Creative’s Pebble V3 gives you reliable, clear audio at an incredible value. If you’re looking for an affordable upgrade, it fits well with most set-ups.
- Built-in Gain Switch
- 2.25″ Full-Range Speaker Drivers
- Clear Dialog Audio Processing
- Brand: Creative
- Connectivity: USB-C, 3.5mm AUX in, Bluetooth 5.0 (but still needs USB-C for power)
- Size: 4.8 x 4.7 x 4.6 inches (each)
- Power: 8W RMS 16W peak
- Driver Size: 2.25 inch full-range
- Cable Length: 4ft power cable, 4.4ft between speakers
- Stylish Minimalistic Design
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Great Price
- Amplified Audio Delivery
- Rare Distortion
- Power Requirements (older devices may be underpowered)
Creative Pebble V3
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Creative’s Pebble V3 compliments any minimalist’s dream set-up, without busting the budget. Take advantage of the sleek design, Bluetooth 5.0, and audio features to make listening as convenient as possible.
Thanks to Creative, we have one pair of Pebble V3 to give away as well. You’ll find the entry widget at the end of the review.
Unboxing the Creative Pebble V3
As minimalistic desktop speakers, unboxing the Pebble V3 doesn’t take long at all. Inside the box is the Pebble V3 speakers, a USB-C to USB-A converter, warranty, and a general set-up guide.
Noticeably, the USB-C to USB-A converter had a nice amount of grip on it. As such, it was easy to connect and begin setting up the Pebble V3 for its initial placement testing.
Taking Into Account the Pebble V3’s Design
Creative’s Pebble series places a lot of focus on aesthetics. Like other iterations of the Pebble, the V3 returns with its classic black and gold coloring. So if you’re looking for neutral tones with a hint of color, this constant look remains a selling point.
Similarly, the Pebble series continues to provide compact speakers. Each speaker weighs under a pound, and each speaker only measures out at 4.8 x 4.7 x 4.6 inches. For those that despise excess cables, there are only two cables to contend with: the Right to Left Speaker Cable and USB-C Cable to Computer.
Each of the two cables possesses an adequate amount of length (4.4 ft for the right to left speaker cable and 4 ft for the USB-C to computer), so it’s easy to let them hang loose or tie them up to fit the visuals of your respective desk. Thanks to their low weight, they were also easy to grab and reposition on the fly.
Features of the Pebble V3
The Pebble V3’s defining features are the following:
- Flexible Setup Options
- Bluetooth 5.0 (Wireless Playback)
- 2.25″ Full-Range Drivers (Louder Audio)
- 45° Elevated Drivers
- Built-in Gain Switch
- Clear Dialog Audio Processing
With the upgrade to the Pebble V3 from the V2, Creative kept its strongest elements (45° drivers and gain switch) while focusing on improving audio power, processing, and overall accessibility. To adequately discuss these areas, let’s break down how each area fairs.
Connectivity Options and Powering the Pebble V3
In terms of how to connect the Pebble V3, there are three ways to achieve playback.
Just remember that each method needs to accurately power the Pebble V3. Otherwise, an underpowered Pebble can’t deliver on its optimal audio settings. Whether USB-C, USB-A, the port must be capable of 10W (5V @ 2A) power output.
The typical playback method for the Pebble is via USB Audio, though it’s not your only option. Whether you’re using the USB-C or the USB-C to USB-A converter, you can power the device easily via your computer. Unless you’re using a much older device, you shouldn’t run into power issues here.
The second playback method utilizes Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless playback. With this method, you can power the device using USB while playing music off your phone or other Bluetooth enabled device.
For this route, I was also able to plug the Pebble V3 into a USB wall adapter, desktop equipped with 5V 2A USB, or portable power station. In each case, the Pebble V3 was adequately powered, and I was able to achieve its full output. The Pebble V3s weren’t designed as truly portable speakers but can serve as such in a pinch.
The final connectively method utilizes audio output via AUX-in cable. If you want to connect the Pebble V3 to some MP3 or other audio players, you can utilize this method.
How Does It Feel to Use the Pebble V3?
The Pebble V3 will work seamlessly for you as long as you meet its power demands. Thanks to its combined minimalism and versatility, you can either literally plug and play or take the extra Bluetooth step.
When using Bluetooth 5.0, I never had any issues pairing the Pebble V3 with other devices. I tried different smartphones and laptops, and the recognition always occurred instantaneously. The right speaker’s LED light also made it easy to judge a successful connection and adequate power.
Unlike a Windows computer, however, Mac users will have to take one extra step to complete the pairing. After powering the Pebble V3 via USB, go to System Preferences. Then select Sound and click Output to select the Pebble V3.
Once I got to use the volume control knob, it had a nice albeit standard measure of control. You can fine-tune with it, and it has decent durability with its matte finish.
The Pebble V3’s Sound Quality
With the Pebble V3, Creative wanted to improve audio quality and power. Did they succeed? If you consider the size and price of their speakers, they did.
To test this, I focused on a few constants. First, I left the gain switch on High always. Secondly, I tried different sound meter apps to test the dB min, max, and average.
While watching normal movie conversations, I measured in the typical speaking dB ranges of 65 to around 70. If the music or sound got especially loud, it would pop up into the 80-95 dB range. While doing this, I didn’t notice any crackling or distortion.
In the lower ranges, I tried to listen for clear dialog processing as well. In listening to different scenes utilizing the Pebble V3 versus the built-in computer, it did stand out slightly when comparing the two. But if I didn’t know it was a feature, I probably wouldn’t have recognized it.
As for the Pebble V3’s limits, at especially loud levels (i.e. heavier rock music on Spotify), I could pick up a small amount of distortion. If you’re intending to heavily push the limits of these speakers, you’ll notice this more. However, in most of my daily use, it was a non-factor.
The 45° Elevated Drivers also played a smart role in a lot of testing. Whether I was lifting the speakers up to listen close to my ear or just generally arrange it on my desk, the positioning made it much easier to check for gains and losses.
Should You Buy Creative’s Pebble V3?
Whether you buy the Creative Pebble V3 depends on what you’re after in a speaker.
For passionate audiophiles looking for the best dB gains, you can do better and likely aren’t the target for these tiny speakers. However, if you’re after a stylish, non-intrusive speaker set for your desktop then you should seriously consider the Pebble V3.
For its low price tag, you get a powerful yet compact speaker set with Bluetooth 5.0 and built-in audio gains and processing. If you weigh these against the tiny demerits, the Pebble V3 still offers incredible value.