Hardgaming Reason – Creative Sound Blaster GS5

To start with the analysis of this week, go ahead that the Sound Blaster GS5 Creative is offered as a Compact sound bar designed to improve the audio of the PC Without occupying too much space. Aimed at players who want a quality sound experience on your desktop, this device promises interesting elements against integrated speakers of monitors or other more bulky systems. After testing it, we closely examine its design, installation, sound quality and the functions it offers in everyday use. As always, looking at both of its strengths and its limitations.

Design and desktop space

At first glance, design draws attention. GS5 is a black bar about 51 cm wide, with discreet lines and a slight inclination of its speakers to direct the sound. Its size allows you to place it just below a 24–27 -inch monitor without bothering the E screen integrating well into a typical gaming desktop.

The matte plastic construction is of good quality and gives it a sober appearance that avoids reflexes and traces, while an RGB lighting strip runs the frontal base by adding a customizable touch. In practice, the device is perceived resistant (weighs around 1.5 kg) and has a rubber feet that keep it on the table. Another element that does not stand out is a Small LED screen hidden behind the front gridwhich shows the state of volume, input or active mode. This panel is useful, although at night its constant brightness can distract slightly if its automatic shutdown is not properly configured.

Creative Sound Blaster GS5The soupperted

Installation and commissioning

The installation of the Sound Blaster GS5 is simple and fast. Everything you need is included in the box. In this case a current adapter, USB-C cable to USB-A for the PC, the remote control and a quick guide. For our PC, it was enough to place the bar under the monitor, connect it and link the USB cable to the computer. Windows immediately recognized it as an external audio device, without the need for special controllers.

With the source selection button on the side (or from the control) we adjusted the entrance to USB and in seconds we already had the sound of the system coming out the bar. If you prefer to use it with a console or TV, it is as easy as to locate the optical entry (with spdif cable) and select that source. In case of wanting to play music from the mobile, keep the Bluetooth button for the wireless pairing in an instant. The entire implementation process is practically plug and play.

Creative Sound Blaster GS5
Creative Sound Blaster GS5The soupperted

As an optional purpose, We install Creative application on the PC To update the bar firmware to the latest version, an advisable step, since Solve small details (For example, the status panel is now attenuated when it is not in use) and guarantees access to all available sound functions.

Sound quality in games and multimedia

Once configured, the GS5 has a sound quality that far exceeds that of integrated speakers or that of many generic mini-barras. In relation to the games, it offers a clear and well -defined audio. The Dialogues are heard crisp and the sound effects (from stealthy steps to explosions) maintain their body without appreciable distortion. With a power of up to 60 w peak (about 30 w rms), this little manages to fill a small or median room with sound without the need to raise the volume to the maximum. In fact, even when approaching high volumes, the sound remains clean and stable, without annoying vibrations.

The serious are more forceful than expected for a bar without a subwoofer. In action games and films, the bass give presence to the explosions and at the same time, the high frequencies (such as shots, steps or acute voices) are reproduced clearly, preventing no detail from going unnoticed. It is true that, due to physical limitations, it cannot reach the depth of low of a 2.1 system with large subwoofer, but in a daily use of plenty of. In terms of sound profile the GS5 It is balanced both to play and listen to music or see serieswithout a tendency to perform excesses in any frequency range.

Creative Sound Blaster GS5
Creative Sound Blaster GS5The soupperted

Connectivity and controls

Creative has equipped the GS5 with options to adapt to different devices. In fact, it has USB-C port (for PC or laptop, which ensures high quality digital signal), digital optical entry (designed for desktop consoles or televisions), 3.5 mm analogical entrance (To connect a mobile, tablet or any cable source) and Bluetooth connectivity 5.3 For wireless reproduction. In addition, it integrates a conventional headphone output on its right side, something especially useful to listen without disturbing the environment, effectively working as a DAC/Amplifier of desktop headphones.

As for the controls, The handling is comfortable. On the same right side we find a large volume dial surrounded by three small but identifiable buttons to touch. These physical buttons allow changing the active input source, alternating between superwide sound modes and adjusting RGB lighting or off according to choice. The dial, on the other hand, in addition to raising or lowering the volume, can be pressed to silence the audio immediately.

It also includes a very light infrared remote control, with which we could control all distance functions such as raising and lowering volume, pausing reproduction, selecting audio input, activating the special sound mode or modifying lighting. The command is especially practical if we use the bar with a TV.

Creative Sound Blaster GS5
Creative Sound Blaster GS5The soupperted

Sound modes and customization software

The Sound Blaster GS5 offers special audio modes and customization options through creative software. The most striking function is mode Superwide. Just press the assigned button (or its key in the control), we can alternate between two configurations: Nearby field (Near Field) and Far field (Far Field).

The nearby field mode is optimized for when we are sitting in front of the monitor, since the sound acquires greater breadth without losing sharpness or position of the sources. In our games we notice that This mode adds a more enveloping sensationmaking it easier to perceive the origin of each noise within the game.

For its part, the distant field mode is designed to use the bar in a larger room or seeing it with a distance TV (a few meters). When activating it, the GS5 adjust your profile to project the audio more expansively, filling the space better. It should be mentioned that the effect is optional, but the possibility of choosing between ways already seemed to us.

Creative Sound Blaster GS5
Creative Sound Blaster GS5The soupperted

Conclusion

The Sound Blaster GS5 fulfills its mission and manages to improve sound in a gaming desktop environment without complications or palliative. In your favor you can claim a surprisingly powerful and clear sound for your size, a very complete connectivity and a compact design, stable on the table and with accessible controls both in the device itself and at a distance.

Of course, being a compact 2.0 system, it has inherent limitations, such as the management of the serious ones that, even if they are reasonable for their category, do not reach the punch of a dedicated subwoofer. Nor should we forget that it occupies a fixed space under the monitor, something to consider whether your game area is very narrow.

However, in general balance, the GS5 offers much more than you would expect. In summary, a sound bar that provides quality sound to any gaming desktop, ease of use and a touch of customization, both for games, music or movies and series. An off -road bar.