Creative Labs AE-5 is easily one of the market’s go-to sound cards for superior video game audio. Unfortunately, it’s not designed to be connected to HDMI audio solutions like 5.1 surround sound speakers or virtual reality head mounted displays or even Bluetooth headphones. A missed opportunity!

In this special episode of Neil’s Messy Basement (been awhile!), Neil shares his discovery of how to use a Sound Blaster sound card with audio solutions run through HDMI, DisplayPort, and more. HDMI surround sound systems, PC virtual reality headsets like the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, Bluetooth headphones, and more all apply. This will probably also work with PC-linked wireless VR headsets too (e.g. HTC Vive on PC linked through 5K wireless). Instructions are also included for easy in-app volume control.

It’s possible that this technique will work with other discrete sound card options too; feel free to experiment!

Since this episode of Neil’s Messy Basement, a full text guide was published and MTBS worked with the Volume2 author to make it even more seamless – especially for VR gamers!