Auzentech HDA X-Plosion 7.1 DTS Connect Sound Card

Software Features:

The X-Plosion audio interface is pretty straightforward and similar to previous C-Media menus that I have used in the past. The first screen has the basic speaker configuration allowing for analog or SPDIF output. Within the SPDIF dropdown box are the key settings one should look for, several PCM (2ch) audio modes, Dolby Digital Live 5.1, and DTS Interactive 5.1 selections. In order to get 7.1 channel sound the DSP mode must be enabled (on the right side) to allow for the 7.1 Virtual Speaker Shifter and/or DTS Neo:PC.

The mixer panel is similar to the Window's built-in mixer, just with nicer graphics. The Effect page allows for selecting preset environments (Auditorium, Arena, Forrest, Sewer Pipe, and many others), speaker spacing, and a full equalizer panel.

The Karaoke/Magic Voice page allows for voice filtering so that an individual can sing along to music. Finally the Information page displays version numbers, DSP information, and a link to the C-Media website.

The Media Rack application is included with the bundle, it is just a simple media player that combines some of the control panel features into the app itself. Most people (like me) probably use Winamp and there is just no comparison between the two programs.

A couple little demo programs are included to show off the 3D sound ability. The first app is a little helicopter that flies around the screen, it's somewhat entertaining as the sound does feel like its moving around the room. The second demo app allows some more user interaction via multiple selections for the type of music, movement path, and environment effects.

As one can see the basic software bundle is pretty basic, nothing compared to what Creative offers. However, to be honest I never found any of Creative's apps all that useful beyond the main control panel that lets you switch between modes (and often I wouldn't even bother with that when switching between games and music).