Sound Blaster Audigy2 zs HELP

[LnxMad]

If anyone has the sound blaster Audigy2 Zs (any) and knows what they are doing with it, please pm or IM me, I need some help with it.

Aim: lnxmad
MSN: gserver139@msn.com

[no1_vern]

Hi LnxMad,

Weclome to TechIMO!

Is your question for Linux or Windows?

[LnxMad]

windows

[AsteralTraveler]

Well, I don't know to what degree you mean with "anybody who knows what they're doing with it", but I have the card and all included software that accompanies the retail version. I've been playing with it recently to get a feel for the sound options and it's capabilities in general. My OS is Win2K. You'd probably get better answers if you ask your questions here though, don't ya think?

Of course, you may have already gotten your help...

AT

[LnxMad]

Well im trying to get the 5.1 stereo without using the three analog outputs. I tried using SPDIF and fiber optical, but i only get left and right channels. When i watch dvds, i use BlazeDVD and it has an audio setting, External decoder(spdif). thats the only time i get 5.1

[AsteralTraveler]

I hate to answer your question with a question, but are you using any of the software that comes with the retail card? The ones I'm using are the EAX Console, which has special effects settings, Surround Mixer, which has basic settings for volume control...etc, and advanced settings for speaker volume control. The Graphic Equalizer program has Speaker selection options, including a button to "synchronize with Control Panel", which I have checked, and a speaker test window that'll play a voice indicating the speaker being played, depending on what selection you choose (5.1, 7.1...etc.)

What's the scenario when you are only getting left and right channels? I have Logitech Z640 speakers which means I have to use the analog outs, so unfortunately I can't help you much with the S/PDIF, and I'm not familiar with BlazeDVD's External Decoder setting you speak of.

[eagle1]

Also, maybe it is YOUR DVD software not supporting 5.1 audio.
Try downloading a Trial version of WinDVD or PowerDVD and see if they work alright.
If they do, buy the one that works (they are worth it!).

[LnxMad]

When i watch a dvd, i get full surround sound. Its when im not. I only get left and right channels. Like when im listening to music, or i go into speaker settings and test channels. I only have the left and right. On my recevier, It displays what channels are on and it only shows left and right. when i watch a movie, it goes into dts or dd and it displays the 5.1. I use BlazeDVD and that has an audio option to use external Decoder. Thats how i get the 5.1. I was wondering if its possible to get the 5.1 without use the analog outputs going to the 6 channel input on the sound card.

[LnxMad]

And yes, i use all the software that came with the card. I also updated EAX to 4.0

[AsteralTraveler]

You're introducing another element here. Are you feeding your signal from your sound card into a receiver using S/PDIF? And this receiver has a 5.1 decoder that's only displaying 2 channels?

Go into AudioHQ, double click on device controls, and then the Decoder tab. What radio button is checked?