Creative Sound BlasterX G1 7.1 Portable HD Gaming USB DAC and Sound Card (70SB171000000)
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-04-19. Price and availability subject to change.
Bottom line: The Creative Sound BlasterX G1 7.1 Portable HD Gaming USB DAC and Sound Card (70SB171000000) is a specs-and-price decision rather than a crowd-consensus one in the audio & midi category, priced around $17.99. Check the specification table above against one or two close alternatives — on price and spec fit, not on star ratings.
Sporting a small form factor, the plug-and-play Sound BlasterX G1 delivers crystal clear high-resolution audio with 7.1 HD positional surround sound, offering instant audio performance boost for an immersive gaming experience on PC, Mac, PS4 and mobile devices. The Sound BlasterX G1 is a portable 24-bit/96kHz HD gaming USB DAC and sound card. Featuring 7.1 HD virtualization, BlasterX Acoustic Engine audio enhancement, Crystal Voice and Scout Mode Technology, the Sound BlasterX G1 delivers the best-in-class audio upgrade for superior gaming performance.
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Creative Sound BlasterX G1 7.1 Portable HD Gaming USB DAC and Sound… using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to our editorial and benchmark analysis across the audio & midi category. Creative's audio & midi lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for audio & midi of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the Amazon listing before purchase. Prices, stock, and Prime eligibility update directly from Amazon's catalog and may have moved since this page was last verified.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Backed by Creative's warranty and support channels
- ✓ Ships via Amazon with Prime eligibility and the standard returns policy
Cons
- ✗ Confirm socket / form-factor / power-rating compatibility against your build before ordering
- ✗ Price, stock, and Prime eligibility update from Amazon and may have changed since this page was last verified
Key Features
- Supports true 7.1 channel audio input signals for realistic virtualization of gaming effects and audio cues with perfect accuracy and positioning
- Enhance your gaming experience through the headphone amplifier, capable of driving a wide range of gaming to studio-grade headphones.
- Powerful and fully customizable BlasterX Acoustic Engine, powers the Sound BlasterX G1 to deliver various audio enhancements for optimized gameplay
- X-Plus Mode when paired with the Sound BlasterX H5 - X-Plus mode accentuates the audio for things that really do matter in a competitive game while playing down emphasis on things that do not
- Instantly upgrade any headset or speakers - simply plug into a PC, Mac or PS4 and connect any headset or speakers to instantly boost your listening and gaming experience
Full Specifications
| Brand | Creative |
|---|---|
| Platform | PlayStation 4 |
| Model Name | Creative Sound BlasterX G1 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | 70SB171000000 |
| Compatibility | PC, PS4, Mac |
| Built-In Media | Quick Start Leaflet, Sound BlasterX G1, Warranty Leaflets |
| Mfr Part Number | 70SB171000000 |
| Audio Output Mode | Surround Sound |
| Hardware Platform | USB |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop, PS4, Personal Computer |
| Hardware Interface | USB 2.0 |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 768 KHz |
| Hardware Connectivity | USB 2.0 |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 120 dB |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 5.42"L x 0.9"W x 0.41"H |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00054651190559 |
| Surround Sound Channel Configuration | 7.1 |
Ready to buy?
Creative Sound BlasterX G1 7.1 Portable HD Gaming USB DAC and Sound Card (70SB171000000) is sold on the used and vintage market, where eBay carries the live inventory — Amazon does not stock this part. Prices and condition vary by seller and move in real time, so we link the live listing rather than quote a cached price. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-04-19. Price and availability subject to change.
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