Creative Sound Blaster PCI128 User manual

Sound Blaster PCI128
User Guide
On-line Version

Contents v
Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................... ix
System Requirements .................................................................................................................................ix
Latest Information.......................................................................................................................................ix
Document Conventions ...............................................................................................................................x
1 Installing Your Audio Card ....................................................................1
What You Need............................................................................................................................................1
Installing the Audio Card.............................................................................................................................2
Installing the Creative Software..................................................................................................................5
Windows 95 .....................................................................................................................................5
Windows 98 .....................................................................................................................................9
Windows NT....................................................................................................................................9
Testing the Installation...............................................................................................................................10
Creative Mixer ...........................................................................................................................................11
Real-Time Effects..............................................................................................................11
Recording...........................................................................................................................11
Microphone........................................................................................................................11
Options...............................................................................................................................12
2 Advanced Configurations..................................................................13
Resolving Hardware Conflicts ..................................................................................................................13
Uninstalling the Software..........................................................................................................................14
Connecting a Joystick ................................................................................................................................15
Connecting a MIDI Device .......................................................................................................................15

Contents vi
3 Troubleshooting ..................................................................................17
No sound is heard from audio (music) CDs.................................................................................17
Joystick port is not working ..........................................................................................................17
Determining your Windows version.............................................................................................18
Computer hangs or restarts during installation.............................................................................18
Audio card is not automatically detected .....................................................................................19
CD does not automatically run when you insert it in the drive...................................................21
No sound is heard from speakers..................................................................................................22
Static sounds are heard in wave files............................................................................................22

Introduction ix
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Introduction
Sound Blaster PCI128 uses the latest music synthesis technology to play many notes simultaneously,
creating a new dimension for musical and multimedia applications. Creative’s Sound Blaster PCI128 is
upgradeable with user-selectable banks for loading wave-table samples (digital instrument and sound
samples).
After installing the Creative audio software, refer to the on-line User’s Guide, located in the audio card
group, and on-line Help for detailed information about the Creative Mixer and other utilities.
System
Requirements
For the best results from your audio card, you need:
• IBM-compatible PC with an Intel® Pentium or AMD-K5™ Series processor rated at 133 MHz
• 16MB RAM (Random Access Memory)
• 6MB of storage space on your hard disk
• Windows® 95, Windows® 98, or Windows NT 4.0
• SVGA display card that supports 640x480 resolution and a minimum of 256 colors
•CD-ROMdrive
• PCI 2.1 compliant expansion slot for the audio card
• Headphones or amplified speakers
Latest Information The README file on the Sound Blaster PCI128 installation CD contains information and changes not
available at the time of printing. Read the file before you begin.
The colored insert in this manual
gives you the latest information
about your audio card, and contact
information for Creative Labs.

Introduction x
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Document
Conventions
The following typographical conventions are used throughout this document:
Bold Bold face type identifies words and phrases that are to be entered exactly as shown. For
example:
SET SOUND=C:\SB16
Italic Italic type identifies words and phrases that are to be replaced by you. For example:
DEVICE=C:\SBCD\DRV\SBIDE.SYS /D:MSCD001 /P:xxx,yy
In the example, you must supply a value for xxx,yy.
Italic in the text emphasizes or identifies a word or phrase that is being defined. In this
document, it is also used to identify a button or menu item that you are to select: for
example, “Select the Play button on the main menu.”
ALL CAPS A word in all capital letters identifies a key you are to press. For example, “Select Yes
and press ENTER.”
The notepad icon indicates information that is of particular importance and should be
considered before continuing.
Designates a caution or warning that can help you avoid situations involving risk.

Installing Your Audio Card 1
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1
Installing Your Audio Card
What You Need Most of the items you need for installation are included. The following illustration shows the basic
components necessary for a complete installation.
CD Audio Cable
Phillips Screwdriver
(not included)
Audio Card
Creative
Audio
Software
Installing your audio card requires
you to perform the following steps:
• Install the audio card
• Install the Creative audio
software
• Test the installation.
Refer to the colored insert for
specific information about the
audio card.

Installing Your Audio Card 2
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Installing the
Audio Card
To install the audio card:
1. Turn off your computer, and
disconnect the power cable.
2. Disconnect the monitor and other
devices that are connected to the
computer.
3. Remove the computer cover.
4. Locate a PCI slot to
accommodate the audio card.
5. Remove the slot cover from your
computer—save the screw to
secure the audio card.
1
2
3
4
5
PCI Slot
Before you remove the computer
cover, touch a grounded metal
surface to discharge static
electricity.
Remove or disable any existing
audio card and its driver from your
computer. Refer to the
manufacturer’s documentation for
details.

Installing Your Audio Card 3
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6. Align the gold-striped tabs on the
bottom of the audio card with the
PCI slot, and firmly press the
card into place until it fits snugly.
7. Use the screw from the slot cover
to secure the audio card to the
frame of the computer—securing
the card assures proper
grounding.
8. Connect the CD audio cable from
your CD-ROM drive to the audio
card CD_IN connector.
6
8
7
CD_IN
Connector

Installing Your Audio Card 4
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9. Connect your speakers, headphones, microphone, joystick, MIDI devices, or other devices to the
back panel of the audio card.
10. Replace the computer cover.
11. Reconnect the power cable, monitor, and other devices.
Joystick Microphone
Stereo, CD player,
tape deck, etc.
Powered speakers
(rear) or amplifier
Powered speakers (front),
headphones, or amplifier
MIDI device
You may connect passive
speakers to the Sound Blaster
PCI128 but you must first enable
the amplifier on the audio card.
See the colored insert for details.

Installing Your Audio Card 5
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Installing the
Creative Software
The Sound Blaster PCI128 Software CD contains drivers necessary for operation and utilities to make
the most of the audio card. The software installation varies according to your computer’s operating
system:
• Windows 95
• Windows 98
• Windows NT
Windows 95 When you turn on your computer, Windows 95 automatically detects the new hardware, and prompts
you for the software installation disk. The installation may vary from the instructions below based upon
previously installed software and hardware.
To install in Windows 95:
1. Turn on your computer for
Windows 95 to automatically
detect your new hardware. The
New Hardware Found dialog
appears.
2. Select the Driver from disk
provided by hardware
manufacturer option, and click
OK. The Install From Disk
dialog appears.
3. Insert the Sound Blaster PCI128
Software CD in your CD-ROM
drive. Enter the path for your
CD-ROM drive and the software
on the disk. For example, use the
Browse button to locate, or type,
the following: D:\AUDIO\ENGLISH\WIN95DRV (D:\ represents your CD-ROM drive). Click
OK to install the Windows 95 drivers.
4. When prompted, install the gameport/joystick drivers from the installation CD. For example, use
the Browse button to locate, or type, the following: D:\DIRECTX\DIRECTX\DRIVERS\USA.
Click OK to install the gameport/joystick drivers.
1
2
3
This manual reflects a software
installation in an unmodified
version of the operating system.
Your installation screens and
procedure may vary slightly from
what is shown and described. The
variations may be caused by other
software/hardware installed on
your computer, or the version of
the Windows 95 operating system.
If the Sound Blaster software
installation screen appears, click
on Exit. You must install the audio
card drivers before insalling the
applications.

Installing Your Audio Card 6
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5. You may be prompted to restart your computer—restart your computer for the drivers to take effect.
6. If Autorun is enabled and the
Sound Blaster PCI128 disk is in
the drive, the Creative Software
Installation screen appears. The
software included with your Sound
Blaster PCI128 is listed on the
screen. Select Creative Audio
Software and any other
applications that you want to
install and click on OK.
7. Next, the Software License
Agreement appears. Read the text
and click on the Yes button if you
accept the terms of the agreement.
The README file follows. Please
read the file for any last minute
information not included in this
manual. Click Next when
finished.
6
7
Double-click the My Computer
icon on your desktop, right-click
your CD-ROM drive icon, and
click on AutoPlay to start the
Creative audio software install if
the CD is in the drive.

Installing Your Audio Card 7
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8. Next, you are asked to accept the
default destination directory, or
enter a new directory. When the
directory is correct, click the Next
button.
9. Next, the Setup Options are
displayed. When you select an
option, the installation continues.
10. The Select Program Folder dialog
allows you to select the folder to
which the audio software is to be
installed, or you may confirm the
default selection. Click the Next
button when the Program Folder is
correct.
8
9
10

Installing Your Audio Card 8
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11. The Installation Information
dialog lists the installation
selections you have made.
To make changes to your
selections, click on the Back
button until you reach the screen
with the option to be changed.
Then, click Next until you are
returned to the Installation
Information dialog.
If the information is correct, click
the Next button to continue.
12. The Creative Sound Blaster
PCI128 installation screen, similar
to that shown to the right, appears
to inform you of the progress of the
installation.
13. You may be prompted to restart
your computer—restart your
computer for the drivers to take
effect.
11

Installing Your Audio Card 9
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Windows 98 The following instructions describe the Sound Blaster PCI128 installation in Windows 98.
To install in Windows 98:
1. The Windows 98 Add New Hardware Wizard automatically detects the Sound Blaster PCI128 and
attempts to locate the driver media provided by the manufacturer. Insert the Sound Blaster
PCI128 installation CD and click the Next button.
2. Select the Search For The Best Driver For Your Device (Recommended) option and click the Next
button.
3. Clear all check boxes and cleck only the Specify a Location check box. Type or click the Browse
button and point to the driver path: D:\AUDIO\ENGLISH\WIN95DRV (D: represents your
CD-ROM drive). Click the Next button.
4. Click the Next button to install the Windows 98 drivers.
5. Click the Finish button when the installation is complete.
6. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
7. Follow the software installation instructions for Windows 95.
Windows NT The following instructions describe the Sound Blaster PCI128 installation in Windows NT 4.0.
To install in Windows NT 4.0
1. Click the Start button on the Taskbar, select Settings, and click on Control Panel.
2. On the Control Panel, double-click the Multimedia icon.
3. On the Audio Devices tab page, click the Add option, and choose the Unlisted or Updated Driver
option. Click the OK button.
4. Insert the Sound Blaster PCI128 installation CD and follow the instructions for each screen to
complete the installation.

Installing Your Audio Card 10
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Testing the
Installation
To test the installation:
1. Click in the task bar;
select Programs, Accessories,
Multimedia, and Media Player
from the menus. The Windows
Media Player appears.
2. Open a wave file, such as THE
MICROSOFT SOUND.WAV,
and select the Play ()
button. You should hear the
wave file being played.
3. Open a MIDI file, such as
CANYON.MID, and select the
Play ( ) button. You should hear the MIDI file being played.
1
2
If no sound is heard, see page 22
in the troubleshooting section for

Installing Your Audio Card 11
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Creative Mixer The Mixer is installed with the Sound Blaster PCI128 drivers and other software; an icon is added to the
Taskbar in the right corner. You may open the Mixer by double-clicking on the icon in the Taskbar.
The Show menu allows you to customize the Mixer display to include only those panels you select.
Additional panels not included in the figure above include sliders for Auxiliary, Modem, and TV
devices, and a list of Voice input devices.
Real-Time Effects Sound Blaster PCI128 supports these real-time effects:
•Spatial, surround sound, is available for the Wave and Synthesizer devices
•Reverb is available for the Synthesizer
•Chorus adds depth to music files played back by the Synthesizer
Recording The audio sources available for recording are indicated by a green light in the list below Record. The
record volume is adjusted by the slider for each input device.
Microphone Boost and Mute are microphone controls available on the Mixer.
•Boost adds a 20-dB audio gain to the microphone.
•Mute can eliminate feedback when you are using a full-duplex telephone application. When Mute
is selected, microphone input is heard from speakers (or headphones) attached to the audio card.
If only Mic (microphone) is selected in the Record panel, Mute does not affect input.

Installing Your Audio Card 12
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Options •Always on Top places the Mixer on top of other active windows. This feature allows you to
dynamically adjust the settings for sound currently being input/output.
•Voice Control Only limits the Mixer display to only the main volume control. You can select the
panels to be included in the display from the list on the Options menu.
•Save Options Now/On Exit allow you to use the Save command to suit your needs.

Advanced Configurations 13
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2
Advanced Configurations
Resolving
Hardware
Conflicts
Hardware conflicts occur when two or more devices contend for the same resources. Conflicts between
your audio card and another device may occur regarding the I/O address, IRQ line, or DMA channel.
To resolve hardware conflicts:
1. Right-click the My Computer icon
on your desktop, and select
Properties. The System Properties
dialog appears.
2. Click the Device Manager tab.
3. Double-click Sound, video, game
controllers. A list of multimedia
devices appears.
4. Select your audio card, for example,
Creative Labs Sound Blaster
PCI128.
5. Choose the Properties button.
6. Click the Resources tab.
7. Uncheck the Use automatic settings
option.
8. Change “Settings based on:” if
alternate settings are available.
1
2
34
5
In the Device Manager, a [+]
represents an expandable list of
items. A [-] represents an
expanded list. A circled
exclamation mark denotes a
conflict.

Advanced Configurations 14
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9. Determine the conflict by reviewing the “Conflicting device list.”
10. Select the conflicting item in the “Resource Settings” list.
11. Click the Change Settings button.
12. Use the mouse to select a new setting.
13. Select OK to close each of the properties windows, and restart your computer.
Uninstalling the
Software
The Windows 95 Uninstall utility allows you to remove applications and to re-install them to correct
problems, change configurations, or make upgrades.
To uninstall the software:
1. Click on the taskbar, and
select Settings from the Start menu.
2. Select Control Panel. The Control
Panel group appears.
3. Double-click the Add/Remove
Program icon. The Add/Remove
Programs Properties dialog
appears.
4. Select the software to uninstall
from the list.
5. Select the Add/Remove button.
6. Follow the instructions on-screen
to complete the uninstall procedure.
12
3
4
5
Close all audio card
applications before running the
uninstall procedure. If a card’s
application is running during
the uninstall procedure, that
application is not uninstalled.

Advanced Configurations 15
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Connecting a
Joystick
The joystick port on the audio card is a standard PC game control adapter or game I/O port. You can
connect most analog joysticks with a 15-pin D-sub connector directly to the port; it works with any
application that is compatible with standard PC joysticks.
If you need to run two joysticks, a Y-cable is available from Creative Labs’ Customer Service (Y-cables
from other sources may not work). Some sophisticated joysticks may require the MIDI adapter or Y-
cable to work with the audio card.
Connecting a
MIDI Device
The audio card supports the following MIDI standards:
• MPU-401 UART
• Sound Blaster MIDI
To connect a MIDI device to the audio card, you need a MIDI cable adapter. The MIDI cable adapter
allows you to attach both a MIDI instrument and a joystick at the same time. Contact your local dealer
for more information.