Creative Soundblaster Extigy users wanted

Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 2:42 pm

Hi everyone,
I am thinking of buying a used Creative Soundblaster Extigy external (USB) soundcard, for my dual core system.
I have read somewhere that the best soundcard solution is the Firewire one, then the PCI versions and the last solution you should go for is the USB version of a soundcard.
But that was in the time of good old USB 1.0 and 1.1.

Standards and quality have improved over time, so my question is:
Are there any Extigy users out there and are you willing to share your experiences?
Thanks.

Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 4:17 pm

do what you want but as a rule i would stay away from soundblathers... they are designed for gamers and of not much use for audio... although it's kinda strange in as much as the own EMU a brand with a long history of pro audio,,,

Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 3:38 am

I'm not following you exactly..
But I have had a Soundblaster Audigy 2 ZS PLatinum on my single core and that suffised my needs plenty.
So I am not sure where the aversion comes from. Confused

Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 4:04 am

I think the idea that DC was trying to get across is that those types of devices aren't really designed for recording quality audio, and I agree with him.

As for what you have read, yes, USB 2.0 is far better than USB 1 and practically the same as firewire...but the Extigy is only USB 1.1 compatible. So even if your computer has USB 2.0 this thing will only work at USB 1.1 speeds. I guess that's ok for 2 channel audio, I don't know.

Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 10:41 am

one of the things you might check into is the software bundled with the thing and do a search on people with problems... admittedly i haven't cataloged all the things i've seen on it but it seems to range from sample rates haveing been fixed despite claims to the contrary, bogus "dimension algorythms" problems with upgrading periferals those lousey 1/8" ins and outs... but it's your dough... go for it... caveate emptor...

Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 3:29 pm

I've still got an Extigy around somewhere and bring it out from time to time to lend to people who want a simple add-on soundcard for trying out surround sound. It works fine as a 2-channel input device, but the sound quality isn't great. It's useful as an optical S/PDIF I/O device as well, but it's not transparent - the signal gets processed on its way in or out.

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 12:13 pm

Ah, see, I didn't know the Extigy was USB 1.1. That helps....and not, I was looking for an easy solution to record my guitar on this PC, without having to open up the PC, cause I haven't got a clue how to install a soundcard...so. But I guess I'll have to get a PCI card with breakout box.

Thanks guys. Thumbs Up

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 12:33 pm

You don't "have" to get a pci card. There are plenty of USB and Firewire options that are reasonably priced. Shop around.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navigation/computer-hardware-recording-cards-audio-interfaces?N=100001+304891&Ns=P_Price|0&page=2

You'll have to copy and paste that whole line I think. Check out the Line 6 interfaces. I think those are ideal for your purposes.

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 12:48 pm

Thanks hueseph, I'll do that!

Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 10:47 am

I use one with a PIII 512 mb laptop and if you set asio up right it should work for stereo inputs but not more than that. The quality is a less than higher up gear but it's ok for little stuff. You can use it unil you get something else, like I'm doing, gonna upgrade to a new cpu and cards.

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