Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1
Testing the new USB sound card from Creative.
Maxim Lyadov; September 16, 2008.
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Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 was introduced in May 2008. This solution is seemingly called to replace Audigy2 NX. Like its predecessor, X-Fi Surround 5.1 features the USB2.0 interface, wireless remote, analog 5.1 speaker output and EAX 4.0 support.
What has changed comparing to the previous generation of USB cards? Firstly, the support for X-Fi Crystalizer and CMSS-3D is added. Secondly, the outward design is more attractive, with a big digital volume control first seen on Xmod.
Our test specimen was supplied without a remote. But according to the official information, remotes should be shipped with retail bundles (at least in Europe).
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Specifications
| Interface |
USB 2.0 (limited compatibility with USB 1.1) |
| Playback |
USB 2.0: stereo/multi-channel ≤24-bit/96kHz 5.1
USB 1.1: stereo ≤24-bit/96kHz 5.1
multi-channel 16-bit/48kHz |
| SNR |
>99dBA in the 20kHz range |
| Recording |
≤24-bit/96kHz |
| X-Fi |
X-Fi Crystalizer
X-Fi CMSS-3D Surround
X-Fi CMSS-3D Virtual
CMSS-3D Headphones |
| I/O |
Mic Input (mini jack)
Line Input (mini jack)
Headphones Output (mini jack)
Line Output (stereo RCA)
Rear Speaker Output (mini jack)
Center/Sub Output (mini jack)
Digital Optical Output (TOSLINK) |
The bundle includes a lot of proprietory applications. Also note the opportunity to download the fully-fledged PowerDVD 6.0 (upgradable to 8.0 with a discount).
The control panel is similar to those used with internal X-Fi sound cards.
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