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Black PCIe sound card with separate desktop audio control module

Creative Labs

Creative Labs Sound Blaster AE-7 70SB180000000 sound card

SKU CH-6A3S-0K452 MPN 70SB180000000

PCIe sound card with ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC, 127dB SNR, 32-bit/384kHz playback, discrete 5.1 and virtual 7.1 surround, plus a quad-core processor for hardware-accelerated audio

  • Interface typePCI Express x1
  • Part type or number70SB180000000
  • Audio chipSound Core3D
  • Audio channels5.1 surround channels, and up to 7.1 virtual surround channe
  • Sample rate384 kHz
  • Digital audio output32-bit
  • Pristine audio fidelity with 127dB SNR and ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC for 32-bit 384 KHz playback
  • Custom Xamp discrete bi-amp drives studio headphones up to 600 ohms with 10 ohm output impedance
  • Discrete 5.1 surround with Dolby Digital Live and DTS Connect encoding for theatrical sound
  • Virtual 7.1 surround on headphones and speakers via Sound Blaster virtualization technology
  • Dedicated quad-core Sound Core3D processor offloads audio from CPU for hardware-accelerated performance

What the card is and who it targets

The Creative Labs Sound Blaster AE-7 is a PCI Express x1 internal sound card built around the Sound Core3D quad-core processor and an ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC. It delivers 127 dB SNR, 32-bit/384 kHz playback and DSD64 support for listeners who want higher fidelity than integrated audio.

Who it suits and who should look elsewhere

Desktop PC owners running Windows 7 through 10 with a free PCIe x1 slot and at least 1 GB RAM can use the card for discrete 5.1 speaker output, virtual 7.1 surround and Xamp bi-amp headphone driving up to 600 ohms. Buyers needing external digital I/O, macOS or Linux driver support, or a USB-connected solution cannot use this model.

The spec that decides fit

The card requires an available PCI Express x1 slot inside the computer case. If your motherboard lacks a free x1 lane or you are building in a laptop or small-form-factor system without that slot, the AE-7 cannot be installed.

How it compares

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

Price $183.99
Pricier than about 93% of the 185 comparable items (median $29.99).

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Specifications

Product
Brand nameCreative
Product lineSound Blaster
Model nameAE-7
Part type or number70SB180000000
Audio & video
Audio chipSound Core3D
Audio channels5.1 surround channels, and up to 7.1 virtual surround channels
MIC in1 × 1/8 in Mic-in (Mono)
1 × 1/4 in Mic-in (Mono)
Ports & slots
Interface typePCI Express x1
Digital audio output32-bit
Size & build
Product dimensionsMain Card: 5.71 in × 0.79 in × 5.04 in
Audio Control Module (ACM): 3.94 in × 3.62 in × 2.76 in
Product weightMain Card: 0.48 lb
Audio Control Unit (ACM): 0.63 lb
Shipping weight0.74 kg
Package size302 × 155 × 79 mm
Compatibility
Supported operating systemsMicrosoft Windows 10 32 / 64 bit, Windows 8.1/8.0 32 / 64 bit, Windows 7 32 / 64 bit
In the box
In the boxSound Blaster AE-7 (Main Card)
Audio Control Module
Quick Start Leaflet
Warranty Leaflets
More details
Sample rate384 kHz
SNR127 dB
EncodeDTS Connect Encoding
Line out1 × 1/8 in HP Out (3-pole)
1 × 1/4 in HP Out (3-pole)
Remote controllerYes

Other versions of this model

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Questions about this item

Will the AE-7 work in my older motherboard that only has PCI Express x1 slots?

Yes, the card uses a PCI Express x1 interface so it fits any available x1 slot on Intel or AMD boards that meet the Core i3 or equivalent requirement.

How can I verify the 127dB signal-to-noise ratio is active after installing the AE-7?

Open the Sound Blaster Command software, confirm the ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC is selected, and run the built-in audio test; the dashboard will display the 127dB SNR figure when the hardware is operating correctly.

Does the box include both the 1/8" and 1/4" headphone cables or do I need to buy an adapter separately?

The package contains the main card, the Audio Control Module with both 1/8" and 1/4" headphone outputs built in, a quick-start leaflet and warranty leaflets — no extra adapters are required.

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