Hi,
don't know if these are brand new or whether I haven't noticed them before, but wondering if anyone has tried an Audigy2 for Notebook computers, and if so , what do you think of them
http://www.soundblaster.com/products/Audigy2zs_notebook/

best wishes
Rikki
http://www.soundblaster.com/products/Audigy2zs_notebook/

Rikki,

That's the card I'm using. I'm not the best person to make a comparison with other cards, 'cause I didn't do an extensive search. One thing is sure: this difference in quality to the original on-board sound card in my laptop (Realtek AC'97) is considerable. Still didn't do any recordings (I intent to) but they should be great (24-bit/96kHz input). Very important for our applications: compatible with Asio2 drivers, assuring a very low latency. It was really easy to make it work with a couple of free soft synths. I'm not using it with games nor I'm using surround effects - my sound system is a good quality 2.1 only - so I'm not using part of its potential. If you have any specific question I'll be glad to try to answer you.

-- José.

Rikki, I use a Digigram VXpocket v2..it is also a pcmcia soundcard..It works great..the sampling rate is 48 max and 24 bits converter..I use it with my old CTX laptop[98se], and my newest high powered Compaq lt.

I think UD still has one he may part with[he never used it].. http://www.digigram.com/products/getinfo.htm?prod_key=9000

[This message has been edited by Fran Carango (edited 01-11-2005).]

Thanks Jose,
I didn't realize you were using a laptop version( in your other post) I just assumed you had the Audigy in a desktop.

Obviously it's also working okay with your soundfonts.

I checked their website and it appears that it should work ok with the Dell model laptop I use.

Thank you Jose
best wishes
Rikki

Hi Fran,
I'll check it out also. I'd thought the only soundcard suitable for my laptop was external ie via usb, hadn't realized my laptop even had a slot to connect a card into.

Thanks for the link, I tracked the company's reseller to Sydney ( where we used to live), Best part is they also have all sorts of software. If I decide to get one, I should be able to get one through the music store where I once worked. Nothing beats a big discount ( haa haa).

I was mainly after one that could handle soundfonts directly, the audigy's apparently can. Guess I've also got to weigh up what will give me reasonably good quality sound. Anything should hopefully be better than the internal card I'm using at the moment.

Thanks Fran

best wishes
Rikki

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Fran Carango:
[B]

I would say the PCMCIA is a better interface than USB (specially version 1 USB) for a sound card.



Audigy is a Creative product and the soundfont format is originary from Creative. So you won't find any compatibility problems. Audigy recognizes the Soundfont 2.1 format as well.

-- José.

Are there audio and midi connections to this audigy 2 ZS for notebook to use it for midi with a keyboard and to record audio?
Thanks

There are only audio connections (no midi). -- José.

You can always use USB for your midi connections.

Right, Frank. I'm using a Roland UM-1 Midi-USB interface. Here's a description/review (in italian!... you can always check the scores it gets): http://www.ilmac.net/recensioni/rolandUM1.htm -- José.


[This message has been edited by Route 66 (edited 12-11-2005).]

José,
Can you please give me more detailed informations about the audio inputs and outputs?
How much? What is the format? Is there also a digital input?

Thanx
Stam

Hi Stam.

There is one optical input and one optical output and, of course, an analog interface. Format: small jack (3.5 mm). You can check yourself the details in the product page: http://www.soundblaster.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=204&product=10769

-- José.

If I'm not mistaken, the Audigy 2 ZS Platinum hads MIDI I/O.....I've been researching sound cards and I'm positive that it has the MIDI I/O connections...it uses an external hub.....
TR

Rikki,
I have the Audigy2 NX version that I use. I am very satisfied with it. I make all my .WAV recording files from my 9000Pro using it. It is USB connected but with all the various inputs and outputs I think you would be happier with it than the ZS version. It is connected to an IBM Thinkpad.
Dick True in Salt Lake City

How are the Audigy cards different from the Sound Blaster cards in terms of font memory capacity? Do they have a maximum on board storage capacity, or does it use RAM memory?
My Sound Blaster card can hold the Synergi GS fonts, but larger fonts (Like the SGM180) can't be loaded into it.
Starkeeper

Hi Dick,
actually it's an old posting of mine, that has resurfaced. I took the plunge some months back & I ended up with the Audigy 2 NX .I'm very happy with it . I must admit I don't know a great deal about soundcards, but I wanted it for it's abilty to load soundfonts, plus it's quite tiny. I'm more than happy with the sound quality.

best wishes
Rikki

[QUOTE]Originally posted by dtrue:
[B]Rikki,
I have the Audigy2 NX version that I use.

Hi Starkeeper,
basically you should be able to load a larger font into an audigy, depending on the memory capacity of your computer.

My laptop's 512mb & the largest font I can load into my audigy 2 nx is about 140 mb's.
It loads sgm128 comfortably. ( approx 120mb)

Using Forte/livesynth pro etc ( instead of the audigy) I can load a font of round 200 to 250mb's without too many hassles.

Sometimes it's easier to just use the soundcard and load the font into it.

If you really want to hear how the larger fonts sound try Synthfont ( soundfont midi player)load in a midifile & soundfont of choice. You're not limited in soundfont size, because you actually load the font into synthfont NOT into SBLive. http://www.synthfont.com/


best wishes
rikki
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Starkeeper:
[B]

I have a problem with my Sound Blaster Audigy 2 NX.
It is caused by Windows saying it does not recognise it.
With everthing turned on I sometimes have to unplug the USB connection and then reconnect.
I have unistalled and reinstalled the Sound Blaster software but it has not solved the
problem.
It worked fine when connected to another computer.
Any ideas?

Cousin Ken

HI Ken,
I'm running mine on a laptop with windows xp home version ( with latest updates) and it's working fine.
What are you using.

best wishes
Rikki
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Caragabal:
[B]

Thanks for your interest Rikki.
The Sound Card is connected to an IBM Desk Top
Tower Model No.8311B2A Os Version 5.05,with Windows XP Home, Family Model 1 Stepping 2 GenuineIntel 1694MHZ processor.
Bios is version 2.31 and Memory of 256MB.
I have an internal Hard Disk with 36828MB with free space of 13426MB and an external Hard Disk of 100GB.
The internal Sound Card is disabled.
I hope this is enough information.

Cousin Ken

Hi Ken,
sorry, I didn't mean to get your hopes up, I'm not all that computer literate.

I only use mine for playing soundfonts in OMB, BIAB, Powertracks Pro, XGworks, Jammer

Have you tried running the Creative Diagnostics Test.( should have been loaded as part of your setup for the card??)
START / program
Creative
USB Soundblaster Audigy nx2
Creative Diagnostics

I haven't disabled my laptop's internal soundcard or at least , not that I'm aware of.
For Sound & Audio Device Properties

Sound Playback__ NX2
Sound Recording NX2
MIdi PLayback NX2

I don't have "USE ONLY Default Device" ticked.

Have you tried checking if there's a difference in your settings between the old computer & your new computer?/

Sorry, wish I could be of more help..

best wishes
Rikki
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Caragabal:
[b]

[This message has been edited by rikkisbears (edited 12-15-2005).]

I guess I'll have to wait till my computer expert son comes home for Christmas.
Rikki have you tried to use the microphone outlet with success.
I've tried everything I know to get it to work
including the help file without any luck.

Cousin Ken

Hi Ken,
unfortunately I don't sing, so I've never tried it.
I really only use mine mine for soundfonts.

Somewhere floating around I have an old mic, if I find it , I'll plug it in and see if mine works.

Fortunately it's nearly XMas, so hopefully your son can help you sort it out.

best wishes
Rikki

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Caragabal:
[B]I
Rikki have you tried to use the microphone outlet with success.

Thank you rikki. I look forward to hear your results with the microphone.
The other problem appears to be a conflict between Norton and the sound card.

Cousin Ken

Hi Ken
Yes there are sometimes problems with Norton and Creative sound cards, but if you do a search in the Symantec help section of their web site, there is a fix and/or workaround for the problem.
Hope this helps.
Bill

Hi Ken,
I've got Norton 2005 in my laptop, and it doesn't appear to affect it. Still haven't located my mic, it may eventually dawn on me as to where I stored it.

best wishes
Rikki

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Caragabal:
[B]