Introduction
The Creative Sound Blaster Audigy FX is a half-height PCIe sound card designed to enhance your PC's audio capabilities. It features SBX Pro Studio Technology, providing cinematic 5.1 surround sound for movies, music, and games. This card includes a 24-bit 192kHz Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) for playback, 106dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), and a high-end 600 ohm headphone amplifier for studio-grade monitoring. The Sound Blaster Audigy Fx Control Panel software allows for full audio customization.
Package Contents
- Sound Blaster Audigy Fx Sound Card
- Full Height I/O Bracket (pre-installed)
- Half Height I/O Bracket
- Quick Start Leaflet
- Installation Software CD
System Requirements
- Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD equivalent processor, 2.2GHz or faster recommended
- Intel, AMD or 100% compatible motherboard
- Microsoft Windows 10 (32/64-bit), Windows 8 (32/64-bit), Windows 7 (32/64-bit), Windows Vista (32/64-bit)
- 1 GB RAM
- > 600 MB of free hard disk space
- Available PCI Express 1x slot
- Available CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive (for installation CD)
Setup
1. Hardware Installation
- Power Off and Disconnect: Ensure your computer is completely powered off and unplugged from the mains.
- Open Computer Case: Carefully open your computer's side panel to access the motherboard.
- Locate PCIe Slot: Identify an available PCI Express 1x slot on your motherboard.
- Remove Slot Cover: Remove the metal slot cover from the back of your computer case corresponding to the chosen PCIe slot.
- Install Sound Card: Gently insert the Sound Blaster Audigy FX card into the PCIe slot, ensuring it is firmly seated. Secure the card with a screw if your case requires it.
Image: The Creative Sound Blaster Audigy FX sound card, showing its PCIe connector and audio ports, ready for installation into a computer's expansion slot.
- Close Computer Case: Replace the computer's side panel and reconnect all cables.
2. Software Installation
- Boot Computer: Power on your computer. Windows should detect the new hardware.
- Install Drivers:
- Insert the provided Installation CD into your CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the drivers and Creative Software Suite.
- Alternatively, for the latest drivers and software, visit the official Creative support website: creative.com/support/SBFx. Download and run the installer for your operating system.
- Restart Computer: After installation, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
Operating the Sound Card
Audio Connections
The Sound Blaster Audigy FX features multiple audio jacks for connecting various devices:
Image: A detailed diagram illustrating the audio input and output ports on the Sound Blaster Audigy FX sound card, including connections for Line In, Microphone In, Front Speakers, Rear Speakers, and Center/Subwoofer, along with examples of compatible devices.
- Line In (Blue): Connect external audio devices such as MP3 players or CD players.
- Mic In (Pink): Connect a microphone for recording or voice communication.
- Front Out (Green): Connect your front left and right speakers or headphones.
- Rear Out (Black): Connect your rear left and right speakers for surround sound.
- C/Sub Out (Orange): Connect your center speaker and subwoofer for 5.1 surround sound.
Sound Blaster Audigy Fx Control Panel
The Control Panel software provides comprehensive control over your audio settings. After installation, locate the application (e.g., via the Start Menu or by creating a desktop shortcut).
- Speaker/Headphone Configuration: Adjust output settings for stereo, 5.1 surround sound, or headphones. Ensure this matches your physical speaker setup.
- SBX Pro Studio: This suite of technologies enhances audio playback.
- Surround: Provides immersive audio for a cinematic experience.
- Crystalizer: Restores dynamics lost during compression, making music sound clearer and more vibrant.
- Bass: Enhances low-frequency effects for impactful bass.
- Smart Volume: Automatically adjusts volume to maintain a consistent level across different content.
- Dialog Plus: Enhances voices in movies and games for clearer dialogue.
- Equalizer: Customize audio frequencies to suit your preferences or specific audio content.
- Mixer: Control volume levels for various inputs and outputs.
Maintenance
The Sound Blaster Audigy FX sound card requires minimal maintenance. Keep your computer's interior clean to prevent dust buildup on the card, which can affect performance and longevity. Regularly update drivers from the official Creative website to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with the latest operating system updates and applications.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
| No sound output. |
|
| Distorted or poor sound quality. |
|
| Microphone not working. |
|
| Software not installing or launching. |
|
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | SB1570 |
| Interface | PCIe x1 |
| Audio Channels | 5.1 Surround Sound |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) | 106 dB |
| Playback Resolution | Up to 24-bit / 192 kHz |
| Recording Resolution | Up to 24-bit / 96 kHz |
| Headphone Amplifier | 600 ohm |
| Connectivity | Line In, Mic In, Front Out, Rear Out, C/Sub Out (3.5mm jacks) |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 5.43 x 4.76 x 0.71 inches |
| Weight | 6.4 ounces |
Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, and additional resources, please visit the official Creative support website:
You can also refer to the User Guide PDF available for download: User Guide (PDF).
