X-bit labs

Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi Sound Card Family Review

Category: Multimedia

by Sergey Samarin

[ 01/13/2006 | 03:45 PM ]

Today we would like to introduce to you a new sound card family from Creative. Four solutions for all applications including gaming and professional sound editing software have hit the streets. Learn more about the innovations and advantages of the new X-Fi series in our detailed review!

Table of contents:

• Technical Specifications
  
• Package and Accessories
  
• Functionality
  
• SoundBlaster X-Fi Family
  
• SoundBlaster X-Fi Elite Pro
  
• SoundBlaster X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS
  
• SoundBlaster X-Fi Platinum
  
• SoundBlaster X-Fi XtremeMusic
  
• SoundBlaster X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS: Closer Look
  
• Different Performance Modes
  
• Entertainment Mode
  
• Game Mode
  
• Audio Creation Mode
  
• Performance Analysis
  
• Performance in SpecraLAB
  
• Conclusion
  

October 2005 was remembered due to a remarkable announcement made by Creative Labs on the 7^th day of the month: they proudly launched the new SoundBlaster X-Fi sound card. In our current annual Reader’s Choice 2005 poll available here, this solution has so far been voted the best sound card of the past year 2005.

So our today’s review is going to tell you all about the new Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi card. Let’s get started.

Technical Specifications

First of all, let’s check out the functional peculiarities of the SoundBlaster X-Fi sound card according to the manufacturer:

• 24-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion of analog inputs at 96kHz sample rate
• 24-bit Digital-to-Analog conversion of digital sources at 96kHz to analog 7.1 speaker output
• 24-bit Digital-to-Analog conversion of stereo digital sources at 192kHz to stereo output
• ASIO 2.0 support at 16-bit/44.1kHz, 16-bit/48kHz, 24-bit/44.1kHz 24-bit/48kHz and 24-bit/96kHz with direct monitoring
• 16-bit to 24-bit recording sampling rates: 8, 11.025, 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48 and 96kHz
• Digital SPDIF interface support with 24bit/96kHz quality format
• Signal-to-Noise ratio: 109dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise at 1kHz = 0.004%

I am not sure that all of you really need to go through the entire detailed specification list here. However, if you are still missing some data, then check out the official company web-site where the detailed specification is available.

Package and Accessories

The box with a pretty attractive eye-catching design contains the following items:

• SoundBlaster X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS PCI sound card;
• X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS I/O Drive (commutation unit);
• Quick Start poster;
• Infra-Red remote control unit;
• Two MIDI cables;
• 3.5mm-to-6.35mm stereo converter;
• Two batteries for the remote control unit;
• Fastening screws;
• A CD-ROM disk with the software that includes the following tools and applications:
  • Windows XP drivers;
  • Creative Software Suite package;
  • Doom 3 patch with the new SoundBlaster EAX audio functions;
  • Detailed user’s guide.