Has anyone looked into the Sound Blaster RE:Imagine Kickstarter?

[RedOrangeGreen]

I came across Creative’s new Kickstarter for the Sound Blaster RE:Imagine and was wondering what people here think. The campaign is pitched as a modern re-imagining of the classic Sound Blaster sound card, with both gaming and hi-fi features.

Has anyone here backed it or taken a closer look at the specs? Curious if the design and goals look solid, or if it’s more marketing than substance. I’d be interested in any early impressions, technical breakdowns, or reasons to be cautious.

 

[Mikepointfive]

I've been hunting all over for a shred of information about this but have come up empty in my search. I have joined the notification for the kickstarter launch however it hasn't launched yet and there is no date or approximation offered by creative labs. The only information is adverts and teaser videos letting us know that something is coming and that is all so far.

I remember using the Sound Blaster 16 in my PC back in the 90s. I continued to use sound blaster up to the sound blaster live so I'm very interested in seeing their newest project.

 

[RedOrangeGreen]

Funny enough I got a email from Creative about the Kickstarter that had an animated.gif of the old Origin Wing Commander game. They are really going for nostalgia here which I guess is why anyone would go through the trouble of stuffing a sound card in a pc today I feel. For some reason I think I’ll buy it even if I don’t really use it.

 

[SuicideSquid]

I came across Creative’s new Kickstarter for the Sound Blaster RE:Imagine and was wondering what people here think. The campaign is pitched as a modern re-imagining of the classic Sound Blaster sound card, with both gaming and hi-fi features.

Has anyone here backed it or taken a closer look at the specs? Curious if the design and goals look solid, or if it’s more marketing than substance. I’d be interested in any early impressions, technical breakdowns, or reasons to be cautious.

If a company like Creative is relying on Kickstarter they're circling the drain.

There's just such an incredibly limited market for internal PCIe sound cards these days. If you're just running basic powered desktop speakers, integrated is fine. If your system is an HTPC you're almost certainly using HDMI out to your TV/soundbar/receiver, so a sound card doesn't play a role. If you're serious about music listening, you're using a USB DAC, and if you're making music on your PC, you're using a USB audio interface.

Who does that leave unserved?

 

[RedOrangeGreen]

If a company like Creative is relying on Kickstarter they're circling the drain.

There's just such an incredibly limited market for internal PCIe sound cards these days. If you're just running basic powered desktop speakers, integrated is fine. If your system is an HTPC you're almost certainly using HDMI out to your TV/soundbar/receiver, so a sound card doesn't play a role. If you're serious about music listening, you're using a USB DAC, and if you're making music on your PC, you're using a USB audio interface.

Who does that leave unserved?

They may do some cool lighting stuff like the AE-5. And probably do audio enhancements for gaming like the footsteps things. But you are correct it really only serves people who can’t afford a Time Machine that will take them back to the 90s. I’m strangely really excited about it. I think I’m gonna be the first person to buy it.