There is more to PC gaming than frame rate. Along with the video, another key to immersion in a game is audio. As a whole, most gamers
believe that audio on the motherboard is good enough. Most high-end gamers know that this is not the case. You need a sound card that can
provide you with higher immersion regardless of what type of speakers you are using, be it two speakers, 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound
speakers, or headphones.
The Box
As luck would have it, Auzentech has created the X-Meridian 7.1 sound card. After having the opportunity to review the Auzentech X-Plosion
7.1, I was highly anticipating the coolness of the new X-Meridian 7.1. Somehow, the Auzentech engineers managed to pack even more features
into their latest sound card. I was impressed with the X-Plosion, but was blown away by the X-Meridian!
The Contents
SPECIFICATIONS
The C-Media Oxygen HD CMI8788 Audio Processor is the heart of the AUZEN X-MERIDIAN 7.1.
4 pcs 24-bit/192kHz AK4396VF (120dB-part spec.) DACs for 7.1channel output. (24-bit/192kHz in 7.1channel playback)
1 pc 24-bit/192kHz AK5385VF(114dB-part spec.) ADC input (24-bit/192kHz recording)
1 pc CMI9780 AC'97 2.3 CODEC for AUX input, CD input, MIC input (16bit/48kHz playback/recording)
Integrated up to 192k/24-bit S/PDIF transmitter for 44.1kHz,48kHz, 96kHz, 192kHz SPDIF output.
Supports onboard high grade special COAX+OPTIC combo type transmitter module for up to 192kHz SPDIF out.
Integrated up to 192k/24-bit S/PDIF receiver for 44.1kHz,48kHz, 96kHz, 192kHz SPDIF input.
Supports onboard high grade special COAX+OPTIC combo type receiver module for up to 192kHz SPDIF input.
Standard 10PIN Front Panel Audio supports connectivity for stereo audio output and a microphone input from most new chassis. (All 7.1channel analog output muted by jack connection sense of front panel headphone out / Dual MIC input available by back panel mic input and front panel mic input)
DTS® Interactive - A real-time 5.1 channel encoder.
DTS® Neo:PC - An upmix matrix technology.
Dolby® Digital Live (DDL) - A real-time 5.1 channel encoding.
Individual 10-band EQ for each channel,.27 global reverberation environments.
Supports most industrial standards of 3D sound for PC gaming, including EAX™ 1.0 & 2.0, A3D™ 1.0, and DirectSound™.
Swappable DIP type OPAMP controlled preamp out circuit (4pcs output control OPAMP IC with DIY socket)
Surface mount type OPAMP controlled preamp input circuit (2pcs input control OPAMP for ADC and 1pc MIC input gain control)
5Vrms (Differential DAC output with gain adjustment / approximately full swing from +/- 8V dual power supply)
Proper OPAMP control circuit (large capacity 1A +8V, -8V, dual power supply circuit) for high quality audio quality, prevent audio distortion at high volume level.
Upgrade Extension available (Extra 6.35mm MIC / Extra Digital I/O sold separately)
FEATURES
Dolby® Pro Logic® IIx expands any existing stereo- or 5.1-channel audio for a 6.1- or 7.1- channel playback, creating a seamless, natural surround soundfield that immerses you in the entertainment experience.
DTS Digital Surround® is the sound format found in movie theaters. The Auzentech X-Meridian turns your PC into a DTS-Connect enabled PC capable of playing full surround sound from DTS-enabled movies, music videos, music discs, and games, as well as providing surround sound from normal stereo sources.
Dolby® Digital Live, a real-time encoding technology, converts any audio signal into a Dolby® Digital bit stream for transport and playback through a home theater system. With it, your PC or game console can be hooked up to your Dolby® Digital-equipped audio/video receiver or digital speaker system via a single digital connection, ensuring the integrity of the audio signal.
Dolby® Headphone technology allows users to wear any set of headphones and listen to music, watch movies, or play video games with the dramatic surround effects of a 5.1-channel soundtrack. Listeners enjoy a spacious, natural soundfield without disturbing others.
Engineered for Sound by Auzentech, the X-Meridian is designed by the award-winning engineers at Auzentech and constructed to a level of quality in order to thrill the most demanding of audiophiles.
Pure electrical connections via gold plated PCB, jacks and metal bracket.
Pure optical connections via Onboard Toslink input and output, Toslink Fiber Optic Cable.
Swappable dual DIP type Operational Amplifiers (OPAMPs) for do-it-yourself upgrade for ultimate analog sound quality and color.
Available Dolby Pro Logic IIx for transforming 5.1 channel surround sound into 6.1 or 7.1 channels Movie, Music or Game listening modes.
Stunning realism for PC games, music and movies through the real-time interactive capabilities of DTS and DDL.
Clear 24bit resolution that works with today's Windows XP and tomorrow's Windows Vista.
Superior output levels with more that 115 dB signal-to-noise ratio.
