If you're frustrated by not being able to determine the direction of enemy footsteps in FPS games, this product may dramatically change your gaming experience.

This amazing gaming amplifier, winner of the CES 2019 Innovations Awards , packs full-scale specs with a dynamic range of 130dB and 32bit/384kHz compatibility into a housing smaller than a smartphone.

📊 Product basic specifications and appeal in 30 seconds

See key technical specifications and features at a glance.

The biggest feature of this product

• Dedicated presets for popular titles such as Apex and Fortnite
• Scout Mode enhances footsteps for a tactical advantage
• In Direct Mode for music listening , the sound quality is "almost the same as the FiiO K5 PRO"

A decisive difference from competing products

It surpasses the SteelSeries GameDAC in gaming performance, while overwhelmingly superior in music sound quality, and offers better positioning than the ASTRO MixAmp, all at a lower price.

🌟 TOP 5 Special Charms of Sound BlasterX G6

We will introduce five outstanding features of this product along with specific usage scenarios.

Feature 1: Surreal 3D sound that lets you hear enemy footsteps as if they were right in front of your eyes

You can hear the direction of footsteps, which is the most important factor in FPS games, as accurately as if you were there.

Xamp discrete headphone amplification (dual mono configuration) provides independent amplification circuits for the left and right channels, making the sound seem to come from far away rather than inside your head.

Specific scenes

• In Apex and Fortnite, you can accurately determine the distance of enemy footsteps approaching from behind a building.
• Instantly determine the direction of gunfire and take the initiative in Call of Duty
• It is relatively easy to distinguish between up and down, which is advantageous for multi-layered maps.

User testimonials

It has been praised for its excellent sense of positioning, particularly its excellent reproduction of the sense of distance. It is said to achieve a better sense of positioning than the ASTRO MixAmp.

Technical backing

The surround capabilities of the SBX Acoustic Engine expand the sound field, creating a holographic 3D effect, with sounds coming not only from the left and right, but also from the front and rear, creating an enveloping soundstage.

Advantage 2: Presets for famous titles make it immediately usable

A wide range of presets are available, tuned for famous titles such as Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Apex Legends. You can play with optimized sound right out of the box.

Specific scenes

• Simply start a game and select a preset to set up the optimal sound settings for that game.
• Genre-specific presets such as FPS and RPG are also available, making it compatible with a wide range of games.
• Press the Scout Mode button to instantly enhance footsteps, gunfire, and weapon switch sounds.

Technical Advantages

These presets encapsulate the accumulated know-how of Creative Labs, which introduced the first gaming sound card nearly 20 years ago.

The advanced multi-core audio processor, SBAxx1, optimizes game audio in real time.

Advantage 3: Overwhelming power to drive 600Ω headphones in an ultra-compact 144g body

It's smaller than a modern smartphone and weighs just 144g , yet can drive difficult-to-drive high-impedance headphones like the Sennheiser HD660S and Quad Era-1 at extremely high volumes.

Specific scenes

• Smart placement of cables to keep your desk clutter-free
• Easy to carry to LAN parties or a friend's house
• The rubber base keeps it stable on the desk.

User testimonials

It has been highly praised as a "compact, lightweight, USB bus-powered, yet powerful amplifier capable of driving headphones up to 600 ohms ."

Technical backing

The output impedance is ultra-low at 1 ohm , and it can handle a wide range of loads, from highly sensitive IEMs to difficult to drive 600 ohm loads.

By using the gain switch to switch between the L side (16 to 149 Ω) and the H side (150 to 600 Ω), it is possible to optimally drive any headphones.

Advantage 4: Enjoy music with the high-quality Direct Mode of "FiiO K5 PRO class"

Don't underestimate this as a gaming console. Direct Mode disables all DSP processing, delivering sound quality on par with that of professional audio equipment.

• 32bit/384kHz PCM playback
• DSD64/128 support
• Dynamic range 130dB
• Distortion rate 0.0002%

Specific scenes

• High-quality playback of high-resolution audio sources such as Tidal Masters via ASIO drivers
• Enjoy high-quality music on the same device during your break after gaming
• Optical digital output allows for better connection to DACs and powered speakers

User testimonials

"The sound quality in Direct Mode is very clear and high-resolution, almost on the same level as the FiiO K5 PRO , and produces very good sound for its price range. It's clean and rich in detail," one reviewer said.

Technical backing

Equipped with a high-quality DAC chip, the Cirrus Logic CS43131, and a dedicated ADC (CS5361), it boasts a dynamic range superior to many PCs and laptops on the market.

Feature 5: Intuitive sound creation with the innovative equalizer pencil

Not only can you adjust 10 frequency bands from -12dB to 12dB, but it also features an "Equalizer Pencil" function that lets you draw and set the frequency response curve directly with a pen, allowing you to intuitively create the ideal sound without any specialized knowledge.

Specific scenes

• If you want to emphasize the bass, just trace the low range
• If you want to make vocals stand out, just boost the mids
• The lighting of the "X" logo on the top can also be customized (color, flashing speed, music synchronization) using the Sound Blaster Connect 2 app.

Technical Advantages

The gaps between bands are automatically interpolated, maintaining smooth frequency characteristics.

However, since turning on the SBX button also turns on the equalizer at the same time, you will need to create a preset on your PC to adjust the sound for a clearer sound.

⚠️ Three things you should know before purchasing

We will introduce some important points to be aware of in advance, as well as countermeasures and a positive outlook.

[Point 1] Operation and adjustments are complicated for beginners

💡 Countermeasures

To get started, simply select a preset specifically for your game title.

Simply press the Scout Mode and SBX buttons to instantly enable footstep enhancement and 3D sound.

You can configure it visually by installing Sound Blaster Connect 2 (old version/stable version recommended).

Rather, this is a good point

Some say the Sound Blaster G3 is easier to use, but the G6 is versatile enough to allow users of all skill levels to dig deeper into settings as they grow.

Although the positioning is slightly inferior to the Arctis Pro + GameDAC, the microphone sound quality is overwhelmingly superior.

[Point 2] The USB terminal is the old Micro-USB Type B

💡 Countermeasures

Keep the included cable safe so that it does not get lost, and connect it to a stable USB port, such as the back of your desktop PC.

Using a USB hub may cause unstable operation, so a direct connection is recommended.

Rather, this is a good point

The new Sound Blaster X3/X4 are USB-C compatible, but their maximum playback resolution is limited to 24-bit/192kHz.

The G6's 32-bit/384kHz support remains excellent, making it ideal for users who want to enjoy high-resolution audio sources to the fullest.

Point 3: Slightly V-shaped frequency response even in Direct Mode

💡 Countermeasures

When listening to music, the highs and mid-lows tend to be boosted slightly, relegating the midrange and vocals to the background.

By using the equalizer to boost the mid-range by +2 to 3 dB, you can achieve a more balanced sound.

Rather, this is a good point

The V-shape is ideal for gaming, enhancing bass punch and high definition, making explosions and footsteps sound crisper.

This tuning makes sense for a product that aims to "combine both games and music" rather than a dedicated music device.

🎮 Complete guide to the best performance

We will explain in detail compatible devices, recommended headphones, optimal game genres, and setup tips.

Supported devices

• PC (Windows 10 or later) : USB connection for 7.1ch virtual surround, 32-bit/384kHz playback, Direct Mode, and full functionality
• PS4 : Simultaneous USB and optical digital connection for Dolby Digital 5.1ch Surround + GameVoice Mix (game and voice chat volume can be adjusted with the on-board dial)
• Xbox One : Dolby Digital 5.1ch Surround via optical digital connection

Recommended headphones/earphones (by impedance)

• 16-149 ohms (gain L recommended) : High sensitivity IEM, general gaming headset
• 150 to 600 ohms (gain H recommended) : Sennheiser HD660S, Quad Era-1, and other difficult-to-drive headphones
• Note : Specialized planar magnetic headphones such as the Hifiman Arya may experience clipping/distortion at high gain levels above 70%

Best game genre

• FPS (Call of Duty, Fortnite, Apex Legends) : Scout Mode emphasizes footsteps and gunfire, and SBX Surround clarifies directionality
• Battle Royale : Excellent sense of distance reproduction, allowing you to predict enemy positions from distant gunfire and vehicle sounds
• RPG/Action : 3D sound effects increase the sense of immersion, allowing you to immerse yourself deeper in the world.

Setting tips

1. PC connection : Install Sound Blaster Connect 2 (old version/stable version recommended)
2. Preset selection : Select a preset for the game title you want to play
3. SBX Surround Adjustment : We recommend setting the Surround parameter to a maximum of 60% (if it is too strong, the positioning will become unclear)
4. Scout Mode : ON if you want to prioritize footsteps. However, it has the drawback of making it difficult to determine the direction and distance of the sound, so use it as you like.
5. Equalizer : Essential for clear sound. Create a preset with all SBX turned off and use the equalizer alone.
6. Direct Mode : When listening to music, press and hold the Scout Mode button to completely disable the DSP (the button will flash).

The experience you can gain from this product

• Improved competitiveness : Accurately identify the direction and distance of footsteps for a tactical advantage that allows you to take the initiative
• Immersion : Ultra-realistic, enveloping 3D sound puts you completely in the game world
• Reduced fatigue : Clean, detailed sound quality reduces hearing fatigue even during extended play sessions
• Versatile : Not just for gaming, but for listening to high-resolution music, voice chat, streaming, and more

The Creative Sound BlasterX G6 is an amazing gaming amplifier that packs CES-winning technology and full-scale specifications with 32-bit/384kHz support into an ultra-compact body weighing just 144g.

Gain a devastating tactical advantage in FPS games with dedicated presets for popular titles, Scout Mode, and SBX 7.1ch surround sound.

On the other hand, beginners should be aware that the operation is complicated, the USB terminal is the old Micro-B, and it has a V-shaped characteristic even in Direct Mode.

However, basic functions can be used simply by selecting presets and operating buttons, and it supports higher resolution playback than the X3/X4, surpassing the GameDAC in terms of music sound quality.

lastly

If you're thinking, "I want to improve my FPS win rate," "I don't want to compromise on either games or music," or "I want a small, portable DAC/amp," why not start by trying out Scout Mode and SBX Surround in the FPS games you normally play?

You'll be sure to experience an experience that will definitely boost your winning rate, as you will learn information about footsteps that you have never heard before.

Reference sources

Sound BlasterX G6 Review - Audiophile Inside a Gamer Body | SoundNews

Creative Sound BlasterX G6 Review | HiFi Oasis

Top-Notch Desktop Gaming Amplifier Review | Soundsight Headphones

Sound BlasterX G6 Desktop Amplifier Review | eTeknix

Sound BlasterX G6 Amp/DAC Review | Home Studio Basics