Sound Card Creative Labs Sound Blaster Live! Audio A3 USB 24 bit 20-45000 Hz

The Creative Live! Audio A3 USB audio interface is a compact USB-C sound card designed for high-resolution recording and playback at up to 24-bit / 96 kHz. It features a dual combo input with a mic preamp and Hi-Z switch for microphones and instruments, balanced and unbalanced main stereo outputs, dual headphone jacks with independent volume controls, and a 3.5 mm mobile audio I/O jack for mix-minus routing. Compatible with modern systems via USB-C, the device is suitable for home studios, podcasting, streaming and general multimedia use.

Advantages

The interface provides high-resolution 24-bit / 96 kHz audio quality for accurate capture and playback. Balanced main outputs reduce electromagnetic interference and noise compared with unbalanced outputs. Dual headphone jacks with separate volume knobs allow two listeners to monitor independently. The 3.5 mm mobile audio I/O supports mix-minus functionality for clear remote interviews and phone-based recordings. A versatile dual combo jack with mic preamp and Hi-Z switch accepts microphones, line-level sources and instruments. USB-C connectivity ensures a reversible, reliable connection for modern computers.

Suitable for

• Home and project studio recording (vocals, instruments)
• Podcasting and remote interviews with mix-minus capability
• Live streaming and content creation
• Multimedia playback and audio monitoring

Key specifications

• Resolution: up to 24-bit / 96 kHz
• Frequency range (manufacturer data): 20–45,000 Hz
• Inputs: dual combo jack (mic preamp, Hi-Z switch), 3.5 mm mobile audio I/O
• Outputs: balanced and unbalanced main stereo outputs; dual headphone jacks with individual volume controls
• Connectivity: USB-C
• Brand / MPN / EAN: Creative Labs / 70SB189000000 / 5390660195877

How to use

Connect the Creative Live! Audio A3 to your computer using the supplied USB-C cable. Select the device as the audio input and output in your operating system or audio software. Plug a microphone or instrument into the dual combo jack and enable the Hi-Z switch for passive instruments when required. Use the dedicated headphone outputs and level knobs to set comfortable monitoring volumes. For remote interviews, connect a mobile device to the 3.5 mm mobile audio I/O and configure mix-minus routing to prevent caller audio feedback.

Recommendations

For best results, use high-quality cables for balanced outputs, enable appropriate sample rate (24-bit / 96 kHz) in your audio software when recording high-resolution audio, and monitor levels to avoid clipping. Ensure your operating system is compatible (Windows 10/11 or macOS) and install any required drivers or software updates from the manufacturer if available.