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Small rectangular USB audio adapter with matte black finish and 3.5 mm headset jack

Creative Labs

Creative Labs 70SB173000000 Sound Blaster Play! 3 USB sound card

SKU CH-YSNH-2KX3C MPN 70SB173000000

USB sound card delivering 24-bit 96 kHz audio with 93 dB SNR and plug-and-play Windows or Mac support

  • Interface typeUSB
  • Part type or number70SB173000000
  • Sample rate96 kHz
  • Digital audio output24-bit
  • SNR93 dB
  • Line in1 × 3.5 mm jack
  • High-resolution 24-bit 96 kHz playback for clearer audio
  • 93 dB signal-to-noise ratio reduces background hiss
  • Drives earbuds to studio-grade headphones with built-in amplifier
  • Plug-and-play on Windows and Mac with no driver install
  • 24-bit 48 kHz microphone input for clean voice recording

Instant Audio Upgrade

The Sound Blaster Play! 3 is a USB DAC and amplifier that replaces basic motherboard audio with 24-bit 96kHz playback. It targets laptop and desktop users who want clearer sound for music, movies and games without opening their case. A 93dB signal-to-noise ratio and built-in headphone amp drive everything from mobile earbuds to studio-grade headphones. The compact external design adds a 3.5mm headset jack and a separate line-in port.

Motherboard Audio Replacement

This adapter upgrades systems limited to onboard codecs that introduce noise or lack power for higher-impedance headphones. The jump is worth it when you hear hiss, low volume or muddy dialogue through the existing 3.5mm ports. It also adds a dedicated microphone input with 24-bit 48kHz recording quality for calls and streaming. No internal installation or extra power supply is required.

Plug-and-Play Simplicity

Connect the device to any USB port on Windows 7 through 10 or macOS 10.9 and above; no driver installation is needed for basic stereo operation. The optional Sound Blaster Control Panel software unlocks SBX Pro Studio effects and brand-specific headphone profiles on both platforms. Common issues include forgetting to select the Play! 3 as the default playback and recording device in system settings. Ensure the 4-pole headset plug is fully seated for microphone contact.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Internal & USB Sound Cards, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $28.99
Typical for this category: the median of 185 items is $29.99.

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Specifications

Product
Brand nameCreative
Product lineSound Blaster
Model namePLAY! 3
Part type or number70SB173000000
Ports & slots
Interface typeUSB
Digital audio output24-bit
Size & build
Product dimensions0.3 in × 5.4 in × 0.9 in
Shipping weight0.05 kg
Package size157 × 76 × 25 mm
Compatibility
Supported operating systemsMac OS X v10.9 and above, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7
In the box
In the box1 x Sound Blaster PLAY! 3
Warranty & Technical Support leaflet
Quick Start Guide
More details
Sample rate96 kHz
SNR93 dB
Line in1 × 3.5 mm jack
Line out4-pole Headphone-out with Mic: 1 × 3.5 mm jack

Other versions of this model

5 more in the same range

Questions about this item

What USB port size does the Sound Blaster Play! 3 need?

It connects through any standard USB Type-A port; the stick body is 5.4 inches long, .9 inches wide and .3 inches thick, so allow that much clearance beside the socket.

Does the Play! 3 need a driver install on Windows 10?

No driver is required — plug it into a USB port, wait for the device to enumerate, then select it as the default playback and recording device in Windows Sound settings.

Will the 3.5 mm combo jack still work if the TRRS plug wears out?

The single 3.5 mm 4-pole jack carries both headphone output and microphone input; if the socket becomes intermittent the whole unit must be replaced because the jack is not user-serviceable.

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