sound card | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Thu, 30 Mar 2023 13:58:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png sound card | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 Corsair ST100 RGB Premium Headset stand https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/briony-hannam/corsair-st100-rgb-premium-headset-stand/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/briony-hannam/corsair-st100-rgb-premium-headset-stand/#comments Sun, 29 Oct 2017 10:49:23 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=351357 Its an RGB headset stand with a difference - Corsair have incorporated a sound card!

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Corsair are leaving nothing untouched when it comes to RGB. Nearly all gamers use a headset and you can now proudly display your headset alongside your other peripherals with the ST100 headset stand. With Aluminium construction, RGB lighting and built in 7.1 surround this is certainly a premium product. It does therefore come with a premium price of £59.99. Can the price be justified by the features on offer? 

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Specification:

Warranty: 2 years.
Software: Corsair Utility engine.
Materials: Aluminium body and rubber base.
Connectivity: x1 3.5mm analog jack, x2 USB 3.1 gen 1 port, x1 USB 3.1 Micro B Port.
Illumination:  Customisable RGB lighting in 9 zones.
Extras: Enable 7.1 virtual surround sound on any 3.5mm headset.

Dimensions: Height (25cm) x Base (11cm x 11cm)x Clearance from hook to base (22cm)
Box contents: User Manual, ST100 Headset stand, USB Cable.

Buy from Overclockers UK for £59.99 inc vat HERE

Pros:

  • Can transform any 3.5mm headset into 7.1 surround sound.
  • Fully customisable RGB lighting.
  • Very good build quality.
  • Provides functionality with the 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports.

Cons:

  • Cable isn't braided.
  • The Price.

Kitguru says: The Corsair ST100 is a premium headset stand and we love the RGB features and built in soundcard. Its expensive but worth the money.

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ASUS STRIX Soar PCIExpress 7.1 gaming sound card review https://www.kitguru.net/components/soundcard/jon-martindale/asus-strix-soar-pciexpress-7-1-gaming-sound-card-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/soundcard/jon-martindale/asus-strix-soar-pciexpress-7-1-gaming-sound-card-review/#comments Fri, 04 Dec 2015 09:39:11 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=276276 Ask any PC gamer what their system specifications are and they will be able to rattle off a detailed list of numbers and brand names … however there is a good chance they will still using onboard sound. For some reason sound cards are not seen as a particularly exciting addition to a gaming PC …

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Ask any PC gamer what their system specifications are and they will be able to rattle off a detailed list of numbers and brand names … however there is a good chance they will still using onboard sound. For some reason sound cards are not seen as a particularly exciting addition to a gaming PC – but ASUS wants to change that. It has been making a number of gaming focused sound cards for a while, but its new STRIX line is gunning hard for the gaming demographic who are unhappy with their audio output.

Today we look at the most affordable of the STRIX sound cards, the Soar. Although it has much the same hardware and features as its bigger brothers, it is more affordable which could be the real kicker in convincing potential buyers.

asusstrixstock

We looked at the high-end STRIX Raid Pro from the line up previously. The non-Raid version we are looking at today comes without that fancy volume control and its Raid mode features. The question is: is it still a great package without that?

Features

  • 116dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and audiophile-grade DAC: Enjoy high-fidelity, immersive sound.
  • Sonic Studio utility: Take full control over loads of sound technologies via an intuitive, one-page interface.
  • Sonic Radar Pro: Lets you pinpoint the exact location of in-game sounds and enhances critical audio details like enemy footsteps for an aural advantage.
  • 600ohm headphone amplifier: For enhanced bass and clear, detailed sound.

Specifications

  • Audio Interface: PCI Express.
  • Output Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted) (Front-out): 116 dB.
  • Output Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted) (Headphone-out): 110 dB.
  • Input Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted): 110 dB.
  • Output THD+N at 1kHz (Front-out): 0.001 %(-100 dB).
  • Output THD+N at 1kHz (Headphone-out): 0.003 %(-90 dB).
  • Input THD+N at 1kHz: 0.000316 %(-110 dB).
  • Frequency Response (-3dB, 24bit/96KHz input): 10 Hz to 48 KHz.
  • Output/Input Full-Scale Voltage: Line output (RCA, 3.5) : 2 Vrms (5.65 Vp-p).
  • Audio Processor: C-Media USB2.0 6632AX High-Definition Sound Processor (Max. 384KHz / 24bit).
  • Digital-to-analog Converter (DAC): ESS SABRE9006A Premier 8 Channel Audio DAC.
  • Analog Playback Sample Rate and Resolution: 44.1K/48K/88.2K/96K/176.4K/192KHz @ 16bit/24bit.
  • Analog Recording Sample Rate and Resolution: 44.1K/48K/88.2K/96K/176.4K/192KHz @ 16bit/24bit.
  • S/PDIF Digital Output: 44.1K/48K/96K/192KHz @ 16bit/24bit.
  • ASIO 2.0 Driver Support: 44.1K/48K/96K/192KHz @ 16bit/24bit with very low latency.

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Asustek unveils lineup of advanced 7.1-channel Strix audio cards https://www.kitguru.net/components/soundcard/anton-shilov/asustek-unveils-lineup-of-advanced-7-1-channel-strix-audio-cards/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/soundcard/anton-shilov/asustek-unveils-lineup-of-advanced-7-1-channel-strix-audio-cards/#comments Fri, 11 Sep 2015 01:51:52 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=267308 Asustek Computer is virtually the only company, which still produces audio cards for gamers. On Thursday the company introduced three new sound cards, which belong to its Strix family of products. The new cards are based on advanced C-Media audio processors and are designed to provide premium quality audio experience as well as advanced features …

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Asustek Computer is virtually the only company, which still produces audio cards for gamers. On Thursday the company introduced three new sound cards, which belong to its Strix family of products. The new cards are based on advanced C-Media audio processors and are designed to provide premium quality audio experience as well as advanced features developed specifically for gamers.

The new family of Asustek’s sound cards consist of three boards: the Strix Raid DLX, the Strix Raid Pro, and the Strix Soar. The three audio adapters are based on the C-Media CM6632AX sound processor (with maximum sampling rate of 384KHz/24-bit) and are equipped with high-quality digital-analog/analog-digital converters as well as headphone amplifiers. All three cards provide high-definition 192kHz/24-bit audio, 7.1-channel surround-sound as well as and Perfect Voice noise-cancellation technology, which is important for gamers during online battles.

asus_Strix-Raid-DLX_7.1-PCIe-gaming-sound-card-set

The flagship Asus Strix Raid DLX features the C-Media CM6632AX sound processor and is equipped with the ESS Sabre 9016 digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that boasts 124dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), analog-to-digital Cirrus Logic CS5381 chip with 114dB DNR as well as built-in TI LME49600 600-ohm headphone amplifier (with 124dB SNR). The card uses low-dropout (LDO) regulators and Hi-Fi-grade Nichicon FineGold, Nichicon Muse, and German WIMA capacitors to ensure optimized power delivery.

Other two Asus Strix audio cards also feature advanced design, but more affordable chips and components. Still, thanks to anti-EMI shielding and dedicated components, the cards provide better audio quality than integrated audio solutions.

The Asus Strix Raid audio cards also come with a special external audio control box, which provides easy and advanced controls as well as stores in-game audio settings.

The new Asus Strix sound cards are already available. Pricing varies depending on the region.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: The Strix audio cards complement high-end graphics adapters and various accessories in the Strix family of products, making the lineup even more comprehensive for demanding gamers.

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Asus Xonar U5 5.1 USB sound card review https://www.kitguru.net/components/soundcard/jon-martindale/asus-xonar-u5-5-1-usb-sound-card-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/soundcard/jon-martindale/asus-xonar-u5-5-1-usb-sound-card-review/#respond Fri, 05 Dec 2014 13:51:42 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=221756 When it comes to upgrading your PC it is usually pretty easy to understand the benefits associated by spending more money. A new CPU and motherboard will give you extra overclocking potential and a snappier system. A new graphics card will give you better gaming performance and a new SSD will give you better boot …

The post Asus Xonar U5 5.1 USB sound card review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
When it comes to upgrading your PC it is usually pretty easy to understand the benefits associated by spending more money. A new CPU and motherboard will give you extra overclocking potential and a snappier system. A new graphics card will give you better gaming performance and a new SSD will give you better boot and response times. But what about upgrading your sound card? That is a little harder to quantify – but ASUS has plenty of reasons for you to buy its latest external option.

Asus claim their Xonar U5 will eliminate background noise from VOIP calls and deliver higher quality, more powerful sound, as well as a robust software back-end for customisation. Clearly this is not an audiophile's amplifier, but a gamer's one. Let us see how it holds up to our gaming tests.

asusxonar

Features

  • True 5.1-channel HD (192kHz/24-bit) surround sound from a compact USB-powered device.
  • 104dB signal-to-analog ratio (SNR) ensures pure sound.
  • Sonic Studio provides complete control over loads of sound technologies.
  • Perfect Voice technology eliminates noises for clear in-game communications.
  • Independent mic and master-volume controls for instant in-game adjustments.
  • Integrated headphone amplifier provides clear, detailed sound for an immersive audio experience.
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Creative Sound Blaster Z Sound Card Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/soundcard/simon-telford/creative-sound-blaster-z-sound-card-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/soundcard/simon-telford/creative-sound-blaster-z-sound-card-review/#comments Thu, 31 Jan 2013 08:30:11 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=123118 The Creative Sound Blaster Z Sound card is part of the new flagship series of Sound Blaster and features the multi-core Sound Core3D audio processor and beamforming microphone. There are three models in the Sound Blaster Z range; the Z, the Zx and the ZxR. A beamforming microphone is made up of, in short, two …

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The Creative Sound Blaster Z Sound card is part of the new flagship series of Sound Blaster and features the multi-core Sound Core3D audio processor and beamforming microphone. There are three models in the Sound Blaster Z range; the Z, the Zx and the ZxR.

A beamforming microphone is made up of, in short, two omni directional microphones at both ends of the device. The beamforming feature then creates an area (from the projected beam of each mic) in front of the subject and captures the sound within, attenuating anything out of the area. This is great for reducing background noise and combined with Creatives' CrystalVoice should give excellent vocal pick-up.

Specifications

Audio Processor: Sound Core3D
Audio Resolution: 24-Bit
Digital Audio Convertor (DAC): Cirrus Logic
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) (20kHz Low-pass filter, A-Wgt): 116dB
Maximum Playback Quality: 5.1 : Up to 96kHz
Stereo Direct: Up to 192kHz
Frequency Response @96kHz: 5.1 : Up to 96kHz
Front Channel Out : 10Hz to 45kHz
Rear Channel Out : 15Hz to 45kHz
Center Out : 10Hz to 45kHz
Headphone (33 ohms): 10Hz to 45kHz
Frequency Response @192kHz (Stereo Direct Only): Front Channel Out : 10Hz to 88kHz
16-bit to 24-bit Recording Sample Rates: 8,11.025,16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48, 96 (kHz)
16-bit to 24-bit Playback Sample Rates: 8,11.025,16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48, 96, 192 (kHz)
Maximum Recording Quality: Up to 24-bit/96kHz
I/O Ports (Main Card): Headphone : 1 x Amplified 3.5mm jack
Speaker Out : 3 x 3.5mm jacks(F/R/C-Sub)
Line / Mic In : 1x shared 3.5mm jack
Optical Out : 1x TOSLINK
Optical In : 1x TOSLINK
600 Ohm Amplified Headphone Output: Maxim MAX97220A
Included Acesssories: Beamforming Microphone
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