Setup & Observations


Setting up the Sound BlasterX G6 is very simple, we connected our unit to the PC which involved plugging in the micro USB and USB type A in and that is all. For PS4, Nintendo Switch and Laptop you use the same method, it does slightly differ for Xbox as you use the Optical connection rather than the USB. Keep in mind that if you’re using it with a console, you’ll need to provide a source of power as the G6 doesn’t come with one. You will need one that can output 5V at 1A to ensure it works correctly. You can also connect a pair of powered speakers to the Optical out if you so wish.

Using the G6 as a daily audio source has been a great experience, firstly the build quality and it is good, the outer body is constructed from metal which feels solid and gives it a decent amount of weight, the connections are very high quality too as they are all gold plated. The volume control on the front has a very nice heavily textured surface which provides a good amount of grip when using it. The only downside to this is that the gap between the sides of the unit and the dial is very small and you can’t really get your fingers in to turn it, this results in you having to use your index finger to change the volume. On the plus side, the dial is smooth and adjusts easily, which does somewhat make up for the previous issue. Another slight issue is the underside grip not being very good, but this is only an issue in some cases. If you are constantly unplugging and plugging in your headphones, then the G6 does move around considerably and is a bit of a bugbear, however, if you don’t do this often then it shouldn’t bother you at all. The buttons on the right-hand side are fairly easy to press, depending on where you have it, if it’s situated in a place that is small then it could be a bit of an issue, but if it’s on your desk then they shouldn’t be a problem. Plus the G6 is light and small meaning that if you do need to move it, it isn’t a difficult task to carry out.

Illumination


The illumination on the G6 can be found in two individual zones, the front zone can only be white, and the secondary zone is where the customisation can begin. This area is found on the top of the G6 and is in the form of an X branded logo. This logo is fully RGB capable, and there are a few effects that can be used, these are as follows. There is the ‘solo’ mode which is a solid colour fill, and with that, you can change it to any colour you wish. The next effect is ‘pulsate’, this pulses the light, and with this effect, you can alter the speed of it. The third effect is music reactive, and that pulses and glows in time with any music that you are playing, the final effect is ‘cycle’ and that transitions through a predetermined selection of colours - the speed can also be changed as well.

As for the illumination effect it is quite good; the front lighting is nice and subtle which creates a really soft glow around the volume dial. The second zone is bright, the colours are vibrant, and the whole implementation is done tastefully. Of course, if you aren’t a fan then you can switch the illumination off.