Asus Xonar DS 7.1 PCI Sound Card Review

👤by Sahil Mannick Comments 📅25-01-10
Installation
The CD supplies contains the drivers so installing them is very straight forward. However if you are using Windows 7, download the latest drivers on the ASUS page. One problem I did have after installation is that Windows Media Player would not work. It turns out that the HsMgr64.exe and the HsMgr.exe*32 processors and the DS3D GX feature, relating to the software was somehow interfering with Windows Media Player. To solve the issue, I had to install a patch by daniel_k, who some may know from the creative forums. I had the same issue with the Xonar D2 but the same patch works across the whole range of cards.

Installing the software also installs the Xonar DS Audio Centre, which gives the user access to several features to customize the sound for their needs.

Software


The audio console is a very sleek, attractive and friendly user interface which a plethora of options even with the entry level sound card. The appearance reminds me of a flip up phone like devise so it's very intuitive. The main console has options to customers the sample rate and number of audio channels used. If you are using an 8 channel output, this can be set here. The flipped up console shows the different modes that the audio centre is currently using and also has a graphical equaliser that records the different frequency response of the audio being played. On the right hand side, the user can select the volume and the DSP mode. SVN refers to the Smart Volume setting which effectively brings low signal up and high signals down. The DSP mode includes the GX mode for 3D gaming audio, and the Hi-Fi mode. The great thing about the GX mode is that it is applied instantaneously unlike on the X-Fi.


The next window is the mixer where the individual speaker volume can be altered. The Record tab allows the user to select the recording devise input, such as MIC, Line-in, Aux and Mix.


The effect console is where a range of pre-applied environmental settings can be chosen. The user can otherwise select the music mode that best compliments their taste to customise the equaliser settings optimally. These settings can also be changed independently for each frequency band.


Should you like delving into karaoke once in a while, the Xonar DS has a few options to make sure your voice sounds as clear as possible.


As the name suggests, the FlexBass window allows the bass to be adjusted and the size of the speakers being used can be defined for the best audio quality. However I found that leaving it off produced a more accurate sound.


VocalFX takes care of vocal effects via internet communication such as in games or for VOIP applications. Here there are several to specify the environment you are in or you can even mask your voice using the Magic Voice option. This could be fun and or weird depending on the situation. For 3D games, your voice can be boosted by using the VoiceEX settings. Conveniently there's an app list for VOIP so the user can choose which programs can benefit from those voice enhancing settings.

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