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PCIe sound card with external control module, black finish

Creative Labs

Creative Labs Sound Blaster AE-7 Sound Card 70SB180000000

SKU CH-1KVJ-01JNJ

PCIe sound card with ESS SABRE 9018 DAC, 127 dB DNR, 32-bit/384 kHz playback, discrete 5.1 and virtual 7.1 surround, plus a detachable control module

  • Audiophile-grade 127 dB DNR playback with ESS SABRE 9018 DAC
  • Ultra-low 1 Ω output drives 16–600 Ω headphones including planar-magnetic models
  • 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and DSD64 support for high-resolution audio
  • 1 discrete and 7.1 virtual surround with Dolby Digital Live and DTS Connect
  • Detachable Audio Control Module with 6.3 mm & 3.5 mm I/O plus built-in mic array

Audiophile-grade internal sound card

The Creative Labs Sound Blaster AE-7 is a PCIe internal sound card built for enthusiasts who want higher fidelity than onboard audio can deliver. It uses an ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC rated at 127 dB DNR with THD+N up to -120 dB. Playback supports 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and DSD64 formats for detailed reproduction.

External Audio Control Module included

A separate desktop module connects to the card and provides a volume knob, 6.3 mm and 3.5 mm headphone jacks plus microphone inputs. The onboard headphone amplifier offers ultra-low 1 Ω output impedance and drives loads from 16 Ω up to 600 Ω, including planar-magnetic models. The module also integrates a microphone array for communications.

Check for a free PCIe slot and front-panel space

Installation requires an available PCIe x1 or larger slot inside the chassis. The external Audio Control Module needs a clear USB header or the supplied cable route to reach the desktop. Verify that your operating system supports the Sound Blaster Command software for the full suite of EQ profiles, Scout Mode, and virtual 7.1 surround features.

How it compares

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

Price $188.99
Pricier than about 94% of the 185 comparable items (median $29.99).

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Specifications

Product
Brand nameCREATIVE LABS

Questions about this item

What does the ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC cap real-world playback at?

The DAC delivers 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and DSD64 playback with a 127 dB DNR and THD+N down to -120 dB (0.0001%).

What clearance and power connections does the card plus its Audio Control Module need?

The card occupies one PCIe x1 slot; the external module connects via a supplied cable and adds 6.3 mm and 3.5 mm headphone/mic jacks plus a built-in mic array.

How is the AE-7 installed and which step do builders often miss?

Insert the card into a free PCIe x1 slot, attach the Audio Control Module cable to the card's internal header, then install the Creative Command software to enable Dolby Digital Live, DTS Connect and Scout Mode.

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