Creative Sound Blaster ZxR User manual

User’s Guide
SB1510

Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of Creative's latest audio revolution, Sound Blaster ZxR! The Sound
Blaster ZxR is the flagship of the ultra high-performance Z-Series of Sound Blaster®PCI-Express sound
cards. Designed to deliver the ultimate audio playback and creation solution for the PC, Sound Blaster
ZxR personifies the ultimate gaming and entertainment performance for a sound card. It comes with
DBpro Daughter Board, an external Audio Control Module, and a high quality Beamforming Microphone.
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 (Core™2 2.0 GHz, AMD processor equivalent or
faster recommended)
lIntel, AMD or 100% compatible motherboard
lMicrosoft®Windows®8 32-bit or 64-bit; Windows 7 32-bit or 64-bit
l1 GB RAM
l>600 MB of free hard disk space
lAvailable PCI Express slot* and an empty I/Oslot
lCD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive for software installation
lHigh quality headphones or powered amplified speakers (5.1 preferred)
Additional Requirements (where applicable)
DVD-Video
l6x or faster DVD drive
lDVD player software such as InterVideo®WinDVD®or CyberLink®PowerDVD®(latest version
recommended) installed.
l5.1 speakers for optimal listening experience
Notes
l*Some motherboards reserve the PCI Express x16 slots for video cards only. Use a x1 or x4 slot
instead. For more information, consult the documentation of your motherboard.
lOther applications may have higher system requirements. For more information, consult the
documentation of your application.
Introduction 1

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.
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 web site 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.
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 Creative
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.
Introduction 2

About Your Hardware
For instructions on installing your Sound Blaster ZxR, consult the Quick Start leaflet.
To learn more about your product, consult the following sections:
lYour Sound Blaster ZxR Audio cards
lAudio Control Module
Notes
Actual products may differ slightly from those shown in this chapter.
Your Sound Blaster ZxR Audio cards
Your Sound Blaster ZxR audio cards have the jacks and connectors below to enable the attachment of a
wide variety of devices.
SB1510 Main Board
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Jack or Connector Description
1. 6.3mm Microphone In
jack
Connects to microphones with a 6.3mm (1/4-inch)
plug.
2. 6.3mm Headphone jack Connects to stereo headphones with a 6.3mm (1/4-
inch) plug.
3. RCA Line Out 1 jack
(Front L)
Connects to the Front Left inputs on powered
analog speakers or an A/V receiver.
4. RCA Line Out 2 jack
(Front R)
Connects to the Front Right inputs on powered
analog speakers or an A/V receiver.
5. 3.5mm Line Out 1 jack
(Rear L/R)
Connects to the Rear Left and Rear Right inputs on
powered analog speakers or an A/V receiver.
6. 3.5mm Line Out 2 jack
(Center/Subwoofer)
Connects to the Centre and Subwoofer inputs on
powered analog speakers or an A/V receiver.
7. DBpro daughter board
connector
Connects to the DBpro daughter board.
About Your Hardware 3

DBpro Daughter Board
DBpro offers optical output for amazing audio playback; and professional grade 123dB analog-to-digital
converters (ADCs) with RCA Aux-in and optical input for studio-grade recording quality.
1
2
3
4
5
Jack or Connector Description
1. RCA Aux-In 1 jack
(L)
Connects to the Left output line-level sources (for
example, MP3 players) with an RCA plug.
2. RCA Aux-In 2 jack
(R)
Connects to the Right output line-level sources (for
example, MP3 players) with an RCA plug.
3. Optical S/PDIF Out jack Connects to recording devices with optical
connectors (for example, Digital Audio Tape
recorders, MiniDisc recorders or external hard disk
recorders).
4. Optical S/PDIF In jack Connects to playback devices with optical
connectors (for example, Digital Audio Tape players,
MiniDisc players or DVD players).
5. Main board connector Connects to the Main Board.
About Your Hardware 4

Audio Control Module
An external ACM(Audio Control Module) provides a built-in beamforming microphone and
microphone/headphone I/Oconnections.
1
3
4
5
2
6
Jack, Connector or Component Description
1. Volume Control Knob Controls the playback volume of the
sound cards.
2. Beamforming Microphone Built-in Sound Blaster Beamforming
Microphone
3. 6.3mm Microphone In jack Connects to microphones with a 6.3mm
plug.
4. 6.3mm Headphone jack Connects to stereo headphones or head-
sets with a 6.3mm plug.
5. 3.5mm Microphone In jack Connects to microphones with a 3.5mm
(1/8-inch) plug.
6. 3.5mm Headphone jack Connects to stereo headphones or head-
sets with a 3.5mm (1/8-inch) plug.
Note:
The 6.3mm Microphone In jack takes priority over the 3.5mm Microphone In jack.
When connected to the Sound Blaster ZxR, the built-in beamforming microphone features CrystalVoice
technologies which is designed to deliver crystal clear vocal fidelity in multiplayer games, online chats
and video conferencing. It also enhances voice communications for popular VoIP solutions. Voice effects
can be controlled using bundled software, ie. Sound Blaster Z-Series Control Panel.
The options of 3.5mm and 6.3mm Microphone and Headphone jacks let you have choices of your own on
which headset or microphone to be used for recording, and audiophile grade connection through the
gold-plated jacks on the ACM and Sound Blaster ZxR.
The Volume Control knob on the ACM controls the volume output to your headphones, giving you quick
control over the audio level from your games or music.
About Your Hardware 5

Note:
The ACM Volume Control Knob allows you to adjust headphone levels conveniently based on the
maximum level set by your computer's master volume control. We recommend that you determine
the desired maximum volume on your computer before using the ACM.
About Your Hardware 6

Connecting Speakers and Headphones
The connectors and associated components shown here may be different from that of your speaker
system. Consult the documentation of your speaker system to identify similar input connectors. You can
upmix your stereo sources (for example, CDAudio, MP3, WMA, MIDI and Wave) to enjoy multi-channel
sound on your speakers or headphones.
To learn how to connect different types of speaker systems to your audio cards, consult the following
sections:
lConnecting Analog Speaker Systems
lConnecting Digital Speaker Systems
lConnecting Home Theater Systems
lConnecting Headphones and Headsets
lConnecting Audio Control Module
For tips on how to arrange your speakers, consult Positioning Your Speakers.
For a list of supported Creative speaker systems or interactive help on speaker connectivity, visit
www.soundblaster.com.
Note
lActual products may differ slightly from those shown in this chapter.
lSelect the correct speaker setup or headphone option in the Sound Blaster Z-Series Control Panel to
get the best experience. For more information, refer to their respective Online Help.
lThe cables shown in this chapter may be bundled with your peripheral or are available separately
from www.creative.com.
lFor more information on the Creative peripherals mentioned in this chapter, visit
www.creative.com.
Connecting Speakers and Headphones 7

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 channel speakers.
For detailed speaker placement tips, consult the documentation of your speaker system.
For 5.1 channel speakers:
1
56
2 4
3
Speaker Component
1. Subwoofer
2. Front left
3. Front Center
4. Front Right
5. Rear Right
6. Rear Left
Connecting Speakers and Headphones 8

Connecting Analog Speaker Systems
Your audio cards support analog speaker systems of up to 5.1 channels. To learn more about connecting
different channel speaker systems, consult the following sections:
l2.1 channel analog speakers
l5.1 channel analog speakers
2.1 channel analog speakers
1
2
audio
inputs
speakers
audio
inputs
4
5
3
Jack, Connector or Cable
1. RCA Line Out 1 jack (Front L)
2. RCA Line Out 2 jack (Front R)
3. Y-Splitter cable (available separately)
4. 2 channel audio cable (available separately)
5. Audio Input jack
Connecting Speakers and Headphones 9

5.1 channel analog speakers
1
2
3
4
6
front rear center/
subwoofer
audio
inputs
center
speaker
rear
speakers
11910
7
8
front
speakers
front rear center/
subwoofer
audio
inputs
5
Jack, Connector or Cable
1. RCA Line Out 1 jack (Front L)
2. RCA Line Out 2 jack (Front R)
3. 3.5mm Line Out 1 jack (Rear L/R)
4. 3.5mm Line Out 2 jack (Center/Subwoofer)
5. Y-Splitter cable (available separately)
6. 2 channel audio cable (available separately)
7. 2 channel audio cable (available separately)
8. 2 channel audio cable (available separately)
9. Front (Audio Input)jack
10. Rear (Audio Input) jack
11. Center/Subwoofer (Audio Input)jack
Connecting Speakers and Headphones 10

Connecting Digital Speaker Systems
Your Sound Blaster ZxR comes with an Optical S/PDIF Out jack which allows you to connect your digital
speaker system. Most digital speakers systems connect the audio cards to the subwoofer or an external
unit.
For more information on your digital speaker connections, consult the documentation of your digital
speaker system.
Connecting your digital speakers to the Sound Blaster ZxR
1
OPTICAL
COAXIAL
REAR
16V AC IN
~
FRONT
CENTRE/
SUBWOOFER/
REAR CENTER
AUDIO
OUTPUTS
AUDIO INPUTS
ANALOG
LEFT RIGHT
1
2
3
1
2
3
SPEAKER
CONFIGURATION
-- 6.1/7.1
-- 5.1
MASTER CENTER SIDE REAR SUB TREBLE 5.1 6.17.17.1
UPMIX
MIN MAX
M-PORT
STANDBY/
POWERVOLUME
SELECT UPMIX
STANDBY/
POWER
CENTER
REAR
TREBLE SUB
SIDE
MUTE
UPMIX
VOL
2 3
Jack, Connector or Cable
1. Optical S/PDIF Out jack
2. Optical cable
3. Optical S/PDIF In jack
Connecting Speakers and Headphones 11

Connecting Home Theater Systems
Your Sound Blaster ZxR comes with an Optical S/PDIF jack which allows you to connect your home
theatre system. Most home theater systems connect the audio cards to an A/V receiver.
For more information on your A/V receiver's speaker connections, consult the documentation of your
A/V receiver.
Connecting your A/V receiver to the Sound Blaster ZxR
1
BASS TREBLE BALANCE
VOL
POWER
INPUTMODE PROGRAM
INPUTSELECTOR
VIDEO L R
EFFECT
PHONE
23
Jack, Connector or Cable
1. Optical S/PDIFOut jack
2. Optical cable
3. Optical S/PDIF In jack
Connecting Speakers and Headphones 12

Connecting your A/V Receiver using Line Level inputs
If your A/V receiver supports multi-channel line-level inputs, you can connect them directly to your
audio cards' Line Out jacks instead of the Optical S/PDIF Out jack as shown below.
Connect to RCA Line Out 1 and Line Out 2 (Front L/R)
4
5
6
1
2
3
Jack, Connector or Cable Description
1. RCA Line Out 1 jack (Front L) Connects to the Front Left jack on your A/V
receiver, using a 3.5mm (1/8-inch) stereo-
to-RCA cable.
2. RCA Line Out 2 jack (Front R) Connects to the Front Right jack on your
A/V receiver, using a 3.5mm (1/8-inch)
stereo-to-RCA cable.
3. Y-Splitter cable (available separately) Converts the RCA cables to a stereo cable.
4. 3.5mm (1/8-inch) Stereo-to-RCA
cable (available separately)
Connects your audio card and A/V receiver.
5. Front Right jack Connects to the Line Out 1 jack on your
audio cards, using a 3.5mm (1/8-inch)
stereo-to-RCA cable.
6. Front Left jack Connects to the Line Out 1 jack on your
audio cards, using a 3.5mm (1/8-inch)
stereo-to-RCA cable.
Connecting Speakers and Headphones 13

Connect to 3.5mm Line Out 1 (Rear L/R)
2
3
4
1
Jack, Connector or Cable Description
1. 3.5mm Line Out 1 jack (Rear L/R) Connects to the Rear Left and Rear Right
jacks on your A/V receiver, using a 3.5mm
(1/8-inch) stereo-to-RCA cable.
2. 3.5mm (1/8-inch) Stereo-to-
RCAcable
Connects your audio cards and A/V
receiver.
3. Rear Right jack Connects to the Line Out 2 jack on your
audio cards, using a 3.5mm (1/8-inch)
stereo-to-RCA cable.
4. Rear Left jack Connects to the Line Out 2 jack on your
audio cards, using a 3.5mm (1/8-inch)
stereo-to-RCA cable.
Connecting Speakers and Headphones 14

Connect to 3.5mm Line Out 2 (Center/Subwoofer)
2
3
4
1
Jack, Connector or Cable Description
1. 3.5mm Line Out 2 jack (Center/Sub-
woofer)
Connects to the Center and Subwoofer
jacks on your A/V receiver, using a 3.5mm
(1/8-inch) stereo-to-RCA cable.
2. 3.5mm (1/8-inch) Stereo-to-
RCAcable
Connects your audio cards and A/V
receiver.
3. Subwoofer jack Connects to the Line Out 3 jack on your
audio cards, using a 3.5mm (1/8-inch)
stereo-to-RCA cable.
4. Center jack Connects to the Line Out 3 jack on your
audio cards, using a 3.5mm (1/8-inch)
stereo-to-RCA cable.
Connecting Speakers and Headphones 15

Connecting Headphones and Headsets
Do not listen to audio on your headphones or headsets at high volumes for prolonged
periods of time as hearing loss may result.
Connecting your headphones and headsets to theSound Blaster ZxR
For headphones:
1
2 3
Jack, Connector or Cable Description
1. 6.3mm Headphone jack Connects to stereo headphones with a
3.5mm (1/8-inch) plug via an adapter.
2. 6.3mm to 3.5mm Adapter Converts 6.3mm (1/4-inch) stereo jack to
3.5mm (1/8-inch) stereo jack.
3. 3.5mm Headphone Plug Connects to the 6.3mm Headphone jack on
your audio card via an adapter.
Connecting Speakers and Headphones 16

For headsets:
2
1
3 4
5
Jack, Connector or Cable Description
1. 6.3mm Microphone In jack Connects to the 3.5mm (1/8-inch) micro-
phone plug of your headset via an adapter.
2. 6.3mm Headphone jack Connects to stereo headphones with a
3.5mm (1/8-inch) plug via an adapter.
3. 6.3mm to 3.5mm Adapter Converts 6.3mm (1/4-inch) stereo jack to
3.5mm (1/8-inch) stereo jack.
4. 3.5mm Microphone In Plug Connects to the 6.3mm Microphone In jack
on your audio card via an adapter.
5. 3.5mm Headphone Plug Connects to the 6.3mm Headphone jack on
your audio card via an adapter.
Connecting Speakers and Headphones 17

Connecting Audio Control Module
The Sound Blaster ZxR comes with an external ACM that incorporates a 600 ohm headphone amplifier,
built-in microphone array and mic/headphone I/O connections and a volume control knob.
Connecting your ACM to the Sound Blaster ZxR
1
2
3
Jack, Connector or Cable Description
1. 6.3mm Microphone In jack Connects to the 3.5mm (1/8-inch)
microphone plug of your ACM.
2. 6.3mm Headphone jack Connects to your ACM with a 3.5mm
(1/8-inch) plug.
3. 6.3mm to 3.5mm Adapter Converts 6.3mm (1/4-inch) stereo
jack to 3.5mm (1/8-inch) stereo jack.
Connecting Speakers and Headphones 18

Connecting your headphones and headsets to the ACM
OR
1
2
Jack, Connector or Cable Description
1. 3.5mm Headphone jack Connects to stereo headphones or headsets
with a 3.5mm (1/8-inch) plug.
2. 3.5mm Microphone In jack Connects to microphones with a 3.5mm
(1/8-inch) plug.
Note:
When two headphones are being connected to the 6.3mm and 3.5mm Headphone jacks simultaneously,
you will be able to hear both headphones with the same output.
However, the Microphone In jacks on the ACM follow the priority sequence listed below:
lPriority 1: 6.3mm Microphone In jack
lPriority 2: 3.5mm Microphone In jack
lPriority 3: Built-in Beamforming Microphone
For example, when user plugs in external microphones to both 6.3mm and 3.5mm Microphone In jacks,
the 6.3mm Microphone In jack will take priority over the 3.5mm Microphone In jack and the built-in
Beamforming Microphone. However, when no microphone is connected to all Microphone In jacks, the
built-in Beamforming Microphone will function.
Connecting Speakers and Headphones 19