Quality 5.1 digital sound capabilities with a HUGE software bundle
Written: Jan 09 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Sound processing, HUGE software bundle, 5.1 analog output
Cons: No digital outputs included
The Bottom Line: A great 5.1 sound card with analog outputs. This card could use digital/optical outputs but instead you have to buy an extra card. Great software package.
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| heavyd1850's Full Review: Creative Technology Sound Blaster Live! MP3+ 5.1 |
I bought this soundcard so I could connect my PC up to my home receiver to watch 5.1 DVD movies and so I could play my MP3s through my home stereo digitally (rather than through analog RCA cables).
Please note: I purchased the optional Hoontech Optical/Digital daughterboard with this soundcard so I could have an optical digital output and a digital coax output (which will give you digital sound output to a digital receiver).
Sound Quality
Compared to my OEM integrated soundcard, this card has slightly better quality. The high signal to noise ratio really shows because it is hard to pick up any hissing or low-level distortion being output (especially with digital output). The EAX capabilities of this sound card help improve the sound experience in games by applying hardware sound processing. Generally, with almost any aftermarket soundcard the processing will be done in hardware rather than by your computer processor (software processing). If you are pressed for processor speed then this card will help ease the sound processing requirements from your computer processor.
I would not buy this card to get better sound quality unless you have an extremely old card or a defective card. You should buy this card to take advantage of the advanced sound processing, EAX processing, 5.1 connectivity (or front/rear speakers), and the software.
Features
The indicator of MP3+ or X-GAMER on the soundcard pretty much defines what software is included with the card. This review is for the MP3+ so I will cover it’s software.
Creative Keytar – Play music through your keyboard.
Creative Rhythmania – auto-accompaniment application
PixMaker and PixScreen (Creative Edition) – Allows you to create PixAround scenes
Game Commander SE (Mindmaker) – Game
Prody Parrot (Mindmaker) – Desktop Assistant
Kool Karaoke
Full Featured Software:
Mixman Technologies Mixman Studio 3.0
Cakewalk 8.0 Gold
Sound ForgeŽ XP 4.5 - Sonic FoundryŽ
As you can see, the software alone covers the price of this soundcard. The card features analog outputs (including analog 5.1 outputs). If you purchase the Hoontech daughtercard you can get the digital and optical outputs (about $35).
Installation is a breeze. There are no extra internal connections to make besides the cd-rom audio connector.
Warranty and Service
I was a little disappointed with the 1-year warranty of this card. Most of the cards in the soundcard arena offer at least a 3-5 year warranty if not a lifetime warranty. The Creative Labs website offers a wide variety of information and downloads related to this card. I have not called in to customer service so I cannot comment on that.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 89.99
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Epinions.com ID:
heavyd1850
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Member: Nik A
Location: Iowa
Reviews written: 24
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
Likes: Honda automobiles, electronics, computing, the Bungs
Dislikes: Fast food, overpriced stores
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