Review: Sound Blaster Play! 3 (sound card)

Sound Blaster makes a return to our systems. Can this external USB sound card, available for under 300 SEK, deliver worthwhile performance?

For those involved in the PC scene during the 90s, Creative Labs and their Sound Blaster sound cards hold a significant place. Many of us assembled and frequently upgraded our PCs, driven by the constant release of new sound cards, graphics cards, motherboards, and Intel/AMD processors, all in pursuit of improved FPS in our 3D games. Some might recall the original Sound Blaster, with its 8-bit audio, and the early 90s Sound Blaster 16 (bits), which was eventually succeeded by the Sound Blaster AWE64 in the years leading up to the millennium.

Sound Blaster 2017

With the rise of integrated motherboards (featuring built-in graphics and sound), the shift towards portable computers, and our editorial team’s transition to Apple’s Mac systems approximately a decade ago, Sound Blaster faded from prominence. However, Creative Labs recently contacted us to showcase their updated range for the 2010s (see our review of their premium headphones, AURvana Platinum), which includes a revival of the Sound Blaster concept. Unlike the ISA circuit boards of the past, the Sound Blaster 2017 is a compact USB dongle featuring a built-in DAC (digital-to-analog converter) capable of delivering 24-bit audio at up to 96kHz. DACs are essential for analog headphones (connected via 3.5mm jack) to produce audible sound by converting digital signals. This conversion can introduce quality loss and analog noise. While wireless or fully digital connections (e.g., USB or Apple’s Lightning) eliminate this issue, analog connections remain prevalent, even in high-end headphones costing upwards of 15 000 SEK. Maximizing headphone performance requires a high-quality DAC, which is often lacking in laptops.

This limitation stems from space constraints and cost considerations. Integrating the sound chip directly onto the motherboard alongside other components within the computer can lead to interference from electrical currents. Furthermore, laptops prioritize general functionality over audiophile-grade amplification. Dedicated amplifiers offer superior performance but lack portability. The Sound Blaster Play! 3 addresses this by providing a portable and affordable audio boost.

The Sound Blaster Play! 3 connects via a standard USB port and provides two 3.5mm jacks: one for headphone output and one for microphone input. Ideally, two audio outputs would be preferable, allowing two users to share the same audio source, a common need during travel. While cleaning up an analog mic signal might seem useful, most professional microphones now utilize USB connections for superior sound quality and reduced noise, such as Blue Microphones’ popular Yeti or Snowball. Analog mics are generally relegated to inexpensive karaoke setups, such as SingStar.

So, what does the Sound Blaster Play! 3 offer in terms of audio enhancement for its 250 SEK price point? In practice, it delivers a respectable boost. The sound volume is noticeably increased, requiring a lower volume setting on the Mac and allowing for volume adjustments within the Play’s app (though it’s often unnecessary) or directly in applications like Spotify or iTunes. The DAC performs commendably for its size and cost, providing a richer and more spacious sound, resulting in a warmer and more engaging listening experience. The source audio quality remains crucial, but we observed that headphones which were previously difficult to drive directly from the computer performed noticeably better with the dongle connected, a significant achievement for an accessory in this price range.

However, it is important to maintain realistic expectations. The quality of the audio source and high-quality headphones remain paramount. The Sound Blaster Play! 3 cannot magically transform a poor recording into a pristine one, or make cheap plastic headphones sound like professional-grade equipment. For its price, the Sound Blaster Play! 3 delivers on its promises and is a worthwhile investment for users seeking to enhance their audio experience.