Creative Sound Blaster ZxR review

The Creative Sound Blaster ZxR uses the same SoundCore3D processor we saw on last year’s Recon3D gaming range of sound cards, and has dedicated inputs for audio recording beyond the usual 3.5mm microphone and line inputs. It also comes with a daughterboard that provides optical S/PDIF inputs and outputs, and a pair of RCA inputs.

A daughterboard provides S/PDIF inputs and outputs

The Sound Blaster ZxR isn’t trying to compete with the likes of M-Audio in the audio production market because it lacks XLR or multiple TRS inputs, but its RCA inputs mean you can connect the output from other recording equipment or an existing hi-fi system.

The daughterboard has its own SoundCore3D processor

The daughterboard even has its own SoundCore3D processor that’s used to apply audio effects and processing to the daughterboard’s inputs. You won’t need a separate expansion slot for the daughterboard, and it draws power from the main sound card, but you will need a slot on the backplane.

The main sound card requires a PCI-E x1 slot. On its I/O panel, you’ll find a 1/4in stereo TRS microphone input and a 1/4in TRS headphone output with a built-in headphone amp capable of powering studio headphones with a 600ohm impedance.

It has its own dedicated TPA6120A2 op-amp which, like other op-amps on the card, can be replaced if you prefer the audio characteristics of a different op-amp chip. A stereo pair of RCA that outputs audio to your speakers uses NJM2114D and LME49710 op-amps.

Unlike many hi-fi and audio production sound cards, Creative hasn’t neglected 5.1 surround sound for gaming and movie enthusiasts. A stereo output pair that shares another NJM2114 and LME49710NA op-amp combination lets you connect rear and centre speakers.

A high-quality Texas Instruments Burr-Brown PCM1794 DAC with a 127dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) feeds the headphone jack and RCA outputs while two PCM1798 DACs are used for the 3.5mm rear and centre stereo surround outputs. Everything’s connected to a Creative SoundCore3D audio processor, which is visible through a porthole in the card’s decorative metal EM shield.

The final part of the ZxR is an external module designed to connect to the 1/4in stereo TRS microphone and headphone ports. The 1/4in jack connectors are actually screw-on converters attached to 3.5mm jacks, so the external module could theoretically be connected to another audio device, although this is the only compatible sound card that’s been released so far. The TRS jacks are labelled to indicate which one should connect to the mic input and which to the headphone output.

An external module connects to the soundcard’s TRS microphone and headphone ports

At the other end of the 1.5m fabric-wrapped cable is a control module dominated by a massively convenient headphone volume knob. There are also both 3.5mm and 1/4in microphone and headphone ports, so you don’t have to reach around the back of your PC every time you want to plug in your headset. There’s also a built-in mic, so you can chat even if you prefer to use headphones without an integrated microphone, which is particularly handy if you prefer to use a lightweight pair of in-ear headphones for gaming rather than a bulky headset.

You can’t use the 3.5mm and 1/4in connectors simultaneously, but a software switch on Creative’s Pro Studio control panel lets you flip between using the sound card’s speaker and headphone outputs. You can also use this screen to switch between standard and high gain modes, depending on whether you’re using standard consumer headphones or a pair of high impedance studio cans. We were surprised to find that there’s no virtual surround sound available for headphone users. You’ll need one of Creative’s Recon3D sound card range if you need that feature. However, the Scout mode to make enemy movements more audible while gaming is available within the Pro Studio control panel.

Sound quality through both the RCA and headphone outputs is excellent. There’s a solid bass presence, alongside plenty of treble and mid-range detail. We appreciated the great sense of space and separation that really lent itself to live studio and orchestral recordings. There’s not much to choose between the quality of modern dedicated sound card configurations, but when it comes to music reproduction we think this one’s a cut above last year’s Recon3D.

Recording quality is also great. We really appreciated having proper RCA inputs so we could connect the analogue outputs from a mixing or DJ console for recording. The optical S/PDIF input also makes it easy to take perfect digital audio samples from devices such as DVD players with an S/PDIF output.

Sound quality is excellent across the board

All this is very helpful if you’re making sample patches or recording live mixes, especially if you’re capturing audio from older analogue equipment, making it a good option for anyone wanting to digitise vinyl played on their existing record player. However, the ZxR isn’t much use for instrumentalists due to its lack of instrument and microphone inputs. The early review sample of the sound card we tested also lacks low-latency ASIO drivers, which are needed for serious music production.

It’s a little hard to spot the ZxR’s ideal niche, but it’s nonetheless an excellent sound card. It’s best for listening to high quality audio, but we loved the convenience of the external connection dongle and its multiple connections that let us chat during games without having to wear a bulky headset. Music enthusiasts are still better off with a high-end DAC such as the Arcam rPAC, but if you love your music, want to game and record audio from other sources, the ZxR is a great buy.