Review and Measurements of Sound BlasterX G6

[e_h]

Thank you for helping me out, also what about audio quality?, does decoder do anything?

I use the "Full" Dolby dynamic range setting - if I understand correctly, this means that the G6 doesn't do anything in that department

Edit: I'm not sure what you mean regarding audio quality, but both DAC and amp measure quite well from what I understand here. I don't know if the external amp will make any audible difference (still waiting for it to arrive) - the main reason I felt the "need" to add an external amp was that I found myself operating at 100% Windows volume in some games when using the HD 800S with a -11.7dB preamp, and I want more headroom. When playing music I never listen above 80% Windows volume with this setup, comfortable level for me is around 60%.

 

[L0ki]

I use the "Full" Dolby dynamic range setting - if I understand correctly, this means that the G6 doesn't do anything in that department

Edit: I'm not sure what you mean regarding audio quality, but both DAC and amp measure quite well from what I understand here. I don't know if the external amp will make any audible difference (still waiting for it to arrive) - the main reason I felt the "need" to add an external amp was that I found myself operating at 100% Windows volume in some games when using the HD 800S with a -11.7dB preamp, and I want more headroom. When playing music I never listen above 80% Windows volume with this setup, comfortable level for me is around 60%.

Sorry, the bit rate and sample rate.

 

[e_h]

Sorry, the bit rate and sample rate.

I guess it depends on what your source outputs, but I'm definitely not the right person to give advice about this...

 

[Robbo99999]

Thanks Yes, the G6 amp is very good but I've found that when using it with my preamp of -11.7dB, Windows volume 100% in certain games is barely enough for the HD 800S. My (non-golden) ears don't notice any distortion/clipping etc, but I want more headroom, hence the Atom Amp.

Regarding the potential addition of the Atom DAC, one other reason was concerns about 3.5mm outputs in general, but maybe those are overstated.
Btw, do you know if adding the Atom DAC would mean that the signal is digital all the way from the PC source to the Atom DAC? Or would the G6 somehow do an extra DA/AD conversion inbetween? (I incorrectly wrote AD/DA in my previous post, I've changed it now.)
I realize that I may be overthinking things, but I like to optimize as much as possible

Ah, ok, well an external amp will help then - you got your Atom coming! Nah, just don't bother with the Atom DAC, you don't need another DAC in the chain, and I also don't know the answer to your questions re how it would be included but I'm sure you won't gain anything by it.

 

[Drevneus]

Hello, do I understand correctly that developers considered problem solved with pops/crackles? I didn't find any new information about this... But for me the problem isn't solved. Also, unfortunately, I didn't find any modified drivers. Still using USB 2.0 drivers from Microsoft...

 

[Robbo99999]

Hello, do I understand correctly that developers considered problem solved with pops/crackles? I didn't find any new information about this... But for me the problem isn't solved. Also, unfortunately, I didn't find any modified drivers. Still using USB 2.0 drivers from Microsoft...

Probably best just to use all the software & drivers that Creative offer specifically for the G6. I don't really get pops & crackles, albeit sometimes when flipping from Direct Mode to SBX 7.1 Virtual Surround then sometimes it can get bugged and the sound is then totally distorted which can be solved by flipping it to Direct Mode again and then back to SBX 7.1 Virtual Surround mode. You do sometimes need to toggle the settings a couple of times to get things properly applied. It's a little bit of a buggy DAC, not much, but a bit.

 

[Drevneus]

Probably best just to use all the software & drivers that Creative offer specifically for the G6. I don't really get pops & crackles, albeit sometimes when flipping from Direct Mode to SBX 7.1 Virtual Surround then sometimes it can get bugged and the sound is then totally distorted which can be solved by flipping it to Direct Mode again and then back to SBX 7.1 Virtual Surround mode. You do sometimes need to toggle the settings a couple of times to get things properly applied. It's a little bit of a buggy DAC, not much, but a bit.

Unfortunately, I have periodic popping noises that started a few months after purchasing it 3 years ago. Then I looked for solution for a long time and probably tried everything, nothing helped... Only here I saw about USB 2.0 and this is the only solution for me. I thought over the years they might have come up with something, but it seems not...

 

[Robbo99999]

Unfortunately, I have periodic popping noises that started a few months after purchasing it 3 years ago. Then I looked for solution for a long time and probably tried everything, nothing helped... Only here I saw about USB 2.0 and this is the only solution for me. I thought over the years they might have come up with something, but it seems not...

Ok then, I'm not aware of a solution that has been offered by Creative. Sometimes the Creative app updates itself, but doesn't regularly update, last year was probably the latest update for instance.

 

[birdy666]

Unfortunately, I have periodic popping noises that started a few months after purchasing it 3 years ago. Then I looked for solution for a long time and probably tried everything, nothing helped... Only here I saw about USB 2.0 and this is the only solution for me. I thought over the years they might have come up with something, but it seems not...

Hello. Are you sure it's not a USB problem? Does it do this on other devices too? I would do a reset in command, install the current firmware via command and then see. I bought the G6 years ago as B stock and it doesn't cause any problems on any PC. harmonizes perfectly with the mmx300 and HD-660S. say 300€ dacs are no better. oops.

 

[Drevneus]

Hello. Are you sure it's not a USB problem? Does it do this on other devices too? I would do a reset in command, install the current firmware via command and then see. I bought the G6 years ago as B stock and it doesn't cause any problems on any PC. harmonizes perfectly with the mmx300 and HD-660S. say 300€ dacs are no better. oops.

Yes, it works great for some. Mainly on Intel systems. I've probably tried all possible options... If it works fine without drivers, doesn't that mean that the problem is with them?

 

[birdy666]

Yes, it works great for some. Mainly on Intel systems. I've probably tried all possible options... If it works fine without drivers, doesn't that mean that the problem is with them?

Software/drivers sometimes cause errors/conflicts that even experts can't explain to you. I also have examples of this, including with command. Reset sound card, delete all software drivers, new firmware and then test. Have you ever used another dac on the usb port? It can also be a USB problem, other USB devices can interfere. Fans too. Adjust gain correctly, cable? For me, this PC is the problem, and not the G6, as you say.

 

[Drevneus]

Software/drivers sometimes cause errors/conflicts that even experts can't explain to you. I also have examples of this, including with command. Reset sound card, delete all software drivers, new firmware and then test. Have you ever used another dac on the usb port? It can also be a USB problem, other USB devices can interfere. Fans too. Adjust gain correctly, cable? For me, this PC is the problem, and not the G6, as you say.

I've done all this a hundred times. All firmware/driver combinations. BIOS and OS versions. And many other methods and settings found on the Internet and correspondence with technical support. I don't have another USB audio device or PC.

 

[birdy666]

I've done all this a hundred times. All firmware/driver combinations. BIOS and OS versions. And many other methods and settings found on the Internet and correspondence with technical support. I don't have another USB audio device or PC.

yes, when you've tried everything, it's frustrating. But the question of why it works elsewhere remains. It's a shame if that's the case. because the device has a really good sound for its price. I hope you can still manage it somehow. do not give up

 

[dj94030]

really good sound

but also a retarded undisableable input dsp

 

[birdy666]

yes, when you've tried everything, it's frustrating. But the question of why it works elsewhere remains. It's a shame if that's the case. because the device has a really good sound for its price. I hope you can still manage it somehow. do not give up

one thing could possibly be. is the computer very powerful? could the power supply be undersized and unable to cope with voltage peaks? That's what comes to mind. It could also be mechanical hard drives and fans. mass problem with the grounding?

 

[Drevneus]

This is all meaningless, since even Creative at first refused to admit it. I came to terms with this a long time ago, the sound quality suits me quite well. I just remembered and decided to inquire about the situation.

 

[birdy666]

but also a retarded undisableable input dsp

I can't say anything negative. I listen to music with good headphones and am more than satisfied. It's enough for me to turn off sbx and scout mode. I created a subtle SBX profile because not everyone hears the same and the highs decrease with age. Sometimes I use this. But usually DSP can be switched off completely by long pressing the scout button until it flashes.

 

[PaulsGaming]

I have the same issue also, popping noises, it feels like its something to do when the USB ports are being used, Like downloading and things, You can also load up Device manager and click on scan for changes and it will cause the popping noise

Using the windows driver usb 2.0 fixes the issue so it really is a problem with the offical driver on the market,
The crap thing is not being able to use the Sound blaster command program when on the windows driver, It would be great if someone could make a custom driver for that

 

[PaulsGaming]

Ok found a work around, I am just using the offical usb driver so I can access the app in windows but have the sound input coming from the SPDIF in/optic cable

No longer can hear or make the popping noise in device manager and when downloading. Hope this helps people