how to use this manual - documentation & help · 1. after you have installed your audio card,...

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IntroductionCongratulationsonyourpurchaseofCreative'slatestaudiorevolution,SoundBlaster®X-Fi™XtremeAudio!WithcuttingedgetechnologyfromtheleadersinPCaudio,youraudiocardwillprovideyouwithyearsofentertainment.ThisUser'sGuidecontainssoftwareinstallationandusageinformationforyouraudiodevice.

NotesSomeupgradeaccessoriesareonlyavailableincertainregions.Formoreinformationonproductavailabilityandpossibleupgradeoptions,consultyourlocaldistributororvisitwww.soundblaster.com.

http://www.soundblaster.com

SystemRequirements

MinimumRequirementsGenuineIntel®Pentium®41.6GHz,AMD®AthlonXP2000+processororfaster(Pentium42.2GHz,AMDAthlonXP2400+processororfasterrecommended)

Intel,AMDor100%compatiblemotherboardchipsetMicrosoft®WindowsVista™32-bitor64-bit,Windows®XPProfessionalx64

Edition,WindowsXPServicePack2(SP2)orWindowsXPMediaCenterEdition(MCE)2004/2005512MBRAM600MBoffreeharddiskspaceAvailablePCI2.1slotfortheaudiocardHeadphonesoramplifiedspeakers(availableseparately)CD-ROM/CD-RWorCD/DVD-ROMdriverequiredforsoftwareinstallation

AdditionalRequirements(whereapplicable)DVD-Video

6xorfasterDVD-ROMdriveDVDplayersoftwaresuchasInterVideo®WinDVD®orCyberLink®

PowerDVDTM(latestversionrecommended)installedHigh-speedInternetconnectiontodownloadthelatestPowerDVDwith

Dolby®DigitalandDTS®decodingcodec*5.1,6.1or7.1speakersforoptimallisteningexperience**

NotesOtherapplicationsmayhavehighersystemrequirements.Refertotheapplications'documentationfordetails.

*AdditionalchargesmaybeincurredifyouchoosetoupgradePowerDVDand/ordownloadcodecs.**6.1channelaudioisnotsupportedbyWindowsVista.

MoreHelpVisitwww.soundblaster.comforthelatestSoundBlasternewsandproducts.Thesitealsoincludesinformationonmakingpurchases,technicalhelp,andthelatestdriverupdates.

http://www.soundblaster.com

AboutYourHardwareRefertotheQuickStartleafletforinstructionsoninstallingyouraudiocard.Tolearnmoreaboutyourproduct,refertotherelevantsectionbelow:

YourSoundBlasteraudiocardYourDigitalI/OModule*

Notes*Availableasanupgradeaccessoryinsomeregions.

YourSoundBlasteraudiocardYouraudiocardhasthejacksandconnectorsbelowtoenabletheattachmentofawidevarietyofdevices.Theavailabilityandpositionofthejacksandconnectorsmayvary,asshownbelow:

JackorConnector Description

1. LineOut3jack

Connectthefollowinginputsonpoweredanalogspeakersorahometheaterreceivertothisjack:

On5.1systems:FrontCenterandSubwooferOn6.1systems:FrontCenter,SubwooferandRearCenterOn7.1systems:FrontCenter,SubwooferandSideLeft

2.LineOut2jackConnectthefollowinginputsonpoweredanalogspeakersorahometheaterreceivertothisjack:

On4.1,5.1and6.1systems:RearLeftandRearRightOn7.1systems:RearLeft,RearRightandSideRight

3.LineOut1jackConnecttheFrontLeftandFrontRightinputsonpoweredanalogspeakersorahometheaterreceivertothisjack.Youcanalsoconnectyourstereoheadphoneswitha3.50mm(1/8-inch)plugtothisjack.4.DigitalI/O/LineIn/MicInjackPerformsa3-in-1function,supportingMicrophone-in,Line-inandDigitalI/Oconnections.Connectoneofthefollowingtothisjack:

analogdeviceslikecassetteplayersandotherline-levelsourcesamicrophonetheDigitalI/OModule*externaldigitalaudiodevicesthatacceptstereoPCMorcompressedDolbyDigital/DTSBitstreamfrom

theDigitaloutputSeeConfiguringyourDigitalI/Omodule.

5.AuxInconnectorConnectananalogCDcable(availableseparately)fromtheanalogoutputonanaudiodevicelikeaTVtunertothisconnector.6.FrontPanelHeaderAudioconnectorConnectoneendoftheIntelFrontPanelAudiocable(availableseparately)tothisconnector.SeeFrontPanelHeaderforspecifications.


6.1channelaudioisnotsupportedbyWindowsVista.

YourDigitalI/OModule*TheDigitalI/OModuleprovidesadditionalconnectivityforanumberofotherdevices.

JackorConnector Description

1. OpticalSPDIFOutjack

Connectrecordingdeviceswithopticaljacks(forexample,MiniDiscrecorders,DigitalAudioTaperecordersorexternalharddiskrecorders)tothisjack.

2. OpticalSPDIFInjack

Connectplaybackdeviceswithopticaljacks(forexample,MiniDiscplayers,DigitalAudioTapeplayersorDVDplayers)tothisjack.

3. CoaxialSPDIFInjack

Connectplaybackdeviceswithcoaxialjacks(forexample,MiniDiscplayers,DigitalAudioTapeplayersorDVDplayers)tothisjack.

4.CoaxialSPDIFOutjack

Connectrecordingdeviceswithcoaxialjacks(forexample,MiniDiscrecorders,DigitalAudioTaperecordersorexternalharddiskrecorders)tothisjack.


ConfiguringyourDigitalI/OmoduleYouraudiocardprovidesbothanaloganddigitalsupport.AfterconnectingyourDigitalI/OmoduletotheDigitalI/O/MicIn/LineInjack,connectthedevicethatyouwanttoyourDigitalI/Omoduleandfollowtheinstructionsbelowtoconfigureit:

1. InEntertainmentMode,clicktheSpeakersandHeadphones icon.SelecttheDigitalOutputOnlycheckbox.ClicktheOKbutton.

YoucannowenjoyX-FiTechnologyenhancedstereoPCMfromyouraudiocard'sdigitaloutput!

InstallingandUninstallingSoftwareInstallingDriversandApplications

UsingCreativeSoftwareAutoUpdateUpdatingDirectXUninstallingandReinstallingtheApplicationsandDeviceDrivers

InstallingDriversandApplicationsYouneedtoinstalldevicedriversandapplicationsbeforeusingyouraudiocard.TheinstructionsbelowapplytoallsupportedWindowsoperatingsystems.1. Afteryouhaveinstalledyouraudiocard,turnonyourcomputer.Windows

automaticallydetectsyouraudiocardandsearchesfordevicedrivers.Whenpromptedfortheaudiodrivers,clicktheCancelbutton.InserttheInstallationandApplicationsCDintoyourCD/DVD-ROMdrive.

YourCDshouldstartautomatically.Ifitdoesnot,followthestepsbelow:1. Double-clicktheMyComputericon.

Alternatively,clickStart MyComputer.Right-clicktheCD-ROM/DVD-ROMdriveicon,andthenclickAutoPlay.Followtheinstructionsonthescreentocompletetheinstallation.Whenprompted,restartyourcomputer.

UsingCreativeSoftwareAutoUpdateLocating,downloadingandinstallingupdatesforyourCreativeproductsisnowsimplerandfasterwiththenewweb-basedCreativeSoftwareAutoUpdatesystem.WhenyouconnecttoCreativeSoftwareAutoUpdateviatheInternet,thewebsitewillanalyzeyourcomputersystemtodeterminewhatoperatingsystem(OS),languageandCreativeproductsareinstalledinyoursystem.Aftertheonlineanalysis,youwillbeabletoselectfromalistofonlythemostrelevantsoftwareanddriverupdates.Thefileswillthenberetrievedandinstalledonyoursystemforyou.TofindoutmoreaboutCreativeSoftwareAutoUpdate,gotowww.soundblaster.com/support/.

NotesFirst-timeusersofCreativeSoftwareAutoUpdatemaybepromptedtoauthorizethedownloadofabrowsercomponentrequiredforsysteminspection.EnsurethatthecontentissignedbyCreativeLabs,Inc.,andthenclicktheYesbutton.

EnsurethatallyourCreativeproductsareconnectedandinstalledonthesamecomputerrunningCreativeSoftwareAutoUpdate.

http://www.soundblaster.com/support/

UpdatingDirectXTodownloadthelatestupdateforDirectX,gotowww.microsoft.com.

http://www.microsoft.com

UninstallingandReinstallingtheApplicationsandDeviceDriversAttimesyoumayneedtouninstallorreinstallsomeoralloftheaudioapplicationsanddevicedriverstocorrectproblems,changeconfigurations,orupgradeoutdateddriversorapplications.ThefollowinginstructionstellyouhowtodosoinallWindowsoperatingsystems.Beforeyoubegin,closealltheaudioapplications.Applicationsthatarestillrunningduringtheuninstallationwillnotberemoved.

ReinstallingAudioDriversandApplications1. ForWindowsVista

ClickStart ControlPanel Uninstallaprogram.ForWindowsXP

1. Start Settings ControlPanelorStart ControlPanel.Double-clicktheAdd/RemoveProgramsiconandclicktheChangeor

RemoveProgramstab.Selectyouraudiocard'sentryForWindowsVista

ClicktheUninstall/Changebutton.ForWindowsXPClicktheChange/Removebutton.IntheInstallShieldWizarddialogbox,selecttheRepairoption.

Ifprompted,inserttheInstallationandApplicationsCDintoyourCD/DVD-ROM,andclicktheOKbutton.Torepairanapplication,selecttheapplicationcheckbox.ClicktheNextbutton.Restartyourcomputerwhenprompted.

Youcannowcheckthecomputertoseeifthereinstalledsoftwareworksproperly.Ifnot,seeTroubleshootingandFAQs.

UninstallingallAudioDriversandApplications1. ForWindowsVista




ClicktheUninstall/Changebutton.ForWindowsXPClicktheChange/Removebutton.IntheInstallShieldWizarddialogbox,selecttheRemoveAlloption.ClicktheYesbutton.Restartyourcomputerwhenprompted.

YoumaynowinstalltheoriginalorupdatedSoundBlasterX-Fidevicedriversorapplications.Formoreinformation,seeInstallingDriversandApplications.

Installing/UninstallingselectedAudioDriversorApplications1. ForWindowsVista

ClickStart ControlPanel UninstallaprogramForWindowsXP



ClicktheUninstall/Changebutton.ForWindowsXPClicktheChange/Removebutton.IntheInstallShieldWizarddialogbox,selecttheAddoptiontoaddnew

softwarecomponentstoyourexistinginstallation,ortheRemoveoptiontoremovepreviouslyinstalledsoftwarecomponentsfromyoursystem.Toinstalloruninstallanapplication,selecttheapplicationcheckbox.ClicktheNextbutton.

Whenprompted,inserttheInstallationandApplicationsCDintoyourCD/DVD-ROM,andclicktheOKbutton.Restartyourcomputerwhenprompted.

TouninstallaselectedcomponentinCreativeMediaSource:1. ForWindowsVista




ClicktheUninstall/Changebutton.ForWindowsXPClicktheChange/Removebutton.

IntheInstallShieldWizarddialogbox,clicktheRemovebutton.Selectthecheckboxoftheapplicationyouwanttouninstall.ClicktheNextbutton.Restartyourcomputerwhenprompted.

ConnectingPeripheralsYouraudiocardworksseamlesslywithmanyexternaldevices.Toconnecttheseperipherals,refertotherelevantsectionsbelow:

WatchingDVDsPlaying/RecordingMusicCreatingMusic

NotesFormoreinformationontheCreativeperipheralsmentionedinthischapter,visitwww.creative.com.

Thecablesshowninthesetopicsmaybebundledwithyourperipheralandareavailableseparatelyfromyouraudiocardpackage.

http://www.creative.com

WatchingDVDsTodecodeDolbyDigitalandDTSmultichannelsoundfromDVDs,refertothefollowingsections:

DecodingfromasoftwareDVDplayerDecodingwithanexternaldecoderorahometheaterreceiverConnectingamultichannelhometheaterreceiver

DecodingfromasoftwareDVDplayerToplayDolbyDigitalorDTSencodedDVDsonyourcomputer,youneedtoinstallthelatestversionofasoftwareDVDplayersuchasWinDVDorPowerDVD.

Youcandownloadthefollowingsoftwareandcodecs:CyberLinkPowerDVDplayer

MPEG-2decoderDTSdecodingcodecDolbyDigitaldecodingcodec

YourproductmodelenablesyoutoupgradePowerDVD,anddownloaditscodec,inthefollowingways:

ClickStart ProgramsorAllPrograms Creative GetPowerDVD.

NotesAdditionalchargesmaybeincurredifyouchoosetoupgradePowerDVDand/ordownloadcodecs.

DecodingwithanexternaldecoderorahometheaterreceiverYoucanuseanexternaldecodertoprocessDolbyDigital,DTS,DTS-ESorDolbyDigitalEXsignalsfromyouraudiodevice(suchasyouraudiocardorDigitalI/OModule*)andoutputthecontentto5.1,6.1and7.1speakers.Alternatively,youcanuseahometheaterreceivertodecodeDolbyDigitalorDTSsignalsto5.1speakers.



Connectingyourexternaldecodertoyouraudiocard

Jack,ConnectororCable1. DigitalI/O/LineIn/MicInjack

2. 3.50mm(1/8-inch)mono-to-RCAcable(availableseparately)


NotesActualproductsmaydifferslightlyfromthosepictured.

ConnectingyourexternaldecodertotheDigitalI/OModuleForopticalconnections:

Jack,ConnectororCable1. OpticalSPDIFOutjack

2. Opticalcable(availableseparately)


Forcoaxialconnections:

Jack,ConnectororCable1. CoaxialSPDIFOutjack


3. Coaxialcable(availableseparately)

ConnectingamultichannelhometheaterreceiverIfyouhaveamultichannelhometheaterreceiver,youcanconnectitdirectlytoyouraudiocard'sLineOut1,LineOut2andLineOut3jacksasshownbelow.Formoreinformationonmultichannelhometheaterreceiverspeakerconnections,consulttheUser'sGuideofyourhometheaterreceiver.Formoreinformationontheappropriatejackstouse,seeStereoand4-PoleJackDiagrams.

Jack,ConnectororCable Description

1. FrontLeftjack ConnectthisjacktotheLineOut1jackonyouraudiocard,usinga3.50mm(1/8-inch)stereo-to-RCAcable(availableseparately).

2. FrontRightjack ConnectthisjacktotheLineOut1jackonyouraudiocard,usinga3.50mm(1/8-inch)stereo-to-RCAcable(availableseparately).

3.3.50mm(1/8-inch)stereo-to-RCAcable(availableseparately)

Connectstheaudiocardandhometheaterreceiver.

4. LineOut1jack

ConnectthisjacktotheFrontLeftandFrontRightjacksonamultichannelhometheaterreceiver,usinga3.50mm(1/8-inch)stereo-to-RCAcable(availableseparately).

Jack,

ConnectororCable

Description

1. RearLeftjack ConnectthisjacktotheLineOut2jackonyouraudiocard,usinga3.50mm(1/8-inch)4-pole-to-RCAcable(availableseparately).

2. RearRightjack ConnectthisjacktotheLineOut2jackonyouraudiocard,usinga3.50mm(1/8-inch)4-pole-to-RCAcable(availableseparately).

3. SideRightjack ConnectthisjacktotheLineOut2jackonyouraudiocard,usinga3.50mm(1/8-inch)4-pole-to-RCAcable(availableseparately).

4. LineOut2jack

Connectthefollowingjacksonamultichannelhometheaterreceivertothisjackusinga3.50mm(1/8-inch)4-pole-to-RCAcable(availableseparately):

On4.1,5.1and6.1systems:RearLeftandRearRightOn7.1systems:RearLeft,RearRightandSideRight.

5.3.50mm(1/8-inch)surround-to-RCAcable(availableseparately)Connectstheaudiocardandhometheaterreceiver.

Jack,

ConnectororCable

Description

1. SideLeftjack ConnectthisjacktotheLineOut3jackonyouraudiocard,usinga3.50mm(1/8-inch)4-pole-to-RCAcable(availableseparately).

2. Centerjack ConnectthisjacktotheLineOut3jackonyouraudiocard,usinga3.50mm(1/8-inch)4-pole-to-RCAcable(availableseparately).

3. Subwooferjack ConnectthisjacktotheLineOut3jackonyouraudiocard,usinga3.50mm(1/8-inch)4-pole-to-RCAcable(availableseparately).

4. LineOut3jack

Connectthefollowingjacksonamultichannelhometheaterreceivertothisjackusinga3.50mm(1/8-inch)4-pole-to-RCAcable(availableseparately):

On5.1systems:FrontCenterandSubwooferOn6.1systems:FrontCenter,SubwooferandRearCenterOn7.1systems:FrontCenter,SubwooferandSideLeft.

5.3.50mm(1/8-inch)surround-to-RCAcable(availableseparately)Connectstheaudiocardandhometheaterreceiver.



Playing/RecordingMusicYoucanconnectstereoheadphonestoyouraudiocardtolistentothemusicyouareplayingorrecording.

ConnectingstereoheadphonestoyouraudiocardYoucanconnectstereoheadphonestotheLineOut1jackonyouraudiodevice.


1. LineOut1jack Connectstereoheadphoneswitha3.50mm(1/8-inch)plugtothisjack.Useaconverterifyourheadphonescomewithalargerplug.

CreatingMusicYoucansetupahomemusicstudiousingyouraudiocard.

ConnectinginstrumentstoyouraudiocardConnectamicrophoneoraline-levelsource(suchasanelectricguitarrunningthroughaPre-ampFXBox)totheDigitalI/O/LineIn/MicInjack.


1. DigitalI/O/LineIn/MicInjack

Connectamicrophoneoraline-levelsourcetothisjack.Useaconvertorifyourmicrophoneorline-levelsourcecomewithalargerplug.

ConnectingSpeakersTheconnectorsandassociatedcomponentsshownheremaybedifferentfromthatofyourspeakersystem.ConsulttheUser'sGuideofyourspeakersystemtoidentifysimilarinputconnectors.Thecablesshownhereareavailableseparately.Forinteractivehelponspeakerconnectivity,visittheKnowledgeBaseatwww.creative.com.

PositioningyourspeakersGoodspeakerplacementcanenhanceyourlisteningexperience,whilecarelessplacementcanmakegoodaudiosystemssoundbad.Belowareourrecommendationsfor5.1,6.1and7.1channelspeakers.Fordetailedspeakerplacementtips,refertotheUser'sGuideofyourspeakersystem.

Notes6.1channelaudioisnotsupportedbyWindowsVista.

For5.1channelspeakers:

Speakercomponent1. Subwoofer

2. FrontLeft

3. FrontCenter


4. FrontRight

5. RearLeft

6.RearRight



2. FrontLeft

3. FrontCenter

4. FrontRight

5. RearLeft

6. RearCenter

7.RearRight



2. FrontLeft

3. FrontCenter

4. FrontRight

5. SideLeft

6. SideRight

7. RearLeft

8.RearRight

NotesIfyouhavea5.1channel,6.1channelor7.1channelspeakersystem,youcanupmixyourstereosources(forexample,CDAudio,MP3,WMA,MIDI,andWave)totherespectivechannelsbyusingX-FiCMSS-3Dtechnology.Toupmix,youneedtoenabletheX-FiCMSS-3DfeatureinEntertainmentMode.Formoreinformation,refertotheirrespectiveonlineHelp.


ConnectingDigitalSpeakerSystemsSelecttheDigitalOutputOnlycheckboxinEntertainmentModewhenconnectingexternaldigitalspeakersthatacceptstereoPCMorcompressedDolbyDigital/DTSBitstreamfromtheS/PDIFoutput.

NotesVisitwww.creative.comformoreinformation.


2.1channeldigitalspeakers

Connectingyour2.1channeldigitalspeakerstoyouraudiocard

Device/Cable1. DigitalI/O/LineIn/MicInjack

2. RCA-to-miniplugcable(availableseparately)

3. RCA-to-RCAcable(availableseparately)

4.DigitalInjack


Connectingyour2.1channeldigitalspeakerstotheDigitalI/OModule*Foropticalconnections:

Device/Cable1. OpticalSPDIFOutjack

2. Opticalcable(availableseparately)


Forcoaxialconnections:

Device/Cable1. CoaxialSPDIFOutjack

2. Coaxialcable(availableseparately)


ConnectingAnalogSpeakerSystemsYoucanconnectanalogspeakersystemsofupto7.1channels.Formoreinformationontheappropriatejackstouse,seeStereoand4-PoleJackDiagrams.

NotesVisitwww.creative.comformoreinformation.


2.1channelanalogspeakers

Jack,ConnectororCable1. LineOut1jack

2. 2channelaudiocable(availableseparately)

3. AudioInputjack




2. LineOut1jack

3. 4channelaudiocable(availableseparately)

4. Front(AudioInput)jack

5.Rear(AudioInput)jack



Jack,ConnectororCable1. Front(AudioInput)jack


3. 5.1channelaudiocable(availableseparately)

4. LineOut1jack

5. LineOut2jack

6. LineOut3jack

7.Center/Subwoofer(AudioInput)jack



Jack,ConnectororCable1. Lineout3jack

2. LineOut2jack

3. LineOut1jack

4. 6.1channelaudiocable(availableseparately)

5. Center/Subwoofer/RearCenter(AudioInput)jack







2. LineOut2jack

3. LineOut1jack

4.7.1channelaudiocable(availableseparately)

5. Rear(AudioInput)jack


7. Center/Subwoofer(AudioInput)jack

8.Side(AudioInput)jack


Whenyouareusing7.1channelanalogspeakerswithyouraudiocard,makesureyouselectthe7.1Speakersoptiontoexperience7.1channelaudio.

Ifyouwant6.1channelaudiowith7.1channelanalogspeakers,selectthe6.1SpeakersoptionandmoveyourSideLeftspeakertotheRearCenterposition.6.1channelaudioisnotsupportedbyWindowsVista.

CreativeSoundBlasterX-FiSoftwareSuiteThefollowingsoftwareenablesyoutoaccesstherichfeaturesofyouraudiodevice.Tolearnmoreabouteachapplication,refertoitsonlineHelp.Dependingontheapplication,youcandothisbyclicking onthetoolbaroftheapplication,orselectingHelpTopicsfromtheHelpmenu.

EntertainmentModeAudioConsoleCreativeMediaSourceCreativeSoundBlasterMediaCenterEdition(MCE)PluginVolumePanel

DiagnosticandtroubleshootingutilitiesDiagnostics

NotesTheapplicationsincludedwithyouraudiodevicemaydifferfromthosedescribedhere.Youraudiodevicemayalsocomewiththirdpartyapplications.

Someapplicationsareavailableforcertainoperatingsystemsonly.

EntertainmentModeInEntertainmentMode,youraudiodeviceisoptimizedformoviesoundtrackandmusicplayback.WiththeEntertainmentModeconsole,youcan:

AdjustmastervolumelevelsAdjustvolumemixersettingsConfigureplaybacksettingsforyourspeakersorheadphonesAdjustequalizersettingsEnablerealisticenvironmenteffectsEnableadvancedmultichannelupmixingwithX-FiCMSS-3DSurroundEnablevirtualsurroundsoundwithX-FiCMSS-3DHeadphoneandX-Fi

CMSS-3DVirtualEnhancedetailandimpactofaudiowithX-FiCrystalizer.

GeneralSpecificationsThissectiondisplaysthespecificationsofyouraudiocardandDigitalI/OModule*.

PCIBusMasteringPCISpecificationuptoVersion2.3compliant

Busmasteringreduceslatencyandspeedsupsystemperformance

ProfessionalDigitalAudioProcessing24-bitAnalog-to-Digitalconversionofanaloginputsat96kHzsamplerate

24-bitDigital-to-Analogconversionofdigitalsourcesat96kHztoanalog7.1speakeroutput24-bitDigital-to-Analogconversionofstereodigitalsourcesat192kHzto

stereooutput16-bitto24-bitrecordingsamplingrates:8,11.025,16,22.05,32,44.1,48

and96kHzSupportsSony/PhilipsDigitalInterface(SPDIF)formatofupto24-bit/96kHz

qualitySPDIFoutputatselectablesamplingrateof44.1,48or96kHzSPDIFoutputnotavailableduringplaybackofprotecteddigitalaudiocontent

authoredwithDRM(DigitalRightsManagement)technology

FlexibleMixerControlSelectableinputsourceormixingofvariousaudiosourcesforrecording

AdjustablemastervolumecontrolIndependentvolumecontrol

X-FiCMSS-3DX-FiCMSS-3DSurround:Upmixesstereosourcesto4,5.1,6.1or7.1channels

X-FiCMSS-3DHeadphone:ProvidesamultichannelplaybackexperienceoverheadphonesforalltypesofcontentX-FiCMSS-3DVirtual:Providesamultichannelplaybackexperienceover

twoloudspeakersforalltypesofcontent

Notes6.1channelaudioisnotsupportedbyWindowsVista.

Connectivity

SoundBlasterX-FiXtremeAudio

AudioInputsDigitalInvia3.50mm(1/8-inch)jackonrearbracket(sharingwiththeLineIn/MicrophoneInjack)

AudioOutputsLine-levelanalogoutputviastereo3.50mm(1/8-inch)jackonrearbracket:FrontLine-Out1

Twoline-levelthreechannelanalogoutputvia4-pole3.50mm(1/8-inch)minijackonrearbracket:RearLeft,RearRight,SideRight,Center,SubwooferandSideLeftchannel

Interfaces2x5pinFrontPanelHeaderforconnectionswithIntelHDFrontPanelAudiostandardheader

DigitalI/OModule*

AudioInputsOpticaljackforopticalSPDIFinput

CoaxialjackforcoaxialSPDIFinput

AudioOutputsOpticaljackforopticalSPDIFoutput

CoaxialjackforcoaxialSPDIFoutputTwoRCAjacksforcoaxialSPDIFinputandoutput


Stereoand4-PoleJackDiagrams

Foranalogaudio

5.1channelanalogaudio

5.1channelanalogaudio1. LineOut1jack2. LineOut2jack3. LineOut3jack4. Center5. Subwoofer6. Ground7. Ground8. RearRight9. RearLeft10. FrontLeft11. FrontRight

12.Ground


6.1channelanalogaudio1. LineOut1jack2. LineOut2jack3. LineOut3jack4. Center5. Subwoofer6. Ground7. RearCenter8. Ground9. RearRight10. RearLeft11. FrontLeft12. FrontRight

13.Ground


7.1channelanalogaudio1. LineOut1jack2. LineOut2jack3. LineOut3jack4. Center5. Subwoofer6. Ground7. SideLeft8. Ground9. SideRight10. RearRight11. RearLeft12. Ground13. FrontRight

14.FrontLeft


FrontPanelHeader

ConnectioncompatiblityIntelHDFrontPanelAudiostandardonly

NotesNotcompatiblewithAC97orIntel-compatibleHDFrontPanelAudio.

MicrophonelimitationRearmicrophonesareautomaticallydisabledwhenbothfrontandrearmicrophonesareconnected

Pinconfiguration

Pin SignalName Description1 PORT1L AnalogPort1-leftchannel(Microphone)2 GND Ground3 PORT1R AnalogPort1-rightchannel(Microphone)

4 PRESENCE#ActivelowsignalthatsignalsBIOSthatanIntelHDAudiodongleisconnectedtotheanalogheader.PRESENCE#=0whenanIntelHDAudiodongleisconnected

5 PORT2R AnalogPort2-rightchannel(Headphone)6 SENSE1_RETURN Jackdetectionreturnforfrontpanel(JACK1)

7 SENSE_SEND JackdetectionsenselinefromtheIntelHDAudioCODECjackdetectionresistornetwork

8 KEY ConnectorKey9 PORT2L AnalogPort2-leftchannel(Headphone)10 SENSE2_RETURN Jackdetectionreturnforfrontpanel(JACK2)

TroubleshootingandFAQsThissectionprovidessolutionstoproblemsyoumayencounterduringinstallationornormaluse.Thisincludes:

ProblemswithSoundProblemswithSoundandCD-ROMs

ProblemswithMultipleAudioDevicesProblemswithOlderSoundBlasterAudioDevicesProblemswithDigitalAudioDevices

ProblemswithSoundNosoundfromtheheadphones.Checkthefollowing:

TheheadphonesareconnectedtotheHeadphonejack.IntheSpeakerstabofAudioConsole,theHeadphonesoptionisselectedin

theSpeaker/HeadphoneSelectionbox.ORInthespeakersandheadphoneselectionofEntertainmentMode,theHeadphonesoptionisselected.

Noaudiooutputwhenplayingdigitalfilessuchas.WAV,MIDIfilesorAVIclips.Checkthefollowing:

Thespeakers'volumecontrolknob,ifany,issetatmid-range.AdjustthevolumemixersettingsinEntertainmentMode,ifnecessary.

Thepoweredspeakersorexternalamplifierareconnectedtothecard'sLineOutjacks.Thereisnohardwareconflictbetweenthecardandaperipheraldevice.See

ProblemswithDigitalAudioDevices.ThespeakersandheadphoneselectioninEntertainmentModecorrespondsto

yourspeakerorheadphoneconfiguration.

ProblemswithSoundandCD-ROMsNoaudiooutputwhenplayingaudioCDs.Tosolvethisproblem:

EnabledigitalCDplayback(forWindowsXPonly):1. ClickStart Settings ControlPanelorStart ControlPanel.IntheControlPaneldialogbox,double-clicktheSystemicon.IntheSystemPropertiesdialogbox,clicktheHardwaretab.ClicktheDeviceManagerbutton.Double-clicktheDVD/CD-ROMdrivesicon.

Yourcomputerdrivesappear.Right-clickthediskdriveicon.Amenuappears.ClickProperties.IntheDigitalCDPlaybackboxofthenextdialogbox,clicktheEnable

digitalCDaudioforthisCD-ROMdevicecheckboxtoselectit.

NotesThisfeatureisenabledinWindowsVistabydefault.

ProblemswithMultipleAudioDevicesTheotherinstalledaudiocardisnotworkingwell.Youmayhaveanexistingaudiodeviceinstalledinyourcomputer.Theaudiodevicemaybeanaudiocardoranonboardaudiochipset.Beforeyouinstallyouraudiodevice,youareadvisedtodisableorcompletelyuninstallandremoveyourexistingaudiodevice.Operatingmultipleaudiodevicesinyourcomputermayintroduceusabilityissues.Alternatively,duringtheinstallationofyouraudiocard,dothefollowing:

IfyourcomputerdetectsaninstalledSoundBlasterAudigyseries,SoundBlasterLive!seriesorSoundBlasterPCI512audiocard,amessageboxrecommendingthatyoucompletelyuninstallandremovetheolderaudiodevicewillappear.ClicktheYesbuttonandfollowtheinstructionsonthescreentocompletetheremovaloftheoldaudiodevice.Removetheoldaudiocardfromyourcomputer.

Ifyourcomputerdetectsanyotherinstalledaudiocard,amessageboxrecommendingthatyoucompletelyuninstallandremovetheolderaudiodevicewillappear.ClicktheYesbuttontocontinuewiththeinstallationoftheaudiocard.Aftertheinstallationoftheaudiocard,completelyuninstalltheexistingcardandremovetheaudiocardfromyourcomputer.

Theonboardaudiochipsetisnotworkingwell.Disableyourcomputer'sonboardaudiochipset.Seeyourcomputer'smotherboarddocumentationfordetails.

ProblemswithOlderSoundBlasterAudioDevicesApplicationsinstalledwitholderSoundBlasteraudiodevicesarenotworking.Apartfromnormalplaybackandrecordingfunctions,olderSoundBlasteraudiodevicesmaynotworkwellwhenyournewaudiocardisinstalled.Tosolvethisproblem:Uninstallandremovetheolderaudiodevicefromthecomputer.Oryoucanchoosetodisableit:ForWindowsVista1. ClickStart ControlPanel HardwareandSound Sound.

IfaUserAccountControldialogboxappears,askingyouforpermissiontocontinuewiththeaction,clicktheContinuebutton.

Right-clickthenameoftheaudiodeviceyouwouldliketodisableandselecttheDisableoption.ClicktheOKbutton.Theaudiodevice'sentrydisappearsfromthelist.

Toenabletheaudiodeviceagain,right-clickthelistofaudiodevices,selectShowDisabledDevices,right-clickthedisabledaudiodevice'sentry,andselecttheEnableoption.ForWindowsXP1. ClickStart Settings ControlPanelorStart ControlPanel.IntheControlPaneldialogbox,double-clicktheSystemicon.IntheSystemPropertiesdialogbox,clicktheHardwaretab.ClicktheDeviceManagerbutton.Double-clickSound,VideoAndGameControllers,andthenselectthename

oftheaudiodeviceyouwouldliketodisable.IntheDeviceusagelist,selecttheDonotusethisdevice(disable)option.ClickOKtorestartWindowsandforthechangetotakeeffect.

Whentheaudiodeviceisdisabled,theentryinDeviceManagershowsaredcross.

ProblemswithDigitalAudioDevicesIntermittenthissingornosoundisheardfrommydigitalspeakers.MakesureyouselectthesamplingrateofthePCMSPDIFoutputofyourDigitalI/Oconnectortomatchtherequirementsofthereceivingdevice.Youmayneedtoselectalowerdigitaloutputsamplingrate.Thechoicesavailableare48kHzand96kHz.Tosolvethisproblem:

InCreativeMediaSourceGo!Launcher:1. ClickStart ControlPanel.Double-clicktheAudioConsoleicon.ClicktheSPDIFI/Otab.ClicktherequiredsamplingratefromtheDigitalOutput(PCM)Sampling

Ratelist.InEntertainmentMode,clicktheDigitalI/Obutton,andclicktherequired

samplingratefromtheDigitalOutputSamplingRatelist.

Poppingnoisesareheardduringplayback.TheDMAfeaturemaynotbeenabledforyourcomputer'sdrives.Tosolvethisproblem:ForWindowsVista1. ClickStart ControlPanel HardwareandSound Device

Manager.IfaUserAccountControldialogboxappears,askingyouforpermissiontocontinuewiththeaction,clicktheContinuebutton.

Double-clicktheIDEATA/ATAPIControllersicon.ForeachATAChannelinthelist,right-clickandselectProperties.ClicktheAdvancedSettingstabandselecttheEnableDMAcheckbox.ClicktheOKbutton.

ForWindowsXP1. ClickStart Settings ControlPanel.IntheControlPaneldialogbox,double-clicktheSystemicon.IntheSystemPropertiesdialogbox,clicktheHardwaretab.ClicktheDeviceManagerbutton.

Double-clicktheATA/ATAPIIDEControllersicon.YourIDEchannelswillappear.Right-clickthePrimaryIDEChannelicon.ClickProperties.InthePropertiesdialogbox,clicktheAdvancedSettingstab.ClicktheDMAifavailablecheckboxtoselectit.ClicktheOKbutton.

LicenseandCopyrightInformationinthisdocumentissubjecttochangewithoutnoticeanddoesnotrepresentacommitmentonthepartofCreativeTechnologyLtd.Nopartofthismanualmaybereproducedortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,electronicormechanical,includingphotocopyingandrecording,foranypurposewithoutthewrittenpermissionofCreativeTechnologyLtd.SoundBlaster,Blaster,theSoundBlasterX-Filogo,theSoundBlasterPCIlogo,X-Fi,EAXandX-FiCMSSareregisteredtrademarksortrademarksofCreativeTechnologyLtd.intheUnitedStatesand/orothercountries.IntelandPentiumareregisteredtrademarksofIntelCorporation.AMDandAMDAthlonaretrademarksofAdvancedMicroDevices,Inc.Microsoft,Vista,WindowsandtheWindowslogoaretrademarksorregisteredtrademarksofMicrosoftCorporation.Dolbyandthedouble-DsymbolareregisteredtrademarksofDolbyLaboratories,Inc.DTSandDTS-ESExtendedSurroundaretrademarksofDigitalTheaterSystems,Inc.WinDVDisaregisteredtrademarkofInterVideo,Inc.CyberLinkandPowerDVDareregisteredtrademarksortrademarksofCyberLinkCorp.Allotherproductsaretrademarksorregisteredtrademarksoftheirrespectiveowners.TheSoftwareLicenseAgreementisfoundinaseparatefolderontheInstallationandApplicationsCD.Copyright©2007byCreativeTechnologyLtd.Allrightsreserved.Version1.1March2007

how to use this manual - documentation & help · 1. after you have installed your audio card,...

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