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======Hardware - Audio - Soundcards - Miscellaneous======

[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUgHIVtwA5A|YouTube - Why You Should or Shouldn't Buy a Sound Card]] by Psylacus published on Mar 31, 2013.


=====Test with=====

[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-h6MoF7HLA|YouTube - Long After You're Gone (High Quality) Audiophiles Music]] by Chris Jones. Published by Kyama on Dec 23, 2011. Also: [[https://soundcloud.com/baccident/long-after-you-re-gone-chris-jones-flac-lossless-download|SoundCloud - Long After You Re Gone - Chris Jones [FLAC Lossless] DOWNLOAD]]. \\
[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3eOuqAmLAA|YouTube - RealSpace 3D Audio Demo]] \\
(Both found via [[https://www.head-fi.org/threads/creative-sound-blasterx-ae-5-vs-dac.867607|Head-Fi - Creative Sound blasterX AE-5 vs DAC?]]) \\


=====Manufacturers=====


====ASUS=====

[[https://www.asus.com/|ASUS]]

[[http://www.alsa-project.org/main/index.php/Matrix:Vendor-Asus|Alsa Project - Vendor Asus]] for an indication of Linux support.

[[http://maxedtech.com/asus-xonar-unified-drivers/|MaxedTech - UNi Xonar Drivers]] provides modded drivers for ASUS Xonar and other CMI8788 cards.

[[https://www.hardocp.com/article/2012/07/09/asus_dgx_dsx_xonar_rog_phoebus_sound_cards/|[H]ardOCP - ASUS DGX, DSX, & Xonar ROG Phoebus Sound Cards]] from Monday , July 09, 2012. Concludes that the ASUS DGX and DSX are better value for money compared to Xonar ROG Phoebus.

===ASUS ROG Xonar Phoebus (C-Media CMI8888)=== 
Does not seem to work on Linux, the card is recognized, but there is no sound:
  * [[http://www.alsa-project.org/main/index.php/Matrix:Vendor-Asus|Alsa-Project.org - Matrix:Vendor-Asus]]
  * [[https://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=169430|Arch Linux - Asus Xonar Phoebus as HDA]] posted in 2013.
  * [[https://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=207583|Arch Linux Forums - Asus Xonar Phoebus Solo (CM8888) soundcard support?]] posted in 2016.
  * [[https://www.mail-archive.com/alsa-user@lists.sourceforge.net/msg31465.html|The Mail Archive - [Alsa-user] Asus Phoebus ROG]] posted December 2015.
  * [[https://www.mail-archive.com/alsa-user@lists.sourceforge.net/msg28882.html|The Mail Archive - [Alsa-user] Asus Xonar Phoebus support]] posted September 2012.

Some patches were written in 2014:
  * [[http://mailman.alsa-project.org/pipermail/alsa-devel/2014-August/079628.html|[alsa-devel] ASUS Phoebus (CMI8888) HDA Support]]
  * [[http://www.alsa-project.org/pipermail/alsa-devel/2014-August/079754.html|[alsa-devel] [PATCH 1/2] ALSA: hda - Fix probing and stuttering on CMI8888 HD-audio controller]]
  * [[http://www.alsa-project.org/pipermail/alsa-devel/2014-August/079755.html|[alsa-devel] [PATCH 2/2] ALSA: hda - Fix parsing of CMI8888 codec]]


====Aureal Semiconductor (defunct)====

[[wp>Aureal_Semiconductor|Aureal Semiconductor]] manufacturer of A3D and Vortex soundcards in the 1990's. Sadly defunct.

[[wp>A3D]]

[[https://www.philscomputerlab.com/aureal-vortex-2.html|Phils Computer Lab - Aureal Vortex 2]] \\
[[http://members.optusnet.com.au/kirben/|Aureal A3D Central]] \\


====Cmedia====

//Creates audio chipsets only.//

[[https://www.cmedia.com.tw/products|Cmedia - Products]]

[[https://www.cmedia.com.tw/support/download_center|Cmedia - Download Center]] for generic drivers for soundcards equipped with Cmedia chipsets. \\
[[https://www.cmedia.com.tw/support/os_support_mapping|Cmedia - OS Support Mapping]] shows Cmedia driver support per chipset per Windows OS.


====Creative Technologies====

[[http://www.creative.com|Creative Technologies]] manufacturers of the Sound Blaster series of soundcards.

[[http://www.alsa-project.org/main/index.php/Matrix:Vendor-Creative_Labs|Alsa Project - Vendor Creative Labs]] for an indication of Linux support.

[[wp>Environmental_Audio_Extensions|EAX]] is a library of extensions to Microsoft's DirectSound3D, itself an extension to DirectSound introduced with DirectX 3 in 1996 with the intention to standardize 3D audio for Microsoft Windows, adding environmental audio presets to DS3D's audio positioning. \\
[[wp>List_of_games_with_EAX_support|List of games with EAX support]] \\

[[http://support.creative.com/kb/showarticle.aspx?sid=28967|Creative Support - Creative ALchemy FAQ]] Creative ALchemy allows Sound Blaster owners to run their favorite DirectSound3D games and experience them as game developers have intended from Windows Vista™ and above - with full hardware accelerated 3D Audio and EAX support. This is achievable by translating DirectSound3D into OpenAL calls. 


===Soundcards===

[[wp>Sound_Blaster]] \\
[[wp>Sound_Blaster_Live!|Sound Blaster Live!]] \\
[[wp>Sound_Blaster_Audigy|Sound Blaster Audigy]] \\
[[wp>Sound_Blaster_X-Fi|Sound Blaster X-Fi]]

[[http://support.creative.com/kb/ShowArticle.aspx?sid=10846|Creative Technologies - List of Creative Sound Blaster Products (Solution ID: 10846)]]

[[hardware:audio:soundcards:creative:soundblaster:livemodels|Sound Blaster Live! models]] \\

The [[https://www.kxproject.com/|kX Audio Driver]] is an independent WDM (Windows Driver Model) driver for all EMU10K1 and EMU10K2-based soundcards manufactured by Creative Technology Ltd. and/or E-mu Systems Inc., including the SoundBlaster Live! series, the E-mu Audio Production Studio (APS) card, and the Audigy / Audigy2 series of cards. [[https://github.com/kxproject|GitHub - kxproject]] \\
[[https://github.com/kxproject/kX-Audio-driver-website/blob/master/FAQ?language=en|GitHub - kX Audio Driver FAQ]] \\
[[https://github.com/kxproject/kX-Audio-driver-binaries|GitHub - kxproject/kX-Audio-driver-binaries]] \\


==X-Fi==

<code>
Quote:

Originally Posted by Seirrah
"How do the x-fi cards compare to cards like the e-mu 0404 for music ?

 I realise that the x-fi elite pro has better output for rear speakers, 
but if I am just using stereo/headphones then that's no big deal, right ?"
 

 You got that wrong, the Elite Pro has a better output on all channels, 
it is indeed more similar to the EMU0404.
 The other X-Fi cards have about the same output quality as the Audigy2s 
(same good DACs, same rather dubious op-amps).</code> By Ikon at [[https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sound-blaster-x-fi-just-hype-or-what.160915/page-3|Head-Fi.org - Sound Blaster X-fi: just hype or what? - page 3]]


==Recon3D==

"(...)the Recon3D series of sound cards does not support MIDI, ASIO, sound fonts, EAX, or OpenAL in hardware. These are performed through software emulation only.(...)" Source: [[https://www.hardocp.com/article/2012/05/01/sound_blaster_recon3d_fatal1ty_card_review/|[H]ardOCP - Sound Blaster Recon3D Fatal1ty Sound Card Review]]

"(...)Creative Sound Core3D, used in the Recon3D, the upcoming Z-series cards, and newer Gigabyte G1-series motherboards. They're actually codec-based devices that handle all audio processing in software, just like X-Fi MB-based products, the XtremeAudio cards, etc., and have actually LOST functionality compared to proper X-Fi cards as a whole.(...)" Source: [[https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-nameless-guide-to-pc-gaming-audio-with-binaural-headphone-surround-sound.593050/|Head-Fi - The Nameless Guide To PC Gaming Audio (with binaural headphone surround sound)]]


==ZxR==

"Nichicon is probably one of the worst capacitor manufacturers out there outside of Chinese sticker brands, and even then some of those probably have better QC than Nichi.

These sound cards are completely useless, Win 8.1 still doesn't have a good direct hardware interface in it's audio driver model. This is the reason why Creative dumped all the hardware accelerated features from it's former SB lines and now does in software processing pretty much exclusively.(...)" by DOGMA1138 somewhere in 2015 at [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDhpMUJqGks|YouTube - Creative Sound Blaster ZxR Unboxing + Written Review]] by Custom PC Review published on Mar 26, 2013.

"the caps are crap, I replaced them with silmic ii now sounds more real." by NO NAME in May 2018 at [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDhpMUJqGks|YouTube - Creative Sound Blaster ZxR Unboxing + Written Review]] by Custom PC Review published on Mar 26, 2013.


==AE-5==

[[https://nl.hardware.info/reviews/4254/creative-sound-blaster-zxr-review-prachtig-maar-voor-wie|Hardware.Info - Creative Sound Blaster ZxR review: prachtig, maar voor wie?]] \\
[[https://nl.hardware.info/tv/584/creative-sound-blaster-zxr-review|Hardware.Info - Hardware.Info TV: Creative Sound Blaster ZxR review]]

"I don't understand the appeal of a soundcard with no hardware accelleration. I just got an X-Fi Titanium PCI-Ex from 2008 with the EMU20K2 processor for 25€, which works great under Windows 10 Creator's (using custom drivers) and is awesome for older games like Bioshock, F.E.A.R. and Doom 3 (EAX5 and hardware positional audio FTW). Don't get me wrong, the software Host OpenAL implementation of the hrtf and eax that the Sound Blaster Z and newer cards like the AE (and other solutions like the X-FI MB3) come with is ok, but nothing close to real hardware OpenAL. Also, it features Optical In, hardware midi soundbank support, and cmss3d for virtual surround in games that don't use OpenAL." by linoxyard in December 2017 at [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcAicGVHNUU|YouTube - Is the SoundBlasterX AE-5 Creative's best Sound Blaster?]] by PhilsComputerLab
published on Oct 20, 2017.

"The last "real" Soundblaster was the X-Fi series with the EMU2k1 chip. Everything else after that was basically a glorified DAC that really wasn't any better then onboard stuff. Give me a card with a real hardware MIDI synth, hardware effects, and plenty of I/O.

Ironically, Creative still sells a card with these features, the Audigy Rx, which uses an EMU1k core. 20 years ain't a bad run for that chip and the drivers have been hacked to support all the older PCI Audigy cards already." by NJRoadfan in Januari 2018 at [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcAicGVHNUU|YouTube - Is the SoundBlasterX AE-5 Creative's best Sound Blaster?]] by PhilsComputerLab
published on Oct 20, 2017.


====Gyrocom AUDIOTRAK====

[[http://audiotrack.co.kr/en/|AUDIOTRAK]] \\
[[http://audiotrack.co.kr/en/drivers|AUDIOTRAK drivers]] \\
[[https://www.ebay.com/str/gyrocom|Gyrocom eBay store]]


====PRODIGY HD2====

[[http://ixbtlabs.com/articles2/multimedia/prodigy-hd2-gold-page1.html|iXBT Labs - Audiotrak Prodigy HD2 Gold Sound Card]] \\
[[https://www.head-fi.org/threads/audiotrak-prodigy-hd2-opamp-configurations-list.322497/|Head-Fi - 
Audiotrak Prodigy HD2 opamp configurations list]] \\
[[https://www.head-fi.org/threads/audiotrak-prodigy-hd2-with-linux.504382/|Head-Fi - Audiotrak Prodigy HD2 with Linux]] \\



====HT Omega====

[[https://www.htomega.com|HT Omega]]

[[http://www.alsa-project.org/main/index.php/Matrix:Vendor-HT_Omega|Alsa Project - Vendor HT Omega]] for an indication of Linux support.

[[https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ht-omega-claro-halo-headphone-only-soundcard.364721/|Head-Fi - HT Omega "Claro Halo" Headphone Only soundcard]] (Sep 18, 2008) \\
[[https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ht-omega-eclaro-vs-fenix.882260/|Head-Fi - HT OMEGA ECLARO vs Fenix]] (Jun 17, 2018) \\
[[https://www.head-fi.org/threads/modi-vs-eclaro.704059/|Head-Fi - Modi vs. eclaro]] (Feb 5, 2014) \\
[[https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ht-omega-claro-halo-or-asus-stx.463499/|Head-Fi - HT Omega Claro Halo *or* ASUS STX]] (Dec 29, 2009)\\
[[https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ht-omega-claro-halo-or-asus-xonar-essence-st.461066/|Head-Fi - HT Omega Claro Halo or ASUS XONAR Essence ST]] (Dec 15, 2009) \\
[[https://www.head-fi.org/threads/does-anyone-know-how-good-the-ht-omega-fenix-is.797919/|Head-Fi - Does anyone know how good the HT Omega Fenix is?]] (Feb 10, 2016) \\

<code>
The Fenix's get's it's DAC function from it's own CM8828 audio processor (DSP).
Where as the Eclaro comes with an add-on DAC chip (AK4396K), 
so the Eclaro (stock) should offer better audio quality.
<..>
This $30 sound card appears to be a lower costing version of the Fenix.
https://www.amazon.com/Syba-SD-PEX63081-Surround-CM8828-Chipset/dp/B00FWFNY92
</code>
Source: PurpleAngel at [[https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ht-omega-eclaro-vs-fenix.882260/|Head-Fi - HT OMEGA ECLARO vs Fenix]]

<code>
I think the HT Omega Fenix is a little over priced ($70-$100).
It uses the same chip set (C-Media CM8828) that is found on a sound card that costs $30.
I would guess the Fenix is better then the $30 card and offers a lot more options, then the $30 card.
but a Creative Labs Sound Blaster Z card comes with a better DAC function (higher SNR)
You can get the SB-Z for $70.
</code>
Source: PurpleAngel at [[https://www.head-fi.org/threads/does-anyone-know-how-good-the-ht-omega-fenix-is.797919/|Head-Fi - Does anyone know how good the HT Omega Fenix is?]]

<code>
The eClaro's kind of the "slightly disappointing" card of the family in some regards to fit form factor
requirements, but it's still a phenomenal card on all outputs.
</code>
Source: RootWyrm at [[https://www.head-fi.org/threads/modi-vs-eclaro.704059/|Head-Fi - Modi vs. eclaro]]


====M-Audio====

[[https://www.m-audio.com/|M-Audio]] \\
[[https://www.m-audio.com/support/drivers-search|M-Audio - Drivers, Firmware, & Software Updates Search]]


====ultron====

[[https://www.ultron.de/page.php?page=/treiber/|ultron - Driver Archive]] provides driver links for: 
  * ultron OctoSound 7.1 - 8 Kanal PCI Soundkarte
  * ultron QuadroSound - 4 Kanal PCI Soundkarte
  * ultron UltraSound 5.1 - 6 Kanal PCI Soundkarte


=====Videos=====

[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFBvvlebSmw|YouTube - Do you Need a Sound Card?]] by [[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjTCFFq605uuq4YN4VmhkBA|NCIX Tech Tips]]. \\
[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NMlWg-7Crg|YouTube - Are Sound Cards Still Relevant? Sound BlasterX AE-5]] Sound BlasterX AE-5 versus a [[http://www.schiit.com|Schiit]] [[http://www.schiit.com/products/modi-2|Modi 2]] and [[http://www.schiit.com/products/magni-3|Magni 2]] by [[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXuqSBlHAE6Xw-yeJA0Tunw|Linux Tech Tips]]. \\
[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79Z8tWhECv8|YouTube - Sound Blaster Z & Audigy Rx - Detailed Look at PC Sound]] by [[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCss3QxegBkF8BAetIo0qXA|Tech Deals]] \\
[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcAicGVHNUU|YouTube - Is the SoundBlasterX AE-5 Creative's best Sound Blaster?]] by [[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj9IJ2QvygoBJKSOnUgXIRA|PhilsComputerLab]]. Starts with a little history on previous Sound Blaster cards. \\
[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC01uiyuJxI|YouTube - What is the best sound card for Windows 98 Super Socket 7?]] by [[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj9IJ2QvygoBJKSOnUgXIRA|PhilsComputerLab]]. Published on Aug 26, 2016. \\