Creative Launches Sound Blaster X1 USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier

Creative Technology launched the Sound Blaster X1, an updated version of its SXFI AMP introduced in 2018, offering an improved USB DAC and headphone amplifier in the same exact compact form-factor. The Sound Blaster X1 combines the company's Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine with its Super X-Fi Headphone Holography technology, one of the earliest attempts at a binaural spatial audio engine. The difference is that the Sound Blaster X1 is now targeted for all computer audio needs.

HyperX, the gaming peripherals team at HP, announced it has surpassed the one million shipping milestone with its line of USB microphones, exceeding the companies own expectations for the category. Initially introduced into the microphone market in 2019, the HyperX QuadCast USB microphone became a popular choice for gamers, streamers and influencers. As demand for microphones increased, HyperX expanded its portfolio with the customizable QuadCast S and affordable SoloCast to fulfill the need for gamers, content creators, students, and business professionals working from home.

Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) technology has been adopted by ASUS for its latest ROG (Republic of Gamers) Delta S headphones. The headset, was designed to offer superior audio quality for gaming enthusiasts, being equipped with a Hi-Res ESS Quad-DAC and large, high-quality drivers, allowing gamers to enjoy music streamed in high resolution. That is, for those that don't mind listening to music while their headphones glow constantly due to the circular RGB lighting effect! But at least the ROG Delta S are a comfortable USB-C design for PCs, consoles and mobile gaming.

The latest innovation from Røde Microphones, the NT-USB Mini is a compact USB microphone that offers studio-quality recording direct to a computer or tablet. Designed with a new high-quality condenser capsule to deliver crystal-clear, professional sound in a powerful yet easy-to-use package, the NT-USB Mini is a perfect microphone for gamers, podcasters, musicians, streamers, business professionals, and more.

In what the company calls its biggest consumer launch ever, Plantronics announced the simultaneous release of a completely new and ambitious range of headphones and earphones for active lifestyles, travelers and gamers. New Bluetooth 5 wireless models include the True Wireless BackBeat FIT 3100 for active enthusiasts, and the BackBeat GO 810 (over-ear) and 410 (in-ear) with ANC for frequent travelers, together with the RIG PRO Series Gaming Headset for gamers, all featuring updated technologies and a refined design.

While the gaming graphics card and displays market continues to grow and push consumer expectations forward with beautifully immersive visuals, SteelSeries believes that audio reproduction in speaker and headset solutions has fallen behind the curve. Now, the fast-growing gaming headset brand, introduced the Arctis Pro Line to raise the stakes in premium headset performance for gaming and entertainment on PlayStation 4 consoles and PC.