works fine. In any case the card is superb and the control module is really elegant and functions perfectly.

I have been a computer builder for a very long time and I can honestly tell you that the sound matters when it comes to music and especially music. This sound card which is internal offers the best sound quality for your ears. It was a great idea to add the DAC to the sound card and it benefits my setup since I have a drawer pc and it's hard to reach the headphone plug. Now I can able to reach with ease and control the volume knob too. You can connect this to your AV receiver to get the best sound quality. I have both connections with RCA and the other with the Digital Optical. There are people out there who will tell you that you don't need a sound card for your pc anymore and I will tell them they don't know what they are missing. Motherboard integrated sound is not up to the standards and every true hard core pc builder can tell you this. My speakers come to life when used with the Sound Blaster AE-9 and the bass notes are smooth clean. There is no distortion nor is there any kind of EMI. I absolutely love this internal sound card with DAC included. I also want to note that some codecs like Dolby Atmos are missing in the Sound Blaster AE-9. If you have a receiver that has these codecs, then you are set. Pair this Sound Blaster AE-9 with a good set of speakers and wow, your desktop will never be the same. In conclusion, do we really need a sound card now at days. The answer is if you are a really serious audiophile that takes the level of sound clarity and quality, then yes. But if you are a nerd that has the answer to almost everything and ignores that pci express slot on your motherboard and tells everyone that all you need is a motherboard integrated sound, then you are missing out my friend. Thanks to the Creative Team for having invented such a great sound card for my motherboard. I highly recommend this internal sound card to anyone that is looking for the ultimate computer build. Thanks again and God Bless.