Creative Labs Sound Blaster Play! 4 USB-C External DAC with Smart Audio Controls

Digital Audio Upgrade in Your Pocket

The Sound Blaster PLAY! 4 is a high-resolution USB DAC that delivers noticeably cleaner, more detailed audio than the stock sound found in most devices. With 24-bit / 192 kHz playback and a 110 dB signal-to-noise ratio, it's a simple way to raise the audio standard across the board. Designed for more than just Windows PCs, it also works with macOS, iOS, PS4, PS5, and the Nintendo Switch—ideal for both work and play, wherever you're plugged in.

Simple USB-C Connectivity

Equipped with a USB-C connector, the PLAY! 4 plugs directly into modern laptops and tablets, offering both digital audio conversion and power through a single port. For devices with older USB-A ports, a converter is included in the box. The unit features a 3.5 mm four-pole combo jack that supports both standard headphones and headsets with microphones, making it compatible with the gear you already own.

Voice-Activated Mute and Two-Way Noise Filtering

What sets the PLAY! 4 apart is how it handles communication. Powered by Creative’s SmartComms Kit on Windows, it introduces VoiceDetect—a feature that automatically mutes and unmutes your mic based on when you're speaking. This allows you to stay focused during calls without the hassle of hunting for mute buttons. In addition, NoiseClean technology cleans up both ends of your call. It reduces background distractions not just from your environment, but also from the people you're speaking with. By analysing and filtering static noise like fans, typing, or ambient hum, it ensures that conversations stay clear, regardless of where the noise is coming from.

Dual Sound Modes with Onboard Controls

For entertainment and media, the PLAY! 4 includes two audio presets. With the press of a button, you can switch between Dynamic mode, which broadens the stereo image and reduces fatigue during long listening sessions, and Bass Boost mode, which delivers added weight to low frequencies for music, movies, and games. These presets are managed via a dedicated button on the device itself, giving you control without needing to open software.

Built for Everyday Use

Physically, the PLAY! 4 keeps things tidy. The matte black body is minimal but purposeful, housing just two buttons—a mic mute switch and an EQ selector—each with a distinct coloured LED above it. A red light indicates the mic is muted, while a blue glow shows your bass mode is active. This small detail adds a subtle visual polish, and more importantly, lets you know what’s happening at a glance.

• Compact USB-C DAC that levels up voice calls, media playback, and gaming with two-way noise reduction, automatic muting and EQ preset cycling for serious clarity.
• Features VoiceDetect which switches on and off based on when you speak. No buttons, no awkward pauses, just smooth communication.
• NoiseClean keeps both ends of the call clear. It suppresses static and environmental distractions from your side and theirs, so the focus stays on voices, not background chaos.

DAC Playback Resolution: 24-bit / 192 kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 110 dB
Output: 3.5 mm four-pole combo jack (headphones + mic support)
Connection: USB-C (includes USB-C to USB-A adapter)
Compatibility: Windows 10/11, macOS, iOS (with USB-C), PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch
Software: Creative app (Windows only for SmartComms Kit features)
Buttons: Mic Mute (with red LED), EQ Mode (with blue LED)
EQ Modes: Dynamic / Bass Boost
Weight: 8.3 g