Creative has announced the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1, the first USB 2.0 audio solution that provides users with the easiest upgrade from basic, built-in audio to the Xtreme Fidelity (X-Fi) audio experience for their PC or notebook.
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The X-Fi technology comprises two main features:
X-Fi 24-bit Crystalizer – The X-Fi 24-bit Crystalizer revitalises downloaded music and movies by restoring the details and vibrance that music and movies lost during compression. The X-Fi technology intelligently enhances all the highs and lows so everything can be heard in crystal clarity, making MP3s sound even better than CDs.
X-Fi CMSS-3D – The X-Fi CMSS-3D technology expands stereo MP3s and digital movies into virtual multi-speakers or headphones. Voices are centred in front of users with ambient sounds accurately positioned all around them, similar to a live performance.
With the built-in X-Fi technology, users of the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 can now enjoy all their music, movies and games with one easy-to-use device that gives them premium cinematic sound quality and realistic surround sound effect on virtually any speaker systems or headphones.
Key Features of the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1
– Supports USB 2.0 for high quality 5.1 audio
– USB bus-powered
– Gold plated RCA front outputs and mini-jack surround outputs for maximum fidelity
– Optical Output for connectivity to surround sound systems
– 24-bit Playback and Recording ADC, DAC
– X-Fi audio enhancement technology
– Easily accessible Headphone out and Mic In for connecting headsets
– Convenient Volume Control with push to mute feature
– Line-in monitoring
– Host-based EAX Advanced HD 4.0 and OpenAL support
– Creative ALchemy software that restores DS3D Games’ 3D audio in Windows Vista
Pricing and Availability
The Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 will be available in July 2008 for $149.95.