Disclaimer:
Hello readers, Today I bring a review of the Creative Sound Blaster G8, a product created mostly for gamers with the need for streaming and mixing between live chat and online games.
As far as I’m concerned, I’ll explain it to you more from the side of those who listen to music both with headphones and speakers. As a gamer, I’m not the kind of player who streams and therefore needs a particular use of the function that balances audio and voice.
Even if it’s sold as suitable for gamers, as a music listener, I’ve found features that many others don’t offer me.
The most interesting thing is the double Type C input, which allows you to have a single sound card on two completely different systems. For example, I use both a Mac mini and a Windows Mini PC with the Creative Soundblaster and I can have a unified audio system.
I will try to do a review as in-depth as possible, also comparing it to other products.
The review, as always, will be completely unbiased, uninfluenced, and free of affiliate links.
I would like to remind you that I am just a person who enjoys trying out new items and listening to a lot of music; I am not an expert.
My opinions are obviously subjective.
Tech Specs:
- GameVoice Mix: PS4 and PS5 (PS5 requires optional HDMI to SPDIF converter)
- Controls: Master volume dial, GameVoice Mix dial, Headphone gain switch, SBX button, Mode Button, HP / SPK Button, Opt-In / HDMI ARC mode switch
- Dimensions: 125.7 x 90.7 x 52.4 mm
- Headphone Amp Output Impedance: From 1Ω to 600Ω
- Audio Technology: CrystalVoice, Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine, GameVoice Mix, Discrete Xamp Bi-amplifier, Dolby Audio
Max. Playback Quality
Direct Mode:
- Playback (Stereo): Up to 16/24/32-bit, 44.1 kHz, 48.0 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96.0 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192.0 kHz, 352.8 kHz, 384.0 kHz
- Playback (5.1/7.1): Up to 16/24/32-bit, 44.1 kHz, 48.0 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96.0 kHz,
DSP Mode:
- Playback (Stereo): Up to 16/24/32-bit, 44.1 kHz, 48.0 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96.0 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192.0 kHz, 352.8 kHz, 384.0 kHz
- Playback (5.1/7.1): Up to 16/24/32-bit, 44.1 kHz, 48.0 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96.0 kHz
p.s. In my case in DSP mode the formats are limited to a maximum of 32bit 48kHz on OSX. On Windows as a secondary input it is also limited. Perhaps there is a lack of clarity regarding this data but only the direct mode allows you to reach 32bit 384kHz. Also I have not seen 5.1 or 7.1 functionality.
DSP Playback (Stereo): Up to 16/24/32-bit, 44.1 kHz, 48.0 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96.0 kHz (from my tests)
Recording Resolution:
Mic-in: Up to 16/24/32-bit, 44.1 kHz, 48.0 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96.0 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192.0 kHz
Optical In: Up to 192.0 kHz
Line-in: Up to 16/24/32-bit, 44.1 kHz, 48.0 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96.0 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192.0 kHz
What-U-Hear: Up to 16/24/32-bit, 44.1 kHz, 48.0 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96.0 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192.0 kHz
- Max Channel Output: Stereo
- Included Accessories: 2 x USB-C to USB-C Cable
- DAC: Dynamic Range (A-Weighted) : 130dB, THD+N : 0.00018%
- ADC: Dynamic Range (A-Weighted) : 114dB, THD+N : 0.00056%
- Platform: USB 2.0, USB 3.0
- Connectivity Options (Main): 1 x TOSLINK Optical In, 1 x TOSLINK Optical Out, 1 x 3.5 mm Line-in, 1 x 3.5mm Line-out, 1 x 3.5 mm Mic-in, 1 x USB C (USB-1) power/data jack for PC/Mac/Consoles, 1 x USB C (USB-2) power/data jack for Consoles and mobile devices, 1 x 4-pole Headset jack (3.5mm, CTIA), 1 x HDMI ARC
System Requirements:
Windows
- Intel® i3 or AMD® equivalent processor
- Intel, AMD or 100% compatible motherboard
- Microsoft® Windows 11, Windows 10 32/64 bit ver 21H1 or later
- > 4GB RAM
- > 4GB of free hard disk space
- Available USB-C port (USB 2.0)
- PC must meet the minimum hardware requirements to operate on the Windows OS installed
Macintosh
- Macintosh running MacOS 10.15 or higher
- > 4GB RAM
- > 4GB of free hard disk space
- Available USB-C port (USB 2.0)
Mobile Device
- Android 13.0 or later
- iOS 15 or later
- Available USB-C port (USB 2.0)
- Device must capable of output audio through its USB-C port
PS4
- Firmware Ver 5.0 or later
- Available USB-A port ^ (USB 2.0)
PS5
- Firmware Version 20.02-2.26.00.00-00.00.00.0.1 or later
- Available USB-C port
- Available HDMI ARC port via TV
Xbox Series X/S
- System OS 10.0.19041.5496 or later
- Available HDMI ARC port Via TV
Nintendo Switch
- Switch OS 5.0 or later
- Available USB-C port (USB 2.0)
Packaging:
The packaging of the new Creative Sound Blaster G8 is very simple. The box is well made and the product inside is stable but as accessories we find:
- Sound Blaster G8
- 2 Cables Type C to Type C
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty and Compliance
Not to be critical but including only type C cables is slightly limiting. In my opinion, we should at least take inspiration from Fosi Audio, which includes cables with an attached classic USB adapter to allow even those with older PCs or devices to connect it as soon as it arrives. Also because it is given as compatible with devices that in fact do not have Type C ports. From my point of view, it is a significant shortcoming. I have several adapters so I don’t consider it a big problem but not all users who buy it probably have them.
Build Quality/First Impressions:
Compared to the Creative SoundBlaster X5, the product has undergone a significant reduction in size. Which basically speaking have almost the same features but the Creative SoundBlaster G8 has an infinite number of inputs and outputs that make it extremely versatile. I struggle to imagine all the possible combinations. On the front we have a microphone and headphone input; the only slightly sore point is that we do not have a balanced output that honestly I would have very willingly put. On the upper part, we have two knobs. The small one is to balance the game audio with a voice chat, while the other is for the volume.
Biggest mistake? They decided to make them in plastic material instead of aluminum. I also hope that the chrome effect of the plastic cannot somehow ruin over time. The Sound Blaster writing is backlit in white; next to it we have the 3 buttons that allow us to manage the various modes, which, however, are completely managed only via application on PC or MAC.
On the back we have more inputs and outputs than surface. We see two selectors. One for the gain and another for using the ARC or optical input. However, we have an AUX in and an AUX out (to connect speakers like the Pebble X), 2 type C inputs, both of which can take data from two devices at the same time. One also has power so it would be advisable to connect it to a USB socket that is always powered or that can be powered without having to turn on the device. You can see the rest from the photos.
It is difficult to imagine the amount of products that can be connected to it. We can define it as extremely versatile.
Introduction and Configuration:
I was a little worried about the OSX side because my 2012 Mac Mini still runs on OSX 10.15.7, which is now obsolete but perfect for what I do. On the recognition side, the Mac Mini has no problems with any peripherals but obviously when I received the product, the Mac application was stuck for several months (maybe years) on an old version that did not provide compatibility with the new Creative Sound Blaster G8 but fortunately today, on January 15th, when I opened the site, I found the new APP ready for download. To my delight they also kept the OSX 10.15 versions among the compatible ones and finally I can manage above all the equalizer from my old and faithful Mac mini. No problem, obviously, on Windows where the support is more present and followed.
Special Features:
The feature that most interested me was the ability to connect two PCs to it and use a single audio card to unify a system and streamline my system a bit. I really have too many products and this allows me to have a single sound card for two PCs. Not only the sound card but also the Pebble X Speakers can work for both systems in a wired way. The other interesting thing but unfortunately lacking information, is the proprietary amplification system, which is also quite powerful for being only a 3.5mm output. The lack of balanced output is not felt.
What should really be said? That the first type C with power is the primary port to which you should connect your primary device with which you will manage it since on the second type C port the functions are limited.
I hardly use my two systems at the same time since they share the same screen.
Sound Signature & EQ:
As for the sound signature, you can tell it comes from Creative. It resembles the sound I have already experienced using the Creative Sound Blaster X5, that is, a sound with warm nuances but still maintaining a certain brilliance. The only difference is that in this case they remained vague about the chips used inside but limited themselves to declaring a proprietary Xamp chip with bi-amplifier. On the power side, it has no difficulty, in fact I think it is one of the most powerful 3.5mm unbalanced outputs I have tried to date. Even Hifiman planar over-ear headphones are driven at very high volumes without any effort. With IEMs, the gain must be kept low because at high volumes the volume reaches exaggerated levels very quickly. In terms of personal preference, I would have also liked to see a balanced output.
EQ & Sound Effect:
Unfortunately, as already seen in other cases of Creative products, some features necessarily require the proprietary application. In the case of the Creative Sound Blaster G8 the situation is the same. Without the application, you cannot change the parameters or use some typical Creative effects. In my opinion, the basic functionality for adjusting bass and treble would be nice to have even without the application. There are a lot of useful features for both gamers and music listeners. In fact, the differences in terms of functionality from an X5 are very few.
Honestly, even if it is a product designed more for gamers, it is also suitable for those who listen to music in the same way as more specific products.
Power:
I don’t own anything extremely difficult to drive; my headphones or IEMs are all quite simple except for some Hifiman Planar that definitely need more current to shine properly. I must say that despite the 3.5mm output only, I haven’t noticed any kind of difficulty in powering the Hifiman Edition XS or the Sundara Closed-Back. It’s not simply a question of loudness but you can feel that the bass doesn’t lack the typical body of amplification without power. With most IEMs, the high gain can’t even be used.
Excellent pairing also with the Roseselsa Distant Mountain of which I will bring the review shortly. In any case even with the EPZ X Tipsy Star One with 64Ohm impedance you still can’t reach the maximum volume. The proprietary double amplification works very well even if some more nerdy data could have been given.
Considerations after a month of use:
Throughout this period of use, I have noticed a few things that have perplexed me. Perhaps I am the one who uses it in an unusual way. I will start by saying that I am using it as a single sound card for a Mac Mini and an HP Mini Elitedesk. Essentially, the final setup consists of these two systems connected to the G8, to which I connected the Creative Pebble X to the aux speaker output. Everything works perfectly but the lack of a shutdown button or an automatic shutdown function in the event of a lack of data flow makes it always on.
Since only the first type C acts as a power supply, it is assumed that the first system is necessarily always on when you want to use the second. In my case, the first type C is connected to a powered hub with the possibility of turning off each individual USB. Obviously, I think that integrating an external power supply would have made operation simpler. Keeping it always on, especially in a room at night, means having LEDs on. For the rest, I would have liked the rear versatility to be somehow maintained at the front with a 4.4mm.
Fast Comparison:
I don’t have models particularly suitable for comparisons with a similar product but I will still try to make some with what I have.
vs Fosi Audio K7 (upcoming review)
At the same time I had the Fosi Audio K7 sent to me. A product that, in a certain sense, could be comparable. We do not have the total versatility present on the back of the Creative Sound Blaster G8 but in exchange we have premium materials on the entire product, which is all CNC machined aluminum.
The body and knobs are all metal and the weight of the product gives it solidity. As a product we find fewer audio functions but those present are immediately available to the user via the buttons and knobs present. We can adjust the bass and treble with ease and select the various inputs. We have Bluetooth in addition and on the back there is both an output to connect active speakers and other peripherals such as PlayStations. The chip inside is an AK4493seq accompanied by Texas Instruments application chips. A truly premium setup that perfectly blends gamer needs with audiophile needs.
Apart from the connectivity on the back, it does the same things as the Creative, with a few fewer audio features.
Conclusion:
In the case of minimal desks, I think a product like the Creative Sound Blaster G8 could be very appealing. I am not a person who can identify with a desk with a minimal setup but surely in the near future I will have to drastically reduce the complexity of the setup I currently use. The thing I liked the most is the possibility of maintaining a single sound card for both my PCs and also sharing the two Pebble X speakers via wired connection.
Before I used them via USB only with one of the two and the other had to make do with the BT connection. The features with the DSP activated are multiple but I am more of a purist in that sense. Usually my favorite mode is the direct mode, where there are no colorations of the sound. Great that they finally managed to bring an update of the Creative APP on OSX but there is still a long way to go for it to be on par with the Windows one. As for gaming, the features present are more designed for streamers or creators.
8.2/10
Pros:
- Compact size
- Creative sound signature
- Very powerful
- Warm signature with good brilliance
- L & H Gain switch for easy IEMS
- DSP & EQ
- APP control for PC/MAC for more features
- Works also with Android Smartphone
- Dual-type C USB input
- Dependent volume
Cons:
- No on/off button or automatic switch off
- Plastic knobs
- APP needed for features
- No balanced output
