Sound Blaster AE-X is an internal PCIe sound card for demanding PC builds, bringing a top-tier ESS ES9039Q2M DAC, 32-bit/384 kHz playback and a 130 dB dynamic range. Thanks to a discrete headphone amplifier, 7.1 virtual surround sound and advanced sound tuning, it is a significant upgrade over typical integrated audio.
Hi-Res audio with an ESS DAC and 130 dB dynamics
The high-end ESS ES9039Q2M converter delivers exceptionally clean sound, a 130 dB dynamic range, and playback up to 32-bit/384 kHz for maximum detail in music, movies, and games.
Powerful headphone amplifier for demanding headphones
The integrated discrete amplifier provides up to 350 mW @ 32 Ω, which significantly exceeds typical integrated audio and makes it easy to drive even studio headphones. Support for DSD256 and ASIO 2.3 helps keep latency low and fidelity high.
7.1 surround sound and wide connectivity options
Enjoy 7.1 virtual surround sound for an immersive soundstage and easy desktop integration. The card offers a coaxial output and an optical input, and together with analog and digital I/O it makes it easy to connect headphones, microphones, speakers, and other devices.
Sound Blaster AE-X takes PC audio to the next level—whether you’re listening to music, watching movies, or playing games. It uses the high-quality ESS ES9039Q2M converter, which ensures clarity and detail with a dynamic range of up to 130 dB and support for 32-bit/384 kHz playback.
The integrated, high-performance headphone amplifier delivers up to 350 mW @ 32 Ω, so it can handle even studio headphones with ease. Support for DSD256 and ASIO 2.3 also helps ensure low latency and lossless quality for immersive listening.
Main advantages:
- 7.1 virtual surround sound for a wider, more immersive soundstage
- Parametric equalizer and Acoustic Engine for precise tuning to your preferences
- AutoEq feature to adjust the frequency response of supported headphones
- Ability to save, import, and share sound profiles
- Desktop connectivity including coaxial output and optical input for flexible integration into a home audio system
Specifications
- Type
- Internal sound card
- Interface
- PCIe
- D/A converter (DAC)
- ESS ES9039Q2M
- Dynamic range
- 130 dB
- Max. playback resolution
- 32-bit / 384 kHz
- Headphone amplifier
- Discrete, integrated
- Headphone amplifier power
- Up to 350 mW @ 32 Ω
- DSD support
- DSD256
- ASIO support
- ASIO 2.3
- Surround sound
- Virtual 7.1
- Equalizer
- Parametric equalizer
- Sound enhancements
- Acoustic Engine
- Automatic calibration
- AutoEq (for supported headphones)
- Digital connectivity
- Coaxial output, optical input
- I/O
- Analog and digital inputs/outputs (depending on the connectors installed on the card)