Creative Sound Blaster G8

A versatile and affordable desktop DAC for gamers and audio buffs

- Cliff Joseph

> £129.99 > FROM uk.creative.com > FEATURES 2x USB-C, 2x optical, 4x 3.5mm, 1x HDMI; Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC; supports 32-bit/384KHz audio; 52x125x91mm

There are plenty of portable DACs (digital to analogue converters) now available for use with the iPhone and other mobile devices, but sometimes a larger desktop DAC can provide additional features that are really useful. Creative's Sound Blaster G8 is primarily aimed at gamers, but its most impressive feature - the ability to combine and mix two separate audio sources.

The compact and sturdy design of the G8, and the fact that it can draw power from a USB-C port on a notebook, means that you could easily slip it into a backpack or bag and carry it with you if you needed to. However, its impressive range of connectivity features mean that it will probably work best on your desktop as part of a wider audio system. The back panel houses two USB-C ports, which can support high-res audio up to 32-bit/384KHz, so the GB can handle the best audio quality available on Apple Music and other streaming services. The first USB-C port can be used both for charging and audio input, while the second is for audio input only, and there are two USB-C cables included as well.

Its most impressive feature is the ability to combine and mix two separate audio sources.