The Creative Pebble X Plus 2.1 USB-C aims to deliver a powerful and feature-rich audio experience for your desktop setup in a compact and stylish package. Here’s a breakdown of everything we know about this 2.1 speaker system:
Design and build
The Creative Pebble X Plus retains the well-loved spherical design of the Pebble series. It features a sleek black matte finish with customisable RGB lighting, adding a touch of personality to your desk. The speakers are relatively small, measuring approximately 5.5 inches tall, making them ideal for space-saving setups. While still compact, the subwoofer is slightly larger to accommodate the dual passive radiators for enhanced bass.
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Connectivity options
The Creative Pebble X Plus 2.1 USB-C offers various connection options to suit your needs. The primary connection is via USB-C, which conveniently provides power and audio from your PC or laptop. It eliminates the need for a separate power adapter, keeping your desk setup clean and clutter-free.
Are you looking for a wireless option? No problem! The X Plus features Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, allowing you to stream music wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet, or any other Bluetooth-enabled device, which is perfect for situations where you want to avoid cables or listen to music from your phone.
Do you have some legacy audio devices or prefer a wired connection? The X Plus has you covered there, too. It includes a 3.5mm AUX input that allows you to connect wired audio sources like MP3 players or non-Bluetooth devices, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment.
Lastly, the X Plus boasts dedicated headset and microphone ports and is a thoughtful addition for gamers, content creators, or anyone who frequently uses video conferencing. You can easily connect a headset for clear communication without additional adapters.
Sound quality enhancements
More significant drivers and richer sound: It boasts upgraded 2.75-inch full-range drivers. These more significant drivers deliver a more prosperous and fuller soundstage than the previous Pebble models. You’ll experience a more detailed and immersive listening experience, whether you’re enjoying music, movies, or games.
Power boost for louder and more dynamic audio: The X Plus packs a punch with up to 15W RMS power output, a significant boost in power compared to earlier Pebbles. It translates to a louder maximum volume and the potential for more dynamic audio. You can crank up the volume to fill your room or enjoy a more nuanced listening experience at lower volumes.
Compact subwoofer with big bass: Don’t let the compact size fool you. The X Plus incorporates a subwoofer with dual passive radiators. This combination aims to deliver more profound, impactful bass without sacrificing valuable desk space. You’ll get those satisfying low-end rumbles without needing a bulky subwoofer dominating your setup.
The X Plus offers an optional High Gain Mode. This mode further boosts the overall volume, making it ideal for larger rooms where the sound might need further travel. Additionally, if you prefer to listen to your music or games at a higher volume, the High Gain Mode caters to those preferences.
Features
Beyond the core features, the Creative Pebble X Plus 2.1 USB-C offers additional enhancements that elevate the user experience.
Its RGB lighting is adjustable to start. A range of pre-set lighting effects are available to select from to fit your setting or mood. If you’d instead take a more understated approach, you can change the brightness to set the ideal mood for your office.
Creative has also included its proprietary BassFlex technology. This technology aims to enhance low-frequency sounds without causing distortion. In simpler terms, you can expect richer bass without sacrificing the clarity of the overall audio experience.
Finally, the X Plus takes advantage of Creative’s Acoustic Engine software. This software cleverly optimises the audio output based on what you’re doing. Whether listening to music, enjoying a movie, or battling it out in a game, the Acoustic Engine ensures the audio is tailored for the specific listening scenario.
What is the Creative Pebble X Plus 2.1 USB-C for?
Gamers will appreciate the X Plus for its compact design, decent audio quality, and headphone jack, making it suitable for casual gaming sessions where high-end surround sound is not a priority.
Content creators can benefit from the clear audio and microphone jack, which are helpful for video calls, conferences, or recording voiceovers. It also ensures crisp and professional-sounding communication.
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For general desktop users, the X Plus offers an enticing upgrade to their computer’s sound quality. Thanks to the X Plus’s immersive sound capabilities, users can immerse themselves in an enhanced audio experience, whether enjoying Music, movies, or casual gaming.
Things to consider
Due to the small speaker size, the soundstage (the perceived width and depth of the audio) might not be as comprehensive as that of larger speaker systems.
While there’s a High Gain Mode, the X Plus lacks a dedicated bass control knob for fine-tuning the low frequencies.
Overall, the Creative Pebble X Plus 2.1 USB-C offers a compelling package for budget-conscious users who prioritise a compact design, good sound quality, and versatile connectivity options. Including Bluetooth, customisable RGB lighting, and a dedicated microphone jack adds further value to this feature-rich desktop speaker system.