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PCIe sound card with separate desktop control module, black finish

Creative Labs

Creative Labs Sound Blaster AE-9 70SB178000000 PCIe sound card

SKU CH-YXA6-GZBDQ MPN 70SB178000000

PCIe sound card with ESS 9038Q2M DAC, 32-bit 384 KHz playback, 129dB SNR, 5.1 surround and 7.1 virtual channels, plus removable ACM control module

  • Part70SB178000000
  • Audio ChipsetSound Core3D
  • Channels5.1 surround channels, and up to 7.1 virtual surround channe
  • Sample Rate384 KHz
  • Digital Audio32-bit
  • SNR129dB
  • Audiophile-grade DAC delivers 129dB SNR for pristine sound clarity
  • 32-bit 384 KHz resolution captures every audio detail
  • Removable ACM control module puts volume and inputs at your fingertips
  • 1 surround with 7.1 virtual channels creates immersive gaming audio
  • PCIe x1 interface with dedicated power ensures stable high-performance operation

Audiophile PCIe sound card

The Creative Sound Blaster AE-9 is a PCI Express x1 sound card built around an ESS 9038Q2M DAC and the Sound Core3D audio processor. It delivers 32-bit 384 KHz playback with a 129dB signal-to-noise ratio. The package includes a removable Audio Control Module that connects via a dedicated ACM Link port and requires a 6-pin PCIe power connector. The card targets enthusiasts and gamers who want high-fidelity audio on a desktop PC.

Passive main card with powered external module

The main circuit board measures 0.87" x 7.01" x 5.00" and draws no auxiliary power itself. All amplification for the headphone output is handled by the external Audio Control Module, which measures 2.56" x 5.90" x 5.04" and requires the 6-pin PCIe power connection. This separation keeps electrical noise away from the sensitive DAC section. The system requires a power supply rated at 500 W with 80Plus Bronze certification and two 6-pin PCIe connectors.

Upgrade from integrated audio or basic sound cards

This card replaces motherboard-integrated audio or entry-level PCIe sound cards that lack a dedicated external DAC and headphone amplifier. The jump is worthwhile for users who need 5.1 analogue surround plus 7.1 virtual surround, optical S/PDIF input and output, and a high-quality bi-amp headphone output with a physical volume control. It is not for buyers who need more than 5.1 analogue channels, internal-only installation, or support for operating systems beyond Windows 7 through 10.

Highlights

  • Audiophile-grade DAC delivers 129dB SNR for pristine sound clarity
  • 32-bit 384 KHz resolution captures every audio detail
  • Removable ACM control module puts volume and inputs at your fingertips
  • 1 surround with 7.1 virtual channels creates immersive gaming audio
  • PCIe x1 interface with dedicated power ensures stable high-performance operation

Specifications

BrandCreative
SeriesSound Blaster
ModelAE-9
Part70SB178000000
Audio ChipsetSound Core3D
Channels5.1 surround channels, and up to 7.1 virtual surround channels
Sample Rate384 KHz
Digital Audio32-bit
SNR129dB
EncodeDTS Connect Encoding
Line Out1 x 1/8" Rear Out
1 x 1/8" Center / Sub Out
SPDIF In1 x TOSLINK Optical In
SPDIF Out1 x TOSLINK Optical Out
Other Ports1 x ACM Link
1 x 6-pin PCI Express (PCI-e) Power Header (required for ACM)
2 x RCA (L/R) Front Out
InterfacePCI Express x1
Remote ControlYes
Operating Systems SupportedMicrosoft Windows 10 32 / 64 bit, Windows 8.1/8.0 32 / 64 bit, Windows 7 32 / 64 bit
System RequirementsIntel Core i3 AMD equivalent processor
Intel, AMD or 100% compatible motherboard
1 GB RAM
> 600 MB of free hard disk space
Available PCIe slot
Available PCI Express Power Connector for Audio Control Unit
PC Power Supply Unit must be 80Plus Bronze Certified with minimum 500 Watt power output and 2 x 6 Pin PCI Express power connector
FeaturesA Feast for Your Ears
The Sound Blaster AE-9 is built with the absolute best components to deliver pristine, detailed audio quality that would satisfy even the most demanding audiophile.
The core of the Sound Blaster AE-9 is the flagship audiophile-grade hi-res ESS SABRE-class 9038 DAC. It delivers an ultra-high DNR of 129dB, 32-bit 384 kHz playback over PCM, DSD64, and an incredibly low Total Harmonic Distortion of -120dB (0.0001%).
CLEANLINE TECHNOLOGY
Our newest innovation - CleanLine Technology - is set to overthrow the need of an external desktop mixer that takes up the desktop'
DimensionsMain Card: 0.87" x 7.01" x 5.00"
Audio Control Module (ACM): 2.56" x 5.90" x 5.04"
WeightMain Card: 0.51 lb.
Audio Control Module (ACM): 1.06 lbs.
Package ContentsSound Blaster AE-9 (main card)
Audio Control Module
Quick Start Leaflet
Warranty Leaflets
2 x Stereo to RCA cables
1 x Optical TOSLINK cable
Shipping weight1.28 kg
Package size211 × 191 × 114 mm

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Questions about this item

How do I install the Sound Blaster AE-9 and its Audio Control Module, and what step is commonly missed?

Insert the PCIe x1 card into a free slot, connect the 6-pin PCIe power header on the card to the PSU, link the ACM via the ACM Link cable, then install Windows drivers; the step often missed is plugging the 6-pin power connector, which the ACM requires to function.

What maintenance or replacement will the AE-9 need over time?

The card has no user-serviceable parts; long-term care is limited to keeping the PCIe slot and ACM connectors dust-free, updating Windows drivers when Creative releases them, and verifying the 6-pin power cable stays firmly seated after system moves.

What limit appears first during sustained high-resolution playback on the AE-9?

The 32-bit 384 kHz DAC ceiling and 129 dB SNR define the fidelity floor; under continuous load the practical limit is the host PC's ability to feed gapless 384 kHz streams without buffer underruns, not the Sound Core3D chip itself.

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