Setup & Performance
The Creative SoundBlaster G3 is actually quite a simple beast in its most typical day to day uses. Plus in the USB cable to power the device, which can also provide the audio on compatible devices, or connect the optical cable as required. Then plug in your headphones and boom, you’re rocking.
Honestly, it’s that simple, plug and play, and you’ve got a fantastic headphone amp. Plugging your favourite Sennheiser headphones into the TV headphone jack just isn’t going to get the job done. However, this amp has processing grunt that’ll rival most high-end home AV receivers, albeit with a more focused input/output range. For that alone, it’s great, but there’s a lot more than just providing the driving force for great sounding headphones.
With an impressive 24-bit sound output, it’ll give you the best your consoles, PC and mobile devices can deliver. It doesn’t quite do the same job as my Creative SXFI with the fancy holography, but it will give you powerful processing none the less.
The fun lies in the software, which is actually similar to the software on their fantastic Katana PC soundbar/sub. Here you can dial in an enormous bass response, treble, mid-range punch, or even temper the tones. There’s a lot to do here, but it’s basically an EQ and mixing desk. However, you can do this from your mobile, desktop, etc, it’s all easy. However, what matters is the big button, we all wanna push the big button.
Right in the middle of the control, you’ll find your SBX profile, setup whichever profile you want, hit it, and you’re rocking. There are many gaming presets built-in, but honestly, a little experimentation goes a long way. I personally think cinema profiles are the best, but I do play mostly single-player games.
The mixing features are OK if a little complicated to control from the actually amp its self. However, I didn’t find it something that required constant maintenance. Take the time, dial it in just how you like it and with any luck, you’ll be able to leave it alone for quite some time.
