Sound Blaster Crowdfunds Linux-Powered Audio Hub 'Re:Imagine' For Creators and Gamers (nerds.xyz)
- Reference: 0179941660
- News link: https://news.slashdot.org/story/25/11/02/1758252/sound-blaster-crowdfunds-linux-powered-audio-hub-reimagine-for-creators-and-gamers
- Source link: https://nerds.xyz/2025/11/sound-blaster-reimagine-modular-linux-audio-hub/
> Creative Technology has launched Sound Blaster Re:Imagine , a modular, Linux-powered audio hub that reimagines the classic PC sound card for the modern age. The device acts as both a high-end digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and a customizable control deck that connects PCs, consoles, phones, and tablets in one setup.
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> Users can instantly switch inputs and outputs, while developers get full hardware access through an SDK for creating their own apps. It even supports AI-driven features like an on-device DJ, a revived " [3]Dr. Sbaitso " speech synthesizer, and a built-in DOS emulator for retro gaming.
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> [4]The Kickstarter campaign has already raised more than $150,000, far surpassing its initial goal of $15,000 with over 50 days remaining. Each unit ships with a modular "Horizon" base and swappable knobs, sliders, and buttons, while a larger "Vertex" version will unlock at a higher funding milestone.
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> Running an unspecified Linux build, Re:Imagine positions itself as both a nostalgic nod to Sound Blaster's roots and a new open platform for creators, gamers, and tinkerers.
[1] https://slashdot.org/~BrianFagioli
[2] https://nerds.xyz/2025/11/sound-blaster-reimagine-modular-linux-audio-hub/
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Sbaitso
[4] https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/soundblaster/sound-blaster-re-imagine-modular-audio-hub-with-ai
...but why? (Score:2)
I'm looking at this thing, and honestly I can't see what the point is. An external keyboard with macros? How does that have anything to do with sound? Why does it take inputs and outputs for sound even? I don't get it. Why would I buy this thing for $400 when I can just plug my speakers into my PC and be done with it? There are plenty of software tools to reroute sound around from different sources to different output devices. Why would I need this cluttering up my desk?
Re: (Score:3)
> Why would I buy this thing for $400 when I can just plug my speakers into my PC and be done with it?
If your only devices that produces sound is a PC then you don't need this product. If you own multiple devices (legacy stereo, gaming console, mobile phone, etc.) then you might want a mixer, such that you centrally control the volume or switch from one to another, while keeping your favourite headphones wired connected or wirelessly paired to just 1 device.
There are several mixers on the market that perform this function, including under the Sound Blaster brand. This one only has the particularity of being
This seems pretty nice (Score:2)
I have a personal machine and my work machine hooked up to a KVM and a small audio mixer. The mixer is hooked up to my speakers, but I also need a place to plug in my headphones so I can do remote meetings. Headphones are USB, so they can really only plug into one thing at a time, because the mixer is for pure audio input/output only, and they don't have a mic jack.
Like, all this stuff is fixable with money, but these little components look nice and would probably make my life easier. I have a Loupedeck Min
Time to patent it and don't use it at all (Score:2)
Just like creative did with aureal A3D and the john carmack shadows somehow.
Re: (Score:2)
And then Realtek came in and pretty much killed dedicated sound cards altogether. It's the circle of life, or something.
Is it actually Creative Labs? (Score:2)
With so many examples out there like Radio Shack, the first thing I always wonder is . . . does it actually have anything to do with Creative Labs?
Or did someone just buy the brand for pennies and this is what they're doing now?
The product does look kind of interesting. My desk is kind of a mess when it comes to speakers and microphones.
Re: (Score:2)
It seems to be.
[1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/... [wikipedia.org]
[2]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/... [wikipedia.org]
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sound_Blaster
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_Technology
I could use this (Score:2)
.. in a somewhat different format: 19 inch rack mount, maybe 2U high. With a dozen or so inputs (RCA, SPDIF, 3.5mm jacks, etc.). With switching for input, output, tape dubbing selection.
IOW, something to lash together a hairball of audio components I've acquired over the years.
Re: (Score:2)
I just watched the video. Seems that this is another one of those products providing a solution to a problem that does not exist, and on Kickstarter no less. I got burned on Kickstarter about 8 years ago. Never again.
Re: (Score:3)
I think think the very reason an established company like them would go for a Kickstarter is exactly that it's a very niche product that they don't think will sell more than couple thousand. That's maybe what you mean with "solved a problem that does not exist" = the problem it solves only exists for few people. Creative Labs makes other sound mixers [1]https://en.creative.com/p/soun... [creative.com] and the difference is this one is modular (more parts, more expensive to manufacture), features a (kind of useless yet costly
[1] https://en.creative.com/p/sound-blaster/sound-blaster-gc7
Re: (Score:2)
> Very soon someone will make it run Doom.
/me starts paying attention
Re: "reimagines" (Score:2)
They seem to be running a campaign that's at least 70% nostalgia. It's South Park memberberries, only for computer hardware.
Re: (Score:1)
> I just watched the video. Seems that this is another one of those products providing a solution to a problem that does not exist,
People without imagination often struggle to understand problems they haven't come across, nor can they imagine solutions to problems they didn't realise they had. I take it you don't do much on your PC? I mean a system for executing programmable macros is standard on many gaming rigs. Likewise a system to switch audio inputs / outputs at a push of a button is pretty damn neat, especially if you're playing the type of games that easily crash when going to desktop to change a system setting.
> and on Kickstarter no less. I got burned on Kickstarter about 8 years ago. Never again.
You didn't get bu
Re: (Score:2)
"I take it you don't do much on your PC?" - I switched over to the PC platform in 1988. In all that time I've done damn near everything there is to do on a PC. Much more so back when the PC was still a tinkerer's instrument. Nothing new or exciting here in my opinion. They seem to be relying on nostalgia to sell these more than anything. Also, did you see the price. Wowsers.
Re: (Score:2)
Reviving a once household dead name in hopes of profit.
Re: (Score:2)
Zombie Economics.
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They're not dead, they even seem to be doing well. Creative Technology employs 800 people, revenue 61 million USD, net income 11 million USD (2022) (Wikipedia). They make DACs, headphones, sound mixers. [1]https://en.creative.com/p/soun... [creative.com]
[1] https://en.creative.com/p/sound-blaster?filters=1199
Re: (Score:2)
> They're not dead, they even seem to be doing well. Creative Technology employs 800 people, revenue 61 million USD, net income 11 million USD (2022) (Wikipedia). They make DACs, headphones, sound mixers. [1]https://en.creative.com/p/soun... [creative.com]
Cool.
So when did marketing become against their religion and business mantra?
Sound Blaster was the name back in the day. They appear to be still bowling product down the exact same lane we left them in back in '95. Are they aware people think they died, or is business that much on cruise control?
[1] https://en.creative.com/p/sound-blaster?filters=1199
Re:"reimagines" (Score:5, Insightful)
Why does it matter? Success does not necessarily mean becoming a MegaCorp or a monopoly. Success does not mean being constantly in the news. They stayed in their line and produce products that their loyal customers enjoy, and provide high-quality jobs to engineers from their country. We need more companies like that, and fewer MegaCorps that actively play against the interests of their customers.
Florists still sell tulips, even though the craze is long gone.
Re: (Score:2)
> Are they aware people think they died
None of the people in the industry that would be interested in their product think they died. You think they died because you're not the target market and therefore you're not marketed to. There's a lot of products out there from companies you've never heard of and never will.
On the flip side I've seen their speakers at the local computer store along with big flashy advertisements for an RGB soundbar to go with those people who are into unicorn vomit. Beyond that they fill a niche between wanting good sound
Re: (Score:2)
So you are complaining about not seeing enough Creative Labs ads online?
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Not sure when they changed name from Creative Labs into Creative Tech