If you remember a time before giant CRT televisions became “retro,” you might also have fond memories of Creative Labs. The company was best known for its Sound Blaster series of add-in sound cards—hardware that’s now mostly unnecessary for the average user. However, it seems the Sound Blaster brand has been resurrected with an all-new hardware control panel, currently available as a Kickstarter campaign.
The Sound Blaster Re:Imagine is marketed as a “modular audio hub,” combining several tactile controls with a small touchscreen in an attractive, elongated design. It’s somewhat reminiscent of devices like the Stream Deck+, offering physical buttons for essential audio and settings controls. What’s neat is that these button pads can be popped off and rearranged to suit your preferences.
Beyond its buttons, the Re:Imagine packs a lot of useful features for recording professionals and audiophiles. It includes a 32-bit DAC, separate headphone and microphone ports, optical input, and a dedicated USB-C port for audio connectivity.
But this device is more than just buttons and ports. While it’s probably most useful when connected to a PC, it has enough internal processing power to run a self-contained version of Linux. Additionally, it includes an internal microSD card slot and Wi-Fi capability. Although the tiny 3-inch screen might limit what you can do, Linux enthusiasts are known for their creativity. The Kickstarter campaign even hints at features like DOS game emulation and an “AI DJ” that generates music for you.
Now, here’s the caveat: as with any Kickstarter campaign, pledging your money doesn’t guarantee a finished, shipped product. This device comes directly from Creative Labs, a company still producing speakers and other audio gadgets, but caution is advised. The crowdfunding period lasts until the end of this year, and the early bird backing tier is priced at $330 USD. After that, the retail price could rise to around $500.
On the bright side, Creative has already surpassed its funding target. When the product launches, there should be an option for a bigger, four-module version of the hub, adding even more functionality for audio professionals and enthusiasts alike. If you’re interested, keeping an eye on the campaign might be worthwhile.
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2955951/sound-blaster-is-back-with-a-modular-stream-deck-style-control-hub.html
