The Pebble series of speakers are Creative’s best-selling speakers. It’s no wonder Creative keeps making new variants of it. The latest to join the family are the Creative Pebble X Plus 2.1 and Creative Pebble X. The only difference with the ‘Plus’ model is that it comes with a subwoofer as a 2.1 sound system. The 2.0 system Pebble X retails for S$129, while the 2.1 Pebble X Plus retails for S$189.
Unboxing
In the box, you’ll find the following:
- Creative Pebble X 2.0 speakers / Pebble X Plus speakers
- Subwoofer (for the ‘Plus’ model)
- User manual
- USB-C to USB-C cable x2
- 3.5 mm AUX-in cable
Tech specs
| Size | Speakers: 139.2 x 136.5 x 131.8 mm / 5.5 x 5.3 x 5.2 inches Subwoofer: 156 x 158.5 x 165 mm / 6.1 x 6.2 x 6.5 inches |
| Power output | PC USB-C Port Total System Power: Up to 15W RMS Peak Power: Up to 30W 30W PD USB-C Port Total System Power: Up to 30W RMS Peak Power: Up to 60W |
| Drivers | 2.75” full-range speaker drivers |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 |
| Supported audio codec | SBC |
| Ports | Mic-in 3.5 mm AUX-in USB Audio via USB-C PD Adapter (Min. 30W) |
Build quality and design
Both the Creative Pebble X Plus and Pebble X has the same identifiable Pebble look – a round shape with exposed drivers angled at 45º. Both speakers comes in the classic black colour with a matte finish all round. Same goes for the subwoofer as, which is encased in matte high quality plastic.
The size of the Pebble X Plus and Pebble X speakers are noticeably larger than the older Pebble Pro due to its bigger 2.75″ drivers inside. On the other hand, the subwoofer more compact compared to the last 2.1 Pebble Plus, making it easier to place on a desk without standing out. Build quality of the Pebble X Plus and Pebble X feels solid. Speakers have a good amount of heft to it, and its buttons and knobs don’t feel cheap when using them. The volume knobs are stepped without a limiter so you know the precise adjustments you are making.
There are two main differences on the speaker units of the Creative Pebble X Plus and Pebble X. First, the Pebble X has a BassFlex radiator at the back but the Pebble X Plus doesn’t (as it has a separate subwoofer). Second, the Pebble X Plus has two fixed cables exiting the right speaker unit (one to left unit, one to subfwoofer), while the Pebble X only has one connecting to the left unit.
RGB lights
Like the Pebble Pro, the Pebble X Plus and Pebble X both are adorned with RGB lighting which are layered across the round body of the speaker unit instead of Pebble Pro‘s glow at the base. I can’t really decide which I prefer, but I guess the Pebble X‘s RGB implementation is a little more showy rather than an accent lighting.
There six built-in effects presets which you can cycle through via the RGB button on the right speaker unit. You can adjust the brightness of the lights by holding down the RGB button for 2 seconds.
Sound quality
With a larger 2.75″ full-range driver, the Creative Pebble X flexes are large powerful sound especially considering it is a pair of USB powered speakers. Even though the Creative Pebble X doesn’t have a separate subwoofer, it still manages to hold its own and offer a full and impactful bass presence. The BassFlex radiator at the back does a great job at providing a much needed low-end boost that can deliver audible sub-bass intensity.
On the Pebble X Plus, the bass from the subwoofer is also as present and deep. The overall sound of the Pebble X Plus feels more layered as the midrange has its own separation from the bass in the overall mix. Vocals and instruments sound cleaner on the Pebble X Plus when compared side-by-side. Pebble X can sometimes deliver a slightly warmer sound due to the bass creeping into the mids. Personally, I prefer the sound of the Pebble X Plus. But the Pebble X impressed me for the full sound that it can offer at its small size. If you don’t want the hassle of placing an extra speaker unit, the Pebble X will do the job as well.
Connectivity and ports
There are three ways to connect to the Creative Pebble X and Plus – (1) USB-C, (2) 3.5mm AUX, and (3) Bluetooth. There are two USB-C ports on the back of the right speaker unit. If you want to connect to your laptop or PC directly, you have to use the non-red one. On the other hand if you’re looking to use it via the 3.5mm AUX-in port, then you’d have to ensure you supply power first via the red USB-C port. It’s highly recommend to use at least a 30W PD power adapter to get the best out of the Creative Pebble X.
The last connectivity option is via Bluetooth. The Creative Pebble X utilizes Bluetooth 5.3 which was stable and issue-free during my time of testing. I did not experience any dropouts or audio-video lag when watching videos from a variety of devices.
Like the Pebble Pro, Creative Pebble X is also equipped with a 4-pole headset port and a 3-pole microphone port for greater flexibility of use. You can quickly connect a pair of headphones when gaming or connect a microphone when working from home. Both ports are located on the right side of the right speaker unit, but it might be more ideal it they are on the left unit so the cable of the headphones don’t interfere with your mouse (for right-handed people).
Creative App
When using the Pebble X Plus or Pebble X via the USB-C connection to your PC, you can download the Creative app to gain access to more features such as Creative’s Acoustic Engine audio technologies, equalizer, lighting effects, and more.
The app provides a easy way to enact changes on the speakers such that they are personalised to your liking.
Conclusion
Creative Pebble X Plus and Pebble X speakers are once again the best Pebble speakers. The upgraded 2.75″ speaker drivers offer an impactful sound that has good low end presence for its size. The included headset and mic ports, triple connectivity modes, and new RGB light design adds versatility to the any desk setup. Whether you are looking for a 2.0 or 2.1 setup, the Creative Pebble X Plus and Pebble X speakers is a pair of speakers that you can use for both work and fun.