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Smartcomms Kit
I have covered Smartcomms a few times now and have been pleased with its performance. It is used on the Sound Blaster Play! 4 and the Cam Sync 1080p V2.
The main features that the SmartComms Kit offers is:
- VoiceDetect automatically unmutes your mic when you speak and mutes when you stop.
- NoiseClean helps eliminate background noise such as fan noise
- NoiseClean does the same, but in reverse, cleaning up the audio from other people on the call/stream
It works well with the Sennheiser GSP 601, cleaning up the noise and reduces the need for me to manually mute the headset.
Price and Alternative Options
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sound Blaster X3 Hi-Res External USB DAC and Amp Sound Card... |
£114.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| CREATIVE G6 7.1 HD Gaming DAC and External USB Sound Card... |
£95.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The Creative SoundBlaster X4 is priced at £134.99 direct from Creative and is available on Amazon.
Creative sell the X3 for just £5 less, it is also available from Amazon for £120. It has a slightly better audio hardware spec, but misses out on Smartcomms
The Creative G6 is also available on Amazon for £129.99; apart from the improved console compatibility, this offers superior headphone impedance with an ultra-low 1Ω vs 10Ω
The FiiO K5 Pro has gone up in price since I bought it and is now £170. It is a great desktop DAC with multiple input options and low output impedance for headphones, but it lacks the software and gaming features of the Creative.
Overall
I really like the Creative SoundBlaster X4, and it could be the overall best solution for my particular scenario. If you use a combination of speakers and headphones, this is an ideal solution.
Sound quality is superb, I’d say it is as good as my FIIO, and you have the added benefit for an EQ and software processing (and the option to disable these). I am a big fan of volume knobs, and this integrates directly into Windows
The main downside for me is the limited number of inputs with just USB and the combo line in/optical socket. This is enough for me as I only ever switch between my Nvidia Shield and PC, but others may find it limiting.
I can’t compare the performance to the previous Creative SoundBlaster X3; while the X3 may appear to offer a better specification, by all accounts, they offer no benefit at all. The X4 then has the SmartComms Kit, which I have found to be beneficial, so I think the small price difference makes the X4 worth buying over the X3 (though it’s also not worth upgrading from an X3 to X4).
Overall, this is an excellent external soundcard that is reasonably priced.
Creative Sound Blaster X4 External USB DAC / Soundcard Review Rating
Summary
I like the Creative Sound Blaster X4 a lot, it ticks all my boxes. Multiple inputs, multiple outputs, including 5.1, user-friendly on-device controls and generally good performance all around for a reasonable price.
Overall
85%-
Overall - 85%85%
Pros
- Well featured DAC/soundcard with multiple inputs and headphone/5.1 output
- Smartcomms works well
- Software processing and gaming orientated features make it stand out from a regular DAC
Cons
- High output impedance for headphones will have a negative effect on low impedance IEMs/headphones
- SXFI set up process is a bit annoying
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2024-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
