Although the PC soundcard market has considerably slowed down since the heyday when computers became "multimedia" devices back in the mid 90s, Creative Labs has remained strong and kept evolving as the leading manufacturer for add-in PC audio cards.
With the popularity of laptops over desktop PCs, and the zillion other portable media devices that interface with your computer rather than with your standard stereo system, it comes as no surprise that Creative is looking for ways to cater to that segment as well.
The Xmod is one of Creative"s latest external audio product offerings, boasting support for the PC, Mac and standalone functionality, this little device is meant to sit between your audio source and your speakers, acting in real-time improving your audio output using the different tricks learned from developing those SoundBlaster boards for so many years.