As an aside, all digital outputs are disabled during DVD-Audio playback to comply with its copy-protection scheme.But does it deliver the kind of performance that musicians need.On the one hand theres no denying their incredible value for money, and the innovative way they have introduced new features such as Soundfonts and Firewire to a mass market.
This has won them a devoted following among games players and home users, keen to enjoy every aspect of the multimedia experience. The SOS forums are awash with heated Soundblaster debates, as are many others. MME-WDM playback: up to 24-bit at 8, 11, 16, 22, 32, 44.1, 48 and 96 kHz (192kHz only currently available for DVD-Audio playback). MME-WDM recording: 8, 16 or 24-bit, at sampling rates of 8, 11, 16, 22, 24, 32, 44.1, 48 or 96 kHz. ASIO recordingplayback: 16-bit48kHz or 24-bit96kHz (choice of two drivers) SPDIF input: up to 24-bit96kHz. SPDIF output: up to 24-bit at 44.1 (stereo only), 48 or 96 kHz. Signal-to-noise ratio: 100dBA (line in and out), 106dBA (digital playback). Frequency response: -1dB at 10Hz and 44kHz at 96kHz sample rate. At its heart is a completely new Creative DSP chip, the Audigy 2 CA0102: although this is similar to the Emu 10k2 used in the Audigy, it has a significantly better signal-to-noise ratio and supports file formats up to 24-bit192kHz. Compared with the original Platinum EX, version 2 also adds various other new features of particular interest to musicians, including more quarter-inch jack sockets instead of phonos for line IO, full-size MIDI sockets, and an extra Firewire port on the breakout box. ![]() Tested with: Steinberg Cubase SX 1.051 and Wavelab 4.0g, NI Pro 53, Cakewalk Sonar 2.0. This time, the EX is the only one of the three that is likely to interest musicians, since it alone can handle 24-bit96kHz recording and playback using low-latency ASIO 2.0 drivers (the others only manage 16-bit48kHz). Significantly better audio quality than previous Creative models. Still a fixed 48kHz internal engine with asynchronous sample-rate conversion except when running at 24-bit96kHz. DSP effects not available when running ASIO drivers at 24-bit96kHz. Hz ASIO support only available with Platinum EX model. External clock and bit-for-bit digital transfers still not possible. Those requiring joystick support can attach the supplied ribbon cable and extra backplate with a 15-pin Gameport connector, but a pair of standard MIDI sockets are featured on the module, so musicians neednt sacrifice a PCI slot position unless they need the second port. Creative Labs Audigy 2 Plus Headphone SocketIts front panel features an SB1394 (Creative Firewire) socket, Toslink optical in and out, MicLine 1 and Line 2 inputs plus headphone socket all on quarter-inch jacks, with a rotary gain control for mic gain that converts to line operation in its off position, and a detented master volume rotary encoder with a handy push mute function. Theres also a button to enabledisable the CMSS 3D function that creates a 6.1 surround virtualisation from such sources as MP3 and Dolby Digital 5.1, and which now supports headphones. The two SB1394 ports are handy for connecting external hard disks, and test results indicate good performance, if a little below that of a true IEEE 1394 controller. As far as I can see, surround sound remains popular mainly for those playing games and immersing themselves in home theatre installations, but not to the majority of musicians, who simply cant afford all the extra monitors of sufficiently high quality to mix in surround to a commercial standard. However, should you wish to indulge, the Audigy 2 provides more options than any other soundcard, including the CMSS 3D mentioned earlier, along with decoders for Direct Sound 3D, EAX 1.0, 2.0, EAX Advanced HD and Dolby Digital 5.1. New to the Audigy 2 is decoding support for Dolby Digital Surround EX 6.1 a 5.1 enhancement offering an additional rear centre speaker signal encoded onto the existing left and right surround channels, which can be found on the soundtracks of many of the newest DVD releases including The Phantom Menace and Lord Of The Rings.
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