The Sound Blaster G8 is the latest version in Creative’s G-series of external sound cards. Lightweight and portable, it is powered via USB, whether connected directly to your computer or, if used with a phone only, to a standard USB charger. Despite its small size, it has a wealth of connectivity options and is capable of a lot more than driving headphones, connecting a microphone, or being a preamp for active speakers.
MAIN TAKEAWAY
- Impressive performance with a wide variety of headphones
- Great sounding DAC
- Abundance of inputs and functions
- Great for live streams and mixing audio sources
- Versatile and compact
SOUND HARDWARE
There isn’t much info about the DAC, except that the Sound Blaster G8 can playback up to 32-bit/384 kHz high-resolution files natively, a number that I don’t care about at all. CD-quality is good enough for almost all practical purposes; there are even competent claims that high resolution makes the end result worse. Anyway, you have the possibility.
The headphone amplifier uses Creative’s Xamp discrete bi-amplifier, which “drives the left and right channels of headphones individually.” How this is possible without a balanced connection is beyond me, though. That being said, I am not a big fan of balanced audio for headphones; it just makes things more expensive.
The headphone output impedance is 1 ohm. This is low enough for all headphones. Creative boasts that it’s ultra-low, but compared to most dedicated headphone amplifiers today, it is nothing special. Anyway, it is specified to drive headphones and in-ear monitors from 8 ohm to 600 ohm. A more interesting number is the rated dynamic range of 130 dB, which is promising.
If you keep on reading, I will let my ears, headphones, and IEMs decide if the DAC and the headphone amplifier are as good as claimed.
FEATURES
The Sound Blaster G8 is a multifunctional audio device. At its core, it functions as a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with headphone and analog line outputs, both volume-regulated. Both the front and the back 3.5 mm connectors can be used for headphones or speakers alike, but the back output isn’t affected by the gain switch (it’s always on low).
The unit offers a variety of connectivity options: 2 x USB-C ports, optical input, HDMI ARC input, as well as analog microphone and line inputs. For outputs, it features an optical output in addition to the already mentioned two analog outputs (headphone and line-out).
If you have a headset with a built-in microphone, you can just connect it to the headphone input, which can receive the microphone signals.
A key feature of the G8 is its ability to mix audio from multiple inputs. It supports mixing from its two USB audio inputs, the analog input, microphone input, and either the optical or HDMI ARC input.
The Creative App is an important part of the full G8 experience. It is currently available for Windows only, but a macOS version of the Creative app is set for release in early 2025.
The app provides straightforward control over many of its functions, including:
- Playback/recording volume and settings
- Mixing audio
- Scout Mode controls for more precise gaming.
- Dialog+ controls for vocal enhancement
- Acoustic Engine controls, which give you customizable and programmed presets for, e.g., games and movies.
- 10-band EQ control
- Firmware upgrades, product registration, etc.
When it comes to the physical interface, it is well thought out and pretty simple: there is a big volume knob that regulates the volume, and there is a small knob that lets you mix volume easily between the gaming sounds and the voice chat.
The G8 top/front panel features three buttons: SBX toggles Scout Mode and audio effects, MODE enables Direct Mode for unprocessed sound, and HP/SPK switches between headphones and speakers.
The G8 supports high-res audio up to 384kHz at 32-bit, a 130dB dynamic range, and Dolby Surround (via optical or HDMI ARC input). A white LED will appear on the front panel when Dolby decoding is active.
SETUPS
You can use the Soundblaster G8 in many ways, and here are examples of possible setups, of course used in combination with headphones and/or powered speakers:
- PC/Mac or dual PC/Mac
- PC/Mac with smartphone or tablet
- USB charger and smartphone or tablet
- PS5 (with smartphone or tablet)
- Xbox (with smartphone or tablet)
- Analog source with any of the above
- Any digital sources with USB, optical or HDMI ARC output
PHYSICAL BUTTONS, KNOBS AND SWITCHES
Playback Volume Knob: Applies to Headphone/Headset out AND Line-Out. Volume level adjustment is synchronized with Windows sound via USB-1 endpoint only.
GameVoice Mix Knob: GameVoice Mix allows you to control the audio level balance between the gaming audio and incoming chat audio.
SBX Button: Toggles between audio effects (Acoustic Engine EQ), Scout Mode, and no audio effect.
Mode Button: Direct mode lets you bypass the sound effects. Direct Mode will not work when the Sound Blaster G8 is used standalone or is connected to a game console. It works when USB-1 is set as the default playback endpoint/output on a computer.
Headphones/Speakers (HP/SPK) Button: Lets you toggle between speakers and headphones. The last setting will be remembered at startup.
Headphone Gain Slide Switch (High/Low): The small switch on the backside that lets you set the headphones output gain to low or high, but high is not often needed. The line output on the back isn’t affected by the gain switch (it’s always on low).
Optical In/HDMI (ARC) Slide Switch: Small switch button on the backside is set to either accept optical input or HDMI ARC input. The selected audio input can be mixed/heard with USB-1, USB-2, and Line In.
CONNECTIVITY: INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
Headphone and Headset Port: 3.5 mm connector that supports all headphones as well as headsets with 4-pole (3.5 mm) analog connector. Automatically activates the headphones audio output (HP) once this port is plugged in, but the HP/SPK button toggles to the Line Out speaker output even if the headphones are plugged in. The last plugged-in device will determine the audio output at startup.
Microphone Port: Supports standalone microphones with 3-pole (3.5mm) analog connector. Supports microphone monitoring. Mic input level and mic monitoring level are configurable via the Creative app or in Windows/MacOS sound settings. Takes priority over the headset’s microphone. 1-channel (Mono).
USB-1/DC-USB Type-C (5V 1A): This port automatically provides power to the Sound Blaster G8 when connected to a power source such as a computer, game console, or USB power adapter. This is the primary USB port and can be connected to a PC, Mac, or game console. The audio input can be mixed/heard with USB-2, Line In, and Optical In or HDMI ARC.
USB-2 (USB Type-C): A secondary USB-in port that can be connected to game consoles and mobile devices. The audio input can be mixed/heard with USB-1, Line In, and Optical In/HDMI (ARC). USB-2 can be used for voice audio when in Gamevoice Mix. Does not accept power input.
Line In Port: 3.5mm analog connector. Audio input can be mixed/heard with USB-1, USB-2, and Optical In/HDMI (ARC).Line In can be used for voice audio when in Gamevoice Mix.
HDMI (ARC): For the PS5 when used with a TV. Supports Gamevoice Mix.
Optical Out Port: Toslink port that can be connected to an AV receiver or digital speaker. Fixed volume level. Only active with headphones turned off.
Line Out Port: 3.5 mm analog connector. Volume is controlled by the volume knob. Can be used for powered speakers or headphones. Affected by the HP/SPK toggle button.
I did not test all these connections and functions, and my info is derived from the full description sorted by Creative, which you can read on their website HERE.
Below is the input and output chart from the manual:
TESTING: HOW DOES IT SOUND?
I’ll admit it right away: I’m not a gamer. I don’t have a full gaming setup, and I’m not the target audience for the Sound Blaster G8. However, I decided to review it because I’ve heard great things about the headphone performance of previous Creative Sound Blaster DAC/amps and sound cards. Naturally, I was curious about what the G8 brings to the table, especially given its promise to deliver a lot at a very reasonable price.
Without comparable products in the same category as the G8, I turned to my extensive headphone collection to put the Sound Blaster G8 to the test. The challenge: how well could it drive a variety of headphones, and how would it stack up against a more expensive setup?
For my comparison, I chose the Monolith THX AAA 887 amp, a unit I find to be highly versatile, neutral, and capable of pairing well with almost anything—all without being prohibitively expensive. While it’s currently out of stock at Monoprice with no promise of being back in stock, its price typically ranged between $299 and $399, making it more expensive than the G8 itself. As source, I used the RME ADI-2 DAC FS (priced around $1,300) connected to the Wiim Pro Plus digital streamer.
The Sound Blaster G8 was powered using a standard USB charger and received its music directly from my Android phone. For playback, I used Qobuz paired with the USB Audio Player PRO app, which, when active, takes dedicated control over the USB audio unit—you don’t hear the sound from other apps. If I do not use the USB Pro App, the G8 plays everything my phone plays but ignores my phone’s mic. The connection was seamless, using the USB-C cable included with the G8—no need for an additional OTG adapter.
OPEN-BACK HEADPHONES
SENNHEISER HD650/HD6XX
- Price HD650: ~$350
- Price HD6XX: ~$200
- Open-back
- Dynamic driver
- 300 ohm
- 115 dB/V or 103 dB/mW @1 kHz
The HD650 is a legendary headphone. It has been in production since 2003, and it’s still a reference. The $219 HD6XX sold by Drop is basically the same headphone, just with a different colour and accessories, at a lower price.
The HD650 is famous for its warm midrange and sweet highs. It also has a nice mid-bass, but rolls off gradually in the deeper end. The soundstage is usually quite intimate, but the imaging is good. The HD650 is detailed yet smooth, and personally I am very fond of it. I’m always curious to see how an amplifier can power the HD650.
I’m happy to say that the G8 drives the HD650 very well. It’s on the crisper and brighter side, but not edgy or unpleasant. If you think the HD650 is too smooth and laid back, the G8 might do the trick for you; it makes the HD650 very snappy and quick on its feet. The soundstage is not the largest, but the imaging is very good, with great separation of instruments. But again, the HD650 sounds very crisp and snappy, in a good way.
My desktop rig sounds slightly smoother and warmer, not as crisp. I prefer the desktop rig; it retains that smoothness I like about the HD650, but the G8 does a fantastic job for the price. Consider me impressed!
Link to Amazon: HD650
SENNHEISER HD660S
- ~$350, discontinued
- Open-back
- Dynamic driver.
- 150 ohm
- 104 dB/V @ 1 kHz
The HD660S are great-sounding, midrange-focused headphones that lack bass extension, but it’s otherwise a great pair, quite similar to the HD650, except the HD650 has better bass in the lower end. Anyway, the Sennheiser HD660S sounds great with the G8, actually very close to my desktop rig.
SENNHEISER HD660S2
- Price: $450-$600
- Open-back
- Dynamic driver
- 300 ohm
- 104 dB/V (at 1 kHz)
The HD660S2 is the successor of the HD660S and has much in common with the HD650 (HD6XX) and the HD600. Compared to the HD650, it’s slightly crisper and clearer and has a few dB extra in the deeper low end (that doesn’t really make that much of a difference, in my opinion).
Anyway, the HD660S2 also sounds great with the G8, with a surprisingly small difference to my desktop setup.
Link to Amazon: HD660S2
SENNHEISER HD560S
- Price: ~$150
- Open-back
- Dynamic driver
- 120 ohm
- 110 dB/V (at 1 kHz)
The HD560S are excellent budget-friendly, all-round headphones. Surprisingly, despite being more affordable and seemingly easier to drive than the two models mentioned earlier, they are apparently more picky on the amplifier in this case, sounding notably better with the desktop rig. That said, it still sounds very good on the G8.
Link to Amazon: HD560S
BEYERDYNAMIC DT1990PRO
- Price: ~$400
- Open-back
- Dynamic driver
- 250 ohm
- 102 dB (1 mW/500 Hz)
This is a very nice and quite balanced-sounding headphone, but like most Beyerdynamic headphones, this can get a bit too hot in the treble with certain amps and sources. The Soundblaster G8, however, does a great job. I have no problem with the edgy treble, and I find that the difference to the desktop rig is rather small and absolute terms. Another headphone that sounds surprisingly good with the G8.
Link to Amazon: DT1990PRO
FIIO FT5
- Price: ~ $450
- Open-back
- Planar magnetic driver
- 36 ohm
- 110dB/Vrms (@1kHz), 96dB/mW (@1kHz)
The FT5 are warm-sounding headphones with great bass extension. The G8 has no problem driving these headphones, sounding very close to my desktop rig, albeit lacking the utter final word on clarity in direct comparison.
Link to Amazon: FiiO FT5
PHILIPS FIDELIO X3
- Price: ~$150
- Open-back
- Dynamic driver
- 30 ohm
- 98 dB/1mW
This combo sounds fantastic. The X3 has a huge soundstage and great imaging, which might be especially noteworthy considering the G8’s gaming focus. It offers great bass extension, polite midrange quantity, and quite present treble, all although not too crisp. It is very detailed, but not as warm-sounding as the Sennheisers or the FiiO FT5, so if that is your cup of tea, the X3 might not be optimal, but for gamers, I think this is a killer combo.
Link to Amazon: FIDELIO X3
HIFIMAN HE400SE
- Price: ~ $110
- Open-back
- Planar magnetic driver.
- 32 ohm
- 91dB/mW
Il The HE400SE is a fantastic headphone, as long as you pair it with a decently powerful amplifier. If so, the HE400SE delivers great bass, warm mids, and crisp highs. The G8 is more than powerful enough to make the HE400SE shine. The result is a well-balanced, delicate, and musical presentation with terrific bass performance.
Compared to the desktop rig, the G8 gets very close; the desktop rig is slightly smoother without losing detail. The HE400SE is highly recommended.
Link to Amazon: HE400SE
HIFIMAN SUNDARA
- Price: ~ $280-350
- Open-back
- Planar magnetic driver.
- 37 ohm
- 94 dB/mW
The Sundara is HE400SE’s closest relative. They have much in common in terms of sound, looks, and demands on the amplifier. Both thrive with power, but the Sundara is slightly easier to drive. However, I find the G8 powerful enough for them both. Compared to the desktop setup, I find it to sound very close to the G8. Sundara comes highly recommended.
Link to Amazon: Hifiman Sundara
HIFIMAN EDITION XS
- Price: ~ $280-350
- Open-back
- Planar magnetic driver.
- 18 ohm
- 92 dB/mW
The Hifiman XS is a very good headphone at a very good price. Like most planar magnetic headphones, it has great bass extension and detail. It also has great detail all along the rest of the frequency curve, and the sound stage is huge. With the wrong amplifier, it can sound a bit bright and the midrange can get a bit too polite in presence, but I do not find that it is a problem with the G8. The tonal balance is very good, and as with the HE400SE and Sundara, there is no shortage of power or dynamics. Highly recommended.
Link to Amazon: Hifiman XS
CLOSED BACK HEADPHONES
FiiO FT1
- Price: ~ $149
- Closed-back
- Dynamic driver.
- 32 ohm
- 113dB/Vrms@1kHz – 98dB/mW@1kHz
The FiiO FT1, a recently released and highly praised headphone, delivers excellent performance. It offers a great soundstage for a closed-back design, with a slightly warm tilt much due to its deep, powerful bass. I hoped it would pair well with the G8, and it does—sounding excellent and offering great value. However, the difference when using a desktop rig is significant, highlighting its ability to scale. Despite this, the FT1 still sounds fantastic with the G8 and comes highly recommended.
Link to Amazon: FiiO FT1
BEYERDYNAMIC DT1770PRO
- Price: ~$400
- Closed-back
- Dynamic driver
- 250 ohm
- 102 dB (1 mW/500 Hz)
This is DT1990PRO’s closed-back sibling. It offers high detail level and has great noise isolation, especially with the pleather pads; however, I prefer the velour for both comfort and sound.
Unfortunately, unlike the DT1990PRO, it sounds a bit edgy and harsh in the upper mids and treble with the G8. This headphone is significantly better with the desktop rig, and I wouldn’t recommend this combo.
Link to Amazon: DT1770PRO
AUDIO TECHNICA ATH-M50X
- Price: ~$150
- Closed-back
- Dynamic driver
- 38 ohm
- 99 dB
The ATH-M50X needs no introduction; it is widely regarded as one of the better-value closed-back headphones available. It’s sturdy and semi-foldable; accessories are widely available. You can use a range of oval or circular pads; my set features Hifiman’s classic circular velour pads, which change the sound to some degree compared to the original pads. However, pad choice shouldn’t matter much for amplifier comparisons.
While the ATH-M50X is clear, detailed, and quite well balanced, I’m personally not a big fan. Its sound is crisper and brighter than I prefer, occasionally feeling overly sharp. My desktop rig does soften its edge slightly compared to the G8. If you like the M50x, I don’t think the G8 does much wrong, but I personally prefer warmer and lusher-sounding earphones.
Link to Amazon: ATH-M50X
IN EAR MONITORS (IEMs)
I tend to prefer in-ear monitors over closed-back headphones for several reasons: The sound quality is often superior when price is considered, and I mostly find them more comfortable. The downside with headphones is that you have a big thing that circumcises your ear; it can get warm, and the clamping and weight can be an issue. The two downsides I have with in-ear monitors are that you have something in your ear canal, and they can be a bit fiddly to put in and out. Old style earbuds that rest in your outer rear are better for some, but they can never achieve the same bass quality and quantity.
There’s a growing trend of IEMs marketed as “made for gamers.” While their tuning might differ slightly from other IEMs, the difference is minor, and virtually any IEM can be used for gaming.
Of the ones I tested, only one model had an issue with background hiss: the Kiwi Ears Orchestra Light (18 ohms, 112 dB, $250), While its sound quality is excellent, the noticeable hiss on quiet music isn’t worth it. None of the other IEMs I tested had this problem.
Comparing the G8 to my desktop rig, I found that the desktop setup consistently delivered more refined and better sound quality, though the G8 still performs admirably.
Here are my impressions of a few selected IEMs:
FINAL AUDIO VR3000 FOR GAMERS
- Price: ~$75
- In-ear monitor
- Single dynamic driver
- 18 ohm
- 101 dB/mW
The well established Japanese IEM and headphone manufacturer Final Audio has released three gaming-focused IEMs. I have reviewed them all. They are very detailed and have a great sound stage. However, for music listening, I find them to be lacking a bit of warmth, depending on the tips used. They’re more musical with foam tips, but have a bigger soundstage with silicone. The VR series IEMs are made with a mic on the cable. To use it with the G8 and have the mic working, you just plug it into the headphone port, which supports headsets with analog built-in mics. If you want to use your own microphone, the mic input overrides the headset’s microphone, so that will not be a problem.
Anyway, the G8 does a great job driving the VR3000.
My full review is found here: VR3000 Review
Compared to the VR2000: Comparison
KIWI EARS CADENZA
- Price: ~$35
- In-ear monitor
- Single dynamic driver
- 32 ohm
- 110 dB
Kiwi Ears has released a range of well-tuned IEMs over the last few years. The Cadenza is a great-sounding, cheap IEM. It plays very well and sounds very musical with the G8. It has quite strong bass, smooth midrange, and quite delicate highs. The soundstage is fine.
Link to Amazon Kiwi Cadenza / Linsoul: Kiwi Cadenza
TRUTHEAR x CRINACLE ZERO:RED SPECIFICATIONS
- Price: ~$55
- In-ear monitor
- Two dynamic drivers
- 17.5 ohm
- 117.5 dB/V
These are very popular well balanced earphones and they sound great with the G8. In my experience they really need some power to shine, and it is not a problem with the G8. One thing to be aware of is that these IEMs have rather long nozzles, which, depending on your ears, might be a good thing or not.
Link to Amazon: ZERO:RED
LETSHUOER S08
- Price: ~$90
- In-ear monitor
- Single planar magnetic driver
- 26 ohm
- 105 dB
Planar magnetic IEMs tend to need some juice to shine. The G8 does a great job, and the S08 sounds clear and musical, spacious, and has great bass. Full review here: Letshuoer S08 Review
Amazon: Letshuoer S08 / Linsoul: Letshuoer S08
SIMGOT EM6L
- Price: ~$110
- In-ear monitor
- 26 ohm
- 119 dB/V
- Hybrid: One dynamic and two balanced armature drivers per side
This is another IEM targeted at gamers. As the Final VR2000/VR3000, it has a polite midrange presence, which tends to give a better sense of openness. It sounds good, and there is no problem with hiss. Full review here: Simgot EM6L Review
Link to Amazon: Simgot EM6L / Linsoul: Simgot EM6L
KIWI EARS KE4
- Price: ~$400
- In-ear monito
- 28 ohm
- 102 dB
- Hybrid: Dual dynamic driver and two balanced armatures
A very nice IEM. Strong bass, great vocals, generally warm presentation, not the largest soundstage, but adequate. Full review here: Kiwi Ears KE4 Review
Link to Amazon: Kiwi Ears KE4 / Linsoul: Kiwi Ears KE4
THIEAUDIO HYPE 4
- Price: ~$400
- In-ear monitor
- 17 ohm
- 105 dB
- Hybrid: 2 dynamic drivers and 4 balanced armature drivers per side
This is an expensive but excellent-sounding IEM. The bass is powerful yet refined, striking a perfect balance without overwhelming. The soundstage is impressively spacious, while the midrange and highs are delicate, richly detailed, and nuanced. The G8 does the Hype 4 no injustice. Full review here: Thieaudio Hype 4 Review
Link to Amazon: Hype 4 / Linsoul: Hype 4
CONCLUSION
The Sound Blaster G8 is an exceptionally versatile device, serving as a compact sound card, audio hub, mixer, and most notably, a DAC/Amp for headphones. Its performance as a standalone DAC/Amp is so impressive that it justifies the price on that merit alone. Highly recommended.
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