Sound Card Creative Sound Blaster AE-9 black Sound Blaster AE-9

Sound Blaster AE-9 Sound Card

The Sound Blaster AE-9 is the best PCI-e sound card Creative has ever made, combining 30 years of Sound Blaster audio processing experience with cutting-edge audiophile technology. It marries a 129 dB DNR and 32-bit / 384 kHz playback from a hi-res ESS SABRE-class reference DAC, a fully discrete Xamp Headphone Bi-amplifier, and the new CleanLine Technology engineered to isolate noise along the mic path.

Audiophile ESS SABRE-Class DAC

At the core is the flagship audiophile-grade ESS SABRE-class 9038 DAC, delivering an ultra-high 129 dB DNR, 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and DSD64 (2.8 MHz) playback, with a low THD of -120 dB (0.0001% THD+N). The result is pristine, crystal-clear audio that can be described in a single word, pristine.

Discrete Xamp Headphone Amplifier

The fully discrete Xamp Headphone Bi-amplifier amplifies each channel individually and can drive headphones up to 600 Ohm down to sensitive IEMs, thanks to a low 1 Ohm output impedance (supporting 16 to 600 Ohm). This makes the card suitable for both demanding studio headphones and sensitive in-ear monitors.

CleanLine, Surround and Scout Mode

The new CleanLine Technology filters and isolates noise along the mic path for crystal-clear voice communication even while your GPU is at full load. The card supports discrete 5.1 and up to 7.1 virtual surround, and includes Scout Mode to enhance important in-game audio cues such as footsteps. Connectivity includes TOSLINK Optical In/Out, RCA L/R Front Out and an Audio Control Module (ACM) with a built-in mic. It is an internal PCI-e card that requires 6-pin PCI-e power for the ACM.

• Type: internal PCI-e sound card and DAC (flagship)
• DAC: ESS SABRE-class 9038; dynamic range 129 dB; THD+N 0.0001% (-120 dB)
• Max playback: PCM up to 32-bit / 384 kHz, DSD64 (2.8 MHz)
• Headphone amp: Xamp discrete Bi-amp; output impedance 1 Ohm; supports 16-600 Ohm
• Connectivity: TOSLINK Optical In/Out, RCA L/R Front Out, Audio Control Module (ACM) with built-in mic
• Platform: PCI-e (requires 6-pin PCI-e power for ACM)
• Dimensions: main card 178 x 22 x 127 mm; ACM 150 x 128 x 65 mm; weight card 230 g, ACM 480 g