Creative Unveils 5.1 Surround-Sound USB Audio Solution

Sound specialist Creative has just announced a new sound blaster in the X-Fi family, that offers 5.1 Surround Sound over an USB 2.0 bus. The external sound card is completely detachable and allows high-fidelity enthusiasts to enjoy crystal-clear sound even on notebook computers.

The Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 external sound card comes in a sleek, black shell with a metallic finish. Its clean and modern design seamlessly integrates with a home-theater system and the living-room furniture. Thanks to the underlying state-of-the-art technology, the sound solution can deliver a fully immersive multimedia experience when playing games, listening to music or watching high-definition video content.

The built-in Creative EAX Advanced HD effects can simultaneously render 64 spatial voices for a more realistic gaming experience. The X-Fi technology is comprised of two main features: X-Fi 24-bit Crystalizer and CMSS-3D.

When enabled, the 24-bit Crystalizer adds extra clarity to low-quality music from compressed files or multimedia files streamed over the Internet. It is able to restore the information that has been lost during compression, by enhancing the highs and lows for a crystal-clear audio experience.

The X-Fi CMSS-3D technology intelligently transforms stereo (dual-speaker) MP3 files into virtual multi-speakers or headphones. The algorithm sends voices to the center channel, while the ambient sounds are rendered on the other sound channels, bringing a concert hall experience into one's very living-room.

Moreover, users who don't own a pricey 5.1-channel sound system can also enjoy high-quality sound and realistic sound effects. The CMSS-3D technology works on either dual-speaker setups, or even on headphones.

The sound card is powered via the computer's USB bus, and comes with gold-plated RCA connectors to minimize the RF interferences and maximize signal conductivity. Creative's Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 card will be available starting with the end of May and will come with an estimative price tag of about $99.00.