Creative audigy Rx 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 HDTM 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
lIntel® Core™2 Duo or AMD® processor equivalent (2.0 GHz or faster processor recommended)
lIntel, AMD or 100% compatible motherboard
lMicrosoft®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
l1GB RAM
l>600 MB of free hard disk space
lAvailable PCI Express based 1.0a compliant slot
lCD-ROM/CD-RW or DVD-ROM drive required for software installation
Notes
lOther 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:
lInstalling and Uninstalling Software
lReinstalling all Audio Drivers and Applications
lUninstalling 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
lFirst-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.
lEnsure 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.
lEnjoying Online Karaoke
lCreating Music
lListening to Music
lWatching 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
FRONTCENTER
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
15
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
lDepending 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
lIf 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.
lFor 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
41
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
12
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:
lPositioning Your Speakers
lConnecting Digital Speaker Systems
lConnecting Analog Speaker Systems
lConnectivity
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
lActual products may differ slightly from those shown in this chapter.
lThe 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
lIf 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
digitalin
optical 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:
l2.1 channel analog speakers
l4.1 channel analog speakers
l5.1 channel analog speakers
l7.1 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