ASUS Xonar AE 7.1-Channel PCIe Gaming Audio Card with EMI Back Plate

Overview

The ASUS XONAR AE is a PCI Express audio card designed to deliver immersive 7.1-channel surround sound at 192 kHz and 24-bit depth, enhancing your desktop audio experience for gaming, movies, and music. It features a high-quality ESS digital-to-analog converter with a 110 dB signal-to-noise ratio, ensuring clear and detailed sound without unwanted noise. This card also includes a built-in headphone amplifier that supports headphones up to 150 ohms, providing balanced and powerful audio output.

Key features

• 7.1-channel surround sound playback that offers precise audio positioning for gaming and entertainment
• ESS DAC with a high signal-to-noise ratio to maintain clean and distortion-free audio across all content types
• Headphone amplifier capable of driving high-impedance headphones for rich bass and clear mids
• EMI backplate combined with ASUS Hyper Grounding PCB layout to minimize electrical interference and system noise
• Sonic Studio software that provides customizable equalization, reverb effects, and virtual surround positioning for tailored sound profiles
• Perfect Voice technology that reduces background noise such as keyboard clicks and room sounds, improving voice chat clarity
• Easy installation with PCI Express interface and driver support for Windows 7, 8.1, and 10

Key specs

• Audio channels: 7.1 surround sound
• Sampling rate: 192 kHz
• Bit depth: 24 bit
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 110 dB
• Headphone amplifier impedance support: up to 150 ohms
• Interface: PCI Express
• Operating system support: Windows 7, 8.1, 10

Connectivity and compatibility

The XONAR AE connects via a PCI Express slot, making it compatible with most modern desktop motherboards that support this interface. It integrates seamlessly with Windows 7, 8.1, and 10, ensuring broad software compatibility. The card’s design includes an EMI backplate to reduce interference, which helps maintain audio integrity when connected to various speakers and headphones.

Performance and reliability

With its ESS DAC and high signal-to-noise ratio, this audio card delivers sound that stays clean and detailed even at high volumes. The built-in headphone amplifier supports a wide range of headphones, allowing users to enjoy balanced audio without distortion. The EMI shielding and Hyper Grounding layout work together to prevent electrical noise from affecting your listening experience, making it a dependable choice for both gaming and professional audio tasks.

Ideal uses and environments

This audio card is well suited for gamers who need accurate surround sound to detect subtle in-game cues, as well as for home theater enthusiasts seeking detailed audio playback. It also fits well in office setups where clear voice communication is essential, thanks to Perfect Voice technology. Whether upgrading a gaming rig, enhancing a media PC, or improving conference call audio, the XONAR AE offers a versatile solution for richer sound.