The Furious Angels
FA Discussion => Off Topic => Topic started by: Anonymous on July 03, 2005, 06:59:23 pm
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Alrighty, this is a little guide I'm creating for those of you wanting to get a little more out of your sound card. This is going to get a bit technical at parts, so forgive me, please.
Alrighty, first of all if you own any sort of Sound Blaster Card (preferably Live! 5.1 and up), you're going to want to get the kX Audio Drivers. These drivers are the shit, and they replace your standard Creative Labs drivers.
Alrighty, so go hit up this (http://kxproject.lugosoft.com/down.php?language=en) and download the full version. Once that's done downloading, uninstall all Creative shit related to your sound card, you're not gonna need it anymore. Then, install the kX audio drivers, default settings (unless you're true hardcore audiophile and want to play with the install options).
Alrighty, once that's done, you're gonna want to right click the pretty little kX icon in your taskbar and go to kX DSP.
Let me know when you're there...ok, good.
Now, open this (http://members.home.nl/nahutec/kxtutor/kxtutor.html) and follow its instructions like a direct line from the Commissioner. Just so you know, on the Stereo Mix plugin, you have to double-click it and set both inputs at 50%. You may also have to go into the kX Mixer, and uncheck "Toggle 'Swap Front and Rear' Mode".
Next, run to the Bat Cave, and get this (http://www.foobar2000.org) download the Special Package, and rec'nize the goodness.
Alrighty, now for the setup of Foobar, this is where it's gonna get fun. Get the ASIO plugin for Foobar here (http://www3.cypress.ne.jp/otachan/foo_output_asio(exe)_049.7z).
You're gonna need 7zip to extract it. That's here (http://www.7-zip.org/)
Alrighty, once that's done, drop that bitch in your foobar2000/components directory, and fire up foobar.
Now, this is where it's gonna get complicated.
Alrighty, go to Foobar2000-> Preferences, scroll on down to Playback, and select it.
Set Output Data Format to 16bit fixed-point, make sure Dither is checked, and set it to strong ATH noise shaping, and disable clipping warnings.
Now, go to your DSP Manager and make sure the only Active DSPs are Resampler (SSRC), Volume Control, and Advanced Limiter
Now, under the DSP Manager window on the left, select Resampler, and set it to 48000 Hz
Next stop is Output, set that to ASIO (exe version) and you should be locked, cocked, and ready to rock. For the more advanced users, you can open up your kX DSP and drop in Timbre and/or 10 Band EQ for tweakage.
Please note: If you're going to use Timbre and 10 Band EQ, I've found the best setting for just about anything is the Techno Preset, with the Input at -12.1 dB that way you get a nice bass and treble boost without hardly any distorting. Now, set Timbre for 3 dB on both bass and treble and you should be good.
Like I said, just fiddle with things if you're an advanced user, and you should be set.
Let me know if there's anything else you need help with. Just so you know, this whole thing is really meant for people who are computer-wise, because it involves fiddling with some important stuff. I'll try and help in any way I can if people have problems. Let me know what you think :)
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Oooh... I may do this, too, when I get back from my trip. Thanks, Kayda! (By the by, I'm sigless and avatarless temporarily, as my server exploded on Saturday, and still isn't 100%.)
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...I need a computer tutor. (By the by... I wish I had a server... -twitch- BUT IM TOO (___)ING STUPID TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO USE ONE! :P)
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It doesnt work with SoundBlaster Live! 24-Bit
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I'm willing to bet money it does. I'll have to swing by your place sometime Rorin to help you. I just need to work my magic
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They diver dont but you are welcome to come by and try.
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i got a soundblaster live! value card. Does it work with that? It came out of a friends old dell....
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Yup, it works with Soundblast Live! Value. That was the card I was using prior to this Soundblast Live! 5.1 I'm using right now.
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Okay and another thing, What exactly is this going to do for me? Like get all fancy with fancy words if you need to.
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Well, basically, using the kX Drivers enables you to use Real-Time DSP effects to modify the quality and volume of your sound. When these drivers are installed, configured properly, and used in conjunction with Foobar, it produces audio quality far better than you probably have ever heard come out of any audio card/speaker combo you've ever used. In my piece of shit 2.1 system sound like Stormrunner's Logitech 5.1 system (No joke). You'll find that you are able to get much more sound out of your speakers with less distortion.
Also, depending on your audio card, you could configure Foobar to resample to 192kHz at 32+bit floating point precision with your audio quality, and get something that sounds absolutely phenominal. It makes me happy in the pants.
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Aight cool stuff, I might try this when I'm just sitting here trying figure out what I should do on my comp.