Right after connecting the Sound Blaster G3 to our SteelSeries Arctis 1 wired gaming headset, we went ahead and fired up the Command application, for adjusting the necessary settings, along with the SBX effects and EQ. We did fire up Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and noticed an increase in overall audio quality versus the integrated audio of the DELL 7577 test laptop, but also better bass representation, like we would have made the jump to a mainstream USB headset. The EQ setting for detecting footsteps works well, as intended (increased treble, lowered mids and lows), but we would only keep activated for short time periods. In Trials Rising, the motorbike engines sounded much better with the SBX presets, while the different gun sounds were a delight in The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing as well.

While not having the same audio fidelity as the more expensive G6, the G3 is mainly aimed towards the console (PS4, Nintendo Switch) and PC gamers, which have already a nice analog headset but need a noticeable quality improvement and extra controls such as GameVoice Mix. The Sound Blaster G3 has the benefit of being able to function without any special drivers or software, thanks to the included controls on the chassis, but also the Android/iOS mobile application. The Control mobile app allows the user to work with all settings on-the-fly, even when the card is connected to the console, since the G3 is able to communicate via Bluetooth BLE.

The Sound Blaster G3 does not have issues supporting up to studio-grade headphones (300 ohms impedance), while the Mini-TOSLINK cable is offered in the package for enabling GameVoice Mix with PS4 consoles as well.

Of course, we can use the product for many other applications, such as connecting it to your media center and then plugging your 2.0 or 2.1 speaker system to it; the controls can be modified this way via either the Windows/Mac application or even simpler, from our smartphone while watching our favorite movies, TV shows or other multimedia content such as YouTube videos.

At the time of the review, the G3 could be found online for about 60 Euros.

Creative Sound Blaster G3 Portable External USB-C DAC Amp is Recommended for:

We would like to thank again to Creative for making this review possible!