The Creative Pebble series speakers have grown more powerful over the years, literally. I love that they constantly find ways to improve the product offering while still retaining the signature design. Equally impressive is that the first-generation Pebble (2018) is still in production today (2024), as each Pebble model offers different price tier and spec for different consumer budget and needs. With the new Pebble X, they have once again set a new benchmark for desktop computer speakers, and I am delighted to share my user experience with you in this review write-up.
The latest Pebble X retails at S$129, considerably more expensive than any of the earlier models. But these are also their biggest yet. Standing at almost 13.2cm tall, here’s how it compares to the previous flagship model, Pebble Pro:
| Features | Pebble X | Pebble Pro |
| Speaker Driver Size | 2.75-inch | 2.25-inch |
| Power Output | 15W RMS (USB power), 30W RMS (external 30W power) | 10W RMS (USB power), 30W RMS (external 30W power) |
| Cable Length Between Speakers | 1.2m | 1.8m |
| Connectivity | USB audio and power Bluetooth 5.3, SBC codec 3.5 mm AUX input 4-pole headphone port 3-pole microphone port | USB audio and power Bluetooth 5.3, SBC codec 3.5 mm AUX input 4-pole headphone port 3-pole microphone port |
| App Features | Acoustic Engine Sound Modes Equalizer CrystalVoice Lighting Mixer | SmartComms Kit Mixer |
| Price as of 15 Feb 2024 | S$129 | S$79 |
Creative has also launched a variant with separate subwoofer, the Pebble X Plus, about 15.6-cm cube-sized, priced at S$189. Having a separate subwoofer to deliver the lower frequency is definitely better, but the Pebble X is no slouch with the radiator behind the speakers. The 2.0 setup also saves space, but if your desk has 15cm2 area, then get the Plus version.
Overall, the Pebble X design and connectivity layouts are similar to the Pebble Pro, but just in a larger size. There is the volume knob, mode button and light button in front, the AUX port, USB-C digital audio port and USB-C PD port at the back, and headset/headphone and microphone jacks at the side. When headphone is connected, the audio will only play from the headphones. You can pair your Bluetooth device to the Creative X and connect your favourite wired headphones to enjoy wireless audio.
The volume button is digitally controlled, and will sync the level to the desktop or your Bluetooth device. Click the volume button to mute, or press-hold to turn off the speaker. Click the mode button to cycle the inputs from USB audio, AUX-in, or Bluetooth. Click the lighting button to select one of the preset RGB light effects, or press-hold to adjust light level. One additional feature on the Pebble X is the inclusion of a tripod screw mount, which offers additional ways to secure the speakers.
The RGB light design covers both sides of each speaker and do not wrap around in full circle. The light does not create an aura, but more like colourising the surface. Staring at the lights will not blind you. Comparatively, the Pebble Pro’s lights illuminate the speaker base putting them on a visual pedestal. During normal use, I do not really notice the light because when I face the speaker to me, the RGB light does not appear obvious. If I were to angle the speakers away (like the below picture), then the stereo imaging will not be accurate. I think the light effects will be more obvious if the RGB lights are facing the same direction as the speakers.
When connecting the Pebble X via USB to the computer, you can control the speaker and apply settings using the Creative App software. The speaker supports Acoustic Engine to tune the audio effects, EQ adjustments, CrystalVoice when mic is plugged in.
The lighting menu also allows you to customise the light effects, choose the colour combinations, the speed of light changes, the direction of colour movements.
To me, the biggest reason to choose the Pebble X / Plus over the rest of the Pebble series is the speaker size and peak power performance. The trade-off is real: either you go for smaller satellite speakers with relatively tame sound, or to get a larger bulkier speakers for louder powerful sound. With the Pebble X, the consumer gets the best of both worlds: a powerful pair of speakers that are relatively portable, convenient to connect, and delivers great audio.
I am very impressed with the performance of the Pebble X, especially when I connect to an external 30W power source. The sound becomes louder, the bass is more intense, the RGB light is brighter. I even use them to watch movies in my living room seated about 3 metres away and the Pebble X delivers the volume and clarity (it also works with Sony PS4 and PS5). Treble is clear and not harsh, midrange is balanced and not muddy, bass is rumbling especially jazz numbers. The sub-bass is lacking so EDM genre falls flat. Sound staging is manageable since you can place the speaker units individually to get the desired sweet spot. The dynamics are good and the speakers can produce rather fine details, including the hiss noise inherent in the recording. The audio does not sound too cluttered at loud volumes.
Compared to Pebble Pro
When comparing over USB-C power cable, the Pebble Pro sounds a bit more warm due to stronger bass and midrange. The Pebble X sounds clearer, more airy, bass is less pushy. At maximum volume, the Pebble Pro actually sounds louder, more aggressive. The Pebble X, while sounding less voluminous, is more open and spatial. When I connect the Pebble X to external USB PD charger, the volume surpasses the Pebble Pro, the sound is bigger, less straining. When testing at the same sound level, the bass is also more pronounced. On the Pebble Pro, my unit seems to be unable to accept the charger. There was brief increase in volume but then it dropped back to the non-powered level.
The Pebble Pro is a better speaker if you don’t want to rely on separate power, you prefer stronger bass and midrange, and listen at moderate levels. The Pebble X is preferred if you like more powerful spatial sound and don’t mind connecting additional power source for much better audio performance, even when listening at the same level as USB-powered mode. The Pebble Pro behaves like a pair of small speakers trying to sound big. The Pebble X actually sounds big.
Verdict
I have reviewed many Pebble models in the past, and once I am done, I would always store them or give away. This new Pebble X is a keeper for me and has found a permanent spot on my computer table. The biggest benefit I get from using the Pebble X is that I can enjoy powerful audio with proper stereo through a fuss-free connection. They are larger than the previous models but larger is always better (until it’s too large) to produce better quality sound without the sonic strain. Placed at close proximity from my seat offers the musical intimacy and easily reach for the controls and plug headphones and mic for calls. The Pebble X Plus comes with a separate subwoofer for even better bass performance.
Visit the Creative Pebble series website to choose the Pebble speaker that fits your needs.
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