How to use this manual Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 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.
Contents
Contents Introduction High Definition Digital Audio Entertainment.............................ix What is EAX ADVANCED HD? ................................................ x Package Contents ................................................................xi System Requirements ..........................................................xi Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card .........................................xi SB1394 applications, games or DVD viewing .................
Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Feature Showcase Demo.......................... 2-2 Uninstalling and Reinstalling the Applications and Device Drivers .... 2-2 Reinstalling all Audio Drivers and Applications ...................... 2-2 Uninstalling all Audio Drivers and Applications ...................... 2-3 Installing/Uninstalling selected Audio Drivers or Applications.. 2-4 Updating Windows 2000 (Service Pack 2) .................................... 2-5 Updating Windows 98 SE ........................................
Creative Surround Mixer ............................................... 3-9 Creative Speaker Settings ............................................. 3-9 Creative Speaker Calibrator ........................................... 3-9 Creative MiniDisc Center ............................................... 3-9 Creative SoundFont Bank Manager ................................3-10 Creative Audio Stream Recorder 2 .................................3-10 Creative Wave Studio ..............................................
Appendixes A General Specifications Features .................................................................................. A-1 PCI Bus Mastering .................................................... A-1 Audigy Processor ...................................................... A-1 High Quality Audio Path............................................. A-1 Professional Digital Audio Processing........................... A-2 Flexible Mixer Control................................................
Problems in Windows XP .......................................................... B-14 Problems with Digital Audio Devices ..........................................
Introduction
Introduction High Definition Digital Audio Entertainment *Available with some models of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card. MLP (Meridian Lossless Packing), the method of audio data compression used in DVD-Audio, reduces file size without removing any of the information that was contained in the original recording. The listening audience will hear the audio as it was intended in the original recording.
What is EAX ADVANCED HD? EAX ADVANCED HD brings a new level of performance, power, and flexibility to PC audio. Taking advantage of the enhanced processing capabilities of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 processor, EAX ADVANCED HD delivers a host of new features that achieve high definition audio for gaming and music enhancement. The all-new EAX ADVANCED HD Game Audio Library takes in-game audio and acoustic simulation to a whole new level.
Package Contents *Available with some models of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card.
SB1394 applications, games or DVD viewing Minimum 256 MB RAM recommended for Windows 2000 SP2 and Windows XP users for games and DV capture and editing.
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. The warning sign indicates that failure to adhere to directions may result in bodily harm or life-threatening situations.
1 Installing Hardware This chapter tells you how to install the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 hardware.
Installing 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 card Digital CD audio cable* Joystick/MIDI bracket* Phillips-head screwdriver (not included) *Available on some models of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card.
Your Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Card Your audio card has these jacks and connectors to enable the attachment of a wide variety of devices: 9 In Analog mode, the Line Out, Rear Out and Rear Center Out jacks are used simultaneously for 6.1 channel speaker systems. 8 12 10 11 13 7 6 Click any circled number in the diagram for a description of the item. 5 4 3 14 2 1 Figure 1-1: Jacks, connectors and ports on the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card.
Table 1: Description of Jacks, Connectors and Ports. Click here or on any description in the table to return to the main diagram. Number Description 1 SB1394 port (SB1394) Connects to an IEEE1394 compatible external device (such as a digital video camcorder, digital still camera, printer or scanner). 2 Line Out 3 jack (LIN_OUT3) Connects to Center, Subwoofer and Rear Center Out of powered analog speakers or an external amplifier for audio output.
Table 1: Description of Jacks, Connectors and Ports. Number Click here or on any description in the table to return to the main diagram. *Available with some models of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card. Description 8 Telephone Answering Device connector (TAD) Provides a monaural connection from a standard voice modem, and transmits microphone signals to the modem. 9 CD Audio connector (CD_IN) Connects to the Analog Audio output on a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive using a CD audio cable.
Your Joystick/ MIDI Bracket The Joystick/MIDI bracket* is used to attach a joystick or MIDI device: *Available with some models of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card. Joystick/MIDI connector Connects to a joystick or a MIDI device. Rear view of connector bracket Figure 1-2: Connector on the Joystick/MIDI bracket.
Installation Steps Step 1: Prepare your computer 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. This can damage your audio card when it is inserted into the slot. Remove any existing audio card or disable the onboard audio chipset. For more information, see “Problems with Multiple Audio Devices” on page B-9. 1. Turn off your computer and all peripheral devices. 2.
Step 2: Install the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card Do not force the audio card into the slot. Make sure that the gold finger PCI connector on the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card is 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. 1. Align the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card with the PCI slot and press the card gently but firmly into the slot as shown in Figure 1-4.
Step 3: Install the Joystick/MIDI bracket 1. If you are installing a joystick or MIDI device (optional), secure the Joystick/MIDI bracket* to the slot next to the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card with the second screw. You may also connect all the cables to the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card first before securing the card and Joystick/MIDI bracket in place. Joystick/MIDI bracket *Available with some models of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card. Joystick/MIDI cable Do not force any cable into a connector.
Step 4: Connect cables to Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card • If the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card is connected to both the CD_SPDIF and CD Audio connectors on a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, do not enable the CD Audio and CD Digital options at the same time in Creative Surround Mixer. • Analog and Digital CD audio cables are not needed when CDDA is used. • The CD_SPDIF connector is not used with software DVD players.
Step 5: Connect to power outlet 1. Replace the computer cover. 2. Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet, and turn on the computer. To connect your Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card to other devices, see “Connecting Related Peripherals” on page 1-11. To install drivers and software, refer to “Installing Drivers and Applications” on page 2-1.
Connecting Related Peripherals Use the AD_EXT cable with the Audigy 2 Drive ONLY. Do not attempt to use a conventional IDE cable or any other cable with the Audigy 2 Drive as that may cause electrical shorts and permanent damage to the Audigy 2 card and Audigy 2 Drive, which will void the warranty for this product. Your computer may potentially be damaged too. Sound Blaster Audigy 2 will give you endless hours of listening pleasure.
Table 2: Description of Connectors and Devices. *Available on some models of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card. Click here or on any description in the table to return to the main diagram. Number Description 1 Digital Out jack Connects to digital speakers, for example, Creative InspireTM 5.1 Digital Speakers and MiniDisc or DAT via minijack-to-DIN cable. 2 Line in Connects to a cassette or CD player, synthesizer, etc. 3 Mic in Connects to a microphone.
Table 2: Description of Connectors and Devices. Number *Available separately. Description 8 Analog CD audio cable* (left) and Digital CD audio cable** (right) 9 CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive **Available on some models of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card. Click here or on any description in the table to return to the main diagram.
Connecting Speaker Systems If you have a 5.1 channel speaker system, you can upmix your stereo sources (such as CD Audio, MP3, WMA, MIDI, and Wave) to 6.1 channels by using Creative MultiSpeaker Surround (CMSS) technology. To upmix, you need to enable the CMSS feature in Creative EAX Console. Refer to the Creative EAX Console online Help. 4.1 or 5.1 Digital Speaker System by Creative or Cambridge SoundWorks E C Click here or on any description in the table to return to the main diagram.
Connecting External Consumer Devices Dolby Digital Decoder/ Amplifier 6 2 7 Click any circled number in the diagram for a description of the item. 8 1 Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card Discrete 6-channel Amplifier/Speaker System For discrete 7-channel amplifiers or systems, use a 3.5 mm (stereo) Audio/Videoto-RCA cable (not included) to connect Line Out 3 to available center, subwoofer and rear center channels.
Table 3: Description of Connectors and Consumer Devices. Click here or on any description in the table to return to the main diagram. Number Description 1 Dolby Digital (AC-3) SPDIF In 2 3.5 mm (mono)-to-RCA cable 3 3.5 mm (stereo)-to-RCA cable 4 3.5 mm (stereo) Audio/Video-to-RCA cable 5 Analog Front, Rear and Center/Subwoofer Inputs 6 Digital Out jack 7 Line Out 1(top) Line Out 2 (middle) Line Out 3 (bottom) 8 AD_EXT Connects to Audigy 2 Drive (upgrade option) 9 3.
Positioning Your Speakers Good loudspeaker 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 web site at http://www.dolby.com/ht/ co_br_0110_ListenersGuideE X.html If you are using six speakers, place them to form a circle around you (as in Figure 1-10) and angled toward you. Make sure that the computer monitor is not blocking the path of your front speakers.
2 Installing Software This chapter tells you how to install the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 software.
Installing Software Installing Drivers and Applications • During the installation process, Windows 98 SE users will be prompted to insert the Windows 98 SE installation CD into the CDROM drive. Insert the installation CD into the CDROM drive and then click the OK button. • Some computers may not be supplied with the Windows 98 SE CD. The necessary files may be found in D:\Windows\ Options\Cabs (where D: represents the drive Windows has been installed on).
Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Feature Showcase Demo 1. Insert the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Feature Showcase Demo CD into your CD-ROM drive. If the drive supports Windows AutoPlay mode, the CD starts running automatically. If not, you need to enable your CD-ROM drive’s auto-insert notification feature. For more details, see “Problems Installing Software” on page B-1. 2. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation, and to run the Demo.
7. Restart your computer when prompted. You can now check the computer to see if the reinstalled software works properly. If not, proceed to “Troubleshooting and FAQs” on page B-1. Uninstalling all Audio Drivers and Applications For a cleaner installation, you may want to uninstall all the audio drivers and applications before you reinstall them again. To do so: 1. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel. 2. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon. 3.
You may now install existing or updated Sound Blaster Audigy 2 device drivers or applications. For more information, see “Installing Drivers and Applications” on page 2-1. Installing/ Uninstalling selected Audio Drivers or Applications The above instructions help you to install or uninstall all device drivers or applications. However, you can also install or uninstall selected drivers or applications. You may want to install/uninstall a selected audio driver or application. To do so: 1.
5. In the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, click the Custom Uninstallation button, and then click the Next button. 6. Click the check box of the application that you want to uninstall to select it. 7. Click the Next button. 8. Restart your computer when prompted. Updating Windows 2000 (Service Pack 2) Windows 2000 now provides better support for AC-3 SPDIF output (non-PCM through waveOut) for software DVD viewing.
3 Using Audigy 2 Software Find out how the software accompanying your audio card can be used to control and customize the card’s features for best performance.
Using Audigy 2 Software Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Applications The applications included with Sound Blaster Audigy 2 may differ from those described here. Sound Blaster Audigy 2 may also come with third party applications. The following software is designed for you to access the basic as well as the advanced features of your audio card. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with their functions in order to make full use of Sound Blaster Audigy 2’s rich features.
Demos Three demo packages have been included to showcase the basic as well as the advanced features of your Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card. 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.
SoundFont Showcase SoundFont Showcase contains a wide and comprehensive range of downloadable SoundFont demos from companies like Sonic Implants and Voice Crystal. You can also learn how to create and manage your own SoundFont banks in here. For more information and usage details on SoundFont Showcase, refer to its online Help.
Creative MediaSource Go! Launcher Just like the Start button in Windows, Creative MediaSource Go! Launcher provides a single point of access to most of the software programs you need, to control and customize Sound Blaster Audigy 2. Creative MediaSource Go! Launcher consists of four tabs: Programs, Product Settings, Product Support and Companion Products. ❑ Programs houses shortcuts to Sound Blaster Audigy 2 applications. You can also add your own shortcuts to other applications.
For extra convenience, you can switch between Creative MediaSource Organizer and Creative MediaSource Player with just a click of the mouse. For more information and usage details on Creative MediaSource Player, refer to its online Help. Creative MediaSource Organizer Managing a huge collection of audio CDs and MP3 files can be a headache. With Creative MediaSource Organizer, you can find any recording easily, no matter where it is stored on your hard disk or external storage devices.
and external devices like the NOMAD Jukebox and NOMAD MP3 players. Upon recognition, the content in the media will automatically start playing without further intervention from the user. Extracting and converting songs Storing hundreds of songs on your computer can consume much hard disk space. WAV files and tracks from audio CDs can take up to 50 MB per song. To reduce storage on your hard disk, you can convert tracks from audio CDs into smaller 4 to 5 MB MP3 files.
Creative EAX Console EAX Console allows you to configure the Audigy 2 processor's effects engine. EAX ADVANCED HD promises to deliver sounds that are so life-like, you can almost see them! It is the computer industry's first system to recreate and deliver realworld, interactive audio experiences in games, music, and other audio applications. These audio effects take your computer beyond home-theater quality, immersing you in sound so vivid, your imagination can almost “see” it.
turned into a concert hall or jazz club. EAX becomes more effective as the number of speakers connected is increased. It supports up to 6 speakers and one subwoofer. ❑ Karaoke Effects let singers add high-quality echo to add richness to their voices. Users can also vary the music’s pitch to suit their vocal range. CMSS 3D: Simulating Surround Sound Creative MultiSpeaker Surround (CMSS) 3D makes ordinary two-channel (Left and Right Stereo) sound seem to surround you, even through only two speakers.
Creative Surround Mixer Use Creative Surround Mixer to select the device you wish to listen to or record from. It operates in two possible modes.
❑ create an album of your favorite songs, each of which may be in a different audio format ❑ insert a preset period of silence automatically between each track ❑ play back your personal album and record it to your MD recorder For more information and usage details on Creative MiniDisc Center, refer to its online Help. Creative SoundFont Bank Manager You can use Creative SoundFont Bank Manager to easily switch between multiple SoundFont banks for performances.
Thus, the song starts to play as soon as a portion of its data stream has arrived at your audio card. The downside of streaming technology was that you could not record the music onto your hard disk for future reference. 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.
Creative Speaker Settings This is the main application to use for managing your speakers and troubleshooting problems related to speaker configurations. See “Creative Speaker Settings” on page 3-9.
A General Specifications This section displays the specifications of your Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card and Joystick/MIDI bracket.
General Specifications This section displays the specifications of your Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card and Joystick/MIDI bracket*. Features *Available with some models of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card. PCI Bus Mastering ❑ PCI Specification Version 2.
❑ 32-bit mixing of all digital sources within Audigy 2’s Digital Mixer ❑ 24-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion of analog inputs at 96 kHz sample rate ❑ 24-bit Digital-to-Analog conversion of digital sources at 96 kHz to analog 5.1 speaker output ❑ 24-bit Digital-to-Analog conversion of stereo digital sources at 192 kHz to stereo output ❑ 16-bit to 24-bit recording sampling rates: 8, 11.025, 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.
Dolby Digital (AC-3) Decoding ❑ Decodes Dolby Digital Surround EX to 6.1 or 5.1 channels or pass-through compressed SPDIF bitstream to an external decoder ❑ Bass redirection: enhances bass output to subwoofer for small satellite speaker systems ❑ Crossover bass frequency (10–200 Hz): adjustable to standalone subwoofer units for desired bass level ❑ Adjustable Center, Rear Center and LFE level control Creative Multi Speaker Surround (CMSS) ❑ Multispeaker technology ❑ Upmixes mono or stereo sources to 6.
❑ CD_SPDIF digital input via 2-pin Molex connector on card Audio Outputs ❑ DIGITAL OUT via 4-pole 3.5 mm minijack on rear bracket ❑ Three line-level analog outputs via 3.5 mm minijacks on rear bracket: front, rear, and rear center/center/subwoofer Line-Outs 1, 2 and 3 ❑ Stereo headphone (32-ohm load) support on Front Line-Out SB1394 Interfaces ❑ One 2 x 5 pin Internal SB1394 connector on card ❑ One 6-pin SB1394 port on rear bracket The 6-pin SB1394 connector/port has a 3 watt maximum power output.
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 CD is inserted. The AutoPlay feature in your Windows system may not be enabled. To start the installation program through the My Computer shortcut menu: 1. Double-click the My Computer icon on your Windows desktop. 2.
Problems with Sound There is unexpected excessive environmental sound or effects when an audio file is played. The last selected preset is an inappropriate environment for the current audio file. To switch to an appropriate environment: 1. Click the Audio Effects tab in EAX Console. 2. Click the Enable/Disable Audio Effects check box to clear it. Note:The preset box title may change, depending on the effect you select. No sound from the headphones.
Individual analog recording sources cannot be selected in Creative Surround Mixer. Five analog recording sources are combined under the selection Analog Mix (Line/ CD/TAD/Aux/PC). For more information, see “Individual analog recording sources are not displayed in Creative Surround Mixer.” on page B-2. To record an individual analog source: ❑ In the Record panel of the Basic tab in Creative Surround Mixer, make sure the recording source selected is Analog Mix (Line/CD/TAD/Aux/PC).
❑ 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-11. ❑ The Speaker selection in Creative Speaker Settings corresponds to your speaker or headphone configuration. No audio output when playing audio CDs or DOS games that require a CDROM.
viii.Click the OK button. For Windows 2000 and Windows XP i. ii. iii. iv. v. 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 drives will appear. vi. Right-click the disk drive icon. A menu will appear. vii.Click Properties. viii.
Problems with File Transfers on Some VIA Chipset Motherboards After you install the Audigy 2 card on a VIA chipset motherboard, you may have the slight chance of seeing one of the following: When transferring large amounts of data, the computer stops responding (‘hangs’) or restarts itself, OR Files transferred from another drive are incomplete or corrupted. These problems appear in a small number of computers, which contain the VIA VT82C686B controller chipset on their motherboards.
• obtaining the most current BIOS for your motherboard from the manufacturer’s web site*. *Content in these web sites is controlled by other companies. Creative bears no responsibility for information or downloads obtained from them. This information is provided only as a convenience to you. Insufficient SoundFont Cache There is insufficient memory to load SoundFont banks.
Problems with Joystick The joystick port is not working. The audio card’s Joystick/MIDI connector may be conflicting with the system’s joystick port. To solve this problem: Disable the audio card’s Joystick/MIDI connector and use the system port instead. Do the following: 1. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel. 2. In the Control Panel window, double-click the System icon. 3. In the System Properties dialog box, click the Device Manager tab. 4.
To solve this problem: Increase your system’s 8 bit I/O recovery time of the BIOS setting, usually under the Chipset Feature Settings section. Or, if available, you may adjust the AT Bus speed to a slower clock. If the problem persists, try a different joystick. Problems with Multiple Audio Devices The other installed audio card is not working well. You may have an existing audio device installed in your computer. The audio device may be an audio card or an onboard audio chipset.
The onboard audio chipset is not working well. To disable an onboard audio chipset, do the following: 1. Restart your system. 2. During the memory check, press or , depending on your motherboard. The BIOS setup menu appears. 3. Select Chipset Features Setup and press . 4. Select Onboard Legacy Audio and press to disable your onboard audio chipset. 5. Press to return to the BIOS setup menu. 6. Select Save & Exit Setup, and then press . 7.
• 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 Sound Blaster Live! series is disabled, the entry in Device Manager has a red cross. Resolving I/O Conflicts You can also refer to the Troubleshooting section in the online Help of Windows 98 SE/ Me.
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 Problems with Software DVD Player The Encore DVD Player is not launched when a DVD disc is inserted into the drive. To solve this problem: 1. In the Windows system tray, right-click the Disc Detector icon, and then click Properties. 2.
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). To solve this problem: 1. Visit www.Microsoft.com and download the Digital Video update for the DirectX 8.0 file (dx80bda.exe). 2. Install the above file into your computer. Note:You need to install DirectX 8.0 or 8.0a run time first. The 1394 DVConnect driver does not run on Windows XP.
Problems in Windows XP A Hardware Installation error message appears on a Windows XP operating system when non-Creative 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.
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: 1. 2. 3. 4. In Creative MediaSource Go! Launcher, click the Product Settings tab. Double-click the Device Controls icon.
11.When prompted to restart your computer, click the Yes button. 12.Repeat steps 4-11 if you have other drives, for example, other hard disk drives, CD-ROM, CD-RW, and DVD-ROM drives. In step 4, double-click the respective drive icon. For Windows 2000 and Windows XP: 1. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel. 2. In the Control Panel dialog box, double-click the System icon. 3. In the System Properties dialog box, click the Hardware tab. 4. Click the Device Manager button. 5.
