Is there a way to test 5.1 channel speaker?

[Jean]

Hi all,

I have both Mad Dog Predator 5.1 CMI8738 (just bought) and SB Live CT4830 (purchase years ago) and I am wondering which one is a better one to keep on my main system. The not so good one will be on my second system for internet use.

Since I don't have a DVD on my system (I am waiting for a DVD burner) is there a way to test 5.1 channel on the internet, to make sure that all channel is working properly?

Advance thanks for any kind of suggestion and help .

 

[holdencommodore]

You can always try Sensaura's Player 3D utility download here. Allows you to check the positioning of the speakers is working correctly with either Headphones, 2, 4 or 5.1 speakers.

The CMI 8738 and the Live have roughly equal sound quality, the C-media uses the Sensaura 3D API. C-media also frequently updates drivers (available from Windows Update catalog - upto WDM version 6.42). The only issue is that the C-media is a HSP (Host Signal Processor) compared to the Live, which is a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The C-media will therefore use more of the CPU, but on a modererately fast computer (over say 700MHz) this should not be noticeable.

Cheers

 

[Jean]

Thank you for your comments and help. I will d/l and try this utility out. For unknown reason, this card doesn't produce a clear center channel. I've download this 6_Channel_ID.wav file from Microsoft. When I configure the driver for 2 or 4 channel, I can hear the audible voice Front left, Front Right, Rear left, Rear Right, and Center from both Front speaker. However, the center is mute. When I set to 6 channel, I still hear the same sound except that the center is produce a burst and not a clear audible voice "Center" as previous configuration. I exchange the card for a new one, I call technical support and still no luck. Do you have any idea what could prevent the center channel form working properly?

Advance thanks for any kind of help.

 

[holdencommodore]

So the centre channel doesn't work correctly when in 6 channel mode? I'd say it's a driver issue. Make sure "Virtual 5.1 channel and reverberation" is enabled in the C-media mixer.exe. Make sure you try either the WDM 6.42 or 6.43 drivers from the Microsoft Windows Update site or the 2095 VXD drivers for win 98/SE/Me.

Cheers