Xonar Essence STX
Audio card
User manual
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
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•
This device may not cause harmful interference, and
This device must accept any interference received including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
•
•
•
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
•
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the
Canadian Department of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Australia statement notice
From 1 January 2012 updated warranties apply to allASUS products, consistent with
the Australian Consumer Law. For the latest product warranty details please visit
under theAustralian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a
major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage.
You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of
acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
If you require assistance please call ASUS Customer Service 1300 2787 88 or visit
iv
Safety information
•
Before installing the device on a motherboard, carefully read all the manuals
that came with the package.
•
To prevent electrical shock hazard or short circuits, switch off the power supply
before installing the device on a motherboard or connecting any singal cables
to the device.
•
•
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If the device is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified service
technician or your retailer.
Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected. If you
detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from
connectors, sockets and circuitry.
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in
any area where it may become wet.
•
•
Place the product on a stable surface.
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified
service technician or your retailer.
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical
and electronic equipment) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local
regulations for disposal of electronic products.
Trademarks
Xonar and ASUS logo are trademarks of ASUSTek Computer Inc. “Dolby”
and “Dolby Digital Live”, “Dolby Pro Logic IIx”, “Dolby Virtual Speaker”, “Dolby
Headphone” are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. EAX and A3D are trademarks
of Creative Technology Ltd. Microsoft, DirectSound3D, Windows are trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation. Other company and product names may be trademarks of
the respective companies with which they are associated. ASIO is a trademark and
software of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH
License
Dolby Master Studio driver is manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
v
1.
Introduction
1.1
Package contents
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ASUS Xonar Essence STX PCI Express audio card
3.5mm-to-RCA cable x1
3.5mm-to-6.3mm adapter x1
S/PDIF TOSLINK optical adapter x1
Support CD
Audio Precision Test Report
1.2
System requirements
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One PCI Express 1.0 (or higher) compatible slot for the audio card
Microsoft® Windows® Vista (32/64bit) / XP (32/64bit) / MCE2005
Intel® Pentium® 4 1.4 GHz or AMD® Athlon 1400 CPU or faster CPU
256 MB (or above) DRAM system memory
60 MB available HDD space for driver installation package
CD-ROM drive (or DVD-ROM drive ) for software installation
High-quality headphones, powered analog speakers, or a Dolby Digital
decoder, to enjoy the ultra-high fidelity sound of the card
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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1.3
Specifications summary
Items
Description
Audio Performance
124dB for Front-out
110dB for Headphone-out
Output Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted):
Input Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted):
118dB
Output Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise at 1kHz 0.0003% (-110dB) for Front-out
(-3dB) :
0.001% (-100dB) for Headphone-out
Input Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise at 1kHz
(-3dB) :
0.0002% (-113dB) for Line-in
Frequency Response (-3dB, 24-bit/96kHz format): <10Hz to19820KHz
Output/Input Full-Scale Voltage
Headphone Impedance
2 Vrms (5.65 Vp-p)
Optimized for 32~600Ω
Bus Compatibility
-PCI Express Rev.1.0a specification compatible
-Max. full 2.5Gbps bandwidth per direction and optimized
latency for high-definition audio processing
PCI Express
-Compatible with X1, X4, X8, X16 PCI Express slots
Main Chipset
ASUS AV100 High-Definition Sound Processor (Max.
192KHz/24bit)
Audio Processor
Texas Instruments PCM1792A*1 for Front-Out (127dB
SNR, Max. 192kHz/24bit)
Texas Instruments 6120A2*1 (120dB SNR, 100dB THD
+N @ Vcc±12V, RL=600Ω, f=1kHz)
24-bit D-A Converter of Digital Sources:
High Fidelity Headphone Amplifier
24-bit A-D Converter for Analog Inputs:
Sample Rate and Resolution
Analog Playback Sample Rate and Resolution
Analog Recording Sample Rate and Resolution
S/PDIF Digital Output
Cirrus-Logic CS5361* 1 (114dB SNR, Max. 192kHz/24bit)
44.1K/48K/96K/192KHz @ 16/24bit
44.1K/48K/96K/192KHz @ 16/24bit
44.1K/48K/96K/192KHz @ 16/24bit, Dolby Digital
I/O Ports
RCA jack *2 (Front R / Front L)
6.30mm jack*1 (Headphone out)
Analog Output Jack:
Analog Input Jack:
Digital S/PDIF Output:
6.30mm jack *1 (Shared by Line-In/Mic-In)
High-bandwidth Coaxial/TOS-Link combo port supports
192KHz/24bit
Other line-level analog input (for TV Tuner or CD-
ROM):
Aux-In (4-pin header on the card)
Shared by Headphone out / 2 channels out /
Microphone in
Front Panel:
Driver Features
Operation System
Windows Vista(32/64bit) / XP(32/64bit) / MCE2005
Dolby Digital Live encodes any audio signal on PC in real-
time to Dolby Digital (AC3) 5.1 surround sounds to your
home theater environment through one single S/PDIF
connection
ꢀ
Dolby Digital Live
Dolby Headphone technology allows users to listen to
music, watch movies, or play games with the dramatic
5.1-channel surround or realistic 3D spacious effects
through any set of stereo headphones.
ꢀ
Dolby Headphone
Dolby Virtual Speaker technology simulates a highly
realistic 5.1-speaker surround sound listening
environment from as few as two speakers.
ꢀ
Dolby Virtual Speaker
Dolby Pro-Logic II is the well-known technology to
process any native stereo or 5.1-channel audio into a 6.1
channel output, creating a seamless, natural surround
soundfield.
ꢀ
Dolby Pro-Logic II
-DS3D GX 2.5 supports EAX gaming sound effects and
DirectSound 3D hardware enhanced functions for more
DirectSound3D Game EXtensions 2.0 & 1.0 (DS3D games on Windows Vista & XP. (DirectX/DirectSound 3D
GX 2.0)
compatible)
-DS3D GX 2.5 adds latest VocalFX voice effects for online
gaming or chatting.
(continued on the next page)
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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Xonar Essence STX provides VocalFX, the latest vocal
effect technologies for gaming and VoIP, including:
-VoiceEX: produces vivid environmental reverberation for
your voice to others in EAX games
-Local VoiceEX: enables yourself to hear the vivid
environmental reverberation by your speakers
-ChatEX: emulates different background environment
effects when you chat online
VocalFXTM
-Magic Voice: changes your voice pitch to different types
(Monster/Cartoon…) for disguising your real voice or just
for fun in online chatting
Normalizes the volume of all audio sources into a
constant level and also enhances your 3D sound listening
range and advantages in gaming
Music Key-Shifting, Vocal Cancellation, and Microphone
Echo effects like professional Karaoke machine
Smart Volume NormalizerTM
Karaoke Functions
FlexBassTM
Professional Bass Management/Enhancement system
Virtual 7.1 speaker positioning
Xear 3DTM Virtual Speaker Shifter
Other Effects
10-band Equalier/27 Environment Effects
ꢀ
ꢀ
DirectSound3D GX 2.5 & 1.0, EAX 2.0&1.0,
ꢀ
3D Gaming Sound Engines/APIs
ASIO 2.0 Driver Support:
DirectSound HW, DirectSound SW, OpenAL generic
modes, 128 3D sounds processing capability
Supports 44.1K/48K/96K/192KHz @16/24bit with very
low latency
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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2.
Xonar Essence STX card layout
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1
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No Item
Description
1
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3
Front Right Out port
Front Left Out port
Headphone Out port
Connect the Right audio cable (red) from your 2/2.1 channel
speakers to this port. For multi-channel speaker systems,
connects to the Front Right In port on the powered speakers.
Connect the Left audio cable (white) from your 2/2.1 channel
speakers to this port. For multi-channel speaker systems,
connects to the Front Left In port on the powered speakers.
Connect your headphones to this port.
NOTE:
- DO NOT connect your speakers to the headphone out port.
The possible high driving power may cause damage to your
speakers.
- To prevent damage to your headphone, before the
connection, adjust the headphone impedance settings
in the Xonar Essence STX Audio Center to match your
headphone impedance.
4
Microphone In port
Connect your external PC microphone to this port for voice
input. Built-in high-quality Microphone pre-amplifier.
(continued on the next page)
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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4
5
Line In port
Connect analog devices like MP3 players, CD players,
music synthesizers and other line-level sound sources to
this 6.3mm port for audio recording or processing. (Through
Ultra-high fidelity 118dB SNR A-D converter)
S/PDIF Out port
Coaxial and optical TOSLINK combo digital output port.
Connects to external digital decoder or digital speaker
systems, Home Theater systems, AV receivers for outputting
digital audio including PCM, Dolby Digital, DTS, WMA-Pro,
etc.
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7
Front panel audio
header
Connect one end of the front panel audio cable to the front
panel audio header on the Xonar Essence STX card, with
the other end to the chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O
module.
Aux Input Header
Usually connects to the Analog Audio output of TV tuner card
or other sound source inside your PC system. (To monitor
your TV tuner card’s audio from this Aux-In, you must enable
the “monitor” function for Aux-In in the Xonar Essence STX
Audio Center’s recording mixer.)
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9
Power connector
S/PDIF Out header
Connects to the power cable of your power supply unit.
Connects to a graphics card with HDMI output.
NOTE: When using Dolby Digital Live on S/PDIF output,
make sure the connected graphics card is capable of
decoding DDL; otherwise, there will be no audio output from
the graphics card’s HDMI port.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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3.
Installing the hardware
3.1
Preparing your computer
Before you proceed with the following installation steps, it is recommended that
you disable the onboard audio device in the BIOS settings, or uninstall any other
sound cards on your PC.
For BIOS setting or uninstallation of other sound cards, refer to the user
manuals of your motherboard and sound cards.
1.
Power OFF the computer, the monitor, and all other peripheral devices
connected to your computer.
2.
3.
Unplug the computer power cord from your computer and power outlet.
Touch the metal back or side panel of the computer to avoid static electricity.
Remove the chassis cover.
4.
5.
Remove the metal bracket from an available PCI Express x1 slot for the
Xonar Essence STX audio card.
6.
Carefully insert the audio card into the PCI Express x1 slot. Ensure the audio
card sits properly in place.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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3.2
Installing the Xonar Essence STX card
1.
2.
Secure the audio card with screws and the metal bracket.
Connect the 4-pin power cable of your power supply unit to the power
connector of the audio card.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Put back the chassis cover.
Reconnect all cables.
Plug the power cord to the computer and to a power outlet.
Power ON the computer.
The PCI Express high-quality audio card requires additional power from your
computer. If the power cable is not connected properly, the audio card will not
work at all.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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3.3
Connecting to a TV tuner card
1. If you have a traditional PCI or PCI Express TV tuner card on your PC, you
may need to connect it to the Xonar Essence STX card to send the tuner
card’s sound to your PC speakers.
2.
3.
Secure the PCI/PCI Express TV tuner card and screw it into the back-panel.
Connect the audio output header from the TV tuner card to the Aux-In header
of the Xonar Essence STX card.
For optimum TV audio quality, Xonar HDAV uses ADC recording to digitize the
signal and loops it back to DAC playback. Select Aux-In as the recording source
in the Xonar Essence STX Center’s recording mixer and enable the monitoring
button to pass this signal to the audio output. Using this setup, you can even
turn on sound effects such as Pro-Logic IIx to expand the stereo TV audio to 5.1
or 7.1 channel surround sound. TV audio on your PC will become even better
than on your TV set.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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4.
Installing software
Installing the card driver
Ensure that you have installed the VGA card driver before installing the Xonar
Essence STX driver. Otherwise, driver installation error may occur.
1.
2.
3.
After you have installed the Xonar Essence STX card, turn on your computer.
Windows® automatically detects the HDAV card and searches for device
drivers. When prompted for the drivers, click Cancel.
Insert the support CD into the optical drive. If Autorun is enabled in your
system, the setup starts automatically. If not, run setup.exe from your
support CD.
The installation program will remind you to make sure you have connected
the additional power cable from your power supply unit to the card. If the
power cable is not connected properly, the card will not work at all. If it has
not been done, turn off the computer to install the power cable before you go
on the installation process.
4.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation. Read the
“END USER LICENCE AGREEMENT” in the process and make sure you
understand and accept it before you continue the installation. When the
installation finishes, you may be prompted to restart your computer. You can
choose to restart the computer later if desired.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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5.
Connecting speakers and peripherals
5.1
Connecting digital speaker systems (Home Theater)
The Xonar Essence STX supports Dolby Digital Live technology, which
transcodes any audio, including games and music, into industry-standard Dolby
Digital surround bit-streams. This makes playback through your home theater
system possible, creating an immersive and impressive cinema surround sound
experience. A single digital cable connection can carry high-quality Dolby Digital
audio from any of your PC audio sources to any digital speakers or AV Receivers
with Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding capabilities.
1
SPDIF Out
2
No Item
Description
1
Optical adapter
Plug the optical TOSLINK adapter into the S/PDIF-Out
combo connector.
2
Optical cable
Connect your decoder’s S/PDIF-In port to the optical adapter
with the TOSLINK optical cable.
You can also use a coaxial cable for a S/PDIF connection. Just plug the coaxial
RCA male connector to the S/PDIF-Out combo jack and connect the other end
into the coaxial S/PDIF input on your decoder.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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5.2
Connecting stereo headphones
Headphone Out
The Headphone Out port has a built-in high-quality amplifier to drive headphones.
Connect your stereo headphones to the Headphone Out port son the Xonar
Essence STX card.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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5.3
Connecting 2/2.1 channel speakers
2 Speakers
2.1 Speakers
1
1
1
Front Right Out
Front Left Out
No Item
Description
1
Front Left/Right Out
The Left/Right Front Out ports have a built-in high-quality
amplifier to drive headphones. Connect the 2/2.1 speaker
set’s 3.5mm plug to the bundled RCA-to-3.5mm Y cable, and
then connect the Left/Right ends to the Front Left/Right Out
ports on the Xonar Essence STX card.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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5.4
Connecting microphone
1
2
2
1
Front Right Out
Front Left Out
Mic In
2
No Item
Front Left/Right Out
Description
Connect the headphone’s 3.5mm plug to the bundled RCA-
to-3.5mm Y cable, and then connect the Left/Right ends to
the to Front Left/Right Out ports on the Xonar Essence STX
card.
port/Headphone port
1
Microphone Input port
Connect your external PC microphone to this port by
using the bundled 6.3mm-to-3.5mm adapter for voice
communication, recording, or karaoke.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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5.5
Connecting Line-In audio sources
1
Line In
No Item
Line Input Jack
Description
1
Connect the CD/MP3 Player or any other Line level analog
audio sources to this Line-In port by using the bundled
6.3mm-to-3.5mm adapter for sound recording or real-time
Dolby sound processing through the Monitoring path (See
the Mixer section of the driver guide).
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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6.
Xonar Audio Center
6.1
Xonar Audio Center GUI
1.
After the driver installation is complete
and your computer has been rebooted,
you will find the Xonar Audio Center’s
icon in the system tray on the bottom
right-hand corner of the screen. Double
click this icon to open the Xonar Audio Center utility.
If the icon could not be found in the system tray, launch the Xonar Audio Center
from the Windows desktop by clicking Start > All Programs > ASUS Xonar
Essence STX Audio > Xonar Essence STX Audio Center.
2.
The Xonar Audio Center is the Graphic User Interface (GUI) for the Xonar
Essence STX driver. You can control the functions and features of the Xonar
Essence STX driver on the Xonar Audio Center. The following picture shows
a basic overview of the Xonar Audio Center. The following sections of this
manual will describe its functions in more detail.
4
Minimize button
Close button
1
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9
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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No Item
Description
1
2
Support link
Clicking this button will lead you to the ASUS official website.
Display Area
This display area shows the 10-band signal meter, volume
level, and the status of the Dolby/DTS technologies, EQ, and
DSP modes. Note: this area just displays information, but is
not used to alter settings.
3
Setting Menu Panel
This panel gives access to setting tabs, including Main
Settings, Mixer/volume, Effects, Karaoke, FlexBass, and
VocalFX.
4
5
Information icon
Menu Open/Close
Clicking this icon will pop up driver’s Information window.
Clicking this button will move the display area and reveal
the configuration area below. Clicking it again will move the
display area back down.
6
7
8
Master Volume
Mute Button
SVN Button
This rotary knob controls the master playback volume. Drag
the small circle inside it to change the volume level.
Click this button to mute audio playback; it will display a red
light when playback is muted.
Click this button to enable the “Smart Volume Normalization”
feature for constant volume from all playback sources. It will
display a blue light when enabled.
9
DSP Mode
These 4 buttons give access to quick sound effects
combinations for Music, Games, DVD Video, and effect-free
(Hi-Fi) modes.
NOTE: Default DSP Mode is OFF.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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6.2
Main Setting
Sample Rate
6.2.1
The sample rate determines the number of audio samples per second that the
Digital-to-Analog Converters (DAC) and S/PDIF digital interface will output. The
Xonar Essence STX card can support sample rates up to 192KHz (44.1K, 48K,
96K, 192KHz). Usually audio CDs and MP3 files are 44.1KHz; DVD-Video uses
48KHz; DVD-Audio or other HD media may contain 96KHz or 192KHz high-
definition audio content. Please select the corresponding sample rate for your
playback sources to get the best audio fidelity. Even if your setting differs from the
audio source’s sample rate, the Xonar Essence STX engine will do super high
fidelity sample-rate-conversion with a double floating-point filter, which can reduce
total harmonic distortion (THD+N) by -140dB.
1
No Item
Sample Rate
Description
1
Select the sample rate that corresponds to (or exceeds
that of) your playback sources, for optimal audio fidelity.
The Xonar Essence STX card supports sample rates up to
192KHz (44.1K, 48K, 96K, 192KHz). Typical values:
-Audio CD, MP3, WMA, Wave files are 44.1KHz;
-The audio of DVD-Video is 48KHz;
-DVD-Audio or other HD media may contain 96KHz or
192KHz high-definition audio content.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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6.2.2
Analog Out mode
1
2
3
No Item
Description
1
Analog Out
The Analog Out setting is used to match your actual speaker
setting, such as headphones and 2/2.1 speakers. Xonar
Essence STX will play the channels and do the proper
3D/Dolby sound processing accordingly. Select the correct
speaker type for your connected speakers.
2
3
Speaker Test
Click this button to show the speaker test window in the right
pane. Click the “play” button to test each speaker one by one
or click each speaker manually to test.
HP Advanced Setting
Clicking this button allows you to select the gain tuning
according to your headphone impedance. The setting is also
available for FP Headphone.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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6.2.3
SPDIF Out/DDL
Xonar Essence STX is capable of outputting Dolby Digital Live, which is a real-time
encoder that transcodes any audio, including games and music, into industry-
standard Dolby Digital bit-streams on-the-fly. This is ideal for playback through a
home theater system, creating an impressive cinema surround sound experience.
It enables a single digital connection to carry high quality Dolby Digital surround
audio from your PC to digital speakers and AV Receivers.
2
3
1
No Item
Description
1
S/PDIF Out enable/
disable
Click this check box to enable S/PDIF output.
2
S/PDIF Output
Formats/Functions
This pull-down menu allows you to select one of the following
four formats:
-PCM (Pulse Code Modulation, which is a typical raw audio
data format.)
-Dolby Digital Live real-time 5.1ch encoding
3
Dobly Digital Live
advanced upmixing
option
This advanced setting will automatically upmix stereo (2ch)
content to 5.1 channel surround with Dolby Pro-Logic II when
using Dolby Digital Live output.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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6.2.4
Audio Channels (For Vista only)
This setting only appears in Windows Vista. Vista will deliver the audio channels
to the audio driver according to this setting, no matter what the original audio
content is or how many channels they have. Therefore, you need to set this in
accordance with your audio content before you play it. Please note that this setting
is synchronized with Vista’s system speaker configuration and changing the
setting during playback will cease the audio playback program. You may have to
restart the program after the change. It’s recommended that you close all playing
programs before you change the setting.
1
No Item
Audio Channels
Description
1
Here are some typical suggestions:
-MP3, WMA, AAC, CD, VCD, 2D games => 2 channels
-DVD-Video with Dolby Digtial or DTS 5.1 => 6 channels
-DVD-Video with Dolby Digtial EX or DTS ES => 8 channels
-3D games => 8 channels
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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6.2.5
7.1 Virtual Speaker Shifter
The 7.1 Virtual Speaker Shifter has the following major features:
•
•
•
Expanding/upmixing audio to 7.1-channel surround sound
Virtualizing 7.1 surround sound over any set of speakers
Shiftable virtual speaker positioning allows you to adjust the best sound field
easily without moving physical speakers and wires
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
No Item
Description
1
Shifter enable/disable
Click this check box to enable the 7.1 Virtual Speaker Shifter.
Clicking the text bar will switch the right window to the
Speaker Shifter page for manual adjustments.
Note: The setting will remain when a different Analog Output
is selected.
2
Drag speaker or
listener
You can drag each speaker or listener to a different relative
position “virtually” using only your mouse. The Xonar
Essence STX card will process it and virtualize each speaker
position in real-time. The Subwoofer has no directional
sounds, and hence can be moved only closer or further
away.
3
4
Reset
Reset all Speaker Shifter settings to the defaults.
Increase/decrease
volume
Click + to increase volume (move speakers closer); click – to
decrease volume (move speakers further away)
5
Counter-clockwise
Make all speakers (except Subwoofer) rotate counter-
clockwise
6
7
8
Clockwise
Make all speakers (except Subwoofer) rotate clockwise
Manually drag and rotate all speakers (except Subwoofer)
Manual Rotation
Manual Drag Mode
This is the default mode that allows you to manually drag
each speaker or the listener with your mouse.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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6.2.6
Dolby Pro-Logic IIx
Dolby Pro-Logic IIx is a 7.1 surround upmixing technology and is widely used in
home theater systems, TVs, game consoles, and car audio systems. It can expand
stereo audio, such as MP3, CD, and TV programs into immersive 5.1 or
7.1-channel surround.
2
3
4
1
No Item
Description
1
Dolby Pro-Logic IIx
enable/disable
Click this check box to enable Dolby Pro-Logic IIx. Clicking
the text bar will switch the right window to the Pro-Logic IIx
page for manual adjustments.
2
Center Width
This parameter is used to set the spread of the center, mainly
for the vocal signals of songs and music. Drag the scroll bar
to the left to centralize the vocal signal. Drag to the right side
to widen the vocal sound range.
3
4
Reset
Reset all settings to the defaults.
Dimension
The dimension parameter fades sounds to the front or rear
of the listener.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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6.2.7
Dolby Headphone
Dolby Headphone creates a stunning multi-channel surround experience over
ordinary stereo headphones for playing 3D games, watching 5.1 DVD movies, and
listening to music. Dolby Headphone produces surround sound cues so realistic
that you will believe you are listening over speakers in a well-controlled studio.
Dolby Headphone can also improve listening comfort and reduce "listener fatigue"
from long listening over headphones.
2
3
4
1
No Item
Description
1
Dolby Headphone
enable/disable
Click this check box to enable Dolby Headphone. Clicking
the text bar will switch the right window to Dolby Headphone
page for manual adjusting.
Note: 7.1 Virtual Speaker Shifter and Dolby Pro-Logic IIx can
be selected only when Dolby Headphone is enabled.
2
DH1
Dolby Headphone (DH) provides three room filters that may
be used with any type of audio. They differ in the sense of
the “spatial dimension” they impart.
DH1—Reference Room: Small, acoustically damped room.
DH2—Livelier Room: More acoustically live than DH1
3
4
DH2
DH3
DH3—Larger Room: Larger room than DH1; more distant
and diffused effect.
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6.2.8
Dolby Virtual Speaker
Dolby Virtual Speaker technology simulates a 5.1-speaker surround sound
listening environment from as few as two speakers. Dolby Virtual Speaker also
creates a wider two-channel environment during playback of stereo CDs and MP3
content, and when combined with Dolby Pro Logic® II processing, delivers a virtual
5.1-channel surround listening experience from any high-quality stereo source.
2
3
1
No Item
Description
1
Dolby Virtual Speaker
enable/disable
Click this check box to enable Dolby Virtual Speaker. Clicking
the text bar will switch the right window to a Dolby Virtual
Speaker page for manual adjusting.
2
Reference Mode
Dolby Virtual Speaker provides two modes of virtualization:
The first is Reference mode, which virtualizes the missing
speakers as in the following picture.
3
Wide Mode
Wide mode virtualizes the necessary speakers and
enhances the surround experience as in the following
picture.
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6.3
Mixer/Volume
The mixer page is designed to control the volume for playback and recording on
the Xonar Essence STX. In addition, the Xonar Essence STX also provides a high-
quality digital monitoring function for hearing the recorded audio from the speakers.
You can also process the input signals with all playback sound effects such as
Dolby and DTS technologies.
6.3.1
Playback Volume
1
6
2
3
4
5
No Item
Description
1
2
Playback volume tab
Click this button to show the playback volume page.
Left / Right balance
The horizontal slider controls the volume between the left
and right channels.
3
Volume slider
Drag this slider down to decrease the volume; drag it up to
increase the volume. The tool-tip reveals the percentage
number from 1 to 100 in terms of the full scale level.
4
5
Mute button
Click this button to mute the audio channel; click this button
again to restore the audio output.
Source / path name
This shows the source name for each volume control slider,
including:
- WAVE: All digital audio sources except MIDI files
- SW: Software Synthesizer; control the playback volume of
the MIDI files
- CD: CD-ROM digital playback (CD-DA) volume control
- LEFT, RIGHT…: the volume control for each speaker/
channel
NOTE: Windows® Vista does not support WAVE, Synthesizer
and CD-In volume controls.
6
Reset
Reset all volume controls to the default settings
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6.3.2
Recording/Monitoring Volume
1
8
2
3
4
5
6
7
No Item
Description
1
2
Recording Volume Tab
Click this button to show the recording volume page.
Left/Right balance
This horizontal slider controls the volume between the left
and right channels.
3
Recording volume
slider
Drag this slider down to decrease the recording volume; drag
up to increase the recording volume. The tool-tip reveals the
percentage number from 1 to 100 in terms of the full scale
level.
4
Recording Selector
button
Click this button to select the path/source you are going
to record. Note that the recording function on Windows is
a one-path selector. So, you can select only one default
recording source at a time. You may have to restart the
recorder program if you switch to a different source. (Note:
On Vista, some application programs may allow you to
select the recording device/path in the recording programs
themselves.)
5
Microphone-In
Click this button
Microphone-In:
to open the advanced settings for the
Advanced Setting
Enabling “Microphone Boost” will increase a volume gain
to boost microphone input signals. If you connect your
microphone to the front panel audio module, enable “Front
Panel Microphone”. For typical low-cost PC microphone, it’s
recommended to enable this function.
(continued on the next page)
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6
Monitoring button
Click this button to monitor and loopback recording audio
to outputs (PC speakers). Therefore, the recording volume
will influence the monitoring signals from speaker outputs.
The audio will be mixed into the streams you are playing
out from your PC and all DSP effects will be applied to the
source, too. A typical benefit is to apply Dolby Pro-Logic
IIx 7.1-ch spreading for your TV audio, CD, MP3, or stereo
game console audio from Wii, Xbox, PS2/PS3/PSP, etc.
To apply Dolby Virtual Speaker is suitable for two-speaker
environment.
NOTE: When the monitoring function is enabled, audio
output from HDMI output is disabled.
7
Source / path name
This shows the source name for each volume control slider,
including:
S/PDIF-In: S/PDIF digital input source
Mix: Stereo Mix which will record MIC, AUX, and digital
WAVE audio you are playing on PC
Aux: recording from Aux-In for typically TV-tuner card audio
or other sound sources
Line-In: recording from Line-in jack for external audio
devices
WAVE: recording from digital wave audio you are playing on
PC (Note: Windows Vista doesn’t support WAVE
recording.)
8
Reset
Click to reset all volume controls to the default settings.
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6.4
Effects
6.4.1
Environment Effects
Environment effects can be used to create realistic listening experiences that
mimic different environments. There are a total of 27 environment options, which
can be applied to all 2D sound sources, like music.
3
1
2
No Item
Description
1
Default environments
These four buttons activate Bathroom, Concert hall,
Underwater, and Music Pub environments, respectively.
2
More options
Clicking this button will apply the environment effect that you
select from the pull-down menu on the right side. There are
another 23 options in this menu.
3
Environment size
There are three size settings for each environment: Large,
Medium, and Small.
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6.4.2
10-Band Equalizer
The equalizer can modify the audio output for different frequencies, and be used
to compensate for deficiencies in your speakers/systems. There are 12 default
patterns and you can also make your own settings.
1
2
3
4
5
6
No Item
Description
1
Default equalizer
options
There are 12 available equalizer patterns. Click one to apply
it.
2
3
Equalier slider
Adjust the gain for each band (30~16KHz)
User Defined
You can click this button to apply your own defined
parameters saved in the pull-down menu.
4
5
Save name
Add / save
Key in a name for your own “User Defined” equalizer setting
Click this “+” button to save the parameters into User Defined
list
6
Delete
Click this “–” button to delete the parameters from User
Defined list
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6.5
Karaoke
The Xonar Essence STX provides powerful features for Karaoke, including Key-
Shifting, Vocal Cancellation, and Microphone Echo. Key-Shifting can change the
pitch of Karaoke background music, and Vocal Cancellation can reduce the original
vocal in songs and keep the music and symphony for karaoke.
5
1
2
3
4
No Item
Description
1
2
On/Off
Click the switch to turn on or off the functions on this page.
Key-Shifting
Check the box to enable or disable the key shifting feature
for music playback from 4 semitones below, to 4 semitones
above.
3
Vocal Cancellation
Checkbox to enable or disable the vocal cancellation function
and adjust the voice cancellation level from 0 to +100. +100
will eliminate most original vocals (default value is 50).
4
5
Mic Echo
Reset
Select the Mic Echo function and adjust the gain for echo
signals (30~16KHz)
Reset all settings to the default.
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6.6
FlexBass
FlexBass, an advanced bass management and enhancement mechanism, allows
you to select each satellite speaker’s type for optimal sound performance from the
speakers. (Small: common speaker that cannot produce low frequencies; Large:
wide-band speakers that can produce low frequencies well). It comes with an
adjustable crossover frequency for the boundary of the bass signals. FlexBass will
filter out the bass signals from small speaker channels and redirect them all to the
subwoofer or Large speakers.
4
1
2
3
No Item
Description
1
On/Off
Click this switch to turn on or off all functions on this
FlexBass page.
2
Small / Large speaker
option
Select the speaker type that you connected. If your speaker
type cannot perform low-frequency signals (bass), select
“Small” speaker type and Xonar Essence STX will filter out
the bass signals and send them to the subwoofer channel.
If those speakers are full-range, you can select the “Large”
speaker type.
Note: Usually, low-cost PC’s 2-channel speakers are
small-type speakers. Refer to the speaker’s specification.
If you have any questions, consult your speaker vendor.
However, common 2.1 speakers with a subwoofer should
be categorized as Large speakers because the subwoofer
can redirect the bass signals inside the two channels to the
subwoofer speaker automatically.
3
Picture for Small/
Large speaker
Colors for small/large speakers are different.
Orange: large speakers
Green: small speakers
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4
LFE Crossover
Frequency
Adjusts the cut-off frequency (20~250Hz) for LFE (low-
frequency effects) signals. Xonar Essence STX will filter out
the bass signals below the crossover frequency from small
speaker channels and forward them to the subwoofer. The
higher the crossover frequency, the more bass signals will be
subtracted.
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6.7
Smart Volume Normalization
Smart Volume NormalizationTM (SVN) automatically keeps all music or video/TV
audio output at a constant level to reduce manual adjustment hassles inherent
with sound sources of different loudness. It allows you to listen to various content,
like MP3, TV program, DVD video and even games with consistent sound level.
The following graph shows how different signals 1 & 2 will become the same level
(for example, 10dB below full scale) after you turn on SVN. Please note that for
lower volume music 2, it will become louder when you turn on SVN; and for higher
volume music 1, it will become quieter.
0dB (Full-scale)
Music 1
T
-10 dB
Music 2
SVN Off
SVN On
- ꢀ
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3
2
1
No Item
Description
1
SVN On/Off
Click this button to enable SVN. This button is outlined blue
when active.
2
SVN blue light
SVN display
When SVN is enabled, the master volume knob will be
illuminated by a blue light. It will be lit red if the volume is
muted.
3
When SVN is enabled, “Smart Volume” will be lit up at the
bottom of the volume meter and the volume meter will show
the level.
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6.8
DS3D GX and DSP Modes
Xonar Essence STX is introducing an innovative technology –DirectSound 3D
Game Extensions v1.0 (DS3D GX 1.0)- to restore DirectSound 3D Hardware
acceleration mode and its subsidiary EAX effects on Windows Vista for 3D games.
Unlike some proprietary API like OpenAL, DS3D GX doesn’t require games to
support OpenAL API. All existing games compatible with Microsoft DirectX and
DirectSound 2D/3D will be supported with DS3D GX technology. Before you start
EAX and DS3D HW games, enable DS3D GX on the Xonar Audio Center, and
disable the function after the games.
Supports latest DS3D GX 2.0 for gaming on Vista & XP
DS3D GX 2.0 not only revives EAX and DirectSound HW effects, but also
allows you to run EAX HD 5.0 games on both XP and Vista. It provides the best
compatibility with existing DirectX games. GX2.0 also adds innovative VocalFX
voice effects for existing EAX games or VOIP applications.
Besides the abundant sound effects described above, the Xonar Essence STX
also provides quick Digital Sound Processing modes which are configured for
typical applications including Music, Movies, and Games over different output
speaker types. In addition, Xonar Essence STX also offers a Hi-Fi mode for hi-
fidelity playback without any effect processing to keep the original audio fidelity.
Every time you turn on Hi-Fi mode, Xonar HDAV 1 will clear all sound effects. It’s
also recommended to use Hi-Fi mode for audio quality tests (using RMAA software
or another machine-based measurement). Use the DSP mode button as the quick
setup if you don’t wish to know the details of the effect setup. (Note: no sound
effects will be applied to high-definition 96KHz/192KHz content.)
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3
2
4
5
1
No Item
Description
1
GX Mode
DirectSound 3D Game Extensions mode to support EAX and
DirectSound 3D Hardware extensions for lots of DirectX/
DirectSound3D games on Windows Vista.
2
Hi-Fi Mode
This mode is set for Hi-Fidelity playback, where all effects will
be cleared to keep the original digital data and analog output
quality as high as possible.
3
4
5
Music Mode
Movie Mode
Game Mode
This mode is set for Music playback.
This mode is set for DVD Movie playback.
This mode is set for Games.
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6.9
VocalFX
VocalFX is an innovative voice processing technology to let your voice get into
the realistic game landscape (VoiceEX) or to emulate the background scenes in
online chat (ChatEX). It also allows you to change your voice pitch to disguise
who you are (Magic Voice). These features dramatically increase the fun for voice
communication on PC.
3
4
5
1
2
No Item
Description
1
VoiceEX
It produces realistic and dynamic environmental
reverberation for your voice in 3D gaming communication.
2
Local VoiceEX
It produces realistic and dynamic environmental
reverberation for your voice in 3D gaming communication.
(You can hear your voice form speakers)
3
4
5
ChatEX
It emulates different background environment effects when
you chat online.
Magic Voice
App List
Changes your voice pitch to different types for disguising
your real voice or just for fun in online chatting.
You can add VOIP application into VOIP application List.
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For 3D Games
1.
2.
Check the check box of VoiceEX and Local VoiceEX.
Make sure you and your team member can talk to each other in the game.
For VOIP
1.
2.
Press App List
If you don’t see the VOIP application of yours in the list, press Add.(Make
sure the Skype and MSN Messenger are the latest version)
3.
Look for the application’s location and Open it.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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4.
Your VOIP application has been added into list.
5.
6.
Check the check box of ChatEX and Magic Voice.
You can use ChatEX and Magic Voice when you chat online.
Click the checkbox to enable VocalFX function, then a prompt message will pop
up:
This message implies the record device will be set to microphone. Make sure
the GX function is enabled. Click “OK” to accept it, or “Cancel” if you want to
enable it later. Check “Don’t remind me again” if you don’t want to see this
message pop up next time.
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7.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
[Troubleshooting]
The audio card driver could not be installed on my PC.
Instructions:
1.
Make sure that you have properly plugged the audio card in the PCI Express
slot on your motherboard.
2.
Check that the Windows hardware device manager has discovered a
multimedia audio device. If no device is found, please try scanning for new
hardware.
3.
4.
Try soft reboot (restart) your Windows.
Remove the card, plug it into another PCI Express slot, and try again.
I cannot find the Xonar Essence STX Audio Center
Instructions:
1.
2.
Make sure you have installed the driver
Locate the Xonar Essence STX Audio Center icon in the system tray on the
bottom right-hand corner of the screen. Double-click the icon to open the
Xonar Essence STX Audio Center utility.
3.
4.
If the icon could not be found in the system tray, go to the Windows Control
Panel and double click the “Xonar Essence STX Audio Center” icon to make
it visible in the system tray again.
After the driver installation is complete, it’s recommended that you reboot
your computer to complete the setup. If the icon still doesn’t appear, please
try installing the driver package again.
I cannot hear any sound from my analog speakers
Instructions:
1.
Xonar Essence STX card needs the power cable to supply addition power
in addition to the basic PCI Express bus power. Double check you have
plugged the small 4-pin power plug onto Xonar Essence STX power
connector. If you did not plug the internal power, Xonar Essence STX Audio
Center will remind you a warning message and will not allow your operation
when you double-click Xonar Essence STX Audio Center icon in the system
tray.
2.
Ensure that you have connected speakers properly and have powered on
your speakers.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
40
3.
4.
Ensure that the device master volume or the software player has NOT been
muted on the Xonar Essence STX Audio Center.
If you are using Dolby Digital Live encoder through the S/PDIF output, the
analog output will be muted to get rid of the interference between your digital
speaker system and analog speakers or headphones. Check if this is the
case.
5.
Try restarting your Windows.
I cannot hear any sound from the S/PDIF output
Instructions:
1.
2.
3.
Ensure that you have enabled S/PDIF output in the Audio Center GUI (Main
page)
Ensure that you are connecting the correct S/PDIF output jack on the card to
the decoder’s (AV receiver) S/PDIF input jack
You may need to select the correct input and mode of your decoder or AV
receiver. For Dolby Digital output, you may have to double check that the AV
receiver is in that decoding mode.
4.
If you are using 192KHz PCM output, please make sure your decoder can
support 192KHz decoding. Try changing it to 44.1K or 48KHz first.
I cannot hear audio input (Mic, Line-in, AUX, etc.) from my speakers
Instructions:
1.
Go to the mixer recording page in the Audio Center and select the correct
input as the recording source. If you are using Windows Vista, also go to
system audio control panel to see the current default recording/input device is
right.
2.
Remember to turn on the digital monitoring button for that recording source.
I cannot hear the TV tuner audio from my speakers
Instructions:
1.
2.
3.
If you are using a traditional TV tuner card which has analog audio output,
please connect it to the Aux-In header on the audio card
Select Aux-In as the recording source and remember to turn on the digital
monitoring button on the recording mixer page
If you are using a TV tuner card which has digital audio output instead of
analog, check that the sound is not muted and whether other applications can
play sound out. If you still have problem, read the TV tuner card’s software
user guide.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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I found no sound effects when playing 96K or 192KHz sound sources.
Instructions:
1.
Currently Xonar Essence STX effects including Dolby supports common
44.1K, 48KHz sound sources processing and will assure high-definition audio
(96K/192KHz) in hi-fidelity playback. This is also usually the behavior that
professional audiophiles and musicians prefer.
2.
3.
If you still want to have the effects, you can use some editing software
(Ableton Live, Cakewalk, CoolEdit, Soundforge, etc.) to convert the sounds
into 48KHz files.
Note that the frequency meter on Xonar Essence STX Audio Center panel
will not take effect either when the playback source is 96KHz or 192KHz
sample rate to prevent any processing distortion.
[FAQ]
Q1: Does the Xonar Essence STX support Windows Vista?
Answer:
Yes, the Xonar ESSENCE STX driver package does support Windows Vista 32/64
bit and most key features are available. In addition, Xonar Essence STX supports
unique DS3D GX on Windows Vista, which can recover DirectSound 3D hardware
and EAX gaming sound effects on Vista for a lot of existing DirectX games.
Q2: Why does the Xonar Essence STX support Dolby technology?
Answer:
Dolby is the ONLY brand and technology recognized by the CE industry and
available on a wide range of audio equipment. Xonar includes these features to
make your PC a powerful media and entertainment center.
Q3: Why is Xonar Essence STX the best audio card for HTPC and multi-
channel speakers?
Answer:
The Xonar Essence STX supports Dolby Digital Live, which allow a single digital
connection to your AV receiver to carry Dolby Digtial audio. In addition, Xonar
Essence STX also provides Dolby Pro-Logic IIx to upmix TV and other music to
multi-channel surround sound in Home Theater environments. Xonar Essence STX
also has Ultra High Fidelity SNR at 192K/24bit, which is the high quality consumer
audio card in the world. Therefore, it’s also the best card to deliver the high quality
audio through an analog connection to your home theater system or high-end
multi-channel speakers.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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Q4: Does the Xonar Essence STX support EAX on Vista?
Answer:
Yes, Xonar Essence STX can support EAX2.0 not only on Windows XP but also
on Vista through innovative DirectSound3D Game EXtensions v1.0 (DS3D GX 1.0)
technology.
Q5: Why do I need Dolby for PC games?
Answer:
1.
Dolby Digital and Pro-Logic IIx are available on the latest game consoles,
like XBOX360, PS3, and Wii. Dolby can provide the best gaming sound
experience and compatibility with home theater or TV systems.
2.
Dolby Headphone and Dolby Virtual Speaker are the best 3D sound
positioning, spatial modeling and 5.1-channel virtualization technology for
regular stereo headphones and speakersreo headphones and speakers
Q6: What is the most important benefit of the Xonar Essence STX for
musicians?
Answer:
1.
2.
3.
Ultimate Fidelity: Xonar Essence STX has the highest quality of audio in/out
for the cleanest sound production.
Duplex HD: Supports audio sampling rates up to 24bit/192KHz for all inputs
and outputs.
ASIO 2.0: Xonar Essence STX includes an ASIO 2.0 driver for low-latency,
low-distortion music creation application.
Q7: Will PCM sound output through S/PDIF be just 2 channels even with
different analog output channels?
Answer:
The S/PDIF protocol specification (IEC-60958) can only carry 2-channel PCM
data or non-PCM AC3/DTS data. So, when a user selects PCM output for
S/PDIF, the Xonar sound card will always deliver 2 channel PCM data through
the S/PDIF output port. For attaining 5.1 channel surround sounds, you can
select Dolby Digital Live encoding output from the S/PDIF out menu, which will
allow the Xonar Essence STX to deliver 5.1 surround sound for DVD movies,
and even stereo music.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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ASUS Xonar Essence STX
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