User’s Guide 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.
Important: This User Manual (On CD) has been designed to provide you with complete product knowledge. The following are instructions on how to make use of this manual effectively by launching applications and help files, as well as accessing relevant web sites, where applicable, via specially prepared links. • To launch applications, Help files or to access relevant web sites, click the blue text, or whenever the symbol or appears on the object or text.
Contents
Contents Introduction High Definition Digital Audio Entertainment................................................................................ i What is EAX ADVANCED HD? .................................................................................................. ii Package Contents........................................................................................................................... iii System Requirements .........................................................................
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................................................
A General Specifications Features.................................................................................................................................................... A-1 Connectivity............................................................................................................................................. A-3 Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card .....................................................................................................
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 DVDAudio, 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/FireWire applications, games, DVD viewing and DVD-Audio Minimum 256 MB RAM recommended for Windows 2000 SP3 and Windows XP SP1 users for games and DV capture and editing. Internet Multimedia and Entertainment ❑ Genuine Intel Pentium II 350 MHz or AMD 450 MHz processor for SB1394/FireWire applications or games ❑ SB1394/FireWire: Minimum 128 MB RAM and 1 GB workspace for digital video (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. Joystick/MIDI bracket* Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card Digital CD audio cable* 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 8 12 10 11 In Analog mode, the Line Out, Rear Out and Rear Center Out jacks are used simultaneously for 6.1 channel speaker systems. 13 7 6 5 Click any circled number in the diagram for a description of the item. 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/FireWire port (SB1394/FireWire) Connects to an IEEE 1394 compatible external device (such as a digital video camcorder, digital still camera, printer or scanner). 2 Line Out 3 jack (LIN_OUT3) Connects to Front 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. 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. Figure 1-2: Rear view of connector bracket 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. 1. Turn off your computer and all peripheral devices. 2. Touch a metal plate on your computer to ground yourself and to discharge any static electricity, and then unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. 3.
Step 2: Install the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card 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. 2 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.
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 a screw if necessary. 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 Joystick/MIDI cable *Available with some models of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card. Do not force any cable into a connector.
Step 4: Connect cables to Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card For analog CD audio output: connect an Analog CD audio cable (available separatly) from the Analog Audio connector on your CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive to the CD_IN connector on the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card as shown in Figure 1-6. A • If the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card is connected to both the CD_SPDIF and CD Audio connectors on a CDROM or DVD-ROM drive, do not enable the CD Audio and CD Digital options at the same time in Creative Surround Mixer.
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 Inspire™ 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.
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 Multi-Speaker 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 A F G B Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card *For example, Creative Inspire 6.1 Analog Speakers.
Connecting External Consumer Devices Dolby Digital Decoder/Amplifier 6 2 7 8 1 Click any circled number in the diagram for a description of the item. Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card Discrete 6-channel Amplifier/ Speaker System 3 9 You can use a 4-pole Digital Video A/V cable (not included) to connect Line Out 3 to available center, subwoofer and rear center channels. 10 OR 5 4 Additional information for advanced users: For connection to Center and Subwoofer channels using a 3.
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 (4-pole/stereo)-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_ListenersGuideEX. 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 CD-ROM drive. Insert the installation CD into the CD-ROM 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 To feel the audio card’s awesome gaming, music reproduction and home studio capabilities, install the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Feature Showcase Demo. This demo requires high-quality 5.1/6.1 speaker for optimal listening experience. See “Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Feature Showcase Demo” on page 3-2.
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. Click the Install/Uninstall tab (or Change or Remove Programs button). 4. Select the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 entry, and then click the Add/Remove (or Change/Remove) button. 5.
8. Restart your computer when prompted. To uninstall a selected component in Creative MediaSource, do the following: 1. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel. 2. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon. 3. Click the Install/Uninstall tab (or Change or Remove Programs button). 4. Select the Creative MediaSource entry, and then click the Add/Remove (or Change/Remove) button. 5. In the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, click the Custom Uninstallation button, and then click the Next button.
Using Creative Software AutoUpdate For your privacy, no personal information is captured by or sent to Creative Labs during the Software AutoUpdate process. Only system information and Creative product details are required for the AutoUpdate analysis. None of this information can or will be used by Creative for any other purpose. Locating, downloading and installing updates for your Creative products is now simpler and faster with the new web-based Creative Software AutoUpdate system.
Updating Windows 2000 (Service Pack 3) Windows 2000 now provides better support for AC-3 SPDIF output (non-PCM through waveOut) for software DVD viewing. Click the web site link below to download the Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 to enjoy this support and to fix other issues in the Windows 2000 OS. Installing Digital Video Update If you have installed DirectX 8.0 or 8.0a run time, install the latest update for this application. (DirectX 8.1 users do not need the update.) http://www.microsoft.
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.
Introduction to the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 software suite This section walks you through the main suite of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 software that enables you to make full use of Sound Blaster Audigy 2’s versatile and powerful features. Creative MediaSource Go! Creative MediaSource Go! is a convenient launch pad, not only for Creative MediaSource's components, but also for your own frequently used applications.
For more information and usage details on Creative MediaSource Go! Launcher, refer to its online Help. Creative MediaSource Player Creative MediaSource Player is the only software you will need for music and multimedia entertainment. Unlike other media players, Creative MediaSource Player is specially designed to access the power of your Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card.
Finding and organizing songs Creative MediaSource Organizer searches your hard disk to compile a database of songs available, called a “PC Music Library” or PCML. Once you have a PCML, you can sort it and search for songs. Searching is very fast due to a sophisticated engine and use of three search fields: artist, genre and album. Once songs have been found, you can create playlists to automatically replay them in any desired sequence.
Storing music on recordable CD If you have a CD-writer, another way to reduce music storage on your computer’s hard disk is to record audio tracks onto CD-R or CD-RW for playback on many consumer hi-fi devices. Creative MediaSource Organizer’s Burn CD module lets you create your own audio and MP3 CDs from WAV, MP3 and WMA files. The Burn CD feature also lets you easily design, create, and print matching CD covers and liner notes for your audio CDs.
❑ Special Effects let you modify sounds with pre-programmed algorithms so that male voices can be turned into female voices, or human speech turned into “chipmunk talk”. You can have lots of fun, especially when communicating over the Internet. ❑ Studio Effects can add standard distortion, wah, delays and chorus effects to an electric guitar or other musical instrument. ❑ Environmental Effects simulate typical acoustic environments like stadiums, concert halls, and jazz clubs.
Time Scaling: Varying the speed of playback Karaoke fans and musicians may sometimes wish to slow a song down (or speed it up) to catch the lyrics or play along with the music. However, varying the speed usually also varies the pitch of the song. With the Time Scaling feature, Sound Blaster Audigy 2 users can maintain the pitch of a song while varying the playback speed. For more information and usage details on EAX ADVANCED HD, refer to the Creative EAX online Help.
Creative MiniDisc Center Creative MiniDisc Center allows you to play back songs on CDs or supported audio formats, and record them to digital recorders such as Digital Audio Tape machines, and also MiniDisc (MD) recorders.
Creative Audio Stream Recorder 2 Normally, to listen to a song on the Internet, you need to download the entire file onto your hard disk first — before you can even hear the music. Internet radio stations can, however, make it more convenient for you to enjoy downloaded music: they employ “streaming” technology by which music data flows like a “stream” to your audio card directly, bypassing permanent hard disk storage.
Diagnostic and troubleshooting utilities Creative Diagnostics Use Creative Diagnostics to quickly test your audio card’s Wave, MIDI or CD Audio playback capability, recording function and speaker output. For more information and usage details on Creative Diagnostics, refer to its online Help. 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 3-8.
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 6.1 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.
❑ 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.
• DIGITAL OUT: Front, Rear, Center and Subwoofer SPDIF digital outputs ❑ 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/FireWire Interfaces ❑ One 2 x 5 pin Internal SB1394/FireWire connector on card ❑ One 6-pin SB1394/FireWire port on rear bracket The 6-pin SB1394/FireWire 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 and Applications 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.
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). ❑ In the Source panel, mute the analog sources that you do not want to record by clicking the Speaker button to change it to a button with a red cross sign on it. No sound from the speakers. To check if your audio card is producing sound, connect a pair of headphones to it.
No audio output when playing audio CDs or DOS games that require a CD-ROM. To solve this problem: ❑ Make sure the Analog Audio connector on the CD-ROM drive and the CD In connector on the audio card are connected. ❑ Enable digital CD playback: For Windows 98 SE i. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel. ii. In the Control Panel dialog box, double-click the Multimedia icon. iii. In the Multimedia Properties dialog box, click the CD Music tab. iv.
v. 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.In the Digital CD Playback box of the next dialog box, click the Enable digital CD audio for this CD-ROM device check box to select it. Panning a source sometimes turns off its sound.
❑ In Windows: i. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel. ii. Double-click the System icon. iii. Click the Device Manager or Hardware tab. iv. Click the Systems devices icon. v. In the list that appears, see if the items highlighted in Figure B-1 appear. vi. If the items appear, remove your computer cover and locate the VIA chipset on your motherboard. (Take note of the safety precautions on page 1-6.) The VT82C686B chipset has its model number inscribed on the chip.
Insufficient SoundFont Cache There is insufficient memory to load SoundFont banks. This may occur when a SoundFont-compatible MIDI file is loaded or played while insufficient memory has been allocated to Creative SoundFont Bank Manager. To allocate more SoundFont cache: 1. Click the Bank button. The Configure Bank dialog box appears. 2. Click the Select Bank drop-down button, and select a bank indices to configure. 3. Click the Load button to add a SoundFont bank to an empty or occupied indices. 4.
4. Double-click Sound, Video And Game Controllers, and then select Creative Audigy 2 Gameport (Creative Game Port for Windows 2000). 5. Click the Properties button. 6. In the Properties dialog box: If you have an Original Configuration (Current) check box: • 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.
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. Before you install your Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card, you are advised to completely uninstall and remove your existing audio device. Operating multiple audio devices in your computer may introduce usability issues.
Problems with Sound Blaster Live! Series or Sound Blaster PCI512 card Sound Blaster Live! or Sound Blaster PCI512 applications are not working. Other than normal playback and recording functions, older audio devices may not work well when Sound Blaster Audigy 2 is installed. To solve this problem: Uninstall and remove the older card from the computer. Otherwise, you can choose to disable the Sound Blaster Live! or Sound Blaster PCI512 card: 1. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel. 2.
Resolving I/O Conflicts Conflicts between your audio card and another peripheral device may occur if your card and the other device are set to use the same I/O address. To resolve I/O conflicts, change the resource settings of your audio card or the conflicting peripheral device in your system using Device Manager in Windows 98 SE/Me.
6. Locate and select D:\Program Files\Creative\PC- DVD Encore (where D: represents your CD-ROM drive) and double-click the entry ctdvdply. The Name box now displays the entry ctdvdply. 7. Click the OK button twice. Problems with Software DVD Player Changing audio configuration (for example, switching from multichannel mode to SPDIF Output mode or vice versa) while watching a DVD movie does not seem to work, even though all settings in the software DVD player and in Creative Surround Mixer are correct.
3. Using Windows Explorer, locate the 1394 folder in the CD-ROM, and run the DVConnect 240.exe file. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup. If you are in Windows 98 SE, you may be prompted to insert the Windows 98 SE CD-ROM first. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete this setup. 4. Click the Finish button. 5. Turn off and then turn on your DV camcorder.
Problems with Digital Audio Devices If you have installed Intel Application Accelerator version 1.1.2 in your computer, DMA may be automatically selected on all your drives. 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.
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.
