Creative Intros Sound Blaster ZxR, Sound Blaster Zx and Sound Blaster Z Audio Cards

Creative may be falling into the habit of selling its inventions for more than it should, as if the driver problems weren't enough of a turnoff, but we have to admit its newest batch of products shows that it is trying.

Creative used to be a reputed sound card and audio peripheral maker and, to some extent, it still is, but underwhelming driver support and overhyped products have put quite a few dents in that reputation over the years.

The Sound Blaster ZxR, Sound Blaster Zx and Sound Blaster Z don't really help dispel the notion that Creative could do better by its customers.

The hardware sounds solid, sure enough, but paying $250 / 203 Euro for an audio card (ZxR), even a high-end one, is a bit too much to ask.

Sure, the Creative Sound Core3D quad-core sound and voice processor is no slouch, and neither are the Creative's SBX Pro Studio, SoundCore 3D and CrystalVoice technologies, but still.

The only thing that prevents the price from being ludicrous is the high-quality beam-forming microphone array with Acoustic Echo Cancellation, Voice Focus and Noise Reduction.

That said, the ZxR has “studio-grade components,” the proprietary SB Speaker-Calibration feature, DTS Connect, Dolby Digital Live and SBX Pro Studio.

Sound Blaster Zx is priced at $141.99 / 115 Euro and features “brilliant red EMI shielding,” glowing LED lighting and an “attention-grabbing design,” plus an ACM (Audio Control Module) with built-in dual microphone array and mic/headphone jacks.

Finally, the Sound Blaster Z, a “high-performance gaming and entertainment audio” product, will sell for $119.99 / 97 Euro. Availability will ramp up in December 2012, for all three, and more details are found here.

“For audio playback, we use studio-grade components to deliver outstanding fidelity, and then greatly enhance the listening experience by implementing our SBX Pro Studio suite of audio technologies,” said Low Long Chye, director of product marketing for audio.

“This enables complete customization of audio playback, uniquely catered to suit individual tastes. Our mixture of outstanding components and proprietary technologies also enables us to provide the highest quality recording experience for audio creation, which today expands beyond just music recording to include user interaction and creation with YouTube, eSports, and more.”

Via: Creative Intros Sound Blaster ZxR, Sound Blaster Zx and Sound Blaster Z Audio Cards