| ASUS Xonar Xense PCI-E Sound Card Kit |  |
| Written by Vito Cassisi - Edited by Olin Coles | |
| Monday, 20 December 2010 | |
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ASUS Xonar Audio Center SoftwareASUS bundled their Xonar Audio Center software with the card. This software is similar across all the Xonar products, with small changes specific to particular models. In this screenshot we have the main screen showing the currently enabled modes, master volume, and frequency bands. There's also the option to change the number of audio channels, sample rate, and the analogue output (i.e. 'Headphone', '2 Speakers', or either via the front panel).
Along the bottom of the blue status area are the available Dolby technologies. These include Digital Live, Headphone, Pro Logic IIx, and Virtual Speaker. Digital Live encodes audio into a 5.1 channel 16-bit/48 KHz signal in real-time over S/PDIF. 'Headphone' allows stereo headphones to emulate the positional audio effects of a discrete 5.1 surround sound set up. Pro Logic IIx up-converts stereo or 5.1 channel audio into a 6.1 or 7.1 channel signal. 'Virtual Speaker' is similar to 'Headphone', but is suited to any set of stereo speakers.
The mixer allows the adjustment of the left and right channels. Hitting the 'Record' button gives us further options for MIC, line-in, aux, Mix and Wave volumes.
Environmental effects simulate different sound stages, whilst the equaliser gives us control over the frequency response of the output. The latter is great for compensating for deficiencies you may identify in your audio equipment.
FlexBass gives you control over the LFE (Low-frequency effect) crossover frequency. Basically, this moves low-frequency (bass) signals from satellite speakers to your subwoofer. This can improve bass quality.
Evidently, ASUS have produced a respectable software solution for their Xonar range of cards. The aesthetically pleasing style and functionality make it a valuable asset. It does have some quirks, such as the volume dial which is counter-productive for interaction via a cursor, but that's being a tad pedantic. On the other hand, the five small preset buttons to the right make it super easy to quickly swap between modes such as Hi-Fi and gaming. If only they had associated keyboard shortcuts! The most notable omissions compared to the Xonar Essence STX are the Karoke and VocalFX features. For majority of people, these won't be missed.
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Comments
I know this review is about the sound card but since the headset comes in:
How far the MIC.
The headset being crap, how comes prices ain t being a con., since your paying for something bad, and the gamer really expect it to be good ?