This 8-Channel 3D USB 2.0 External 7.1 Surround Sound Box with Digital Output offers an array of features for the best surround sound experience! It supports 48/44.1 KHz sampling rate for both playback and recording, SCMS compliant (Serial Copy Management System), supports USB remote wake up and stereo MIC support. This External Sound Box comes with a variety of connectors for easy hook up! Features : 8 channel 3D external sound pocket; USB specification 2.0 compliant; USB audio device class spec. 1.0 and USB HID class spec. 1.1 compliant; 8 channel DAC output with 16-bit resolution; 2 channel ADC input with 16-bit resolution; SCMS compliant (Serial Copy Management System); Supports 48/44.1 KHz sampling rate for both playback and recording; Dolby digital audio streaming via SPDIF out; Supports USB remote wake up; Stereo MIC support with boost capability; Additional headphone output with selectable source and phone jack sense; MCU supports with two wire serial interface; Master volume control by default; per channel volume control by C-Media driver; Vista support.
$ 19.89
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Met my needs just fine,
If you are looking for superior sound from your computer this is the card to get. I expect a lot from my soundcards since I do composing, music production, listen to iTunes and even a little gaming too. Previously I had been using the very excellent M-Audio Audiophile 2496. The M-Audio had a few drawbacks to it but nothing that I couldn’t work around. However, I decided to upgrade. I looked at the stats of several cards from Turtle Beach and M-Audio but on paper they didn’t compare with this card. After installation I gave it a test drive. On playing music from iTunes I noticed a much cleaner sound than my previous card. I didn’t bother to use the silly “Crystallizer.” If you read about what it actually does, it essentially distorts the sound. This card doesn’t need any tricks like that and I can’t recommend using it. I think it was just marketing hype. Also, I’ve listened to music for the last few days I didn’t notice any fatigue on my part – the sound was truly better. Next I opened up Cubase (a music sequencing program) and did an audio mixdown of one of my pieces, the quality was equal to a bit better than the original. Ripping from CD to iTunes, I didn’t notice any difference in quality. The secret is likely the 5 million transitors. I also will once again enjoy the compatibility with nearly all software programs. If I need it I have access to 24 bit sound fonts, a microphone port and some other do-dads. There were a few downsides. The largest of which was the software installation which took way too long – 40 minutes on my Pentium 4 with 2 GB of RAM. I also objected to having to remove shortcuts from AOL placed in my start menu and Favorites by the installation program. You have to use the install disc and you are not given the option of just installing drivers. I took a small chance (because I had 14 days to return it) on the card because I have read countless negative reviews about Creative products over the last few years. Its nice to see them putting out a quality product once more. I didn’t purchase the more expensive big brothers because I didn’t need their features. I cannot comment on technical support because fortunately I didn’t need to contact them. I highly recommend this card because of its quality and price.
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|Big sound in a small package,
I was having problems getting the correct sound card driver for my laptop after upgrading to Win7. I was looking for an inexpensive external sound card came across this one among the many available on the net. Based on reviews, I decided to give it a try and I have to say, I am very happy with it. One of the features I like is this unit comes with an extension USB cable that makes accessing the volume and mute buttons a breeze. The sound quality is great and it is truly Plug-and-Play.
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|Great sound but not the quantum leap I was expecting,
I upgraded to this card from a SoundBlaster Live! Value that I bought when that was the thing to have (meaning…a long time ago). After reading all the literature and reviews I was probably expecting too much but for games, which is why I bought it, it’s not that much better than my old card. It definitely is better though and it does sound great. I’ve used it in Call of Duty 2 and in Battlefield 2. Everything is cleaner, crisper and has more punch than before. BF2 supports this card specifically and the weapons fire really shines in this title. The crack of the rifle shots is fabulous. As well, all of the ambient sounds seem more realistic and more immersive.
I was most eager to try out the 3D headphone capabilities but have not been all that impressed with it. I’ve not tried it with a movie (which has encoded surround channels) but movies aren’t why I bought this card. The much touted headphone surround has been dissappointing. Again, the reviews I’ve read have made quite a fuss over this feature and since I purchased based in large part on the promise of a viable headphone surround, I’m a bit put off. Not enough to not recommend it though. I will add that I’m using a set of mid-grade over the ear headphones from Sony and not a pair of cheapie ear buds. Hopefully as more games come out that support the specific features of the unit this will improve.
To sum up, if you need a new sound card I think this is the one to get. You’ll be future proofed for a while and get great sound in the bargain. If you’re upgrading from a existing card that you’re already satisfied with then I don’t know if the high cost of this one is worth it. If I’d had the chance to try it out before plunking down the cash, I probably would have passed and put the money towards a shiney new video card instead. I’m still happy with it though as it does sound fabulous and gives games an extra bit of punch.
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