Introduction
The Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro is a USB audio system designed to transform your PC or notebook into a 5.1 entertainment system. It features SBX Pro Studio technology and includes a remote control for convenient operation. This device replaces standard onboard audio with high-quality connectivity, offering enhanced audio performance for music, movies, and games.
Product Overview
The Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro offers a range of features to enhance your audio experience:
- Dolby Digital Live: Connects to your decoder or home theater system via a single digital cable for compelling 5.1 surround sound from any source.
- SBX Pro Studio: Delivers a full audio experience for music, movies, and games, preserving the original sound quality.
- High-Quality Connectivity: Features gold-plated RCA stereo and optical digital output for optimal audio performance.
- Convenient Jacks: Includes microphone and headphone jacks for internet communication.
- Easy Installation: A bus-powered USB 2.0 device with a sleek and compact design.
- Compact IR Remote: Allows control of playback, mute, and volume from a distance.
Device Layout
Figure 1: Top view of the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro USB Audio System. Shows the main volume knob and SBX Pro Studio branding.
Figure 2: Front view of the device, showing headphone, line-in, and mic-in ports.
Figure 3: Rear view of the device, displaying line-out ports (Left, Right, Rear, C/Sub), Optical Out, and USB connection.
Setup
- Connect to Computer: Connect the Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro to your PC or notebook using the provided USB cable. The device is bus-powered, so no external power adapter is needed.
- Install Drivers: Insert the included CD with drivers and Creative software, or download the latest drivers from the official Creative website. Follow the on-screen instructions for installation.
- Connect Audio Devices:
- For 5.1 surround sound, connect your speakers to the Left, Right, Rear, and C/Sub line-out ports on the rear of the device.
- For digital audio, connect an optical cable from the device's Optical Out port to your home theater system or decoder.
- Connect headphones to the dedicated headphone jack on the front.
- Connect a microphone to the dedicated mic-in jack on the front for communication.
- Configure Audio Settings: After driver installation, open the Creative software (e.g., Creative Control Panel or Creative Entertainment Console) to configure your speaker setup, EQ settings, SBX Pro Studio features, and other audio preferences.
Operating Instructions
The Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro offers various controls and software features for an optimized audio experience:
Hardware Controls
- Volume Knob: The large illuminated knob on top controls the master volume.
- Audio Balance Button: Adjusts the balance between audio channels.
- Direct Mode Button: Activates Direct Mode, providing audio in its purest form without applying audio effects.
- SBX Button: Toggles SBX Pro Studio effects on or off.
- IR Remote: Use the compact infrared remote control to adjust volume, mute, and control media playback from a distance. Ensure direct line-of-sight to the device for optimal remote functionality.
Software Features (Creative Application)
The Creative software provides comprehensive control over your audio settings:
- Sound Mode: Select from various presets optimized for gaming, music, movies, and specific games (e.g., Apex Legends).
- Acoustic Engine: Customize settings like Surround, Crystalizer, Bass, Smart Volume, and Dialog+ for headphones or speakers.
- Equalizer: Adjust audio frequencies to your preference.
- SmartComms Kit: Features for clearer communication during online calls.
- CrystalVoice: Enhances voice clarity with features like Acoustic Echo Cancellation, Smart Volume, Voice Morph, and Microphone Equalizer.
- Scout Mode: Designed to enhance in-game audio cues like footsteps and weapon handling for a competitive gaming experience.
- Playback/Recording Settings: Adjust audio quality, sample rates, and other parameters for playback and recording.
- Device Settings: Manage USB audio connectivity (PC/Mac, PS4/PS5/Nintendo Switch), check for driver and firmware updates.
Connectivity
The Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro offers versatile connectivity options:
- USB 2.0: Connects to your computer for power and data.
- Line Out (RCA): Gold-plated stereo RCA outputs for connecting to external speakers or amplifiers.
- Line Out (3.5mm): Multiple 3.5mm jacks for Front, Side, Rear, and Center/Subwoofer channels for 5.1 surround sound speaker systems.
- Optical Out: Digital optical output for connecting to home theater systems or decoders for 5.1 audio.
- Line In (3.5mm): For connecting external audio sources.
- Microphone In (3.5mm): For connecting a microphone.
- Headphone Out (3.5mm): For connecting headphones.
Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro, follow these maintenance guidelines:
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the device. Avoid using liquid cleaners or aerosols, as they may damage the surface or internal components.
- Storage: Store the device in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Cable Management: Ensure all cables are connected securely and are not kinked or strained to prevent damage.
- Software Updates: Regularly check for and install the latest drivers and firmware updates from the Creative website to ensure compatibility and access to new features.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro, try the following steps:
- No Sound:
- Ensure the device is properly connected via USB and recognized by your computer.
- Check the volume levels on the device, your computer, and connected speakers/headphones.
- Verify that the correct playback device (Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro) is selected in your computer's sound settings.
- Confirm that speakers or headphones are correctly plugged into the appropriate output jacks.
- Distorted Audio:
- Reduce the volume on the device and your computer.
- Check for loose cable connections.
- Disable any active SBX Pro Studio effects or equalizer settings in the Creative software to see if they are causing the distortion.
- Microphone Not Working:
- Ensure the microphone is securely plugged into the mic-in jack.
- Check microphone settings in your computer's sound control panel and in the Creative software.
- Verify that the microphone is not muted on the device or in software settings.
- Remote Control Issues:
- Ensure there is a clear line of sight between the remote and the device.
- Replace the remote control battery if necessary.
Specifications
- Model Number: 70SB109500000
- Hardware Platform: Headphones
- Item Weight: 7.5 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 8.94 x 2.4 x 6.3 inches
- Color: Black
- Batteries: 1 Lithium Metal battery required (included for remote)
- Compatible Devices: Personal Computer
- Hardware Interface: USB
- Audio Output Mode: Dolby Digital, Stereo, Surround Sound
- Platform Support: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista (Business, Enterprise, Home Basic, Home Premium, Ultimate), Windows XP (Home Edition, Professional)
What's in the Box
- Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro USB Audio System
- USB Cable
- Compact IR Remote Control (with battery)
- Installation CD (drivers and software)
- Quick Start Guide
Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the documentation included in your product packaging or visit the official Creative website. Product registration may be required to activate your warranty.
Important Note: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm (Proposition 65 warning).
Official Product Video
Video: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro USB Audio System with SBX SB1095. This video provides a visual overview of the product's features and connectivity.
