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Comment: Minor use. Comes with main part, USB cable & 2 audio cables

Creative Labs Xmod USB Sound Card for PC and Mac

3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars 99 ratings
$99.99
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Compatible Devices Personal Computer, Laptop, Speaker, Headphone
Brand Creative
Hardware Interface USB
Audio Output Mode Surround, Stereo
Platform Windows, Mac

About this item

  • Sound Output Mode - Multi channel
  • Interface Type - External
  • Device Type - Sound card
  • Localization - English
  • Device Type - Sound card
  • Interface Type - External
  • Localization - English
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Top Brand: Creative

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Creative Labs Xmod USB Sound Card for PC and Mac

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Product Description

Product Description

The Creative Xmod USB sound device makes music and movies sound better than studio quality with X-Fi technology. It restores details and vibrance your music and movies lost during compression, making them richer and fuller, and expands stereo sound into virtual surround sound with headphones or stereo speakers. Plus, it works with both PCs and Macs and is truly plug-and-playo software installation neededo you can plug it in and start using it right out of the box.

From the Manufacturer

Why settle for basic, built-in sound from your stereo speakers or headphones? Get ready to turn all of your MP3s into your own personal concert and hear your movies in virtual surround sound. Immerse yourself in audio that surrounds you. X-Fi is the new audio standard from Creative that makes your music and movies way better. X-Fi technology breathes life into songs. It restores detail and expands the music to surround sound.

The X-Fi Crystalizer restores audio
elements lost during compression How it Works
The X-Fi Crystalizer identifies the audio elements that have been restricted/damaged during compression and selectively re-masters them. The X-Fi CMSS-3D converts basic stereo content into multi-channel in real-time to deliver incredible virtual surround over two speakers or headphones.

Instant Xtreme Fidelity
This little device packs a big punch, and it's always ready. 100% plug-and-play, there are no drivers or software to install. Connect instantly to your notebook, PC or Mac, or even your MP3 player. It's that easy to get Xtreme Fidelity sound for crystal clarity and amazing surround sound.

Make Your MP3 Music Sound Better Than Your CDs
Hear it all - crisp cymbal crashes, wailing guitar solos and deep, rumbling bass, thanks to the Xmod. It intelligently enhances the highs and lows, restoring detail and vibrance to your audio.

The X-Fi CMSS-3D converts stereo content into virtual surround over two speakers or headphones

Stunning Surround Sound From Your Stereo Speakers
Now, you can enjoy virtual surround sound through your stereo speakers with the Creative Xmod. Expand your stereo MP3 music and digital movies. Voices are centered in front of you. Ambient sound appears all around you... just like a live performance.

A Headphone Experience That's More Immersive Than Ever
Hear the difference even with headphones. X-Fi CMSS-3D expands music from your headphones outwards, so that it sounds like you're surrounded by multiple virtual speakers. You'll feel like you're sitting in with your favorite band, or that you've been dropped into the best seat in the movie theater.

What's in the Box
Xmod, earphones, USB cable and user's guide

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Customer reviews

3.8 out of 5 stars
99 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers are satisfied with the sound quality, functionality, and ease of installation of the sound card. They mention it has good sound, works well with different operating systems, and is simple to use. Many appreciate the solid build quality, design, signal quality, and performance. However, opinions differ on whether it offers good value for money.

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Sound qualityFunctionalityEase of installationBuild qualityDesignSignal qualityPerformanceValue for money
63 customers mention "Sound quality"45 positive18 negative

Customers like the sound quality of the sound card. They say it sounds good, has cool features to modify the sound, and is excellent. The effects are useful for listening to lower-quality streams like Pandora. The volume control knob is handy and feels solid and well-constructed.

"...old device works fine but is older, featureless and clunky but sounds good enough. So. How good is this little white thingy? Well...." Read more

"...Regular output on 198bit bit ripped mp3 sounds normal, crystallizer does work when on, but high frequency comes off pretty harsh since z2300 already..." Read more

"...with XP edition and voila it worked like magic for him and everything sounded much better. His speakers were giving a good response too...." Read more

"...that the UE already has ample bass and, in fact, has quite a nicely balanced sound, the Crystalizer merely serves to muck up the sound quality...." Read more

24 customers mention "Functionality"20 positive4 negative

Customers are satisfied with the sound card's functionality. They say it works well with Windows 10, Mac OSX 10.13, and Raspbian Jessie. The crystalizer and CMSS-3D features work well through headphones and sound bars. The lights and switches function properly, and the device is well-built and designed. It starts working immediately after plugging it in.

"...Well. Plug and play worked perfectly on XP Pro SP3. It works moments after being plugged in, that is always a good first step...." Read more

"...Regular output on 198bit bit ripped mp3 sounds normal, crystallizer does work when on, but high frequency comes off pretty harsh since z2300 already..." Read more

"...This product works perfectly, and produces GREAT sound, especially apparent in music...." Read more

"...The CMSS-3D also worked well with headphones. It did place sounds outside the center of one's head, and give some directionality...." Read more

18 customers mention "Ease of installation"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the sound card easy to install and use. It's simple to plug and play, and works perfectly on XP Pro SP3. The driverless installation on Mac OSX 10 is convenient.

"...So. How good is this little white thingy? Well. Plug and play worked perfectly on XP Pro SP3...." Read more

"...When XMOD arrived, I connect to pc without hassle. Then I tried the sound output on Z-2300 modified with additional Dayton tweeter...." Read more

"...expensive but isn't too out of line for a device that's this easy to install and use and that does, at least, provide an improvement in the most..." Read more

"...The knob is a great idea since it adds convenience and speed, two things I like. I've used it about a dozen times already, A+...." Read more

10 customers mention "Build quality"8 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the sound card's build quality. They find it well-made, solid, and well-designed. However, some customers find it difficult to install.

"...There is no "pure". This trick is a good one. Creative engineers did a good job...." Read more

"...the already excellent sound quality with crystallizer on, and very good build quality, and it is just the device I needed. I gave it 5 out of 5." Read more

"...Let me explain: the quality of the plastic is good, the package is nice, the knob just feels right when you turn it, the plugs (4 of them) are in..." Read more

"...Mechanics are pretty flimsy though." Read more

9 customers mention "Design"9 positive0 negative

Customers like the sleek and modern design of the sound card. They say it has a futuristic look with a simple yet effective design. The knob is large and shiny, making it easy to see. The blue LEDs along with the glossy white surface give off an almost futuristic appearance.

"...The money is in 128kbps mp3s which sound way better...it shines 'em up real good. The "3D" is just fancy echo...." Read more

"...as well as the speakers, the Xmod provides much better sound: more clear, ability to play louder, fuller bass, and clearer treble...." Read more

"...feel your at the place which is where you wanna be the white is real easy to see so you dont lose the puppy and the usb cord is long and white so..." Read more

"...you have something in your hands thats have been tought well and designed well...." Read more

8 customers mention "Signal quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the signal quality. They say it offers a good improvement over the built-in soundcard and is straightforward to use. The signal processing unit enhances both highs and lows, as advertised. However, some find it a bit expensive and not portable.

"...BUT IT DID HAVE (still does, I checked) AN EXCELLENT SIGNAL PROCESSING UNIT FAR BETTER THAN THAT INCLUDED IN THIS PRODUCT...." Read more

"...I think Creative did a great job with it. I am listening to my music on my laptop, which I do not do often since we all know how bad MP3s sound...." Read more

"it works perfectly in windows vista, the effect is as good as it is advertised...." Read more

"Offers a pretty good improvement over a built-in soundcard. Straight-forward to use as well." Read more

5 customers mention "Performance"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the sound card's performance. They mention it adds convenience and speed, with real-time digital processing of high-end audio without stuttering or noise.

"...It does real-time digital processing of the high end. It's effect is not subtle. Digital music is all a trick anyhow...." Read more

"...The knob is a great idea since it adds convenience and speed, two things I like. I've used it about a dozen times already, A+...." Read more

"...adapter... But since the device is easily worth $50+ for the amazing performance... I guess and extra $25 to use it with my I-pod and portable..." Read more

"...Great performance, got mine for 25 on sale. Recommended" Read more

21 customers mention "Value for money"12 positive9 negative

Customers have different views on the value for money of the sound card. Some find it a good product for the money and easy to set up and use, making a significant difference in the sound quality. Others say it's not worth the suggested retail price, a complete waste of money, and mis-sold. The device didn't meet their expectations and sometimes was unresponsive after wake-up the computer.

"...It is a great product for the money and makes a significance difference in the sound quality of music, particularly with the device's ability to..." Read more

"...The price for the product is too high on what it is suppose to do...." Read more

"...however, I am very satisfied with the product considering the amazing price Amazon sold it for [$30!!]." Read more

"...is good but what I surely miss is the fact that the device did not meet my expectations when I had them and now that it's gone I dont feel the urge..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • E. A. Shore
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nice solution, Audiophiles be darned
    Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2009
    Verified Purchase
    I listen to music. I listen to music all day long. My taste ranges from Death Metal to Mozart, Indie Rock to Ragas. I've spent quite a bit of time listening to different recordings on a wide variety of equipment. I have recorded live music with high end professional equipment, blah blah blah...that's my bio background. This said, I'm no "audiophile". I like good sound but purism and esoteric nonsense and magic cables and psychoacoustibabble annoys me.

    So, my brand new laptop has a bit of a problem with pops and crackles as a result of interference with the internal wireless network adapter. Pops and crackles are not OK with me. Already owning a Creative USB sound device for years (1st gen USB audio) I saw this device at $20 and couldn't resist. The old device works fine but is older, featureless and clunky but sounds good enough.

    So. How good is this little white thingy? Well. Plug and play worked perfectly on XP Pro SP3. It works moments after being plugged in, that is always a good first step. The device itself is well made, feels solid and has a nice volume knob. The volume knob controls the Windows sound level instead of being just a resistor in-line it is a digital control(kind of audiophiley). The real story is that it sounds great. Really does the trick. It is a clear USB sound device with a punchy headphone jack. No stuttering, no noise, it works great.

    OK, the big question. The magical processing switches. Usually I'm a flat levels fella. I fiddle with tone only when truly necessary. If content is too thin or too heavy I'll fix it. So this thing has two switches. The "Crystalizer" and the "3D" options.

    The "Crystalizer" is a clever piece of technology and is not in something I've heard as a plug-in for winamp or otherwise. It does real-time digital processing of the high end. It's effect is not subtle. Digital music is all a trick anyhow. Sampling the analog world and spitting it back out into the analog world. There is no "pure". This trick is a good one. Creative engineers did a good job. Dull MP3s have a more fluid realistic and, most of all, listenable sound. It sounds nice. I like it. If the music already sounds great, the Crystalizer seems to just step back and makes little or no difference. The money is in 128kbps mp3s which sound way better...it shines 'em up real good.

    The "3D" is just fancy echo. Kind of cool if you have headphones on and want to watch a movie. But in the end, it does reduce clarity and isn't a serious feature in my mind.

    So. At the current prices if you need a USB sound device, this is a great option.

    One last thing. The big knob is great. Big old grab and turn knob....nice in an age of buttons and tiny little wheels.
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  • Simon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Just what I need, performance exceed expectation
    Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    Got it on sale by Creative on Amazon for twenty bucks.

    I have a dell laptop on a Logitech laptop stand which blocks audio out port. So I have always wanted a USB sound card. I figure to gave this a try. I never believed their marketing or expected this to be a audiophile level equipment before purchase. I am very picky when it comes to performance of audio devices. I look for dynamic bass and detailed high frequency, not excessive high or low mid range. I even had to add a pair of tweeters to my logitech z2300 speakers because I can't stand the sound coming out of it lacing so much high frequency.

    When XMOD arrived, I connect to pc without hassle. Then I tried the sound output on Z-2300 modified with additional Dayton tweeter. Regular output on 198bit bit ripped mp3 sounds normal, crystallizer does work when on, but high frequency comes off pretty harsh since z2300 already had tweeters, but I can see the sound card can improve sound of speaker system without tweeters. Then I tried Sennheiser HD202 headphones. The crystallizer does improve sound a lot, if you had after market car audio equipment, I think of it as the "loud" button. I gave creative credit making it in such a way brings out details in the music without setbacks of software EQ which I feel always comes out less dynamic. I think of it just an equalizer that adds a bit high and bass, but it does make all my regular MP3 sounds pretty good, including Pandora, which comes out pretty flat without crystallizer.

    A lot of people say try winamp's EQ. I have never used winamp's software EQ, but I always tried with Windows Media player's EQ, VLC's EQ, desktop's motherboard (realteck)'s EQ, ipod's EQ, the software equalizer just doesn't do it for me, it always lacks dynamic, doesn't sound good. The crystallizer effect on XMOD actually sounds good.

    I'm not a fan of the 3D effect.

    I observed no hissing at all neither from speaker or headphone. Given I have XMOD connected to a logitech powered USB hub which is connect to my laptop, if you have hissing, try to change AC adapter, I know some cheap ones would create AC ripple in the DC output so it can increase the background noise.

    When it comes to music everyone has their own taste, but since I'm pretty picky and I have nothing to complain about the already excellent sound quality with crystallizer on, and very good build quality, and it is just the device I needed. I gave it 5 out of 5.
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