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Should I change my Essence STX for a Creative SB Z sound card ?(for a better surround)

Okinoko

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Hello !

I apologyze in advance about my english (i'm french).

I actually got a Xonar Essence STX sound card. It sounds very good for music but, in games especially in FPS games the surround isn't that good.

I was thinking to buy a new Sound Card for a better surround especially the Creative Sound Blaster Z. Is that worth to buy it for a better surround ?

Help me guys, i'm glad to get the Essence STX but I really want to have a beter surround.. :(
I'm so confused. I already tried Razer Surround but there is a delay of any sounds :(

I will apreciate any help from you guys !

Thanks in advance !! :D
 

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What are you using for speakers? That will make a bigger difference than sound card.
 

Okinoko

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I'm only using my Stereo Headphones (My MMX-300)

Another tips ?
 
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Keep the Xonar. Build wise it's a far superior sound card. I had a SB-Z and my X-Fi Home Theater HD handles it it's ass, let it be in games or in music. Sure, it was also a far more expensive card but still that point holds.
 

Okinoko

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Keep the Xonar. Build wise it's a far superior sound card. I had a SB-Z and my X-Fi Home Theater HD handles it it's ass, let it be in games or in music. Sure, it was also a far more expensive card but still that point holds.

Thanks alot for your reply ! :D

Another tips ?
 

fullinfusion

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So what are you talking about... Surround using the headset as virtual surrond or speakers?
 

Okinoko

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Sry, I meant Headset as virtual surround ^^

Is that worth to change ? :/
 

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Okinoko

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Thanks for your reply !

The STX is a far superior then the creative even for a virtual surround ?
 

OneMoar

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Thanks for your reply !

The STX is a far superior then the creative even for a virtual surround ?
if its configured properly yes the headset you are using is not good for fps its a
install the uni-drivers and then tune the 3d boost function in viper
this is my config

viper will widen the audio witch is probably what you want
 
Last edited:

Okinoko

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if its configured properly yes the headset you are using is not good for fps its a
install the uni-drivers and then tune the 3d boost function in viper
this is my config

viper will widen the audio witch is probably what you want


Wow it looks awesome where can I grab viper ? Install uni driver ?
I already installed Uni Xonar driver but I never see this Oo

Thx!
 
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OneMoar

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Last edited:

Okinoko

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if its configured properly yes the headset you are using is not good for fps its a
install the uni-drivers and then tune the 3d boost function in viper
this is my config

viper will widen the audio witch is probably what you want


There is no effect at all. I can't see the difference maybe should I install Xonar Uni Driver ?

Thanks!
 

OneMoar

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make sure you enable it via the power switch in the program and then reboot
remember you need to manually configure the effects before it will work
 

Okinoko

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make sure you enable it via the power switch in the program and then reboot
remember you need to manually configure the effects before it will work

I enabled this then reboot and i got no effect :/

Should I install Uni Xonar Driver ?

Thanks!
 

OneMoar

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here is my preset http://cl.ly/XAKA/3d-expand+mutlitweak.vpf
save it someplace and load it via the menu

you may adjust "image size" and "space size" for more or less 3d effect

small image size + large space size = wider
large image size + small space size = tighter more focused can distort
the preset I posted uses very little 3d expansion and MINIMAL effects
if the program won't function make sure the power button slider is ON and that you are running the uni-drivers
make sure you are running the program as admin as well
viper is very powerful but can be difficult to master
 
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Okinoko

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here is my preset http://cl.ly/XAKA/3d-expand+mutlitweak.vpf
save it someplace and load it via the menu

you may adjust "image size" and "space size" for more or less 3d effect

small image size + large space size = wider
large image size + small space size = tighter more focused can distort
the preset I posted uses very little 3d expansion and MINIMAL effects
if the program won't function make sure the power button slider is ON and that you are running the uni-drivers
make sure you are running the program as admin as well

Really guy thanks alot i'll try that ! I have the default Xonar Audio Center. Am I obliged to install Uni-drivers or not ?
 

OneMoar

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I have only tested viper on a xonor dx running uni I do not know for sure if the factory xonar drivers are compatible with viper
 

fullinfusion

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Really guy thanks alot i'll try that ! I have the default Xonar Audio Center. Am I obliged to install Uni-drivers or not ?
Have you installed the latest Asus BETA driver?

I had the same card and I never had issues in FPS games. Nothing a little EQ tweak here and there didn't fix ;)

Plus what Impedance is that headphone? are you using the built in AMP? Crank it up! o_O
 

Okinoko

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I have only tested viper on a xonor dx running uni I do not know for sure if the factory xonar drivers are compatible with viper

Okay thanks! I will test that tomorrow, don't forget me !! ^_^

Have a good night :)
 

Okinoko

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Have you installed the latest Asus BETA driver?

I had the same card and I never had issues in FPS games. Nothing a little EQ tweak here and there didn't fix ;)

Plus what Impedance is that headphone? are you using the built in AMP? Crank it up! o_O

I meant the noises position in FPS games aren't that good. I have a 32Ohms Stereo Headphone, why ?

And yes, I installed the latest Asus BETA driver for Windows 8.1 : (

Thanks!
 

OneMoar

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what FPS are you playing and you need to explain more clearly about the problem you believe there is we are having difficulty understanding what you mean by "surround" if you mean like footsteps and enemy position installing a "creative" card will not help that at all that`s down to the game and your own ears
if you mean down-mixing 7.1 or 5.1 SOURCE audio to stereo you can do that via the ASUS sound panel I know of no game that would benefit from that tho
 

Okinoko

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what FPS are you playing and you need to explain more clearly about the problem you believe there is we are having difficulty understanding what you mean by "surround" if you mean like footsteps and enemy position installing a "creative" card will not help that at all that`s down to the game and your own ears
if you mean down-mixing 7.1 or 5.1 SOURCE audio to stereo you can do that via the ASUS sound panel I know of no game that would benefit from that tho

Yea, I wish have the same render as razer surround sound but without any delay. I just need a good virtual surround sound without "reverberation" like Dolby.
 
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