Creative X-Fi

Just installed the basic pci version, without the remote,etc. It is amazing what quality sounds you get. I had the Audigy nx Ext, and it was good, but the power supply died. This is even better. Out of the box, it is every bit as good as SGM180, if not better.

Hi Bernie,
I gather they're only made for desktops?
I think they use soundfonts also.

My new laptop actually has some sort of Audigy software preloaded. It has a roland gs soundfont set that is only about 2 mb's. The quality for such a small font is amazing.

Yours must be really amazing.

I've been trying to locate the gs font in my computer to see if I could edit and replace just some of the instruments. I think it must only work as part of the software or something which is a real pity.
best wishes
Rikki
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bernie9:
[B]Just installed the basic pci version, without the remote,etc. It is amazing what quality sounds you get. I

Rikki: How is the latency with the preloaded Audigy?

Hi Robert,
barely noticeable. I tested it by midiing up digital piano & playing the keys. Just the faintest echo.

Software was optional with my new dell laptop Inspirion 640m.( core duo , 1.60 mhtz)
"Intergrated Soundblaster Audigy advanced HD Audio" I thought for the additional
$18-00 AUD it was worth getting.

I actually use my own soundfonts with it though, as the 2mb gs set that loads into it by default, can't be edited.
I can remove the default soundset or load individual soundfonts over the top.

Using Forte, Asio4 all etc I ended up with just over 11ms latency, using Forte & the internal drivers 10ms.
Since I'm only using soundfonts anyway, it's just as easy to use the audigy software.

Just out of interest I tried loading the software into my old dell laptop ( just before it died on me again) but it wouldn't recognize it. May have something to do with the 945gm chipset installed in the New dell.

best wishes
Rikki

Rikki: Sounds like $18 well spendt. I wonder how what you got with the Dell compares to the PCMCIA card that creative sells.
http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=205&product=10769

Hi Robert,
I didn't try that particular one, not positive about the soundfont side of things.
You may want to check if you're considering purchasing one.

I have an Audigy 2 NX usb I used to use with the old laptop. It worked well.
I think my old laptop was faster somehow. I used to only have about 2ms latency when using Forte & Asio4all with it , and I had no noticeable latency when using the Audigy 2 nx & soundfonts. It had 3.06 ghtz though which I think was pretty powerful for a laptop..
http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=205&product=9103

best wishes
Rikki

RobertG:

Before deciding on the PCMIA card you might use, take a good look at the Echo Indigo PCMIA card. I am using this on my laptop and it is really a fine electronic addon. I consider it superior to the Creative offerings. No built-in soundfont, though.

A few reviews exist here and there. There are -- if I remember correctly -- at least 3 models -- some have a MIC input, others do not.

I have to second that. I use the Echo PCMCIA on my laptop, and it is about equal to my X-FI, and better than my old Audigy.
Bernie

Hi Robert,
I may just add, I bought the Audigy NX2 ONLY because of the ability to load soundfonts ( and it did sound better than the internal sigmatel).
Quality wise compared to other cards , I'll leave it to the experts, I've never really done much research on them.

best wishes
Rikki

[QUOTE]Originally posted by rikkisbears:
[B]Hi Robert,
I have an Audigy 2 NX usb I used to use with the old laptop. It worked well.

Just a caution here to all:

In the world of laptops, the PCMIA "slot" is virtually gone from current and future models. There is a new slot design (for new cards, of course) -- "PCI Express" is I think the terminology -- so if you are considering anything in the original PCMIA format that is more than cheap, be aware -- it may not work with your new laptop you want for Christmas.

This includes the Echo Indigo I referenced above. I do not know if they yet offer a new design ...

Hi Cajun,
my 3 month old dell laptop doesn't have a PCMIA slot.
As you mentioned be cautious.

best wishes
Rikki