Creative Sound BlasterX G5 7.1 Headphone Surround HD Audio External Sound Card with Headphone Amplifier for Windows PC / Mac / PS4 / and Other Consoles

Before going with the G5, I read every review online (both review sites and Amazon). I looked at the Omni, the E5, and this product before making my selection.I opted to not go with the Omni since I really wanted 7.1 and I also did not need the built-in microphone that comes on it.I opted to not go with the E5 since I don't need a rechargeable battery nor do I need Bluetooth connectivity since it will only be used with my Mac and PC desktops. Also, at the time of purchase, the E5 was $100 more than the G5.For headphones, I'm using the universally acclaimed Sennheiser Game One (highly recommend if you're a gamer and/or if you work from home and frequently Skype with colleagues).My setup consists of a Plugable 7-port powered USB 3.0 hub connected to a Plugable 2-port USB 3.0 switch. My keyboard, mouse, webcam, and now soundcard are all hooked up to the hub. When I want to switch computers, I simply press the button on the switch (video switching is built into my monitor).On the PC, I had no problem getting the G5 set up. I simply plugged it into the hub and turned everything on. I downloaded the software which worked instantly. The software is primarily used to switch and configure profiles. I made 3 custom profiles: gaming, music, and movies. My only complaint with the software is that you cannot quick switch profiles from the system tray. I'd like to be able to right-click the icon and select between profiles. There might be hot key support, but I never use hot keys. You can also switch profiles using a button on the device itself, but it's not exactly close to where I sit so I also never do that.On the Mac, there are no drivers to install or software to download; however, since the profiles I created on my PC are stored on the device itself, I was able to switch through them using the button on the G5. The only tinkering I had to do during setup was in Audio Midi settings. You need to set the G5 to "DSP Clock" for both Input and Output. If you're not hearing anything or able to use your microphone, try this, it worked for me. Also, it goes without saying that you need to go to System Preferences and change your input/output devices.Since my USB hub is powered, the device will stay lit up even if both computers are powered off. Fortunately there is a power button the hub, so I just have to remember to turn it off when I go to sleep.Now that I've described my setup and installation instructions, I will tell you that the G5 is awesome. On the both the PC and the Mac, the surround effect is amazing. I can't say it will make me a better gamer, but the immersion is definitely increased. For music, the bass response is insane, even on a conservative setting (25/100). For those of you who don't want any extra boom to your music, just turn off the bass boost and it will still sound fantastic.Overall I'm extremely happy with this purchase. I feel like G5 combined with a really great headset was the final piece to the puzzle for my desktop setup. This product is clearly marketed for PC users (gamers specifically), so keep that in mind before posting a negative review.

Wow.....Just wow. I did not expect a major difference in sound quality vs my motherboards sound card and certainly not between this amplifier and my Scarlett devices that were already powering my headphones. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I hooked up my HiFiMan HE4XX's by Massdrop into this amplifier I was transported into a land of, "Crystalized," sound quality that was absolutely amazing. The size, the package, the weight, the quality, the SOUND that this device brings all together is simply nothing short of astonishing. This device brought my headphones to life and allowed the bass to come through and hit hard, it allowed for the highs to shine brightly and for them to not be distorted, even at high volume levels.Speaking of volume levels, this amplifier will let you reach volume levels that will absolutely blow your ears out, which is what I love most about it. I love having big volume and being able to turn my volume up just that one or two more notches for certain songs to really feel them. This device will let you do that and then some when paired with a proper set of cans. The music listening experience is just phenomenal for the price point and size and I find it incredibly hard to beat the quality that this little black magic box puts out.As for gaming, incredible. I was able to hear footsteps and sound cues that I would have otherwise not heard. I played Call of Duty Modern Warfare, Battlefield V, and Rainbow Six Seige and my performance was marginally better as I was able to hear those footsteps coming up far more quickly than before. I was even able to hear my opponents rappeling down the walls and catch them the second they popped in the window due to the scout mode and even the standard modes on the device are so well-tuned.The best part is if you don't like any of the sound profiles that this device comes pre-loaded with you can create your own EQ's and profiles and make something that is desired only by you, for you. The amount of options and the ability to customize any part of this device just makes it that much more appealing. This is one of the greatest audio products I have bought and will be seeking Creatives other products in the future for sound quality enhancements.