User’s Guide Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Creative Technology Ltd. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the written permission of Creative Technology Ltd.
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Contents
Contents Introduction High-definition digital audio entertainment ................................................................................... i What is EAX ADVANCED HD? .............................................................................................................. ii Package Contents........................................................................................................................... iii System Requirements .........................................................
Connecting Speakers Systems...............................................................................................................2-11 Positioning Your Speakers.....................................................................................................................2-12 3 Installing Software Installing Drivers and Applications......................................................................................................... 3-1 Using Creative Software AutoUpdate...................
Creative Audio Stream Recorder 2............................................................................................. 4-9 Creative Wave Studio.................................................................................................................4-10 Diagnostic and troubleshooting utilities................................................................................................4-10 Creative Diagnostics...................................................................................
Introduction
Introduction High-definition digital audio entertainment Thank you for purchasing Sound Blaster® Audigy™ 2 Platinum eX, consisting of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX card, the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX External I/O Module and an IR remote control. It is the most complete affordable high-definition digital audio entertainment solution you can find on the market today.
What is EAX ADVANCED HD? EAX® ADVANCED HD™ brings a new level of performance, power, and flexibility to PC audio. Taking advantage of the increased processing capabilities of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 processor, EAX ADVANCED HD delivers a host of new features to achieve high definition audio for gaming and music enhancement. The EAX ADVANCED HD Game Audio Library takes in-game audio and acoustic simulation to a whole new level.
Package Contents The items listed here may vary from country to country. The following items are included in your package: ❑ Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX card ❑ Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX External I/O Module and IR remote control ❑ AD_LINK cable ❑ Power converter Cable ❑ Joystick/MIDI bracket ❑ 3.
❑ Headphones or amplified speakers (available separately) ❑ At least one CD-ROM/CD-RW or DVD-ROM drive installed SB1394/FireWire applications, games, DVD audio and video Minimum 256 MB RAM recommended for Windows 2000 SP3 and Windows XP users for games and DV capture and editing. ❑ Genuine Intel Pentium III 500 MHz, or AMD 700 MHz processor for SB1394/FireWire applications or games ❑ SB1394/FireWire: minimum 128 MB RAM and 1 GB workspace for digital video (DV) capture and editing.
Technical Support Visit http://www.soundblaster.com/support/faq/ for general help. Document Conventions The following typographical conventions are used throughout this manual: The notepad icon indicates information that is of particular importance and should be considered before continuing. The alarm clock designates a caution or warning that can help you avoid situations involving risk.
1 About your Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX hardware
About your Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX hardware What You Need Before you begin installation, be sure that you have these: In addition, you will also need an available PCI slot and another adjacent available slot on your computer. Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX card AD_LINK cable Joystick/MIDI bracket Figure 1-1: Audigy 2 Platinum eX External I/O Module Power Converter Cable Phillips-head screwdriver (not included) What you need.
Your Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX card Your audio card has these jacks and connectors to enable the attachment of a wide variety of devices: 7 6 Click any circled number in the diagram to see a description of the item. The Audigy 2 Platinum eX card works as a stand-alone audio card. However to enjoy all the features available, you need to connect it to the External I/O Module.
Your Audigy 2 Platinum eX External I/O Module Your Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX External I/O Module has these jacks, connectors and controls: 1 2 3 5 4 6 7 8 9 Click any circled number in the diagram to see a description of the item. 10 • To connect your existing computer headphones and microphone to the External I/ O Module, use a 3.5 mm (1/ 8”) minijack to 1/4” plug adapter.
Table 1: The Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX card Click here or on any description to return to the diagram of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX card. Number Description 1 Joystick/MIDI connector Connects to the Joystick/MIDI bracket for gamepads, other input and MIDI devices. 2 AD_LINK 2 port Connects to the External I/O Module’s AD_LINK2 port to supply power. 3 AD_LINK 1 connector Connects to the External I/O Module for transferring data.
Table 2: Audigy 2 Platinum eX External I/O Module Number Description 1 SB1394/FireWire port Connects to an IEEE 1394 compatible external device (such as a digital video camcorder, digital still camera, printer or scanner). 2 Optical SPDIF Out/In For recording/playback devices with optical connectors. 3 Line In 2 jack For analog devices like music synthesizers and other line-level sources. 4 Line In 1/Mic In jack For line sources (for example, electric guitars) or dynamic microphones.
Table 2: Audigy 2 Platinum eX External I/O Module Number Click here or on any description to return to the diagram of the External I/O Module. Description 10 Line In 3 (Aux In) jacks Connects to analog devices like VCRs, TVs and CD players. 11 Standard MIDI In/Out connectors Connects to MIDI devices via standard DIN cables. 12 SPDIF In/Out Coaxial jacks For digital audio recording/playback devices such as DAT and MiniDisc recorders.
Adjusting the volume-level of Headphones and Microphone You can adjust the headphones volume and microphone gain in two ways. Using the control knobs On the front panel of the External I/O Module, turn the respective control knob: ❑ Counterclockwise to decrease the headphone volume or microphone gain. ❑ Clockwise to increase the headphone volume or microphone gain.
Using Creative Surround Mixer To install Creative Surround Mixer and other applications, see “Installing Drivers and Applications” on page 3-1. • For best effects, set the headphones volume and microphone gain levels to 75% in Surround Mixer, and then use the Audigy 2 Platinum eX External I/O Module’s control knobs to make further adjustments.
Remote Control Functions • *OSD - On Screen Display. • The model of your remote control may be different from the unit displayed here. Refer to Figure 1-4 and Figure 1-5 below for a description of your remote control’s functions. Number pad Used for the selection of tracks and menu items. To access a two-digit number track such as track 10, press the "1" button followed by the "0" button in quick succession.
Display button Displays the current task status, and the time and date on the OSD. EAX button Displays the EAX-specific OSD menu. Power button Displays the Shutdown Menu Options button Displays options for current task. CMSS button Press to select CMSS mode. Return button Returns to parent menu. Close/Cancel button Cancels the current OSD menu or closes the application currently being controlled by the remote control. Start button Displays the OSD Start menu for the selection of a task.
2 Installing Hardware This chapter tells you how to install the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX hardware.
Installing Hardware Installation Steps Step 1: Prepare the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX hardware 1. Place the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX External I/O Module near your computer. 2. Locate the AD_LINK cable that links your External I/O Module to your Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX card. Turn off the main power supply and disconnect your computer’s power cord. Systems using an ATX power supply unit with soft power off may still be powering the PCI slot.
Step 2: Prepare your computer 1. Turn off your computer and all peripheral devices. 2. Touch a metal plate on your computer to ground yourself and to discharge any static electricity, and then unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. 3. Remove the computer cover. 4. Remove the metal brackets from two adjacent unused PCI slots as shown in Figure 2-2. Remove any existing audio card or disable the onboard audio. For more information, see “Troubleshooting and FAQs” on page B-1.
Step 3: Install the audio card 1. Align the audio card with the PCI slot and press the card gently but firmly into the slot as shown in Figure 2-3. 2. Do not force the audio card into the slot. Make sure that the gold traces of the card’s PCI connector are aligned with the PCI bus connector on the motherboard before you insert the card into the PCI expansion slot. If it does not fit properly, gently remove it and try again. 3. Secure the audio card to the computer.
Step 5: Install the cables To use the front and back SB1394/ FireWire connectors on the External I/O Module, you must connect the AD_LINK 1 and AD_LINK 2 connectors on both the audio card and the External I/O Module. 1. Connect the AD_LINK 1 connectors on the AD_LINK cable first. With the connector’s side springs pressed down, push the connector until it clicks firmly into place on both the audio card and the External I/O module. 2. Connect the AD_LINK 2 connectors at both ends. See Figure 2-5. 3.
Windows 98 SE users can also listen to audio CDs via Windows Media Player 7.x or later, using the Digital Playback option. Your CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive must support sustained digital reads. Read the Media Player help for more information. Digital CD Audio Extraction On a fresh installation of Windows Me, you may not hear audio from your CD-ROM drive even after enabling Digital CD Audio. To solve this, disable Digital CD Audio and then restart the computer.
Step 6: Connect to AC power socket 1. Replace the computer cover. 2. Plug the power cord into the AC wall outlet, and turn on the computer. To connect your Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX card and External I/O Module to other devices, see “Connecting Related Peripherals” on page 2-7. To install software. refer to “Installing Drivers and Applications” on page 3-1.
Connecting Related Peripherals Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX will give you endless hours of listening pleasure. Figure 2-7 shows you how to connect related peripherals to your Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX to optimise your enjoyment. 1 2 3 Click any circled number in the diagram to see a description of the item. The supplied AD_LINK cable consists of two connectors (AD_LINK 1 and AD_LINK 2) at both ends. AD_LINK 1 transfers data while AD_LINK 2 provides power via an IEEE1394 connection.
Connecting Related Peripherals (cont’d) 1 Click any circled number in the diagram to see a description of the item. 2 3 4 7 or 6 Other IEEE 1394 devices you can connect: •IEEE 1394 hard disk •IEEE CD-RW drive •SB 1394/Firewire NOMAD Jukebox •IEEE-compliant 1394 devices 5 Dolby Digital (AC-3) Amplifier SPDIF In Figure 2-8: Connecting peripherals to the External I/O Module.
Table 1: Description of components on Page 2-7 Number Click here or on any description in the table to return to the main diagram. Description 1 Surround Amplifier or powered speakers Multichannel analog audio-video amplifier or 5.1/6.1 analog multi-speaker system, or ordinary stereo receiver. 2 Line Out 1 jack Connects to powered stereo speakers or an external amplifier. Also supports headphones. Outputs front Left/Right audio channels.
Table 2: Description of components on Page 2-8 Number Click here or any description in the table to return to the main diagram Description 1 Optical Input/Output Connect to digital recording/playback devices with TOSLINK optical input and output connectors. 2 Line In 1/Mic In jack Connects to analog line-level devices like electric guitars, or microphones. 3 1/8-inch Headphone jack Connects to stereo headphones with 3.5mm (1/8-inch) jack.
Connecting Speakers Systems If you have a 5.1 or 6.1 channel speaker system, you can “upmix” your stereo sources (such as MP3, WMA, MIDI and Wave) to 6.1 channels by using the Creative MultiSpeaker Surround (CMSS) technology. To upmix, you need to enable the CMSS feature in Creative EAX console. Refer to the EAX ADVANCED HD online Help. Surround amplifier or speaker system with analog 5.1 inputs For discrete 7-channel amplifiers or systems, use a 3.
Positioning Your Speakers Good speaker placement can enhance your movie enjoyment, while careless placement can make good audio systems sound bad. For detailed loudspeaker placement tips visit the Dolby Laboratories website at http:// www.dolby.com/ht/co_br_0110_ ListenersGuideEX.html If you are using four to six speakers, place them to form a circle around you (Figure 2-10), and the speakers angled toward you. Make sure that the computer monitor is not blocking the path of your front speakers.
3 Installing Software This chapter tells you how to install the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX software.
Installing Software Installing Drivers and Applications • During the installation process, Windows 98 SE users may be prompted to insert the Windows 98 SE installation CD into the CD-ROM drive. Do so and click the OK button. • Some computers may be supplied without the Windows 98 SE CD, but have the necessary files stored in C:\Windows\Options\Cabs (where C: represent the drive Windows has been installed on).
Using Creative Software AutoUpdate Locating, downloading and installing updates for your Creative Products is now simpler and faster with the new web-based Creative Software AutoUpdate system. Instead of spending valuable time searching for individual files to download and install for each of your installed Creative Products, let Creative Software AutoUpdate do the work for you.
Uninstalling and Reinstalling the Applications and Device Drivers At times you may need to uninstall or reinstall some or all of the audio card's applications and device drivers to correct problems, change configurations, or upgrade outdated drivers or applications. The following instructions tell you how to do so in all Windows operating systems.
5. In the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, select the Remove option. 6. Click the Yes button. 7. Restart your computer when prompted. To uninstall Creative MediaSource and all its components, do the following: 1. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel. 2. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon. 3. Click the Install/Uninstall tab (or Change or Remove Programs button). 4. Select Sound Blaster Audigy 2 entry, and then click the Add/Remove (or Change/Remove) button. 5.
To uninstall a selected component in Creative MediaSource, do the following: 1. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel. 2. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon. 3. Click the Install/Uninstall tab (or the Change or Remove Programs button) 4. Select the Creative MediaSource entry, then click the Add/Remove (or Change/Remove) button. 5. In the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, click the Custom Uninstallation button, and then click the Next button. 6.
4 Using Audigy 2 Software Find out how the software accompanying your audio card can be used to control and customise the card for best performance.
Using Audigy 2 Software Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Applications The applications included with Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX may be different from those described here. Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX may also come with third party applications that may include user manuals and other help documents not produced by Creative. The following software is designed for you to access the basic as well as the advanced features of your audio card.
Demos Three demo packages have been included to showcase the basic as well as the advanced features of your Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX hardware. We recommend that you play them at least once in order to have a good overview of your card’s features. Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Getting Started Demo This is a good starting point from which you can learn about Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX.
Introduction to the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 software suite This section walks you through the main suite of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 software that enables you to make full use of Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX’s versatile and powerful features. Creative MediaSource Go! Creative MediaSource Go! is a convenient launch pad, not only for Creative MediaSource's components, but also for your own frequently used applications.
For more information and usage details on Creative MediaSource Go! Launcher, refer to its online Help. Creative MediaSource Player Creative MediaSource Player is the only software you will need for music and multimedia entertainment. Unlike other media players, Creative MediaSource Player is specially designed to access the power of your Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX hardware.
Finding and organizing songs Creative MediaSource Organizer searches your hard disk to compile a database of songs available, called a “PC Music Library” or PCML. Once you have a PCML, you can sort it and search for songs. Searching is very fast due to a sophisticated engine and use of three search fields: artist, genre and album. Once songs have been found, you can create playlists to automatically replay them in any desired sequence.
Storing music on recordable CD If you have a CD-writer, another way to reduce music storage on your computer’s hard disk is to record audio tracks onto CD-R or CD-RW for playback on many consumer hi-fi devices. Creative MediaSource Organizer’s Burn CD module lets you create your own audio and MP3 CDs from WAV, MP3 and WMA files. The Burn CD feature also lets you easily design, create, and print matching CD covers and liner notes for your audio CDs.
Audio Effects: Environmental Sound Processing In Audio Effects, you can choose how you want to enhance all kinds of ordinary two-channel sounds. ❑ Advanced EQ lets you boost or de-emphasise the low, mid or high frequencies of sound to suit individual preference and equipment characteristics. Choose various presets like Jazz or Rock to suit the audio characteristics you like best.
Audio Clean-up: Removing noise and distortion Audio Clean-up allows you to process prerecorded as well as real-time audio, in order to remove noise, click sounds and other artifacts. For example, when recording music from old vinyl records, “click” and “pop” sounds can be removed with the Clean-up feature. The Click Meter informs you whenever the noise clean-up feature is activated during recording and also how many clicks are removed.
Creative MiniDisc Center Creative MiniDisc Center allows you to play back songs on CDs or supported audio formats, and record them to digital recorders such as Digital Audio Tape machines, and also MiniDisc (MD) recorders.
Audio Stream Recorder 2 (ASR2) is designed to overcome this problem by letting you record streaming audio onto your hard disk as standard MP3 or WMA files. To use ASR2, select from its predefined list of radio stations to listen to. You can click the red Record button to start recording music to your hard disk, or use the Schedule feature to program the computer to record streaming music unattended. You can also use ASR2 to listen to selected radio stations live by clicking the blue Play button.
A General Specifications Technical details of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX card and External I/O Module.
General Specifications Technical details of Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX card and your Audigy 2 Platinum eX External I/O Module. Features PCI Bus Mastering ❑ PCI Specification Version 2.
Note: SPDIF output not available during playback of protected digital audio contents authored with DRM (Digital Rights Management) technology ❑ Selectable 6-channel SPDIF output to matching digital speaker systems ❑ Software switching of SPDIF Input-to-Output (bypass) to minimise cable connection hassle ❑ Low latency multitrack recording with ASIO2 support Flexible Mixer Control ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ THX Certification ❑ Sound Blaster Audigy 2 has received the prestigious THX Multimedia Certification award, making i
Connectivity Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX Card Audio Outputs ❑ 2 x line-level analog outputs via stereo jacks on rear bracket: Front and Rear Line-Outs 1 and 2 ❑ Stereo headphone (32-ohm load) support on Line Out 1 ❑ 1 x line-level three channel analog output via 4-pole 3.5 mm minijack on rear bracket: Front Center, Rear Center and Subwoofer channel SB1394/FireWire ❑ AD_LINK 2 connector on rear bracket for power supply to the External I/O Module.
Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX External I/O Module Inputs and outputs on front panel ❑ One headphone output with auto detection via ¼” stereo jack with volume control ❑ One shared line-level analog Line/Microphone input (Line-In 1/Mic-In) via ¼” stereo jack. Shared input selectable via knob.
B Troubleshooting and FAQs This section provides solutions to problems you may encounter during installation or normal use.
Troubleshooting and FAQs This appendix provides solutions to problems you may encounter during installation or normal use. Problems Installing Software The installation does not start automatically after the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Installation and Applications CD is inserted. Problems with Sound There is unexpected, excessive environmental sound or effects when an audio file is played. To check if your audio card is producing sound, connect a pair of headphones to it.
Individual analog recording sources are not displayed in Creative Surround Mixer. The following analog recording sources are combined in one recording control called Analog Mix (Line/ CD/Aux/PC), which is found in the Record panel of the Basic tab: ❑ Line-In ❑ CD Audio ❑ Auxiliary ❑ PC Speaker Individual analog recording sources cannot be selected in Creative Surround Mixer. Five analog recording sources are combined under the selection Analog Mix (Line/CD/Aux/PC).
No audio output when playing digital files such as .WAV, MIDI files or AVI clips. Check the following: ❑ The speakers’ volume control knob, if any, is set at mid-range. Use Creative Surround Mixer to adjust the volume, if necessary. ❑ The powered speakers or external amplifier are connected to the card’s Line Out or Rear Out jack. ❑ There is no hardware conflict between the card and a peripheral device. See “Resolving I/O Conflicts” on page B-10.
❑ Click the OK button. For Windows 2000 and Windows XP ❑ Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel. ❑ In the Control Panel dialog box, double-click the System icon. ❑ In the System Properties dialog box, click the Hardware tab. ❑ Click the Device Manager button. ❑ Double-click the DVD/CD-ROM drives icon. Your computer’s drive icons will appear. ❑ Right-click the CD disk drive icon. A menu will appear. ❑ Click Properties.
To solve this problem: Open that other mixer, and center the balances for all the audio input sources. This ensures that your analog sources will not turn silent when you pan them in Creative Surround Mixer.
❑ In Windows: i. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel. ii. Double-click the System icon. iii. Click the Device Manager or Hardware tab. iv. Click the Systems devices icon. v. In the list that appears, see if the items highlighted in Figure B-1 appear. vi. If the items appear, remove your computer cover and locate the VIA chipset on your motherboard. (Take note of the safety precautions on page 2-1.) The VT82C686B chipset has its model number inscribed on the chip.
i. Click the Bank button. The Configure Bank dialog box appears. ii. Click the Select Bank drop-down button, and select a bank index. iii. Highlight the bank and click the Remove button. iv. Click the OK button to finish configuring your banks. The trade-off of a smaller SoundFont file is its lower sound quality. ❑ Load smaller SoundFont banks instead; or add more RAM to your system.
• Clear the check box to disable it. If you have a Disable In This Hardware Profile check box: • Make sure that the check box is selected to disable it. 7. Click OK to restart Windows and for the change to take effect. When the Gameport Joystick interface is disabled, the entry in Device Manager has a red cross. The joystick is not working properly in some programs. The program may use the system processor timing to calculate the joystick position.
❑ If your computer detects any other installed audio card, a message box recommending that you completely uninstall and remove the older audio device will appear. Click the Yes button to continue with the installation of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX card. After the installation of the audio card, completely uninstall the existing card and remove the audio card from your computer. The onboard audio chipset is not working well. To disable an onboard audio chipset, do the following: 1.
4. Double-click Sound, Video And Game Controllers, and then select Creative Sound Blaster Live! Series or Creative Sound Blaster PCI512. 5. Click the Properties button. 6. In the Properties dialog box: If you have an Original Configuration (Current) check box: • Clear the check box to disable it. If you have a Disable In This Hardware Profile check box: • Make sure that the check box is selected to disable it. 7. Click OK to restart Windows and for the change to take effect.
7. Restart your system to allow Windows 98 SE/Me to reassign resources to your audio card and/or the conflicting device. Problems with Encore DVD Player The Encore DVD Player is not launched when a DVD disc is inserted into the drive.
Problems with DV driver for Windows 98 SE/ 2000/Me/XP The DV camcorder is not working properly. The MSDV camcorder driver may not be the latest version (v4.10.2226 or later). To solve this problem: 1. Visit the http://www.microsoft.com and download the Digital Video update (dx80bda.exe) for the DirectX 8.0 files. 2. Install the above file into your computer. Note: You need to install DirectX 8.0 or 8.0a run time first.
Problems in XP A Hardware Installation error message appears on a Windows XP operating system when nonCreative applications are being installed. At the time of this product's release, Microsoft strongly encouraged companies to submit their hardware solutions for certification. If a hardware device driver is not submitted, or does not qualify, for Microsoft certification, a warning message similar to the one below appears. The 1394 DVConnect driver does not run on Windows XP.
Problems with Digital Audio Devices Intermittent hissing or no sound is heard from my digital speakers. Make sure you select the sampling rate of the PCM SPDIF output of your Digital Out connector to match the requirements of the receiving device. You may need to select a lower digital output sampling rate. The choices available are 48 kHz and 96 kHz. To solve this problem: For Windows 98 SE and Windows Me: 1. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel. 2.
5. Double-click the ATA/ATAPI IDE Controllers icon. Your IDE channels will appear. 6. Right-click the Primary IDE Channel icon. 7. Click Properties. 8. In the Properties dialog box, click the Advanced Settings tab. 9. Click the DMA if available check box to select it. 10. Click the OK button.
