Creative Labs SB0570 PCI Sound Blaster Audigy SE Sound Card User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Creative Labs SB0570 PCI Sound Blaster Audigy SE Sound Card. The Sound Blaster Audigy SE is designed to enhance your computer's audio experience, offering improved sound quality for music, movies, and games compared to standard integrated motherboard audio solutions. It supports EAX ADVANCED HD 3.0 effects and multichannel surround sound.

Creative Labs SB0570 PCI Sound Blaster Audigy SE Sound Card in its retail box with the card and installation CD

Image 1.1: Creative Labs SB0570 PCI Sound Blaster Audigy SE Sound Card packaging and components.

2. Safety Information

Please read and follow these safety guidelines to prevent damage to the product or personal injury:

Always disconnect your computer from the power outlet before opening the case or installing any internal components.
Discharge any static electricity from your body by touching a grounded metal object (e.g., the computer chassis) before handling the sound card.
Handle the sound card by its edges to avoid touching sensitive components.
Ensure proper ventilation for your computer system to prevent overheating.
Do not expose the sound card to moisture or extreme temperatures.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in your package:

Creative Labs SB0570 PCI Sound Blaster Audigy SE Sound Card
Installation CD (containing drivers and software)
Quick Start Guide or User Manual (this document)

4. Setup and Installation

4.1 Hardware Installation

Prepare Your Computer: Power off your computer completely and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. Disconnect all peripherals.
Open the Computer Case: Remove the side panel of your computer case to access the motherboard.
Locate an Available PCI Slot: Identify an empty PCI slot on your motherboard. These are typically white or cream-colored slots, distinct from shorter PCIe slots.
Remove Slot Cover: Carefully remove the metal slot cover from the back of the computer case corresponding to the chosen PCI slot.
Insert the Sound Card: Align the sound card with the PCI slot. Apply even, firm pressure to both ends of the card until it is fully seated in the slot. Ensure the metal bracket on the card aligns with the opening at the back of the case.

Top-down view of the Creative Labs SB0570 PCI Sound Blaster Audigy SE Sound Card, showing its components and PCI connector

Image 4.1: Top view of the SB0570 sound card, illustrating its layout.

Secure the Card: Use a screw to fasten the sound card's metal bracket to the computer case.
Close the Case: Replace the computer's side panel and secure it.
Reconnect and Power On: Reconnect all peripherals and the power cord. Power on your computer.

4.2 Driver and Software Installation

After hardware installation, the operating system may detect new hardware. It is recommended to install the drivers from the provided CD or Creative's official website for optimal performance.

Insert Installation CD: Place the Creative Sound Blaster Audigy SE installation CD into your computer's optical drive.
Run Setup Program: If the setup program does not launch automatically, navigate to the CD drive in "My Computer" or "This PC" and double-click on the "Setup.exe" or "Install.exe" file.
Follow On-Screen Instructions: Follow the prompts to install the drivers and any bundled Creative software. This software often includes utilities for audio configuration, EAX effects, and speaker setup.
Restart Computer: After the installation is complete, restart your computer when prompted.
Online Updates: For the latest drivers and software, visit the official Creative support website and search for your model (SB0570). Regularly checking for updates can ensure compatibility and performance improvements.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Connecting Audio Devices

The Sound Blaster Audigy SE features multiple audio jacks on its rear bracket, typically color-coded for easy identification:

Green: Front Left/Right Speaker Out or Headphone Out
Black: Rear Left/Right Speaker Out (for 4.1, 5.1, 7.1 systems)
Orange: Center/Subwoofer Out (for 5.1, 7.1 systems)
Blue: Line-In (for connecting external audio sources)
Pink: Microphone In
Grey: Side Left/Right Speaker Out (for 7.1 systems)

Close-up of the Creative Labs SB0570 PCI Sound Blaster Audigy SE Sound Card's rear panel with color-coded audio jacks

Image 5.1: Rear panel connectors of the SB0570 sound card.

5.2 Audio Configuration

After connecting your speakers or headphones, configure your audio settings:

Windows Sound Settings: Right-click the speaker icon in your system tray, select "Sound settings" or "Playback devices," and ensure your Sound Blaster Audigy SE is set as the default playback device. Configure speaker setup (stereo, 5.1, 7.1) as appropriate.
Creative Audio Console: Utilize the Creative software installed with the drivers to access advanced features such as EAX effects, CMSS (Creative Multi Speaker Surround) for upmixing stereo content, equalizer settings, bass boost, and smart volume management.

6. Maintenance

The Creative Labs SB0570 Sound Card requires minimal maintenance. Follow these guidelines to ensure its longevity:

Keep Clean: Periodically clean the interior of your computer case to prevent dust buildup on the sound card, which can impede cooling and performance. Use compressed air for this purpose.
Driver Updates: Regularly check the Creative support website for updated drivers and software. Keeping your drivers current can resolve bugs and improve compatibility.
Environmental Conditions: Operate the computer in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and moisture.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Sound Blaster Audigy SE, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
No sound output.	Incorrect speaker connection. Sound card not set as default device. Missing or incorrect drivers. Volume muted or too low.	Verify speakers/headphones are connected to the correct jacks (e.g., green for front/headphones). Check Windows Sound settings and set Sound Blaster Audigy SE as default playback device. Reinstall drivers from the CD or Creative's website. Adjust volume levels in Windows and Creative software.
Distorted or poor sound quality.	Outdated drivers. Interference from other components. Incorrect audio settings (e.g., wrong speaker configuration).	Update drivers to the latest version. Ensure the sound card is securely seated in its PCI slot. Adjust equalizer settings or disable EAX effects in Creative software to isolate the issue. Verify speaker configuration matches your physical setup.
Sound card not detected by Windows.	Card not properly seated. Faulty PCI slot. Driver conflict.	Power off, unplug, open case, and re-seat the sound card firmly. Try installing the card in a different available PCI slot. Uninstall any previous audio drivers (especially onboard audio) before installing Creative drivers.

8. Specifications

Key technical specifications for the Creative Labs SB0570 PCI Sound Blaster Audigy SE Sound Card:

Model Number: SB0570 (70SB057000000)
Interface: PCI
Audio Output Mode: Stereo, Surround Sound (up to 7.1 channels)
Compatible Devices: Personal Computer
Dimensions: Approximately 10.43 x 2.17 x 6.89 inches
Item Weight: Approximately 7 ounces
Manufacturer: Creative
Key Features: EAX ADVANCED HD 3.0, CMSS, 24-bit ADVANCED HD audio quality

Close-up of the Creative Labs SB0570 PCI Sound Blaster Audigy SE Sound Card's main chip, labeled 'MODEL: SB0570'

Image 8.1: Detailed view of the SB0570 model designation on the sound card.

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or further assistance, please refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official Creative support website. The manufacturer's website typically provides the most up-to-date drivers, FAQs, and contact information for customer service.

Creative Official Website: https://us.creative.com/support

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Creative SB0570