Some small updates . . .
For those who've been wanting to backup their custom EQ presets (which comes in handy after driver updates - as custom settings are returned to default), I've finally run across where they're stored on your HDD.
In Vista (and probably OS7):
C:\ProgramData\Creative\CADI\Preset\
On XP:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Creative\CADI\Preset\
Back up the
.DAT file to a safe folder. To re-instate your custom EQ settings, simply copy the backup .DAT into the aforementioned folders, and your EQ presets will be available.
I'm still looking for where the custom mixer, surround, THX, speaker/bass, EAX and other configs are stored . . . and will pass that info along once I find it.
It would be absolutely awesome if, once this info is found, that a programer could code a small GUI program to backup all the files, and re-install them as necessary.
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Also of note, Creative have recently announced an expansion to the X-Fi Titanium lineup, dubbed the
X-Fi Titanium HD, and a new USB soultion named the
USB Sound Blaster X-Fi HD.
The new card itself offers some respectable numbers, will be native PCI-E x1, and will also boast some "departures" from Creative's typical style:
- •RCA Line Out for audio playback up to 122dB, 24-bit/96kHz Digital-to-Analog Converters (DAC)
•RCA Line Input for recording up to 118dB, 24-bit 96kHZ Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADC)
•0.001% Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N)
•Headphone output for audio listening up to 115dB 33 Ohms, and 117dB, 330 Ohms, at 24bit/96kHz
•Replaceable Op-amps
•Hardware-accelerated 3D positional audio and EAX® 5.0 effects that provide a truly immersive experience with headphones and speakers
•Dolby Digital and DTS encoding enables one-step single-cable connection to home entertainment systems
•TOS-link optical-in/out
•1/8" microphone-in
•1/8" headphone jack
•Creative ALchemy to restore EAX and surround sound that is otherwise lost in DirectSound game titles running under Windows Vista and Windows 7
•ASIO recording support with latency as low as one millisecond with minimal CPU load
•Works with Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems
Of major note - replaceable OPAMPs. This will be the first card offered by Creative to support user-replaceable OPAMPs. Based on these claimed specs, this card will take the lead from the X-Fi Elite Pro in terms of audio output quality (remains to be seen from real-world testing, though). As well, the headphone specific output (seperate from the primary outputs) which leads me to believe there's a major departure from Creative's typical audio architecture design . . . It also appears that this card will support new THX features and capabilities, and is now brandishing the THX logo quite extensivelly.
Full press release can be read here:
http://www.creative.com/corporate/pressroom/releases/welcome.asp?pid=13137
Press released image of the card:
I'm getting the impression this card will be a major step in the right direction for Creative - and I'm already itching to hear how these cards will sound.
