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Installation
This is actually the only area where I do have an issue with this product.
In fact, one of the only negative comments from end users is in regards to
installation. Note that it is has absolutely nothing to do with the
hardware or the software, but rather the install procedure. I'll explain why...
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**click to enlarge** |
**click to enlarge** |
While the installation is pretty straight-forward, the problem I had was
that even after choosing a full install and clearly selecting the MediaSource
software as shown in above, it failed to install properly. With that said, I
was going crazy just trying to find the one of the features I wanted to
cover in detail. After some research, I found that there was no way
the software installed properly, so I inserted the CD again and attempted to
use the "add features" option. I quickly got a message stating that
all software is already installed. At this point, I was completely
clueless. 2 minutes later, it all of the sudden begins an installation
process on its own. This finally was the software I was after and
needless to say, it was quite aggravating and time- consuming. Hopefully, this will help a
majority who I've found have had this issue when they can't seem to find
how to "SuperRip" a CD. (more on that later!).
Bundled
Software
Creative generously provides a very nice software bundle that is honestly
the best I've seen from them. I would like to emphasize on this as I'm
not only one who dislikes their previous software bundles, but one who
refuses to install a bunch of "bloatware" in my systems. The software
bundle on the X-Fi series is the best I've seen bundled with a product, and
if used properly, will certainly impress you in every level. With that said,
there is plenty to cover and I'll do my very best to show you what it is
offered and what this card is capable of.
**click to enlarge**
Many have commented that there is a load of software it installs and runs on
startup. I would have to disagree with this. Yes, there are a
total of four processes loaded on startup, but most can be easily disabled
and the only main tool that loads is all you need. Upon properly
installing the card, you'll find just one icon on your systray that will
conveniently give you access to all features.
**click to enlarge**
The
software is just as high-tech as the hardware running it. You'll be
impressed with not only the interface, but with just how easy it is gain
access to all its features.
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**click to enlarge** |
**click to enlarge** |
Now, many who install this card may not be too impressed after the first
initial reboot of the system. That is because both the 24-bit
Crystalizer and CMSS-3D features are not enabled by default. Depending on
the speaker setup you have, enabling both of these options is when you'll
really notice a significant difference. These are the two "magic" buttons,
depending on the your setup.
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**click to enlarge** |
**click to enlarge** |
Another nice feature is the the Smart Volume Managment (SVM).
Basically, it will monitor sound volume in your music and limits the
differences between the loudest and softest parts of song, eliminating large
fluctuation in volume during playback. This feature does work well.
You'll also find some EAX effects that can be enabled depending on the style
of music you are playing.
**click to enlarge**
Again, the software suite is very well-designed and offers you one of three
modes that you can easily switch to when needed. These include
Entertainment Mode, Audio Creation Mode and Gaming Mode. The
Entertainment Mode is what I showed you above. Now, let's have a look
at the other two...
Audio Creation Mode
**click to enlarge**
As
a musician, I can appreciate the efforts from Creative in providing some
decent recording options designed for basic home-quality
recordings. While obviously not as robust as Cubase or Calkwalk, it
does provide some decent features typically found in a select few home
recording applications.
You have up to eight different hardware effects
and a select few software effects that can be quite handy depending on what
it is you are recording.
Game Mode
**click to enlarge**
Despite the intended target of the Creative
XtremeMusic, they don't necessarily leave gamers in the dark either.
This basic console gives you quick access to most of its main features, such
as the option to enable/disable CMSS-3D or the 24-bit Crystalizer. The
EAX Advanced HD 5.0 delivers features like 128 voice support, EAX Macro FX,
EAX PurePath and Environment FlexiFX for an excellent gaming audio
experience. You have a full equalizer as well to fine tune your audio
and a bass boost feature to liven up your game.
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