SoundBlaster Audigy 2
The latest and greatest audio hardware from Creative Labs reviewed.
Whilst the 24-bit/96khz audio looks nice on paper, it is worth noting that this improvement is only audible in certain circumstances, MP3’s for example, benefit little from this new capability (though do sound enriched overall), whilst DVD audio on the other hand takes full advantage of it. A DVD Audio demo is included as part of the hefty bundle which comes with the product, so you’ll be able to see for yourself. You may also note the full THX certification, which if nothing else, shows on a surface level at least that the hardware is highly regarded by the Lucas Film boffins.
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The much-hailed DVD audio playback functionality is certainly welcome, the included demo disc offering a taster of the superior quality which is definitely noticeable. Indeed, such advancements show without question the progress being made in the PC hardware arena in catching-up with home Cinema quality.
Dolby Digital EX 6.1 is now supported too, and like the previous Audigy’s 5.1 support this is a noticeable improvement, for those with the hefty speaker system required – a new rear centre channel offering yet further ‘depth’ to the audio experience, most easily noticeable in games, though not much software supports it at this early stage.
As far as the software bundle goes, everything is excellent. To get the pulse racing full versions of both Hitman 2 and Soldier of Fortune 2: Double Helix are included. This is coupled with the sample DVD audio disc, and software Cubasis VST CE, Traktor DJ CE and Ulead VideoStudio 5 SE. A surprisingly comprehensive bundle at this price.
Onto the costs front, which isn’t actually too bad, the lowest-priced model costing in the region of £100. This is the model we’re reviewing, though more expensive models do offer further conveniences, such as remote controls and slightly greater functionality. The audio quality is of course excellent for this price, the 6.1 surround sound proving particularly rousing, when coupled with the excellent clarity of the output, clearly improved over the original Audigy, especially in games.
Creative have also upped the ante for DVD sound quality, though if you already own the original Audigy, then you may find this to be an unnecessary expense – for anyone living without it however, think of this as an essential improvement to your PC audio experience.
The best all-round soundcard available on the PC today? Damn right. If you’re considering the upgrade, especially from anything pre-Audigy number one, then you certainly won’t find the Audigy 2 lacking.
92%
Comments
Does this Card support 4.1???
Does this Card support 4.1???
Does this Card support 4.1???
Yeah , works great , but not with easy creator 5.3 platinum. It 5.3 won't reconize this awsome card. Roxio is not doing any patches at this time
This card is a great improvement to the AC97 card built onto my motherboard, but I can't get the S/PDIF passthrough to an external decoder to function correctly. I use this machine as a PC to TV set-top box and attach it directly to a Sony STR-DE835 amp/tuner to have it decode Dolby Digital and DTS. On activation, the stereo only reports a PCM [48kHz] signal but multi channel decoding never activates with DTS playback. This becomes very apparent when a movie with a DTS soundtrack is played, and only the front right and left speakers work when all others are silent. Using the bundled speaker calibration wizard reveals the same problem. Are there any known fixes for this, or are those of us who connect their computer to a home theatre, basically screwed?
i have alredy got the soundcard in my computer but i need the softwear
can i download it from your site
Perhaps you should just CHECK on the box or the website whether this card has SPDIF I/O's...
Digital out is stereo. No ASIO 2. Trying to figure out if I can get 2X stereo, or some kind of virtual surround simulation ala Q-Sound in 4.0. Anybody know? As far as 4.1 goes, shouldn't be a problem.
?????WindowsXP
is there any known problems with amd motherboards that have via chip sets like the first audigy card?
has the card been sheilded to prevent machine noise? is this the card to buy if you want to produce music? how dose it compare to the terrtec 6 dmx in the way of creating audio? ive owned a creative platium card and i am not impressed, the problems in have and others have been to much. is there a recommended hardware pc setup or what. i hope this new card can do the job but im still not sure. is via a problem and if so what is recommended? anyone please help
well i found lacking - low subwoffer output... My mobo realtekac650 hawe better bass then a2 using inspire 6700....
Don't buy thios card if you are a musician and want to take advantage of the 24-bit recording. It's a scam!! Boy I'm mad!!
The Audigy 2 DOES NOT record or play at 24-bit resolution with any music software, only the piddly recording program that comes with it,. which is fine for putting your vinyls onto your hard disk, but no other software can play these files. It has many other features which many people many find attractive, but I wish I'd bought an Audiophile now. Grr!
can't record to none of the in's of the Audigy 2 card????
6 Litle Treloweth
Pool,
Redruth,Cornwall
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