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. The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement and may be used
or copied only in accordance with the terms of the license agreement. It is against the law to copy the software on any other medium except as specifically
allowed in the license agreement. The licensee may make one copy of the software for backup purposes.
Copyright © 1998-2002 by Creative Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
Version 1.1
November 2002
Sound Blaster and Blaster are registered trademarks, and the Sound Blaster Audigy logo, the Sound Blaster PCI logo, EAX ADVANCED HD, Multi-
Environment, Environment Panning, Environment Reflections, Environment Filtering, Environment Morphing, Creative Multi Speaker Surround, Inspire,
and Oozic are trademarks of Creative Technology Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries. E-Mu and SoundFont are registered trademarks of E-mu
Systems, Inc.. Cambridge SoundWorks, MicroWorks and PC Works are registered trademarks, and PC Works FourPointSurround is a trademark of
Cambridge SoundWorks, Inc.. Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Manufactured under license from
Dolby Laboratories. “Dolby”, “Pro Logic”, “MLP Lossless”, and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Confidential unpublished
works. Copyright 1992-1998 Dolby Laboratories. All rights reserved. The FireWire logo is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.. THX is a registered
trademark of THX Ltd. All other products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
This product is covered by one or more of the following U.S. patents:
4,506,579; 4,699,038; 4,987,600; 5,013,105; 5,072,645; 5,111,727; 5,144,676; 5,170,369; 5,248,845; 5,298,671; 5,303,309; 5,317,104; 5,342,990;
5,430,244; 5,524,074; 5,698,803; 5,698,807; 5,748,747; 5,763,800; 5,790,837.
Contents
Introduction
High Definition Digital Audio Entertainment................................................................................ i
What is EAX ADVANCED HD?.................................................................................................. ii
Package Contents........................................................................................................................... iii
System Requirements.................................................................................................................... iii
Getting More Information............................................................................................................. iv
More Help ...................................................................................................................................... iv
Technical Support .......................................................................................................................... iv
Document Conventions .................................................................................................................. v
1
Installing Hardware
What You Need........................................................................................................................................1-1
Your Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Card.........................................................................................................1-2
Your Joystick/MIDI Bracket....................................................................................................................1-5
Installation Steps ......................................................................................................................................1-6
Step 1: Prepare your computer....................................................................................................1-6
Step 2: Install the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card ........................................................................1-7
Step 3: Install the Joystick/MIDI bracket ...................................................................................1-8
Step 4: Connect cables to Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card ...........................................................1-9
Step 5: Connect to power outlet................................................................................................1-10
Connecting Related Peripherals ............................................................................................................1-11
Connecting Speaker Systems ................................................................................................................1-13
Connecting External Consumer Devices..............................................................................................1-14
Positioning Your Speakers.....................................................................................................................1-16
2
Installing Software
Installing Drivers and Applications.........................................................................................................2-1
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................................................2-3
Updating Windows 2000 (Service Pack 2).............................................................................................2-4
Updating Windows 98 SE........................................................................................................................2-4
Installing Digital Video Update...................................................................................................2-4
3
Using Audigy 2 Software
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Applications......................................................................................3-1
Demos.......................................................................................................................................................3-2
Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Getting Started Demo.........................................................................3-2
Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Feature Showcase Demo ....................................................................3-2
SoundFont Showcase...................................................................................................................3-3
Introduction to the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 software suite...................................................................3-3
Creative MediaSource Go!..........................................................................................................3-3
Creative MediaSource Go! Launcher.........................................................................................3-3
Creative MediaSource Player......................................................................................................3-4
“What U hear” multichannel reeording......................................................................................3-4
Creative MediaSource Organizer................................................................................................3-5
Creative MediaSource DVD Audio Player ................................................................................3-6
Creative EAX Console ................................................................................................................3-6
Creative Surround Mixer.............................................................................................................3-8
Creative Speaker Settings............................................................................................................3-8
Creative Speaker Calibrator.........................................................................................................3-9
Creative MiniDisc Center............................................................................................................3-9
Creative SoundFont Bank Manager............................................................................................3-9
Creative Audio Stream Recorder 2...........................................................................................3-10
Creative Wave Studio.................................................................................................................3-10
Diagnostic and troubleshooting utilities................................................................................................3-11
Creative Diagnostics..................................................................................................................3-11
Creative Speaker Settings..........................................................................................................3-11
A
B
General Specifications
Features.................................................................................................................................................... A-1
Connectivity............................................................................................................................................. A-3
Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card .....................................................................................................A-3
Troubleshooting and FAQs
Problems Installing Software.................................................................................................................. B-1
Problems with Sound.............................................................................................................................. B-2
Problems with File Transfers on Some VIA Chipset Motherboards.................................................... B-5
Insufficient SoundFont Cache ................................................................................................................ B-7
Problems with Joystick........................................................................................................................... B-7
Problems with Multiple Audio Devices................................................................................................. B-9
Problems with Sound Blaster Live! Series or Sound Blaster PCI512 card........................................ B-10
Resolving I/O Conflicts ........................................................................................................................ B-11
Problems with Encore DVD Player ..................................................................................................... B-11
Problems with Software DVD Player.................................................................................................. B-12
Problems with DV driver for Windows 98 SE/2000/Me/XP.............................................................. B-12
Problems in Windows XP..................................................................................................................... B-13
Problems with Digital Audio Devices.................................................................................................. B-14
Introduction
High Definition
Digital Audio
Entertainment
Thank you for purchasing Sound Blaster Audigy 2, the next generation Creative audio product with
exciting new features and enhanced audio processing architecture.
This User Manual (on CD) guides you through the installation and usage of Sound Blaster Audigy 2.
Sound Blaster Audigy 2 consists of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card and Joystick/MIDI bracket*.
Featuring 24-bit/192 kHz audio playback, Sound Blaster Audigy 2 delivers high-definition sound of
astounding quality and 24-bit/96 kHz audio recording capability from all Line Ins and SPDIF In. Sound
Blaster Audigy 2 supports surround sound audio on your computer and has output capabilities for 6.1
Dolby Digital Surround EX.
*Available with some models of
the Sound Blaster Audigy 2
card.
®
As a THX -Certified product, Sound Blaster Audigy 2 has passed some of the most stringent and rigorous
audio quality and performance tests in existence. THX is renowned in the entertainment industry for its
knowledge and expertise of audio-visual systems, and its certification programs are designed to ensure that
products bearing the THX logo will each deliver an excellent media experience.
®
The Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card, with its Audigy 2 processor, enables awesome EAX ADVANCED
TM
®
HD technologies for your gaming and music listening experience. The SB1394TM/FireWire port
®
MLP (Meridian Lossless
provides easy high-speed connectivity to NOMAD portable digital audio players, external CD-RW
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.
Other packing methodologies that
remove data as part of the
drives, and other IEEE 1394 compatible devices like DV camcorders, printers, scanners, and digital still
cameras.
Combine Sound Blaster Audigy 2 with our rich software package for hours of endless fun. Included in
your Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Installation and Applications CD are the latest generation drivers and
software for you to enjoy DVD-Audio entertainment with native MLP (Meridian Lossless Packing)
support, and to create EAX-enhanced MP3 songs, which you can share with your friends over the Internet.
compression are referred to as
“Lossy Compression”.
Introduction i
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. These innovative technologies bring tremendous realism and total audio immersion for
PC gaming:
❑ New Multi-EnvironmentTM technology renders up to 4 simultaneous audio environments in real time.
❑ Environment PanningTM makes it easy for gamers to track with three-dimensional precision, the
location and movement of sounds that usually represent enemies or team mates. This gives Sound
Blaster Audigy 2 gamers a better advantage as they are more "attuned" to the game scenario.
❑ Environment ReflectionsTM offers localization of early reflections and echoes.
❑ Environment FilteringTM accurately simulates the propagation of sound in both open and closed
environments.
❑ Environment MorphingTM allows for seamless transition from one environment to the next.
EAX ADVANCED HD Music Technologies also assures sonic superiority.
❑ Audio Clean-Up enables the removal of unwanted noise in a digital audio file.
❑ Time Scaling speeds up and slows down music with no distortion.
❑ EAX ADVANCED HD music effects, developed especially for music listening, further enhance
playback of songs.
EAX ADVANCED HD offers dramatically increased 3D audio performance and functionality. Delivering
superior audio fidelity and sophisticated reverb effects, this unsurpassed digital entertainment experience
is available only from the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 family of products.
Introduction ii
Package Contents
The following items are included with the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 package:
❑ Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card
❑ Joystick/MIDI bracket*
❑ Digital CD audio cable*
❑ Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Installation and Applications CD
❑ Quick Start Leaflet*
❑ User Manual (on CD)*
*Available with some models of
the Sound Blaster Audigy 2
card.
❑ Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Feature Showcase Demo CD
❑ Creative DVD-Audio Samplter Disc
❑ Warranty (printed or on CD)*
❑ Technical Support (printed or on CD)*
System
Requirements
®
®
®
Sound Blaster Audigy 2
card
❑ Genuine Intel Pentium II 350 MHz, AMD K6 450 MHz or faster processor
❑ Intel, AMD or 100%-Intel compatible motherboard chipset
❑ Windows 98 Second Edition (SE), Windows Millennium Edition (Me), Windows 2000 Service Pack
®
2 (SP2) or Windows XP
❑ 64 MB RAM for Windows 98 SE and Windows Me
128 MB RAM for Windows 2000 SP2 and Windows XP
❑ 600 MB of free hard disk space
❑ Available PCI 2.1 compliant slot for the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card
❑ Available adjacent slot for the Joystick/MIDI bracket*
❑ Headphones or amplified speakers (available separately)
❑ CD-ROM drive installed
Introduction iii
SB1394/FireWire applica- ❑ Genuine Intel Pentium II 350 MHz or AMD 450 MHz processor for SB1394/FireWire applications or
games
tions, games or DVD
viewing
❑ SB1394/FireWire: Minimum 128 MB RAM for digital video (DV) capture and editing recommended,
Ultra DMA hard disk with 1 GB workspace (ATA-100, 7,200 rpm type and 6 GB recommended) for
DV applications
❑ Games: At least 128 MB RAM recommended, 3D graphics accelerator with at least 8 MB of texture
RAM, available 300–500 MB of free hard disk space
❑ DVD: At least second generation DVD-ROM drive with these recommended soft-DVD players:
InterVideo’s WinDVD 2000 or CyberLink’s PowerDVD 3.0 or later
❑ DVD-Audio: Requires genuine Intel Pentium III or AMD AthlonTM 1 GHz or faster, 256 MB for
Minimum 256 MB RAM
recommended for Windows
2000 SP3 and Windows XP
SP1 users for games and DV
capture and editing.
Windows 2000 SP3 and Windows XP SP1, and a second generation DVD-ROM drive 6X or higher.
Internet Multimedia and
Entertainment
Internet Radio: Requires at least a 56 kbps modem and an active Internet connection to run the
application.
Other applications may have higher system requirements or may require a microphone. Refer to the
application’s online Help documentation for details.
Getting More
Information
Refer to the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Getting Started Demo and the various online Help files for detailed
information on Creative applications. The Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Feature Showcase Demo gives you an
interactive introduction to Sound Blaster Audigy 2 and demonstrates the card’s capabilities.
More Help
View the contents of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Installation and Applications CD for additional libraries
The site also includes information on making purchases, technical help, and the latest driver updates.
Technical Support
Introduction iv
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.
Introduction v
Installing Hardware
This chapter tells you how to install the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 hardware.
1
Installing Hardware
Before you begin installation, be sure that you have these:
What You Need
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.
Installing Hardware 1-1
Your audio card has these jacks and connectors to enable the attachment of a wide variety of devices:
Your Sound
Blaster Audigy 2
Card
12
10
9
11
8
In Analog mode, the Line Out,
Rear Out and Rear Center Out
jacks are used simultaneously for
6.1 channel speaker systems.
13
7
5
6
4
2
Click any circled number in the
diagram for a description of the
item.
3
1
14
Figure 1-1: Jacks, connectors and ports on the
Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card.
Installing Hardware 1-2
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
2
3
4
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).
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.
Line Out 2 jack (LIN_OUT2)
Connects to Rear Left/Right Out of powered analog speakers or an external
amplifier for audio output.
Line Out 1 jack (LIN_OUT1)
Connects to Front Left/Right Out of powered analog speakers or an external
amplifier for audio output. Also supports headphones.
5
6
Microphone In jack (MIC_IN)
Connects to an external microphone for voice input.
Line In jack (LIN_IN)
Connects to an external device
(such as a cassette, DAT or MiniDisc player).
7
Digital Out jack
6-channel or compressed AC-3 SPDIF output for connection to external digital
devices or digital speaker systems.
Installing Hardware 1-3
Table 1: Description of Jacks, Connectors and Ports.
Number
Description
Click here or on any description in
the table to return to the main
diagram.
8
9
Telephone Answering Device connector (TAD)
Provides a monaural connection from a standard voice modem, and transmits
microphone signals to the modem.
CD Audio connector (CD_IN)
Connects to the Analog Audio output on a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive using a
CD audio cable.
*Available with some models of
the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card.
10
11
12
AUX In connector (AUX_IN)
Connects to internal audio sources such as TV Tuner, MPEG, or other similar cards.
Internal SB1394/FireWire port*
Connects to the SB1394/FireWire connector on the Audigy 2 Drive.
CD SPDIF connector (CD_SPDIF)
Connects to the SPDIF (Digital Audio) output (where available) on a CD-ROM or
DVD-ROM drive using the Digital CD audio cable provided.
13
14
Joystick/MIDI connector (JOYSTICK)*
Connects to the Joystick/MIDI cable.
Audio Extension connector (AD_EXT)
Connects to the internal Audigy 2 Drive (upgrade option).
Installing Hardware 1-4
The Joystick/MIDI bracket* is used to attach a joystick or MIDI device:
Your Joystick/
MIDI Bracket
*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.
Installing Hardware 1-5
Installation Steps
Step 1: Prepare your 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
computer
then unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
3. Remove the computer cover.
4. Remove the metal brackets from two adjacent unused PCI slots as shown in Figure 1-3. Put the screws
aside for use later.
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.
A
Remove any existing audio card or
disable the onboard audio chipset.
For more information, see
“Problems with Multiple Audio
Devices” on page B-9.
B
A: metal bracket
B: PCI slot
C: ISA slot (may not
be present on
your computer)
C
Figure 1-3: Removing metal plates
Installing Hardware 1-6
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.
1
Figure 1-4: Securing the audio card to the expansion slot.
2. Secure the card with one of the screws you had placed aside earlier.
Installing Hardware 1-7
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
Joystick/MIDI cable
*Available with some models of
the Sound Blaster Audigy 2
card.
Do not force any cable into a
connector. This can cause
permanent damage to your
hardware.
Figure 1-5: Securing the audio card to the expansion slot.
2. Connect the Joystick/MIDI cable* to the Joystick/MIDI connector on the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card
as shown in Figure 1-5.
Installing Hardware 1-8
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 CD-
ROM or DVD-ROM drive,
do not enable the CD Audio
and CD Digital options at
the same time in Creative
Surround Mixer.
C
OR
B
• Analog and Digital CD
audio cables are not needed
when CDDA is used.
• The CD_SPDIF connector is
not used with software DVD
players.
A: CD-ROM/DVD-ROM
drive
B: Analog CD Audio
cable (not included)
C: Digital CD Audio cable
(included with some
models)
Figure 1-6: Connecting analog/digital audio cables to CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drives.
For digital CD audio output:
connect the Digital CD audio cable (included with some models) from the Digital Audio connector on
your CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive to the CD_SPDIF connector on the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card as
shown in Figure 1-6.
Installing Hardware 1-9
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.
Installing Hardware 1-10
Sound Blaster Audigy 2 will give you endless hours of listening pleasure. Figure 1-7 shows you how to
connect related peripherals to your Sound Blaster Audigy 2 to optimize your enjoyment.
Connecting
Related
Peripherals
9
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
2
8
1
Line-out
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.
3
4
7
5
Sound Blaster
Audigy 2 card
Click any circled number in the
diagram for a description of the
item.
6
Figure 1-7: Connecting other devices
Installing Hardware 1-11
Table 2: Description of Connectors and Devices.
*Available on some models of
the Sound Blaster Audigy 2
card.
Number
Description
1
Digital Out jack
TM
Connects to digital speakers, for example, Creative Inspire 5.1 Digital Speakers
and MiniDisc or DAT via minijack-to-DIN cable.
2
3
4
Line in
Click here or on any description in
the table to return to the main
diagram.
Connects to a cassette or CD player, synthesizer, etc.
Mic in
Connects to a microphone.
Line Out 1 (top), Line out 2 (middle) and Line Out 3 (bottom)
Connects to analog front, rear and rear center inputs of 6-channel speakers, for
example, 6.1 Creative or Cambridge SoundWorks analog speaker systems.
5
SB1394/FireWire port*
Connects to all IEEE 1394 compatible devices such as NOMAD digital audio
players, DV camcorders, digital cameras, and WebCams.
6
7
Joystick/MIDI bracket*
Connects to a game pad or MIDI device like BlasterKey.
AD_EXT
Connects to Audigy 2 Drive (upgrade option).
8
9
Analog CD audio cable (left) and Digital CD audio cable* (right)
CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive
Installing Hardware 1-12
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.
Connecting
Speaker Systems
4.1 or 5.1 Digital Speaker
System by Creative or
Cambridge SoundWorks
E
C
A
F
G
B
Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card
A: Analog Line and Rear Inputs
B: Digital DIN
*For example, Creative Inspire
6.1 Analog Speakers.
C: Minijack-to-DIN cable
D: 6.1 speaker audio cable
E: Digital Out jack
D
F: Line Out (top)
Rear Out (middle)
Rear Center Out (bottom)
G: AD_EXT
Connects to Audigy 2 Drive
(upgrade option)
Analog 6.1 channel speaker
system*
Figure 1-8: Connecting Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card to speaker systems.
Installing Hardware 1-13
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
10
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.
OR
5
4
Additional information for advanced users:
For connection to Center and Subwoofer channels using a 3.5mm (stereo)-to-RCA cable or 3.5mm (4 pole/stereo)-to-RCA cable,
connect the white RCA jack to the Center input and the red RCA jack to the Subwoofer input of the amplifier.
Figure 1-9: Connecting external consumer devices to the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card.
Installing Hardware 1-14
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
2
3
4
5
6
7
Dolby Digital (AC-3) SPDIF In
3.5 mm (mono)-to-RCA cable
3.5 mm (stereo)-to-RCA cable
3.5 mm (4-pole/stereo)-to-RCA cable
Analog Front, Rear and Center/Subwoofer Inputs
Digital Out jack
Line Out 1(top)
Line Out 2 (middle)
Line Out 3 (bottom)
8
9
AD_EXT
Connects to Audigy 2 Drive (upgrade option)
Left / Center channel (tip)
10
Right / Subwoofer channel (ring)
Installing Hardware 1-15
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. You may want to adjust the
relative positions of the speakers until you
get the audio experience you like best. If
you have a subwoofer, place the unit in a
corner of the room for the best bass
experience.
FL: Front-left
speaker
CS: Center speaker
FR: Front-right
speaker
RR: Rear-right
speaker
RC: Rear-center
speaker
Positioning Your
Speakers
SW
FL
CS
FR
RR
RL: Rear-left
speaker
SW: Subwoofer
Listener
RL
RC
Figure 1-10: Recommended speaker
positions.
Installing Hardware 1-16
Installing Software
This chapter tells you how to install the Sound Blaster Audigy 2
software.
2
Installing Software
You need to install device drivers and applications prior to using your Sound Blaster Audigy 2. To install
these drivers and the selected software applications, use the following instructions. The instructions are
applicable to all supported Windows operating systems.
Installing Drivers
and Applications
1. After you have installed the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card and Joystick/MIDI bracket*, turn on your
computer. Windows automatically detects the audio card and device drivers.
2. When prompted for the audio drivers, click the Cancel button.
• 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
3. Insert the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Installation and Applications 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.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
5. When prompted, restart your computer.
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 2-2.
D:\Windows\
Options\Cabs (where D:
represents the drive Windows
has been installed on).
• *Available with some models
of the Sound Blaster Audigy
2 card.
Installing Software 2-1
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.
Sound Blaster
Audigy 2 Feature
Showcase Demo
2. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation, and to run the Demo.
At times you may need to uninstall or reinstall some or all of the audio card's applications and device
drivers to correct problems, change configurations, or upgrade outdated drivers or applications. The
following instructions tell you how to do so in all Windows operating systems.
Reinstalling the
Applications and
Device Drivers
Before you begin, close all audio card applications. Applications that are still running during the
uninstallation will not be removed.
Reinstalling all Audio If you think the audio drivers and applications are corrupted, you may want to reinstall all of them. To do
so:
Drivers and
Applications
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. In the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, select the Repair check box, and then click the Next button.
If prompted, insert the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Installation and Applications CD into your CD-ROM,
and click the OK button.
6. Click the Yes button.
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.
Installing Software 2-2
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. In the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, select the Remove check box, and then click the Next button.
6. Click the Yes button.
7. Restart your computer when prompted.
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/
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.
Uninstalling selected
Audio Drivers or
Applications
You may want to install/uninstall a selected audio driver or application. 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. In the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, select the Modify check box, and then click the Next button.
6. Click the check box of the application that you want to uninstall to clear it.
If you want to install an application, click the application check box to select it.
7. Click the Next button.
If prompted, insert the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Installation and Applications CD into your CD-ROM,
and click the OK button.
Installing Software 2-3
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. Click the check box of the application that you want to uninstall to clear it.
6. Click the Next button.
7. Restart your computer when prompted.
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 2 to
enjoy this support and to fix other issues in the Windows 2000 OS.
Updating
Windows 2000
(Service Pack 2)
Updating
Windows 98 SE
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.)
This update provides PAL support and improved device support to 1394 Digital Video equipment users
This is applicable for Windows 98 SE and Windows 2000 users. This update provides minor
improvement to the Windows Me OS. To look for this update, go to the web site below.
Installing Software 2-4
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.
3
Using Audigy 2 Software
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.
Creative Sound
Blaster Audigy 2
Applications
Demos: Providing an overview of Sound Blaster Audigy 2’s features
❑ Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Getting Started Demo
❑ Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Feature Showcase Demo
❑ SoundFont Showcase
The applications included with
Sound Blaster Audigy 2 may
differ from those described here.
Sound Blaster Audigy 2 may also
come with third party
Introduction to the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 software suite
❑ Creative MediaSource Go!
❑ Creative MediaSource Go! Launcher
❑ Creative MediaSource Player
❑ Creative MediaSource Organizer
❑ Creative MediaSource DVD Audio Player
❑ Creative EAX Console
applications.
❑ Creative Surround Mixer
❑ Creative Speaker Calibrator
❑ Creative Speaker Settings
❑ Creative MiniDisc Center
❑ Creative SoundFont Bank Manager
❑ Creative Audio Stream Recorder 2
❑ Creative Wave Studio
Diagnostic and troubleshooting utilities
❑ Creative Diagnostics
❑ Creative Speaker Settings
Using Audigy 2 Software 3-1
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.
Demos
Sound Blaster
Audigy 2 Getting
Started Demo
This is a good starting point from which you can learn about Sound Blaster Audigy 2. The Sound Blaster
Audigy 2 Getting Started Demo consists of several interactive and informative demos that highlight
different aspects of Sound Blaster Audigy 2: experiencing digital music and digital gaming, watching
movies, connecting speakers, and performing tasks.
Sound Blaster
Audigy 2 Feature
Showcase Demo
Use the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Feature Showcase Demo to feel the audio card’s awesome gaming, music
reproduction and home studio capabilities.
Experience the following exciting features of the new Sound Blaster Audigy 2:
❑ DVD-Audio Playback — Learn more about this new, high-resolution music format and experience the
difference when a DVD-Audio clip is being played.
❑ EAX ADVANCED HD technologies — Experience complex multi-environment audio effects as you
navigate through a fascinating virtual 3D world. Run this demonstration and experience EAX
ADVANCED HD technologies such as Environment Panning, Environment Reflection and
Environment Morphing. Compare the scenes with and without EAX ADVANCED HD, and you will
understand why more game developers are using EAX ADVANCED HD technologies for the best
gaming experience.
❑ Dolby Digital Surround EX Support — Listen to a THX audio demonstration containing an additional
rear channel (rear center) that produces a richer and more consistent surround effect than that of
systems with only two rear channels.
Note: The Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Feature Showcase Demo can be installed using the Sound Blaster
Audigy 2 Feature Showcase Demo CD in your package. This demo will run only if a Sound Blaster
Audigy 2 card is installed because the software utilizes the card’s hardware capabilities for the
demonstrations.
Using Audigy 2 Software 3-2
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.
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.
Introduction to
the Sound
Blaster Audigy 2
software suite
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. If you have desktop shortcuts for your favorite
applications, you can place them in one central location, Creative MediaSource Go!
The Creative MediaSource Go! button launches Creative MediaSource Go! Launcher. Creative
MediaSource Go! floats on your desktop as a small profile bar. Clicking a button on the bar causes it to
expand horizontally into a shortcut bar. Creative MediaSource Go! Launcher contains icons that launch
the various MediaSource modules for controlling Sound Blaster Audigy 2. You can also add your own
shortcut icons to Creative MediaSource Go!.
For more information and usage details on Creative MediaSource Go!, 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.
Using Audigy 2 Software 3-3
❑ Programs houses shortcuts to Sound Blaster Audigy 2 applications. You can also add your own
shortcuts to other applications.
❑ Product Settings houses shortcuts to specific programs for changing Sound Blaster Audigy 2’s
hardware settings.
❑ Product Support contains diagnostic software, product update information, product registration
forms, demonstration software as well as helpful documentation such as Getting Started guides.
❑ Companion Products allows viewing of information on other Creative products and 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. With it, you can:
❑ play back music and multimedia files: MP3, WAV, WMA, NVF, MLP, Video CD, etc
❑ enhance playback of ordinary music with surround effects using EAX
❑ vary the speed of audio playback without affecting the pitch (Time Scaling)
❑ use Smart Volume Management to play back a list of songs at a similar volume level even if they were
originally recorded at different loudness levels
❑ Switch between Creative MediaSource Organizer and Creative MediaSource Player with just a click
of the mouse.
❑ Use the built-in Creative MediaSource Recorder to record audio (see the section below).
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.
“What U hear”
multichannel
recording
Use Creative MediaSource Recorder to record at up to 24-bit/96 kHz from any audio sources processed
by the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card. A multichannel What-U-Hear recording mode lets you capture
audio directly from the audio card's 6.1-channel analog speaker outputs, without the need to connect any
Using Audigy 2 Software 3-4
cables to the Line Out connectors. You can then capture surround-sound movie/gameplay audio, and even
audio content enhanced or upmixed with CMSS and EAX effects. For more information and usage details
on Creative MediaSource Player and Recorder, 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. The following is a list of tasks you can perform with Creative MediaSource Organizer.
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. You can also enter and edit extra information about each MP3 recording with ID3 tags.
Keep your music
database up to date
As songs are added or deleted from your computer and other storage devices, your PCML will need to be
kept up to date. The Media Sniffer will monitor specified folders on your hard disk for file changes, and
update your PCML accordingly.
Transferring songs
NOMAD users can use Creative MediaSource Organizer to transfer music files to and from the computer
and other compatible devices.
Automatically playing
multimedia content
Media Detector makes it easy for users to access multimedia content from various internal or external
media. There is no need to hunt through a maze of different software to play different types of files.
Media Detector automatically recognizes the insertion or connection of CDs, VCDs, 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.
Using Audigy 2 Software 3-5
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 MediaSource Organizer’s built-in Rip
Now module lets you easily extract tracks from audio CDs, then convert them to MP3 and WMA formats
at high resolution bit rates of 320 Kbps and 160 Kbps, respectively.
To eliminate the need for you to manually type the track information of an audio CD’s ripped tracks, a
feature called CDDB can connect your computer to the Internet (Gracenote’s CDDB service) and
automatically retrieve the track names and other useful track information for you.
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.
For more information and usage details on Creative MediaSource Organizer, refer to its online Help.
Creative
MediaSource DVD
Audio Player
Use this application to play back today’s highest quality audio recordings available on DVD-Audio discs.
You can enjoy music 24-bit/96 kHz multichannel surround-sound music, or stereo recordings of up to 24-
bit/192 kHz resolution. A Pentium III/AMD Athlon 1 GHz or faster processor is recommended. Requires
256 MB RAM for Windows 2000 SP3 or Windows XP SP1. Also requires a second-generation 6x or faster
Creative EAX
Console
Creative EAX Console allows you to configure the Audigy 2 processor's effects engine.
Creative EAX Console 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 real-world, 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. The effects go beyond today's
surround sound and 3D positional audio, to actually model an environment by taking into account room
size, acoustic properties, reverb, echo, and many other effects that create a real-world experience.
Using Audigy 2 Software 3-6
Creative EAX Console consists of four sections: Audio Effects, CMSS 3D, Audio Clean-up, and Time
Scaling.
Audio Effects:
Environmental Sound
Processing
In Audio Effects, you can choose how you want to enhance all kinds of ordinary two-channel sounds.
❑ Advanced EQ lets you boost or de-emphasize the low, mid or high frequencies of sound to suit
individual preference and equipment characteristics. Choose various presets like Jazz or Rock to suit
the audio characteristics you like best.
❑ 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. By choosing an effect like “concert hall”, you can make any music sound like it is being
produced inside a concert hall, with all the characteristic echos and reverbration. Various settings let
you vary the type of effect, amount of effect applied, and others. If you have connected rear speakers
to your computer, EAX will trick your ears into believing that your room has 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. For users with 5.1 or 6.1 multichannel speaker
systems, CMSS can also simulate surround sound from ordinary stereo. This is useful for watching DVDs
and VCDs, which contain only stereo soundtracks.
Select CMSS for multichannel audio enhancement on 4/4.1, 5.1 or 6.1 speaker systems, and CMSS2 for
movies.
Using Audigy 2 Software 3-7
Note: For a 4/4.1-speaker system, audio for your subwoofer is processed by the speaker system.
Audio Clean-up:
Removing noise and
distortion
Audio Clean-up allows you to process prerecorded as well as real-time audio, in order to remove noise,
click sounds and other artifacts. For example, when recording music from old vinyl records, “click” and
“pop” sounds can be removed with the Clean-up feature. The Click Meter informs you whenever the noise
clean-up feature is activated during recording and also how many clicks are removed.
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 Surround
Mixer
Use Creative Surround Mixer to select the device you wish to listen to or record from. It operates in two
possible modes. Click the Basic Mode or Advanced Mode button to switch between the two modes:
In Basic mode, you can:
❑ mix sounds from various audio input sources when playing or recording
❑ control volume, bass and treble
In Advanced mode, you can:
❑ control balance and vary the loudness ratio between front/rear speakers (fader)
❑ control the relative loudness levels between Front Center, Rear Center and Subwoofer speakers (if any)
For more information and usage details on Creative Surround Mixer, refer to its online Help.
Creative Speaker
Settings
This is the main application to use for the following tasks:
❑ Designating the number and configuration of speakers to use
❑ Testing your speakers
❑ Activating or deactivating Digital Output
❑ Managing bass output by selecting subwoofer crossover frequency and volume
Using Audigy 2 Software 3-8
Creative Speaker
Calibrator
Creative Speaker Calibrator assists you in optimizing loudspeaker settings and positioning to create
much better surround sound and gaming sound effects.
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.
With Creative MiniDisc Center, you can:
❑ 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. This module is optimized to let users quickly audition various presets, reset MIDI devices,
or create/modify/save various SoundFont banks from your computer’s RAM. Creative SoundFont Bank
Manager also switches the Drum Kit on or off at Midi Channel 10.
A virtual keyboard is provided for the user to use the computer’s keyboard or mouse to audition SoundFont
banks or play musical notes produced through MIDI devices. To edit the presets in the SoundFont banks,
You can use external MIDI input devices to audition your MIDI banks and instruments. First, connect a
MIDI input device to your audio card and then select that device in the Creative SoundFont Bank
Manager. Once you discover the power of SoundFont technology, you will be amazed at the sound design
possibilities available.
For more information and usage details on Creative SoundFont Bank Manager, refer to its online Help.
Using Audigy 2 Software 3-9
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. 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. You can click the red Record
button to start recording music to your hard disk, or use the Schedule feature to program the computer to
record streaming music unattended. You can also use ASR2 to listen to selected radio stations live by
clicking the blue Play button.
For more information and usage details on Creative Audio Stream Recorder 2, refer to its online Help.
Creative Wave
Studio
When you need to edit sound files, use Creative Wave Studio. This application supports popular file
formats like WAV and AIFF. With Wave Studio, you can convert between file formats and edit out any
section of sound. Apply effects like fade-in/fade-out. You can also use it to blend two or more songs into
a single file.
For more information and usage details on Creative Recorder, refer to its online Help.
Using Audigy 2 Software 3-10
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.
Using Audigy 2 Software 3-11
General Specifications
This section displays the specifications of your Sound Blaster Audigy 2
card and Joystick/MIDI bracket.
A
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
Audigy Processor
❑ PCI Specification Version 2.1 compliant
❑ Bus mastering reduces latency and speeds up system performance
❑ Advanced hardware accelerated digital effects processing
❑ 32-bit digital processing, which maintains a 192 dB dynamic range
❑ Patented 8-point interpolation that reduces distortion to inaudible levels
❑ 64-voice hardware wavetable synthesizer
❑ Professional quality digital mixing and equalization
❑ Unlimited size of SoundFont bank can be mapped to host memory (limited by available system
memory)
High Quality Audio
Path
❑ Mixes analog sources such as CD Audio, Line in, Auxiliary, TAD and PC speaker, Microphone in via
AC’97 Codec with internal digital sources
❑ Playback of 64 audio channels, each at an arbitrary sample rate
General Specifications A-1
❑ 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, 44.1, 48 and 96 kHz
Professional Digital
Audio Processing
❑ Supports Sony/Philips Digital Interface (SPDIF) format of up to 24-bit/96 kHz quality
❑ SPDIF output at selectable sampling rate of 48 or 96 kHz
Note: SPDIF output not available during playback of protected digital audio contents authored with
DRM (Digital Rights Management) technology
❑ Selectable 6-channel SPDIF output to matching digital speaker systems
❑ Software switching of SPDIF Input-to-Output (bypass) to minimize cable connection hassle
❑ Low latency multitrack recording with ASIO support
Flexible Mixer Control
❑ Software playback control of CD Audio, Line In, Auxiliary, TAD, PC speaker, Microphone In, Wave/
DirectSound device, MIDI device and CD Digital (CD SPDIF)
❑ Software recording control of Analog Mix (sum of CD Audio, Line In, Auxiliary, TAD, PC speaker)
Microphone In, Wave/DirectSound device, MIDI device and CD Digital (CD SPDIF)
❑ Selectable input source or mixing of various audio sources for recording
❑ Adjustable master volume control
❑ Separate bass and treble control
❑ Front and rear balance control
❑ Muting and panning control for mixer sources
THX Certification
Sound Blaster Audigy 2 has received the prestigious THX® Multimedia Certification award, making it
the perfect choice for PC audiophiles seeking the very best music and movie experiences.
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
General Specifications A-2
❑ 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 6.1 channels
❑ Professional-quality panning and mixing algorithm
SB1394/FireWire
Compatibility
❑ Compliant to IEEE 1394a specification
❑ Supports data rates of 100, 200, and 400 Mbps
❑ Supports up to 63 IEEE 1394 compatible devices in a daisy-chain configuration
❑ Supplies up to 3 watts to IEEE 1394 compatible devices
Connectivity
Sound Blaster
Audigy 2 card
Audio Inputs
❑ One line-level analog Line input via stereo jack on rear bracket
❑ One mono Microphone analog input via stereo jack on rear bracket
❑ CD_IN line-level analog input via 4-pin Molex connector on card
❑ AUX_IN line-level analog input via 4-pin Molex connector on card
❑ TAD line-level analog input via 4-pin Molex connector on card
❑ CD_SPDIF digital input via 2-pin Molex connector on card
Audio Outputs
❑ ANALOG/DIGITAL OUT via 4-pole 3.5 mm minijack on rear bracket
•
ANALOG OUT: Center and Subwoofer channels
General Specifications A-3
•
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 Inter- ❑ One 2 x 5 pin Internal SB1394/FireWire connector on card
❑ One 6-pin SB1394/FireWire port on rear bracket
faces
The 6-pin SB1394/FireWire
connector/port has a 3 watt
maximum power output.
Connect only one high power
usage device such as the IEEE
1394 hard disk and CD-RW
drive to this port unless it is self-
powered.
Interfaces
❑ AD_EXT 2 x 20 pin header for connection to Audigy 2 Drive
❑ JOYSTICK 2 x 8 pin header* for connection to the Joystick/MIDI connector (optional attachment)
General Specifications A-4
Troubleshooting and FAQs
This section provides solutions to problems you may encounter
during installation or normal use.
B
Troubleshooting and FAQs
This appendix provides solutions to problems you may encounter during installation or normal use.
The installation does not start automatically after the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Installation and
Applications CD is inserted.
Problems
Installing
Software
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. In the My Computer window, right-click the CD-ROM drive icon.
3. On the shortcut menu, click AutoPlay and follow the instructions on the screen.
To enable AutoPlay through Auto Insert Notification:
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 and select your CD-ROM drive.
4. Click the Properties button.
5. In the Properties dialog box, click the Settings tab and select Auto Insert Notification.
6. Click the OK button to exit from the dialog box.
Troubleshooting and FAQs B-1
There is unexpected excessive environmental sound or effects when an audio file is played.
Problems with
Sound
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.
Check the following:
❑ The headphones are connected to the Headphones jack.
❑ In the Speaker Selection tab of Creative Speaker Settings, the Headphones option is selected in the
Speaker/Headphone Selection box.
❑ In the Basic tab of Creative Surround Mixer, the recording source selected is “What U Hear”.
Individual analog recording sources are not displayed in Creative Surround Mixer.
The following analog recording sources are combined in one recording control called Analog Mix (Line/
CD/TAD/Aux/PC), which is found in the Record panel of the Basic tab:
❑ Line-In
❑ CD Audio
❑ Auxiliary
❑ TAD-In
❑ PC Speaker
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.
Troubleshooting and FAQs 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).
❑ 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.
Check the following:
❑ You have selected the correct source in the Source panel Creative Surround Mixer.
❑ If both the above conditions have been met and you still do not get any sound, click the red plus sign
above the Volume control and check whether the Digital Output Only check box is selected. If it is,
you are in the Digital Output Only mode and so must connect to digital speakers to hear the sound from
your audio card. See the section on “Speaker Selection Settings” in Creative Speaker Setting’s online
Help for more information.
No audio output when playing digital files such as .WAV, MIDI files or AVI clips.
Check the following:
❑ The speakers’ volume control knob, if any, is set at mid-range. Use Creative Surround Mixer to adjust
the volume, if necessary.
❑ 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.
Troubleshooting and FAQs B-3
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. Click the Enable digital CD audio for this CD-ROM device check box to select it.
v. Click the OK button.
For Windows Me
i. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel.
ii. In the Control Panel dialog box, double-click the System icon.
iii. In the System Properties dialog box, click the Device Manager tab.
iv. Double-click the DVD/CD-ROM drives icon.
Your computer drives will appear.
v. Right-click the disk drive icon. A menu will appear.
vi. Click Properties.
vii.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.
viii.Click the OK button.
For Windows 2000 and Windows XP
i. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel.
ii. In the Control Panel dialog box, double-click the System icon.
iii. In the System Properties dialog box, click the Hardware tab.
iv. Click the Device Manager button.
Troubleshooting and FAQs B-4
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.
This occurs when you are in the Digital Output Only mode and the source’s left-right balance in a software
mixer application other than Creative Surround Mixer (for example, the Windows Volume Control
application) is at the opposite end compared to the position to which you have panned the source in the
Basic tab of Creative Surround Mixer. For example, the CD Audio balance in Windows Volume Control
is on the left but in Creative Surround Mixer you have panned the CD Audio to the right.
To solve this problem:
Open that other mixer, and center the balances for all the audio input sources.
This ensures that your analog sources will not turn silent when you pan them in Creative Surround Mixer.
After you install the Audigy 2 card on a VIA chipset motherboard, you may have the slight chance of
seeing one of the following:
Problems with
File Transfers on
Some VIA
When transferring large amounts of data, the computer stops responding (‘hangs’) or restarts
itself, OR
Files transferred from another drive are incomplete or corrupted.
Chipset
Motherboards
These problems appear in a small number of computers, which contain the VIA VT82C686B controller
chipset on their motherboards.
To verify if your motherboard has the VT82C686B chipset:
❑ Refer to your computer or motherboard manual, or
Troubleshooting and FAQs B-5
❑ 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.
If you have the VT82C686B chipset:
❑ Creative recommends that you first contact your computer
vendor or motherboard manufacturer for the latest solution.
❑ Some users have solved the above problems by doing one or
both of the following:
Figure B-1: Device Manager tab.
•
•
downloading the latest VIA 4in1 drivers from http://www.viatech.com*,
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.
Troubleshooting and FAQs B-6
There is insufficient memory to load SoundFont banks.
Insufficient
SoundFont
Cache
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. If the desired space already contains a bank, and you want to load a new bank in its place, highlight
the bank and click the Replace button.
5. Click the OK button to finish configuring your banks.
The amount of SoundFont cache you can allocate depends on the system RAM available. Your computer
may slow down if the amount of cache used is too high.
If there is still insufficient system RAM available:
Do one of the following:
The trade-off of a smaller
SoundFont file is its lower
sound quality.
❑ In the Configure Bank dialog box of Creative SoundFont Bank Manager, select a smaller SoundFont
bank, if available, from the Select Bank box.
❑ Increase the system RAM on your computer.
The joystick port is not working.
Problems with
Joystick
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.
Troubleshooting and FAQs B-7
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.
When the Gameport Joystick interface is disabled, the entry in Device Manager has a red cross.
The joystick is not working properly in some programs.
The program may use the system processor timing to calculate the joystick position. When the processor
is fast, the program may determine the position of the joystick incorrectly, assuming that the position is
out of range.
To solve this problem:
Do not attempt to make changes to
the BIOS unless you have
experience with system software.
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.
Troubleshooting and FAQs B-8
The other installed audio card is not working well.
Problems with
Multiple Audio
Devices
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.
Alternatively, during the installation of your Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card, do the following:
❑ If your computer detects an installed Sound Blaster Live! Series or Sound Blaster PCI512 audio card,
a message box recommending that you completely uninstall and remove the older audio device will
appear. Click the Yes button and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the removal of the
old audio device. Remove the old audio card from your computer.
❑ If your computer detects any other installed audio card, a message box recommending that you
completely uninstall and remove the older audio device will appear. Click the Yes button to continue
with the installation of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card.
After the installation of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card, completely uninstall the existing card and
remove the audio card from your computer.
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 <F2> or <Delete>, depending on your motherboard.
The BIOS setup menu appears.
3. Select Chipset Features Setup and press <Enter>.
4. Select Onboard Legacy Audio and press <Enter> to disable your onboard audio chipset.
5. Press <Esc> to return to the BIOS setup menu.
6. Select Save & Exit Setup, and then press <Enter>.
7. Press <Y> and then press <Enter>
Troubleshooting and FAQs B-9
Sound Blaster Live! or Sound Blaster PCI512 applications are not working.
Problems with
Sound Blaster
Live! Series or
Sound Blaster
PCI512 card
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. In the Control Panel window, double-click the System icon.
3. In the System Properties dialog box, click the Device Manager tab.
4. Double-click Sound, Video And Game Controllers, and then select Creative Sound Blaster Live!
Series or Creative Sound Blaster PCI512.
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.
When the Sound Blaster Live! series is disabled, the entry in Device Manager has a red cross.
Troubleshooting and FAQs B-10
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.
Resolving I/O
Conflicts
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.
If you still do not know which card is causing the conflict, remove all cards except the audio card and other
essential cards (for example, disk controller and graphics cards). Add each card back until Device
Manager indicates that a conflict has occurred.
To resolve hardware conflicts in Windows 98 SE/Me:
You can also refer to the
Troubleshooting section in the
online Help of Windows 98 SE/
Me.
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. Under the Sound, Video And Game Controllers entry, select the conflicting audio card driver—
indicated by an exclamation mark (!)—and click the Properties button.
5. In the Properties dialog box, click the Resources tab.
6. Make sure that the Use automatic settings check box is selected, and click the OK button.
7. Restart your system to allow Windows 98 SE/Me to reassign resources to your audio card and/or the
conflicting device.
The Encore DVD Player is not launched when a DVD disc is inserted into the drive.
Problems with
Encore DVD
Player
To solve this problem:
1. In the Windows system tray, right-click the Disc Detector icon, and then click Properties.
2. On the General tabbed page of the Creative Disc Detector dialog box, make sure that the Enable Disc
Detector check box is selected.
3. Click the Players tab.
4. Select the DVD Disc entry and then click the Select Player button.
5. In the Players Properties dialog box, click the Browse button.
Troubleshooting and FAQs B-11
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.
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.
Problems with
Software DVD
Player
To solve this problem:
Close and restart the software DVD player.
The DV camcorder is not working properly.
The MSDV camcorder driver may not be the latest version (v4.10.2226).
To solve this problem:
Problems with
DV driver for
Windows 98 SE/
2000/Me/XP
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.
If the problem still persists, the MSDV camcorder driver may not be fully optimized for your DV
camcorder.
The 1394 DVConnect driver does
not run on Windows XP.
To solve this problem:
1. Turn on your DV camcorder.
2. Insert the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Installation and Applications CD into your CD-ROM drive.
Exit from the welcome screen.
Troubleshooting and FAQs B-12
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.
A Hardware Installation error message appears on a Windows XP operating system when non-
Creative applications are being installed.
Problems in
Windows XP
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.
You may see the message when you install hardware drivers from companies other than Creative. If you
do, you may choose to click the Continue Anyway button. Device drivers not signed by Microsoft may
be used in Windows XP, and need not impair or destabilize your computer.
Should you need more XP-related information or help, you can contact the company that developed the
driver, at the company's web site or helpline.
Troubleshooting and FAQs B-13
Intermittent hissing or no sound is heard from my digital speakers.
Problems with
Digital Audio
Devices
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. In Creative MediaSource Go! Launcher, click the Product Settings tab.
2. Double-click the Device Controls icon.
If you have installed Intel
Application Accelerator version
1.1.2 in your computer, DMA
may be automatically selected on
all your drives.
3. Click the Sampling Rate tab.
4. Click the required sampling rate from the Digital Output Sampling Rate list.
Popping noises is heard during playback.
Check that the DMA feature is selected for all drives.
To solve this problem:
For Windows 98 SE and Windows Me:
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 Device Manager tab.
4. Double-click the Disk drives icon.
Your computer drives will appear.
5. Double-click the hard disk drive icon.
6. In the box that appears, click the Settings tab.
7. Click the DMA (direct memory access) check box to select it.
An alert message box appears.
8. Click the OK button.
9. Click the OK button in the next box.
10. Click the Close button on the System Properties dialog box.
Troubleshooting and FAQs B-14
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. Double-click the ATA/ATAPI IDE Controllers icon.
Your IDE channels will appear.
6. Right-click the Primary IDE Channel icon.
7. Click Properties.
8. In the Properties dialog box, click the Advanced Settings tab.
9. Click the DMA if available check box to select it.
10. Click the OK button.
Troubleshooting and FAQs B-15
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