INTRODUCTION

    I like looking back from time to time, it helps me appreciate just how much technology has progressed through the years all around me. Take PC speakers for example, from the mono speakers available back in the late 80's and early 90's and the 2.0 and 2.1 systems in the mid and late 90's to the 5.1/7.1 surround sound systems and very first soundbars in the late 90's and early 2000's and all the atmos speakers released this past decade it's all but clear that the industry hasn't stayed still. Today and to my surprise the PC market is focused on the design and release of stereo 2.0 and 2.1 systems mostly (also soundbars) instead of 5.1/7.1/Atmos surround sound ones and among the latest 2.1 models to hit the market is no other than the Pebble X Plus by Creative.

    Founded in 1981, Creative has pioneered audio technology, revolutionizing how people experience sound by breaking the silence of PCs. With visionary founders and a talented team of sound engineers, developers, and business professionals, Creative has become a key player in the development of cutting-edge audio products. From groundbreaking sound cards to high-quality speakers and headphones, Creative meets every audio need. Whether diving into immersive soundscapes, enjoying portable Bluetooth speakers, or relying on noise-cancelling headphones for clear calls—Creative's commitment to superior audio experiences enriches the auditory world for all.

    The Pebble X Plus is a compact 2.1 stereo speaker system so you're getting two satellite speakers (2x2.75" full range drivers) and a subwoofer (3.5" flat cap driver with dual passive radiators) all wired together. This 2.1 speaker system supports both wired (USB / 3.5mm aux) and wireless (Bluetooth v5.3 / SBC audio codec) connectivity, sports adjustable RGB lighting for the satellite speakers (8 effects) and can deliver a frequency response of 45Hz-20.000Hz with a signal to noise ratio of under 93dB and output up to 30WRMS peak power (2x7.5WRMS for the satellites and 15WRMS for the subwoofer). As with other speaker models in Creative lineup you can control the Pebble X Plus either via their Windows software or their smartphone app. So, is the Pebble X Plus the 2.1 speaker set to get this Christmas? Let's find out.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

The Pebble X Plus is shipped inside a long black box that has a product picture at the front next to the company name.

Bundle contents, serial numbers and barcodes, several certifications, contact information for Creative and the electrical requirements for the Pebble X Plus are all placed at the rear of the box.

The entire bundle is wrapped inside synthetic covers and placed between several pieces of cardboard.

Along with the two satellite speakers and the subwoofer inside the box you'll also find two USB-C cables, 3.5mm cable and the quick start guide.

THE PEBBLE X PLUS

Each of the two hard plastic satellites measures 145mm in height, 139.5mm in length and 136mm in width.

The 2.75” full-range drivers may not be anything to get excited over but for a compact system they should be plenty.

At the front of the right speaker, we have the volume/brightness control knob, RGB effect/set brightness button and the Bluetooth/input modes button.

It may not be easy to spot when the satellites are turn off but the housing features RGB LEDs all around.

Microphone and headphone 3.5mm ports are located on the right side of the right speaker.

Moving at the rear of the right speaker we find the aux 3.5mm input, USB-C data port and the USB-C power port (should be used with an external wall adapter - left/right markings are also placed at the rear of the speakers).

Both satellite speakers have the typical 1/4 inch mounting port underneath (for use with stands).

The 156.4mm wide, 158.5mm long and 156mm tall subwoofer has the driver at the front and the two passive radiators on the sides.

At the rear of the subwoofer, we find the RCA connector for the right satellite.

Here you can see how the satellites look when the Pebble X Plus is turned on (quick video is available both on YouTube and TikTok).

CREATIVE APP

To fully control the Pebble X Plus you can either use the Creative Windows or smartphone app (or both).

Using the smartphone app requires enabling Bluetooth and adding the speakers as seen above (a firmware update was available).

The smartphone app basically allows you to configure the 6 available RGB effects which you can tie to one of the 8 available effects.

You can also reset the device and access online documentation.

The Windows app on the other hand is the same as with the Katana soundbars so from here you can use the various audio modes, adjust the equalizer and acoustic engine filters, set crystal voice for use with a microphone, adjust playback and recording (only 16bit 48.000Hz is supported), reset the device and check for firmware and software updates.

CONCLUSION

    With the Pebble X Plus it’s quite clear that Creative wanted to release a very compact 2.1 stereo speaker system which could perform well enough in most scenarios and well, they do. Power output is sufficient to cover more than a large room (still not quite what I’d call powerful), mids and highs are good enough (not very detailed overall so they won’t blow you away in regards to audio quality but good enough), wireless connectivity works well (for a larger and higher-end speaker set the SBC audio codec would have been a bad thing but although it’s certainly something some will not like it actually works well here) but what steals the show is bass levels and of course looks. The subwoofer may be compact, but it packs a good punch (just remember to use a good power adapter – 30W and over) and as for looks there aren’t many 2.1 speaker systems around right now that can compete with the Pebble X Plus in the dark.

    Currently priced at USD109.97 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 104.99Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de – 25% voucher available) the Pebble X Plus by Creative are priced very well, always for what they offer. At the end of the day if you’re looking for a large stereo set with incredible audio performance the Pebble X Plus will probably fall short. If you however are looking for a capable and compact 2.1 speaker system that also looks great the Pebble X Plus could be exactly what you’re looking for and so I strongly recommend checking them out, they just might surprise you.

PROS

- Overall Audio Reproduction
- Wired & Wireless Audio (USB C / 3.5mm / Bluetooth 5.3 SBC Audio Codec)
- Design / Looks (Adjustable RGB LEDs)
- Subwoofer Bass Levels
- PD USB C Port (Extra Power)
- Compact Size
- Headphone & Microphone Ports
- Creative App (Windows / Android)
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- Overall Detail
- SBC Audio Codec (For Some)