Setup and Usage
As is expected with most USB devices, the Sound Blaster X4 is very easy to set up. Simply connect X4 to your PC using the supplied USB-A to USB-C cable, and let Windows detect and install the device. Once that is complete, the X4 will be available within Windows the list of audio devices for both input and output functions. At this point you could begin to use the X4 with no issues, but if you want to gain the full feature set and control of the unit, you will need to install the Creative App software from Creative.
Once in Creative App, we find our Sound Blaster X4 front and center. From this first page on the left menu, we can quickly access and adjust many of the features of the X4 by clicking on the feature name, or even toggling a slider. Below is a quick rundown of each of these features and what they do.
Sound Mode – This option allows you to make quick adjustments to your audio settings, as well as utilize a pre-tuned audio profile for select games and application types. These include, Music and Movies, as well as profiles for games like Apex Legends, Fortnite, and League of Legends, to name a few. You can also create custom profiles to match your specific needs.
Super X-Fi – Toggles Super X-Fi and SXFI BATTLE Mode on or off via software, as opposed to the dedicated button on the X4 itself. In order to take advantage of the SXFI offerings, you will need to install a mobile app or Windows Store app that will visually and acoustically map your head to provide a custom profile just for you. If you don’t have access to an SXFI headset or speaker set, you can also utilize the SXFI option by selecting the Unknown option.
Acoustic Engine – Allows for customization of surround sound effects, Bass, Smart Volume, and others, independently for both headphones and speakers.
Equalizer – Adjust EQ settings on a 10-band EQ. Adjustments for the preamp, bass, and treble are found here as well.
SmartComms Kit – By installing the optional SmartComms application, you can adjust additional communications options like VoiceDetect for your microphone type, mute delay, and others. NoiseClean-out and NoiseClean-in will remove unwanted background noise from incoming and outgoing audio, which can be very handy for virtual meetings and in-game comms.
CrystalVoice – Additional noise reduction, echo cancellation, and smart volume controls for better communication quality. You can also choose from multiple Voice Morph options to change your voice into different characters and accents.
Direct Mode – Removes all audio effects, and delivers audio directly from the source, through the X4. This option can also be toggled on and off via the dedicated button on the X4.
Scout Mode – This mode enhances the subtle audio cues that can help provide additional pinpointing of enemies in your game.
Encoder – Encodes stereo or multi-channel streams into Dolby Digital Live surround sound.
Mixer – Make quick adjustments to your playback, monitoring, and recording settings based on your audio sources.
Moving to the Playback menu, we find the ability to adjust the audio quality for both Speakers and the SPDIF output. This ranges from 16-bit, 48kHz to 24-bit, 192kHz for both, as well as Dolby Digital Live for the SPDIF Out option. There is also the option to adjust and test both Headphones and Speakers (Line Out) settings to better pair up with your connected devices. There is also a test button that will play a sound through each physical or virtual channel so that you can determine the right setting for your setup.
The Recording menu lets you adjust the audio quality setting from a premade list of options for the SPDIF In, Line In, Microphone, and What U Hear options. The options available range from 16-bit, 48kHz to 24-bit 96kHz.
The Settings menu offers access to reset the Sound Blaster X4, as well as the ability to install firmware and drive updates from Creative. Application options are also available for updates, appearance, and other automated processes.
