Hello:
Okay, when it comes to audio stuff I am totally ignorant. I need your help deciding which card to get based on my speakers and OS. The speakers I have is Altec Lansing ACS48 and the OS I will run is W2K. The box is still being built but I wanted to get the sound card now. I love goofing with MP3's and burning them. Based on my speakers and OS what sound card and bundle would you recommend I get? The MP3+ or the MP3+5.1? I have no idea what the difference is in terms of hardware, but I can see there is a difference bewteen the software bundled with the card. I have cut and pasted the software bundle info below for each card. With your expertise and knowing my humble needs which card and bundle should I get? Thanks buddy, I would be lost without you!
Sound Blaster Live! MP3+
Bundled Software
Creative Digital Audio Center
Easy-to-use digital audio player, recorder, and database all in one software program.
Features full 320kbps encoder and up to 5X MP3 acceleration for creating high quality MP3
files. Add Environmental Audio (EAX) effects 'presets' to enhance your MP3 experience by
adding orchestrated multi-dimensional sound environments.
Cakewalk Express Gold 8.0
This 256-track MIDI and 4 track digital audio sequencer allows you to create music using
SoundFont® samples... play, record, edit and print musical scores on an integrated
graphical platform.
Sound Forge XP 4.0
A full featured, powerful, easy-to-use .WAV file editing program. Record and edit digital audio
files.
Mixman Studio
Create your own music and easily choose sounds from the Mixman Sounddisc Library or
create your own audio files to use in the mix.
Creative LAVA
MP3 songs can be accompanied by an interactive, customized, and music-synchronized
"video" for a completely immersive 3D visual experience.
Creative PlayCenter (with MP3 decode and LAVA playback)
An integrated multimedia player that allows you to play media files of any format and to
enhance them with EAX effects, LAVA!, and multi-speaker surround.
Creative Recorder
Easily record .WAV files for use in your Windows applications. Creative Recorder can record
from multiple audio sources, including CD Audio, Line In, Microphone, MIDI and more.
Creative Launcher
A sleek task bar that provides easy access to frequently used applications. Creative
Launcher includes Live! Task which is a one-stop-shop for users to perform tasks for such
things as: games, music, and entertainment. This software allows new users to enjoy the
benefits of Sound Blaster Live! MP3+ while allowing advance users to configure their own
tasks that can be executed through a single touch of a button.
Surround Mixer
Integrate all of your audio inputs to allow you to create the perfect listening environment.
With the Surround Mixer, you can control your speaker configuration, add
super-environment presets, and position audio sources. You can even select and display a
spectrum analyzer.
MediaRing Talk '99
MediaRing Talk '99 is a next-generation Internet voice communication software that allows
you to make FREE PC-to-PC calls over the Internet. MediaRing features outstanding voice
quality, integrated text chat, and voice messaging... even create your own voice persona
and leave voice messages.
SoftKaraoke
Now you can party "Karaoke style" on your own PC! Pick a tune, any tune...
ViaVoice Special Edition
The performance that you need, when you need it - The ultimate introduction to speech
recognition.
Creative WaveStudio
A full featured, powerful, easy to use .WAV file editing program. Record .WAV files which can
then be converted into SoundFont samples.
Creative Rhythmania
An interactive auto-accompaniment application that houses a huge collection of musical
styles to allow you to create music along with music sequence presets.
Creative Keytar
An intuitive and highly interactive edutainment software for music beginners; with a virtual
rhythm guitar console that enables you to pluck and strum any tune via the computer
keyboard.
Prody Parrot 2.0
Prody Parrot® 2.0 resides on your Windows® desktop, eagerly awaiting your commands. He
can assist you in working with applications, surfing the web, and managing information. He
can even play games with you. He obeys your spoken commands. It's a whole new way of
getting the most out of your PC.
Sound Blaster Live! MP3+ 5.1
Internet Audio Software Bundle
The complete software bundle includes a full 320kbps encoder and
up to 9x MP3 acceleration for superior CD-quality audio creation.
You'll be able to edit and mix your own music and download to your
portable MP3 player or share your creativity with friends. The
Sound Blaster Live! MP3+ 5.1 comes with everything you need to
master Internet audio.
EAX?
EAX is a collection of powerful, innovative audio technologies.
Developed by Creative's world class audio scientists and built into groundbreaking Personal
Digital Entertainment (PDE) solutions, EAX is changing the way audio is experienced.
Customize your favorite MP3 songs with "concert hall", "jazz club" or other environment
effects to add dimension to your Internet audio files. And in Creative Multi-Speaker Surround
(CMSS) mode, you can mix up stereo sources into 5.1 output for a home theater audio
experience.
Live!Ware
Sound Blaster Live! MP3+ 5.1 is fully supported by the Live!Ware upgrade program. This
program is your direct vehicle to product features and enhancements, including future
formats and codecs, enhancing your sound card. Simply visit www.soundblaster.com and
download the latest Live!Ware software to upgrade your Sound Blaster Live! MP3+ 5.1.
Creative PlayCenter? 2
Providing a full 320kbps and up to 9x encoding and decoding of MP3 and WMA files, it's an
intuitive software for your digital music needs. Rip music from CD tracks, customize and
organize playlists and transfer them onto a portable digital audio player such as the NOMAD
line of players.
Sonic Foundry®
Sound Forge® XP 4.5
This powerful, easy-to-use .WAV file editing program allows
you to put powerful audio processing tools and effects to work
on your desktop. Simply cut, copy, and paste your way to
striking multimedia presentations.
Mixman® Technologies
Mixman Studio 3.0
Mixman Studio is your best choice for pure remix power to
easily create professional quality music on your PC! Create
great sounding music in minutes: export to MP3, post them to
the Web to share, or make your own mix CDs.
Cakewalk®'s
Cakewalk® Express Gold 8.0
This 256-track MIDI and 4-track digital audio sequencer allows you to create music using
SoundFont® samples, play, record, edit, and print musical scores on an integrated graphic
platform.
Mixmeister Technology's
Mixmeister 2.0
Mixmeister is a revolutionary software that creates a continuous mix using your MP3 music
files. With just a few clicks, you can produce the ultimate DJ mix for parties, web casts, and
CD-Recordables.
PixAround.com®
PixMaker? (Creative Edition)
PixMaker lets you create 360° interactive PixAround scenes and web pages in 3 simple
steps - Snap, Stitch and Publish!?.
Creative MediaRing Talk?
MediaRing Talk is a next-generation Internet voice communication software that allows you
to make FREE PC-to-PC calls over the Internet. MediaRing features outstanding voice
quality, integrated text chat, and voice messaging ... even create your own voice persona
and leave voice messages.
------------------
You cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening your own.
Okay, when it comes to audio stuff I am totally ignorant. I need your help deciding which card to get based on my speakers and OS. The speakers I have is Altec Lansing ACS48 and the OS I will run is W2K. The box is still being built but I wanted to get the sound card now. I love goofing with MP3's and burning them. Based on my speakers and OS what sound card and bundle would you recommend I get? The MP3+ or the MP3+5.1? I have no idea what the difference is in terms of hardware, but I can see there is a difference bewteen the software bundled with the card. I have cut and pasted the software bundle info below for each card. With your expertise and knowing my humble needs which card and bundle should I get? Thanks buddy, I would be lost without you!
Sound Blaster Live! MP3+
Bundled Software
Creative Digital Audio Center
Easy-to-use digital audio player, recorder, and database all in one software program.
Features full 320kbps encoder and up to 5X MP3 acceleration for creating high quality MP3
files. Add Environmental Audio (EAX) effects 'presets' to enhance your MP3 experience by
adding orchestrated multi-dimensional sound environments.
Cakewalk Express Gold 8.0
This 256-track MIDI and 4 track digital audio sequencer allows you to create music using
SoundFont® samples... play, record, edit and print musical scores on an integrated
graphical platform.
Sound Forge XP 4.0
A full featured, powerful, easy-to-use .WAV file editing program. Record and edit digital audio
files.
Mixman Studio
Create your own music and easily choose sounds from the Mixman Sounddisc Library or
create your own audio files to use in the mix.
Creative LAVA
MP3 songs can be accompanied by an interactive, customized, and music-synchronized
"video" for a completely immersive 3D visual experience.
Creative PlayCenter (with MP3 decode and LAVA playback)
An integrated multimedia player that allows you to play media files of any format and to
enhance them with EAX effects, LAVA!, and multi-speaker surround.
Creative Recorder
Easily record .WAV files for use in your Windows applications. Creative Recorder can record
from multiple audio sources, including CD Audio, Line In, Microphone, MIDI and more.
Creative Launcher
A sleek task bar that provides easy access to frequently used applications. Creative
Launcher includes Live! Task which is a one-stop-shop for users to perform tasks for such
things as: games, music, and entertainment. This software allows new users to enjoy the
benefits of Sound Blaster Live! MP3+ while allowing advance users to configure their own
tasks that can be executed through a single touch of a button.
Surround Mixer
Integrate all of your audio inputs to allow you to create the perfect listening environment.
With the Surround Mixer, you can control your speaker configuration, add
super-environment presets, and position audio sources. You can even select and display a
spectrum analyzer.
MediaRing Talk '99
MediaRing Talk '99 is a next-generation Internet voice communication software that allows
you to make FREE PC-to-PC calls over the Internet. MediaRing features outstanding voice
quality, integrated text chat, and voice messaging... even create your own voice persona
and leave voice messages.
SoftKaraoke
Now you can party "Karaoke style" on your own PC! Pick a tune, any tune...
ViaVoice Special Edition
The performance that you need, when you need it - The ultimate introduction to speech
recognition.
Creative WaveStudio
A full featured, powerful, easy to use .WAV file editing program. Record .WAV files which can
then be converted into SoundFont samples.
Creative Rhythmania
An interactive auto-accompaniment application that houses a huge collection of musical
styles to allow you to create music along with music sequence presets.
Creative Keytar
An intuitive and highly interactive edutainment software for music beginners; with a virtual
rhythm guitar console that enables you to pluck and strum any tune via the computer
keyboard.
Prody Parrot 2.0
Prody Parrot® 2.0 resides on your Windows® desktop, eagerly awaiting your commands. He
can assist you in working with applications, surfing the web, and managing information. He
can even play games with you. He obeys your spoken commands. It's a whole new way of
getting the most out of your PC.
Sound Blaster Live! MP3+ 5.1
Internet Audio Software Bundle
The complete software bundle includes a full 320kbps encoder and
up to 9x MP3 acceleration for superior CD-quality audio creation.
You'll be able to edit and mix your own music and download to your
portable MP3 player or share your creativity with friends. The
Sound Blaster Live! MP3+ 5.1 comes with everything you need to
master Internet audio.
EAX?
EAX is a collection of powerful, innovative audio technologies.
Developed by Creative's world class audio scientists and built into groundbreaking Personal
Digital Entertainment (PDE) solutions, EAX is changing the way audio is experienced.
Customize your favorite MP3 songs with "concert hall", "jazz club" or other environment
effects to add dimension to your Internet audio files. And in Creative Multi-Speaker Surround
(CMSS) mode, you can mix up stereo sources into 5.1 output for a home theater audio
experience.
Live!Ware
Sound Blaster Live! MP3+ 5.1 is fully supported by the Live!Ware upgrade program. This
program is your direct vehicle to product features and enhancements, including future
formats and codecs, enhancing your sound card. Simply visit www.soundblaster.com and
download the latest Live!Ware software to upgrade your Sound Blaster Live! MP3+ 5.1.
Creative PlayCenter? 2
Providing a full 320kbps and up to 9x encoding and decoding of MP3 and WMA files, it's an
intuitive software for your digital music needs. Rip music from CD tracks, customize and
organize playlists and transfer them onto a portable digital audio player such as the NOMAD
line of players.
Sonic Foundry®
Sound Forge® XP 4.5
This powerful, easy-to-use .WAV file editing program allows
you to put powerful audio processing tools and effects to work
on your desktop. Simply cut, copy, and paste your way to
striking multimedia presentations.
Mixman® Technologies
Mixman Studio 3.0
Mixman Studio is your best choice for pure remix power to
easily create professional quality music on your PC! Create
great sounding music in minutes: export to MP3, post them to
the Web to share, or make your own mix CDs.
Cakewalk®'s
Cakewalk® Express Gold 8.0
This 256-track MIDI and 4-track digital audio sequencer allows you to create music using
SoundFont® samples, play, record, edit, and print musical scores on an integrated graphic
platform.
Mixmeister Technology's
Mixmeister 2.0
Mixmeister is a revolutionary software that creates a continuous mix using your MP3 music
files. With just a few clicks, you can produce the ultimate DJ mix for parties, web casts, and
CD-Recordables.
PixAround.com®
PixMaker? (Creative Edition)
PixMaker lets you create 360° interactive PixAround scenes and web pages in 3 simple
steps - Snap, Stitch and Publish!?.
Creative MediaRing Talk?
MediaRing Talk is a next-generation Internet voice communication software that allows you
to make FREE PC-to-PC calls over the Internet. MediaRing features outstanding voice
quality, integrated text chat, and voice messaging ... even create your own voice persona
and leave voice messages.
------------------
You cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening your own.
