Creative SB1550 User manual

1

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing Creative's high performance audio solution, Sound Blaster

®

Audigy

®

5/Rx!

High Definition Digital Audio Entertainment

Featuring 24-bit/192 kHz audio playback, the Sound Blaster Audigy 5/Rx audio card delivers high-

definition sound of astounding quality and 24-bit/96 kHz audio recording capability from line level.

The Sound Blaster Audigy 5/Rx audio card with its Audigy 5/Rx processor enables awesome EAX

®

ADVANCED HD

TM

technologies to enhance your online karaoke, chatting, gaming and music listening

experience. Your Sound Blaster Audigy 5/Rx provides ASIO2 driver support for 24-bit/96 kHz and 16-

bit/48 kHz — allowing singer and musicians to produce high quality work.

This User Guide contains software installation and usage information for your audio cards.

System Requirements

Minimum Requirements

l Intel® Core™2 Duo or AMD® processor equivalent (2.0 GHz or faster processor recommended)

l Intel, AMD or 100% compatible motherboard

l Microsoft

®

Windows

®

8 64-bit or 32-bit, Windows 7 64-bit or 32-bit, Windows Vista 64-bit with Serv-

ice Pack 1 (SP1), Windows Vista 32-bit with SP1, Windows XP 64-bit or 32-bit

l 1GB RAM

l >600 MB of free hard disk space

l Available PCI Express based 1.0a compliant slot

l CD-ROM/CD-RW or DVD-ROM drive required for software installation

Notes

l Other applications may have higher system requirements. Refer to the applications' documentation

for details.

More Help

For the latest news and products for Sound Blaster, visit www.soundblaster.com. The site also includes

information on making purchases, technical help, and the latest driver updates.

Introduction 2

About Your Hardware

Visit www.soundblaster.com for the latest Sound Blaster news and products.

Your Sound Blaster Audigy 5/Rx

Your audio card has these jacks and connectors to enable the attachment of a wide variety of devices:

Model: SB1550

8

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Jack or Connector

Description

1.

Mic 1 Connects to a Mono microphone input 1

2. Mic 2 Connects to a Mono microphone input 2

3. Line In

Connects to analog line level output from other devices

like music synthesizers

4.

Front / Headphone Out

(Line Out 1)

Connects to Front Left and Front Right inputs on powered

analog speakers or an external amplifier for audio output

Also supports headphones

5.

Rear / Side R

(Line Out 2)

Connects to Rear Left, Rear Right, and Side Right (only on

7.1 systems) inputs on powered analog speakers or an

external amplifier for audio output

6.

Sub / C / Side L

(Line Out 3)

Connects to Front Center, Subwoofer, Side Left (only on

7.1 systems) inputs on powered analog speakers or an

external amplifier for audio output

7.

Optical Out

Connects to external digital devices or digital speaker

systems

8. HD Front Panel

Connects to front panel connectors like microphone and

headphones on PC that is Intel HD compliant

About Your Hardware 3

Installing and Uninstalling Software

To take full advantage of your Sound Blaster Audigy 5/Rx, you need to install device drivers and

applications. At times, you may also need to uninstall some or all of the device drivers and applications

to correct problems, change configurations, or upgrade outdated drivers or applications. To learn how to

do so in all supported Windows operating systems, consult the following sections:

l Installing and Uninstalling Software

l Reinstalling all Audio Drivers and Applications

l Uninstalling all Audio Drivers and Applications

Installing and Uninstalling Software

For Windows 8:

1. Insert the Installation CD into your CD or DVD drive.

2. In a short while, a drive icon will be displayed. Click on the icon, and then choose Run setup.exe.

If you do not see the drive icon, follow the steps below:

i. Right-click on the background of the Windows start screen, and then click All apps.

ii. Click Computer.

iii. Right-click the CD or DVD drive icon, and then click Open AutoPlay.

3. To complete the installation, follow the instructions on the screen.

4. When prompted, restart your computer.

For Windows 7, Windows XP and Windows Vista:

1. Insert the Installation CD into your CD/DVD-ROM drive. If it does not run automatically, do the

following:

i. Double-click the Computer or My Computer icon.

Alternatively, click Start Computer.

ii. Right-click the CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive icon, and then click Open AutoPlay or

Autoplay.

2. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.

3. When prompted, restart your computer.

Using Creative Software AutoUpdate

Locating, downloading, and installing updates for your Creative products is now simpler and faster with

the web-based Creative Software AutoUpdate system.

When you connect to Creative Software AutoUpdate via theInternet, the website will analyze your

computer system to determine what operating system (OS), language, and Creative products are

installed in your system.

After the online analysis, you will be able to select from a list of only the most relevant software and

driver updates. The files will then be retrieved and installed on your system for you.

To learn more about Creative Software AutoUpdate, visit www.soundblaster.com/support.

Updating DirectX

To download the latest update for DirectX, go to www.microsoft.com.

Installing and Uninstalling Software 4

Notes

l First-time users of Creative Software AutoUpdate may be prompted to authorize the download

of a browser component required for system inspection. Ensure that the content is signed by Cre-

ative Labs, Inc., then click the Yes button.

l Ensure that all your Creative products are connected and installed on the same computer running

Creative Software AutoUpdate.

Installing and Uninstalling Software 5

Reinstalling/Uninstalling Applications and Device

Drivers

At times you may need to reinstall some or all of the audio applications and device drivers to correct

problems, change configurations, or upgrade outdated drivers or applications.

Before you begin, close all audio card applications. Applications that are still running during the

uninstallation will not be removed.

Reinstalling all Audio Drivers and Applications

For Windows 8:

1. Click the Desktop tile on the start screen. At the right toolbar, go to Settings Control Panel

Uninstall a Program.

2. Select the Sound Blaster Audigy 5_Audigy Rx entry or your audio device's entry.

3. Click the Uninstall/Change button or option.

4. On the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, click the Repair option.

If prompted, insert the Installation CD into your CD/DVD-ROM drive, and click the OKbutton.

5. To repair an application, select the application checkbox.

6. Click the Next button.

7. Restart your computer when prompted.

For Windows 7 and Windows Vista:

1. Go to Start Control Panel Uninstall a program.

2. Select the Sound Blaster Audigy 5_Audigy Rx entry or your audio device's entry.

3. Click the Uninstall/Change button.

4. On the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, click the Repair option.

If prompted, insert the Installation CDinto your CD/DVD-ROM drive, and click the OK button.

5. To repair an application, select the application checkbox.

6. Click the Next button.

7. Restart your computer when prompted.

For Windows XP:

1. Click Start Settings Control Panel or Start Control Panel.

2. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon and click the Change or Remove Programs tab.

3. Select the Sound Blaster Audigy 5_Audigy Rx entry or your audio device's entry.

4. Click the Change/Remove button.

5. On the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, select the Repair option.

If prompted, insert the Installation CDinto your CD/DVD-ROM drive, and click the OK button.

6. To repair an application, select the application checkbox.

7. Click the Next button.

8. Restart your computer when prompted.

You can now check to see if the reinstalled software works properly. If not, proceed to

Troubleshooting.

Uninstalling all Audio Drivers and Applications

For Windows 8:

1. Click the Desktop tile on the start screen. At the right toolbar, go to Settings Control Panel

Uninstall a Program.

2. Select the Sound Blaster Audigy 5_Audigy Rx entry or your audio device's entry.

3. Click the Uninstall/Change button.

4. To remove:

i. All drivers and applications: On the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, click the

Remove All option, and then click the Yes button.

ii. Selected drivers and applications: On the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, click the

Remove button.

5. Select the checkbox of the application you want to uninstall, and then click the Next button.

6. Restart your computer when prompted.

For Windows 7 and Windows Vista:

1. Click Start Control Panel Uninstall a program.

2. Select the Sound Blaster Audigy 5_Audigy Rx entry or your audio device's entry,

3. Click the Uninstall/Change button.

4. To remove:

i. All drivers and applications: On the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, click the

Remove All option , and then click the Yes button.

ii. Selected drivers or applications: On the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, click the

Remove button.

5. Select the checkbox of the application you want to uninstall, and then click the Next button.

6. Restart your computer when prompted.

For Windows XP:

1. Click Start Settings Control Panel or Start Control Panel.

2. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon, and click the Change or Remove Programs tab.

3. Select the Sound Blaster Audigy 5_Audigy Rx entry or your audio device's entry,

4. Click the Change/Remove button.

5. To remove:

i. All drivers and applications: On the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, click the

Remove All option , and then click the Yes button.

ii. Selected drivers or applications: On the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, click the

Remove button.

6. Select the checkbox of the application you want to uninstall, and then click the Next button.

7. Restart your computer when prompted.

You may now install existing or updated Sound Blaster Audigy 5/Rx device drivers or applications.

Connecting Related Peripherals

Your Sound Blaster Audigy 5/Rx will give you endless hours of karaoke singing and listening pleasure.

To connect related peripherals, refer to the corresponding sections.

l Enjoying Online Karaoke

l Creating Music

l Listening to Music

l Watching DVDs

The cables shown here are available separately.

Enjoying Online Karaoke

With Sound Blaster Audigy 5/Rx, you can have an enhanced karaoke singing experience when you are

using karaoke softwares or when you go to your favorite karaoke websites.

Swiftly switch from Sing Mode to Chat Mode with a couple of clicks and effortlessly adjust your pitch

and volume while singing. Chatting with your friends and singing with them is just a breeze.

You may connect to more than one microphone with your Sound Blaster Audigy 5/Rx to enjoy singing in

duet.

1

2

Jack, Connector or Cable Description

1. Mic In jack

Connects to a microphone.

2. Mic In jack

Connects to a second microphone

Connecting Related Peripherals 8

Creating Music

You can set up a home music studio using your Sound Blaster Audigy 5/Rx.

Put together your own productions consisting of multiple music tracks from a MIDI Synthesizer, an

electric guitar or a microphone. Alternatively, connect your electric guitar using a Pre-amp Box to the

Line In jack. Use a convertor if your electric guitar comes with a larger connector.

1

2

Jack, Connector or Cable Description

1. Mic In jack Connects to a microphone.

2. Line In jack

Connects to line sources

(for example, electric gui-

tars).

Connecting Related Peripherals 9

Listening to Music

You can connect stereo headphones to the Line Out 1 jack on your Sound Blaster Audigy 5/Rx. Use a

convertor if your headphones come with a larger connector.

1

Jack, Connector or Cable Description

1. Line Out 1 jack

Connects to stereo headphones with a 3.5 mm

(1/8-inch) jack.

Connecting Related Peripherals 10

Watching DVDs

You can connect your multichannel speaker system to your Sound Blaster Audigy 5/Rx audio card, to

enjoy watching your favorite DVDs.

LEFT

SPEAKERS

FRONT

SIDE

REAR

FRONT

SIDE

REAR

RIGHT

SPEAKERS

FRONT CENTER

SPEAKER

REAR

FRONT

SIDE

CENTER/

SUBWOOFER

AUDIO

INPUTS

AUDIO

INPUTS

5.1 - 7.1

UPMIX

DIRECT

6.1 - 7.1

UPMIX

AUDIO

CONTROL

POD

AUDIO

INPUTS

AUDIO

INPUTS

1

5

78

64

2

3

Jack, Connector or Cable Description

1.

Line Out 1 jack

Connects to the Line Out 1 jack on the Sound

Blaster Audigy 5/Rx.

2.

Line Out 2 jack

Connects to the Line Out 2 jack on the Sound

Blaster Audigy 5/Rx.

3.

Line Out 3 jack

Connects to the Line Out 3 jack on the Sound

Blaster Audigy 5/Rx.

4.

7.1 channel audio cable (available

separately)

Connects the Sound Blaster Audigy 5/Rx and

7.1 analog speaker.

5.

Front connector

Connects to the Front jack on your 7.1 analog

speaker.

6.

Rear connector

Connects to the Rear jack on your 7.1 analog

speaker.

7.

Center / Subwoofer (Audio Input)

connector

Connects to the Center / Subwoofer jack on

your 7.1 analog speaker

8.

Side (Audio Input) connector

Connects to the Side jack on your 7.1 analog

speaker.

Connecting Related Peripherals 11

Notes

l Depending on the number of output channels on your external decoder or AV Amplifier, you can con-

nect up to 7.1 speaker systems to your Sound Blaster Audigy 5/Rx. For more information, refer to

the User's Guide of your speaker system.

Connecting Related Peripherals 12

Connecting a multichannel AV Amplifier

l If you have a multichannel AV Amplifier, connect it directly to the Sound Blaster Audigy 5/Rx audio

card's Line Out 1, Line Out 2 and Line Out 3 jacks as shown below. For more information on

multichannel AV Amplifier speaker connections, consult the User's Guide of your AV Amplifier.

l For more information on the appropriate jacks to use, see Connecting Speakers.

4

1

2

3

Jack, Connector or Cable Description

1. Front Left connector

Connects to the Line Out 1 jack on the Sound

Blaster Audigy 5/Rx.

2. Front Right connector

Connects to the Line Out 1 jack on the Sound

Blaster Audigy 5/Rx.

3.

3.5 mm (1/8-inch) stereo

-to-RCA cable (available sep-

arately)

Connects the Sound Blaster Audigy 5/Rx and

AV Amplifier.

4. Line Out 1 jack

Connects to the Front Left and Front Right con-

nectors on an AV Amplifier.

Connecting Related Peripherals 13

2

3

5

4

1

Jack, Connector or Cable Description

1. Side Right connector

Connects to the Line Out 2 jack on your Sound

Blaster Audigy 5/Rx.

2. Line Out 2 jack

Connects to the Rear Left, Rear Right and

Side Right connectors on an AV Amplifier.

3.

3.5 mm (1/8-inch) stereo-

to-RCA cable (available sep-

arately)

Connects the Sound Blaster Audigy 5/Rx and

AV Amplifier.

4. Rear Right connector

Connects to the Line Out 2 jack on the Sound

Blaster Audigy 5/Rx

5. Rear Left connector

Connects to the Line Out 2 jack on the Sound

Blaster Audigy 5/Rx.

Connecting Related Peripherals 14

4

5

1

2

3

Jack, Connector or Cable Description

1. Side Left connector

Connects to the Line Out 3 jack on the Sound

Blaster Audigy 5/Rx.

2. Center connector

Connects to the Line Out 3 jack on the Sound

Blaster Audigy 5/Rx.

3. Subwoofer connector

Connects to the Line Out 3 jack on the Sound

Blaster Audigy 5/Rx.

4. Line Out 3 jack

Connects to the Side Left, Center and Sub-

woofer connectors on an AV Amplifier.

5.

3.5 mm (1/8-inch) stereo-to-RCA

cable (available separately)

Connects the Sound Blaster Audigy 5/Rx and

AV Amplifier.

Connecting Related Peripherals 15

Connecting Speakers

The connectors and associated components shown here may be different from that of your speaker

system. Consult the User's Guide of your speaker system to identify similar input connectors.

To learn how to connect different types of speaker systems to your Sound Blaster Audigy 5/Rx, consult

the following sections:

l Positioning Your Speakers

l Connecting Digital Speaker Systems

l Connecting Analog Speaker Systems

l Connectivity

For tips on how to arrange your speakers, consult Positioning Your Speakers.

For a list of supported Creative speaker systems or access interactive help on speaker connectivity,

visit the Knowledge Base at either www.soundblaster.com or www.creative.com.

Notes

l Actual products may differ slightly from those shown in this chapter.

l The cables shown in this chapter may be bundled with your peripheral or are available separately

from www.creative.com.

Connecting Speakers 16

Positioning Your Speakers

Good speaker placement is crucial to getting optimal performance from your audio system and

achieving an enhanced listening experience. Below are our recommendation for 5.1 and 7.1 channel

speakers.

For detailed speaker placement tips, consult the documentation of your speaker system.

For 5.1 channel speakers:

Speaker Component

1. Subwoofer

2. Front Left

3. Front Center

4. Front Right

5. Rear Left

6. Rear Right

Connecting Speakers 17

For 7.1 channel speakers:

Speaker Component

1. Subwoofer

2. Front left

3. Front Center

4. Front Right

5. Side Left

6. Side Right

7 Rear Left

8 Rear Right

Notes

l If you have a 5.1 channel or 7.1 channel speaker system, you can upmix your stereo sources (for

example, CD Audio, MP3, WMA, MIDI, and Wave) to the respective channels by using Creative Multi-

Speaker Surround (CMSS) technology. To upmix, you need to enable the CMSS feature, refer to

Using your Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 5/Rx Control Panel.

Connecting Speakers 18

Connecting Digital Speaker Systems

You can connect generic digital speaker systems to your Sound Blaster Audigy 5/Rx.

Generic digital speakers

speakers

digital in

optical in

2

1

3

Device/Cable

1.

Optical Out jack

2.

Optical cable (available separately)

3.

Optical In-connector

Connecting Digital Speaker Systems 19

Connecting Analog Speaker Systems

You can connect analog speakers systems of up to 7.1 channels. To learn more about connecting

different channel speaker systems, consult the following sections:

l 2.1 channel analog speakers

l 4.1 channel analog speakers

l 5.1 channel analog speakers

l 7.1 channel analog speakers

2.1 channel analog speakers

1

audio

inputs

speakers

audio

inputs

3

2

Jack, Connector or Cable

1.

Line Out 1 jack

2.

2 channel audio cable (available separately)

3.

Audio Input jack

Connecting Analog Speaker Systems 20

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