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Creative Sound Blaster X3 Hi-Res 7.1 USB DAC & Amp Sound Card $159.95 Delivered @ Creative AU

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Creative Sound Blaster X3 Hi-Res 7.1 USB DAC & Amp Sound Card $159.95 Delivered @ Creative AU
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emoticon on 19/07/2020 - 09:47 au.creative.com (5252 clicks)
Last edited 20/07/2020 - 15:39

Creative Sound Blaster X3 SOLD OUT.

Sale Pricing seems to have ended. The X3 is listed at full price now.

For those who were late to the party and missed out, it will probably go back on sale in a couple of months. Keep a look out on the website.

Creative Labs (Australia) are running a limited time promo on their Sound Blaster X3 external USB sound card/DAC/Amp. It normally retails on their site for $179.99. However it’s sold at Australian retailers for $200+ plus shipping.

The last time it was this price was one month ago, where it was sold out within an hour or so of me posting the deal on Ozbargain.

It will probably be sold out very quickly again.

https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/546674

This is one of the best external USB sound card/DAC/Amps you can buy if your main focus is on gaming while also wanting to enhance your movie or music listening experience and driving headphones in the audiophile territory. This is not a product that would suit a super audiophile.

Comparable products are the Schiit Fulla 3, Sound Blaster G6 and Sennheiser GSX 1000.

Review:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2uzy5kJv68E&feature=youtu.be

###

From personal experience, the Creative Soundblaster X3 was posted via FedEx Singapore and arrived within a few days.

I’ve been using it with a Phillips SHP9500 and Vmoda Boom Pro Microphone purchased from Amazon and I can definitely notice a difference in soundstage/quality vs the onboard audio on an Aorus X5 v6 gaming laptop and an Audio Technica ATH-AG1X gaming headset.

The lag free side tone/mic monitoring feature is also much better than Windows mic monitoring feature.

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closed Comments

  • Genepi on 19/07/2020 - 13:48

    Can this thing allow two inputs at once? So I can play music input and computer inputs and hear them both on the speakers? If not any idea what does?

  • cleavy on 19/07/2020 - 13:52
    +2

    it better come with Dr Sbaitso, or no deal.

  • MysticalWok on 19/07/2020 - 13:57

    Hmm are 2-in 1 AMP/DAC combo comparable to a separate AMP and DAC stack?

    I've got the JDS Labs Atom Amp looking to completing the stack with their Atom DAC or another DAC. Just wondering whether if i should just sell it and get this instead…

    • emoticon on 19/07/2020 - 14:36

      This video explains it well:

      https://youtu.be/2RL-IumWJK8

      What do you use your amp with/for?

      • MysticalWok on 19/07/2020 - 18:43
        +1

        Excellent video, thanks for linking that.

        I'm currently using my amp with my Sennheiser HD6XX's mainly for listening music and the occasional Rainbow Six Siege.

        I am very curious to try out the X3 and the 7.1 surround sound system with Siege whether it would allow me to hear footsteps more "clearly"

        • emoticon on 19/07/2020 - 21:13

          Oh nice, the HD58X and HD6XX are endgame headphones on my wishlist.

          I haven’t tried out scout mode yet but I’m liking Super X-Fi 7.1, I haven’t really noticed footsteps any better but I haven’t played any games where footsteps would matter much.

          Squad, Post Scriptum, War of Rights are all wide open outdoors games.

          But I do hear different sounds more clearly.

        • mctubster on 19/07/2020 - 22:04

          If you have a modern motherboard with reasonable sound and you already have an amp … consider this software.

          https://sourceforge.net/projects/hesuvi/

      • SpaceGhost on 19/07/2020 - 19:35
        +1

        This guys videos are pretty great.
        Watched his x3 review before I purchaed it.

    • Axelstrife on 19/07/2020 - 15:16

      haha im in this exact situation, got the Atom amp running off onboard thinking about the Atom DAC.

      • Jasonissm on 19/07/2020 - 15:44

        Unless you want it for the aesthetics of having a stack, you can get better performing DACs like the SMSL Sankskriit 10th Mk2 for cheaper. Topping E30 is also a good choice, but more expensive.

  • CoolHwip74 on 19/07/2020 - 14:02
    +1

    I recently bought Edifier Airpulse A100 (thanks to a deal on OzBargain) which are active/powered speakers. Connected to my PC via USB. Would they sound better if connected to this Creative Sound Blaster X3?

    Also there are other deals going on at Creative like https://au.creative.com/p/sound-blaster/sound-blaster-x7 Seems like a decent price compared to what it's selling for elsewhere.

    • emoticon on 19/07/2020 - 18:39
      +1

      Wow they look like great speakers.

      The X3 is a sound card with a DAC in a plug and play box basically, if you’re currently using the inbuilt audio chip in your laptop or PC motherboard than yeah I’d say you’d see an improvement.

      Here’s an old but relevant video talking about using DACs with speakers.

      https://youtu.be/usLMRMkVgsI

      You would connect the speakers to the X3 via AUX or Optical rather than USB.

      • CoolHwip74 on 19/07/2020 - 19:22

        Thanks, I checked the video out. I am still new to audio scene. What I am not clear on is if X3 (or a similarly price DAC and AMP combo) is necessary in my case, given my Airpulse A100 already have these built in. I would imagine they are good quality given how expensive my speakers are. I get someone would buy X3 if they have passive speakers, but powered? Does it mean the X3 essentially makes the DAC and AMP redundant in my powered speakers?

        I am also still lost on what cables are best for sound quality (AUX, optical, USB….) so much to learn.

        • emoticon on 19/07/2020 - 19:52
          +1

          You have it the other way round. The X3 can’t run passive speakers because they need an amp. But it can run speakers that are powered or already have an amp.

          The amp in the X3 isn’t powerful enough because it’s only supposed to be for headphones.

          Your speakers have an amp/amplifier built in but it doesn’t have a DAC.

          The X3 would act as the DAC like in the video I linked. But would still use the built in amp in your speakers.

          It’s not necessary to have one but it can be an improvement as the video shows.

          There are many other dedicated DACs you could use but the X3 is cheap for everything else it offers on top.

          With the X3 you would just use what’s compatible, AUX or Optical. No real difference. It doesn’t have a USB port.

          Lol the X3 is supposed to be simple plug and play. Wait till you get into audiophile stuff.

          • CoolHwip74 on 19/07/2020 - 21:42
            +1

            @emoticon: Thanks a lot again. For some reason I thought a DAC was included in powered speakers. I just did some more reading to reeducate myself. It makes sense with it not being included.

            I shall now look for a good DAC. X3 seems nice but I want something a bit higher end to complement my speakers. And I see it's OOS anyway.

            For anyone interested Edifier Airpulse A100 are still on special here: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/550984

            Yeah I can see audiophile stuff is really expensive and I still don't know so much. It's interesting though!

            • emoticon on 20/07/2020 - 02:57
              +1

              @CoolHwip74: Yeah it’s no problem, best to choose what ever works best for your audio set up.

              Have a look at the brand Schiit they have a good reputation and make standalone audiophile grade DACs.

              • CoolHwip74 on 20/07/2020 - 20:57

                @emoticon: Thanks again. Yeah I have come across Schiit before. I think from someone mentioning them on this site. Looks like they make great stuff and have good reviews, and I like that it's made in USA. I do also need a headphone amp so am looking at Schiit Magni Heresy + Modi 3 stack, or just a Schiit Hel.

  • Raj09 on 19/07/2020 - 14:40
    +1

    I would recommend the g6 for those wanting both great music and gaming. Creative made some stunners

    • SpaceGhost on 19/07/2020 - 19:30
      +2

      I have both the x3 and g6 and they are both pretty great. The G6 will now travel with my Laptop as the x3 will be on desktop duites from now on out.

      • Raj09 on 19/07/2020 - 20:20
        +2

        Good man. You get the best of both worlds

  • rmh on 19/07/2020 - 14:40

    My Dell XPS Desktop has terrible audio ouput and input quality so was looking for something like this. Thanks for sharing emoticon and answering everyones questions. Legend.

    • emoticon on 19/07/2020 - 15:42

      Thank you, I appreciate it.

  • eswes on 19/07/2020 - 15:06
    +11

    Mate, just want to say thanks for posting the deal and more importantly, for giving each question a carefully considered response! They need to pay you a commission or something!

    • emoticon on 19/07/2020 - 15:47
      +2

      Thank you! I really appreciate the kind words. Yeah it’s no bother, if I know the answer to something or can easily find out, happy to share my thoughts/advice.

      Haha I wish, could use the extra money or a new job right now.

  • Associatedyht @ Creative Labs on 19/07/2020 - 15:43

    I have an old digital Boston BA 7500 which was used previoualy with Soundblaster live, but unable to use it anymore due to modern tech. Can I connect it with this device?

    • emoticon on 19/07/2020 - 16:26

      That’s a very niche question. I am not 100% certain. I found forum posts from the early 2000’s having the same issue as you, some bought Analogue to Digital Converters to get it to work.

      I have no clue, it’s outside my scope but the X3 does have the necessary 3.5mm output ports on the back.

      From the manual I found online; I’m looking at i2).

      The green cable plugs into the front line out port, and the black cable to the port that says rear.

      https://www.manualslib.com/manual/250133/Boston-Acoustics-Ba…

      https://ibb.co/rMLJbPQ

      Someone else will need to answer this.

      • Associatedyht @ Creative Labs on 19/07/2020 - 16:35

        Thank you anyway. Btw I am not Associated though. Somehow it is ticked. Sorry everyone

        • emoticon on 19/07/2020 - 17:03

          No problem.

  • dhleoz on 19/07/2020 - 15:55

    I have Cambridge Audio Minx M5 for the PC, not sure if this would help much in the quality and how would I use it? Tempted to buy.

    • emoticon on 19/07/2020 - 18:24

      Your speaker has a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable so I assume you simply plug it into the line in port on the back of the X3.

      https://ibb.co/rMLJbPQ

      As for how much quality difference you’ll notice I can’t say.

  • larkan on 19/07/2020 - 16:03
    +1

    Thanks OP. I'm excited to try out a DAC.

  • Loopholio on 19/07/2020 - 16:09

    Would this X3 be a great deal better than my onboard Realtek HD for 3D sound when using the equipment below? I mostly watch TV shows and play a few games. I really miss the sound of my old X Fi Xtreme Music. I gave it up may years ago as it made my PC unstable. My current onboard audio has no issues with static and has AVLS (named Loudness Equalisation) for late night TV watching, I assume the X3 has this too.

    • microlab Solo 6C Speakers 15cm / 6" woofer with 6cm / 1.4" tweeter powered, analog, 2.0, 100 Watt RMS etc
    • Aldi noise cancelling headphones (self powered)
    • Audio-technica ATH-AD700 (open) head phones. I don't use these often as the cloth itches me like mad.

    I likely don't have the gear to get anything worthwhile out of the X3 =/

    • emoticon on 19/07/2020 - 16:52
      +4

      Yes it would be an upgrade for sure.

      Vs the onboard audio of my laptop (probably Realtek as well) I notice a clear difference.

      The gaming headset I was using before I upgraded was basically the closed back version of your AD700’s (Audio Technica AG1X) and it sounded better.

      But you don’t need expensive gear to get something out of it, I bet even your Aldi headphones will sound a bit better.

      Remember the X3 isn’t an audiophile product. Audiophiles will be buying separate DAC Amp stacks which cost many times more than $160.

      The X3 is for people like us who game, watch movies/tv shows and listen to music who want better audio but aren’t nitpicky over having the absolute best that money can buy.

      https://youtu.be/2RL-IumWJK8

  • lauzza on 19/07/2020 - 16:31

    I have a hyper X cloud 2 USB sound card and Asus xonar dgx sound driver to listen only to music no gaming with my HD58x. Do you guys think I will notice a difference with these? Is it worth getting in my case? Thanks!

    • emoticon on 19/07/2020 - 18:11

      The X3 is a clear upgrade to both of those. If you search online there are quite a few forum posts talking about upgrading from the Xonar DGX to a Soundblaster G6 or X3.

      If you’re happy with your Xonar I don’t think there’s a need to upgrade unless you want to or want the features of the X3.

  • vincedelicious on 19/07/2020 - 16:56
    +7

    Just wanted to give mad props to OP for sticking around and putting a lot of effort into answering people's questions!

    • emoticon on 19/07/2020 - 18:00

      Thanks! :)

  • Acelito on 19/07/2020 - 17:14

    Is there something like this with xlr input?

    • emoticon on 19/07/2020 - 17:59

      I think so but it won’t be cheap nor anywhere near the $160 price range.

      You could get a Schiit Jotunheim and add an inbuilt DAC. It doesn’t have a 3.5mm microphone input but you probably don’t need that.

      It has XLR input and Output.
      https://www.schiit.com/products/jotunheim

  • SAVE FERRIS on 19/07/2020 - 17:22
    +1

    BOOM. What great timing. I've been eyeing the GSX1000 for a while but this has come at a great time… Arguably better virtual surround, better amp, and cheaper price. Thanks OP!

    Will be driving my existing HD600 with this and also have an existing headphone amp for extra oomph if required.

  • G-rig on 19/07/2020 - 17:33
    +1

    Anyone wanting a non-gaming oriented proper DAC+headphone amp should consider this, great bit of kit for the price, also decodes MQA
    https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/ifi-zen-dac-headphon…

  • tyme on 19/07/2020 - 17:50

    Damn, just ordered a Fiio K3.
    Does anyone know how they compare?

    • spinferno on 12/08/2020 - 23:36

      I have a Fiio K5 and cop wicked background hum from my desktop. I wanting to upgrade to an X3 to get rid of it!!

  • congo on 19/07/2020 - 18:22

    Is it better than Creative Sound Blaster X AE-5?
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/371545

    • emoticon on 19/07/2020 - 18:53

      I’d say it’s close to a side-grade or a very slight upgrade because of features.

      The X3 is external which is a positive in of itself.

      If you already have the AE-5 it’s probably not worth upgrading unless you’re having issues with the AE-5 like noise, static interference, or want to also use it with a PS4 or Nintendo Switch etc etc.

      • congo on 19/07/2020 - 19:07
        +1

        Thanks. The AE5 has been great.

        • emoticon on 19/07/2020 - 19:14

          Yup in that case I would just save the money then.

  • congo on 19/07/2020 - 18:23

    Would this be able to drive AudioEngine P4 Passive Bookshelf Speakers?
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/547949

    • emoticon on 19/07/2020 - 19:01

      Yup I don’t see why not. You won’t be using the amp, the amp in the X3 is just for headphones.

      You’ll be using the DAC/sound card on the X3.

      • congo on 19/07/2020 - 19:06

        Those speakers are passive so I would need an amp.
        Pity this one is only amp for headphones.

        • emoticon on 19/07/2020 - 19:13

          Ah yup I didn’t pay attention to that part. Regular speakers will work fine if they don’t need an amp.

          The amp in the X3 won’t be powerful enough to drive speakers unfortunately.

  • Ravensbane on 19/07/2020 - 19:16

    Just got these today as a gift https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/rig-800hd-carbon-wireless… and was wondering if it would help with sound quality?

    • emoticon on 19/07/2020 - 19:28

      I would say no, the X3 wouldn’t be suitable if you’re only going to be using that headset.

      That headset is wireless and from what I can tell doesn’t have a secondary 3.5mm cable.

      There would be no way to connect it to the X3.

      Do you plan on using speakers or other headphones as well?

      • Ravensbane on 19/07/2020 - 19:35
        +1

        No just those ones. Oh well. Thanks for the response.

  • SpaceGhost on 19/07/2020 - 19:24
    +4

    I had an x3 turn up this week and have been using it over the weekend.
    It can drive high impedance headphones (HD6xx) and the sound and features are pretty great at this price.
    Optical line out to run my Z5500 with Dolby live.

    I have been playing tracks on it with Tidal to compare it to my dragon quest cobalt and its not bad at all.

    The Super XFI surround works great in games once you set it up with the app.
    The software is easy to use.

    It's supposed to work on the PS4 and Switch, I haven't had a chance to try that out but will this week.

  • emoticon on 19/07/2020 - 20:07

    The X3 is currently sold out / out of stock.

    • fowlli14 on 19/07/2020 - 20:40

      Any ETA on when you should expect more stock? I am tempted to place an order. Also would you recommend just going for something a bit higher end such as the G6 or even X7? Thank you for all your informative responses.

      • emoticon on 19/07/2020 - 20:54
        +2

        I would suggest clicking notify me on the website, you’ll get an email when it comes back into stock.

        But from the last deal, very limited stock came in randomly for the next couple of days then nothing.

        When it next came back into stock the price was raised back to full price for a month or so.

        It’s hard to say when but if it does you shouldn’t hesitate to buy otherwise you could be waiting awhile.

        The G6 is a good alternative it’s a slight upgrade in some areas like DAC and Amp but missing some features like lag free mic monitoring and Super X-Fi surround sound.

        If you don’t need these features and are okay with the higher price then it’s a solid choice/alternative.

        At the X7’s price point I would start looking at audiophile solutions instead.

  • marcozmitch on 19/07/2020 - 23:29

    Should I get "This" Creative Sound Blaster X3 or the beefy Creative Sound Blaster X7 [has Bluetooth and is $396 down from $650, but is pretty old tech?] any advice.
    I do understand DAC/abilities/$ v $$ and different use for different people.
    Not many comparisons online, because they are in different catagories.

    • emoticon on 20/07/2020 - 02:51
      +1

      Okay in general If you can’t get the X3 buy the Creative G6 or Schiit Fulla 3 instead.

      Any of those will be fine.

      If you want to splurge buy a Schiit Hel and call it a day.

      From what I can see, the X7 can drive speakers if you have passive speakers but It’s all diminishing returns after that.

      The X3, G6 or Fulla 3 are more than enough.

      I would personally get the Schiit Hel over the X7.

      But they’re both in different price categories than the X3 which is probably the best value /all rounder gaming focused dac/amp for the money.

      https://youtu.be/-HLlmBtyYGw

  • SAVE FERRIS on 20/07/2020 - 10:14

    For those that missed out and want something similar (albeit lesser amp and different virtual surround), I know of a secondhand Sennheiser GSX1000 that is for sale for cheap in Adelaide at a store. Let me know if interested.

  • emoticon on 20/07/2020 - 11:18

    Creative Sound Blaster X3 BACK IN STOCK!

    EDIT: SOLD OUT AGAIN

    • kingrektor on 20/07/2020 - 15:24
      +1

      It's out again, managed to get myself one though. The thing went out so quick.

      • emoticon on 20/07/2020 - 15:36

        Yeah once stock is low it goes fast. I updated the post when it came back into stock then 2 minutes later it was sold out again.

        Glad you were able to get one.

  • dan2k on 20/07/2020 - 12:29
    +1

    20/7/2020 12:26 Back in Stock. and ordered :-)

    • emoticon on 20/07/2020 - 12:58

      Thanks, I've updated the deal post. It keeps coming back into stock and sold out again lol.

  • emoticon on 20/07/2020 - 12:57

    Creative Sound Blaster X3 BACK IN STOCK!

    EDIT: SOLD OUT AGAIN

  • cosmokram3r on 20/07/2020 - 13:09
    +1

    I absolutely love my X3. Research SXFI because this tech is amazing. It's not just virtual surround sound, it's virtual speakers. It opens the sound. Hard to explain but I've had many people demo it at my house and they are amazed by the difference when SXFI is off after being on, how meh it sounds in direct.

    I'll be buying a SXFI air to plug into my mobile so I have SXFI on the go too, I upgraded my phone so it would be compatible that's how much I love it!

  • emoticon on 20/07/2020 - 15:34
    +5

    Looks like Creative has removed the discount, the X3 is back at full price.

    Congrats to all who managed to buy one.

    If you missed out, keep an eye out on the website. It probably won’t go on sale again for a little while though.

  • SAVE FERRIS on 22/07/2020 - 19:13

    Has anyone received theirs yet - or even had theirs shipped? Mine is still showing: ORDER STATUS: PREPARING FOR SHIPMENT

    And I swear my onboard Realtek knows it's being decommissioned soon because it's popping/crackling more and more since I ordered the X3 :)

    • cloudie9 on 22/07/2020 - 20:59
      +1

      Mines dispatched and sitting with Fedex atm.

    • SAVE FERRIS on 23/07/2020 - 08:22

      Just got my email saying it’s been shipped as of 11PM. ETA by next Friday 31/7.

      • cloudie9 on 23/07/2020 - 16:59

        Mines shipped on Monday 20/07 and still sitting in Fedex Singapore facility until today, ETA by Friday, TOMORROW, 24/07. I am not sure how it will get to Aus in less than 24 hours…

        • ClintonL on 24/07/2020 - 10:38

          Had the same thing, my ETA on fedex has signapore but i then received an auspost email saying it's being prepared by them. So i guess the ETA was for it just to get to auspost. Going to be a long few days.

          • cloudie9 on 24/07/2020 - 11:30

            @ClintonL: Well, just got an update and now it reached NSW and out for delivery. Problem is, I live in SA. Weird.

            • SAVE FERRIS on 24/07/2020 - 12:18

              @cloudie9: Ouch! Sorry to hear…

              Just got my update: it hit Fedex facility late last night with expected delivery on Tuesday. Gonna be a long weekend ahead…

              • cloudie9 on 24/07/2020 - 12:33

                @SAVE FERRIS: Oh Nvm, I got confused with Matraville and Marlestone. It is definitely in SA now and out for delivery.

                • SAVE FERRIS on 27/07/2020 - 12:19

                  @cloudie9: How are you finding it? I still have one more day to wait :(

                  • cloudie9 on 28/07/2020 - 21:25

                    @SAVE FERRIS: So far it has been doing fine. Compare to my current internal Sound Blaster ZxR, it's quite comparable. Thinking of getting rid of my internal card for this external being that less clutter for my internal. Only issue is I need to find a nice headphone, using an old Senheisser from Officeworks almost 2 years ago, lol. Any recommended good and reasonable headphones?

                    • emoticon on 28/07/2020 - 22:06
                      +3

                      @cloudie9: Check out these headphones - all punch above their weight/price.

                      • Massdrop x Sennheiser HD6XX - wait for a sale, it's been sold for $288 in the past; otherwise $400 full price.
                      • Massdrop x Sennheiser HD58X - wait for a sale, it's been sold for $188 in the past; otherwise $300 full price.
                      • Phillips SHP9500 - around $100 - $130 (Amazon AU and Amazon US occasionally sell this model, otherwise they can be bought from China).

                      https://youtu.be/-UV4cYFAMmA
                      https://youtu.be/Y4hmyUi5K28

  • ClintonL on 27/07/2020 - 20:51
    +1

    Got mine today, anyone else's volume slider lagging when they adjust volume? On windows 10 build 2004.

    • Loopholio on 28/07/2020 - 10:05
      +1

      Have you updated the firmware? There have been a few issues with this product (which is why I skipped this deal). If you search for Sound Blaster X3 issues
      you may find a fix. Reddit has some useful info too.

    • emoticon on 28/07/2020 - 12:22
      +1

      Nope no issues at all. When using the X3's volume knob it shows instant volume adjustment in the PC SoundBlaster app, same as when looking at the Windows sound icon in the taskbar.

      Been using it for more than a month. Currently updated to latest software.

      Firmware version: 1.5.200705.120
      Driver version: 1.16.4.10
      App version: 3.4.83.0

      Windows 10 Home, up to date.

      Try updating the firmware,app and driver and see if that helps.

  • dan2k on 29/07/2020 - 12:20

    Apparently mine was delivered today (wednesday) 11am, after being shipped monday 27th 11pm. Fast shipping from Singapore!
    I ordered on 20/7 when it was briefly back in stock during the day.
    Thanks @emoticon!

  • rmh on 30/07/2020 - 09:24
    +1

    I’m chiming in to say this device has vastly improved the audio on my desktop even with fairly cheap headphones the difference has been mind blowing. Being able to dial in the Super XFI to how I like my music has given it such a full and complete sound. I’m loving it.

    But I am having a strange issue that upon waking up from sleep the audio is completely distorted and crackly and continues to until I restart my machine. Has anyone else seen this? I’ve updated the software and firmware but no difference. I’ve disabled all other audio devices on the PC too.

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