Sound Blaster’s Modular Hub: A Reconfigurable Audio Stream Deck
▼ Summary
– Creative is reviving its Sound Blaster brand with the Re:Imagine hub, a modular device focused on audio gear that resembles Elgato’s Stream Deck controllers.
– The hub features a magnetic, modular design allowing users to mix and match buttons, dials, sliders, and screens to suit their specific needs.
– It includes various connectivity options such as USB-C, mic, line, and optical inputs, a headphone jack, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, and a built-in DAC and amp for studio speakers.
– When connected to a PC, the hub’s controls can be customized to launch apps, trigger shortcuts, control smart home devices, and it runs Linux with full root access for developers.
– The Re:Imagine operates independently with an octa-core processor, 8GB RAM, expandable storage, and can run apps, play retro games, and use AI-powered features like an AI DJ.
Creative, the company that brought high-fidelity audio to a generation of PC users with its iconic Sound Blaster cards, is making a bold return with a new customizable audio control hub. The Re:Imagine is a modular device that lets users build their own personalized audio command center, drawing inspiration from popular stream decks but focusing entirely on managing sound equipment and digital workflows. Its magnetic modules, including buttons, dials, sliders, and screens, can be freely arranged to match individual preferences.
A Kickstarter campaign is now underway, with the first units anticipated to ship by June 2026. The standard kit, which includes a horizontal base along with touchscreen, button, dial, and slider modules, is projected to retail for around $500. Early supporters on Kickstarter can currently reserve a unit for a discounted price of $329 for a limited period.
Each component of the Re:Imagine attaches magnetically, offering a highly flexible layout. Whether you’re a streamer, musician, or power user, you can design a control surface that fits your exact workflow. The device includes a variety of input and output options such as USB-C, microphone and line inputs, optical audio, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth for connecting wireless headphones or speakers. A built-in digital-to-analog converter and amplifier are included, capable of driving high-quality studio monitors. One of the key benefits is the ability to reroute audio between devices directly from the hub, eliminating the need to constantly swap cables.
When connected to a computer, the Re:Imagine becomes a powerful macro controller. Users can assign buttons to launch programs, execute complex shortcuts, mute calls, or operate Matter-compatible smart home devices. Running on Linux, the system provides full root access, inviting developers to create custom applications or discover new ways to use the hardware.
The hub also functions independently, powered by an octa-core processor with 8GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD. Its 3-inch touchscreen runs native apps, and features like a DOS emulator for retro gaming, AI voice assistants, and an AI DJ that composes music based on themes are built in. This makes the Re:Imagine not just an audio router, but a versatile standalone gadget.
(Source: The Verge)