Under the setup tab you can select speaker setup such as stereo speakers, 5.1 Surround, etc so sound agent 2 can optimize your setup. You can also adjust various levels such as the pre amp, fader, center speaker volume, and LFE.
A handy speaker test button is also available so you can test and trouble shoot your speakers.
Testing:
We could have done various audio bench tests using software, but we decided what really counts in the end is the human ear.
We will be testing the card out in three areas: Movies (various action flicks), Music in the form of MP3's, and finally Gaming.
Movies:
QRumble and QSizzle really made quite a big change in audio quality when watching DVDs. The high were crisp and the bass was gut rumbling during explosions!
Music:
We compared uncompressed music in WAV format and in compressed format with MP3's at 160 kbs.
Both WAV and MP3's sound much better with QRumble and QSizzle, all though an enhanced mp3 didn't sound quite as good compared to an uncompressed WAV.
The reverb presets proved to be interesting for awhile but i grew tired of them pretty quickly.
Gaming:
During gaming the software emulated 3D audio and EAX proved to be pretty good. Positional audio seemed a little wide compared to other audio cards such as the Audigy2.
Out of curiosity i ran benchmark test in Unreal 2004 to compare how much of an impact the 3D sound software emulation the PSC724 was effecting the games FPS against the built in sound card on the test systems A7N8X Deluxe motherboard. The results averaged between 6-8 frames per second less with the PSC724.
The PSC724 Ulimate Edge is a good quality sound card at an affordable price. The accompanying software: Sound Agent 2 is well thought out and easy to navigate. Hardcore gamers who are into complete 3d audio emersion might want to look else where.
The PSC724 Ulimate Edge retails for around $69.99.
Pros:
- 24 bit digital
- mp3 enhancement
- DS3D and EAX suported
- Affordable
- Good audio quality
- Sound Agent 2
Cons:
- 6 speakers max
- No DirectSound hardware or 3d hardware support
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