Audigy 2 ZS Notebook PCMCIA? Good Choice?

[eedre]

I'm looking to buy a notebook sound processor that supports at least 6 channels and includes optical I/O (or at least output). I'm not looking to do any serious recording, I'm looking for a good signal to a 5.1 surround system for operating a laptop as a jukebox/theater....etc. I'm using a Sony Vaio VGN - SZ330P/B. I see lots of product plugging on these forums for products from M-Audio, Belkin, Echo, E-MU, etc. Do any of these companies make an add-on with more than 3 channels? I'm not just interested in PCMCIA, USB is great also! Thanks for any help!

John

[terry]

eedre

Its a good choice for 5.1 audio and games. go to their web site and check it out. as far as recording dont bother.

[zahir]

eedre

Its a good choice for 5.1 audio and games. go to their web site and check it out. as far as recording dont bother.

I gree with terry, just go to their web and find.....:)

[TimOBrien]

Creative = gamer

Look at the Motu products like the 828mkII or the Traveler.

[terry]

TimOBrien

I think he is just looking for surround sound and maybe some recording.:)

[eedre]

I was researching the Echo Indigo IO but again, only 2.1 channel, I guess Creative is the way to go for theater use. Thanks for the feedback

John

[itsplayed]

You could take this route....but it may be overkill for your needs.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/1616Cardbus/

[eedre]

yeah.... I think I'll stay with Audigy haha, thanks for the suggestion!

[ebowgroup]

I'm looking to buy a notebook sound processor

I bought one about 4 months ago, and I want to let you know of one problem with it. The Audigy card by Creative is not compatible with the Ricoh 5C476(II) PCMCIA driver. It also has problems with other Ricoh PCMCIA drivers. When I installed the card into my laptop, it made a loud buzzing sound. I contacted Creative tech support, and they told me that there was a known compatibility issue with the PCMCIA slot that I have. I own a Dell Inspiron 6000.

Creative's Tech support was very quick to respond, so I would advise that you go into your device manager and let Creative know what kind of PCMCIA slot you have and check the compatibility before you buy one.

I do know that they are good consumer cards and put out some good sound. It is much better than your normal laptop sound card.

I also contacted Echo, and they said it would work with my setup. I ended up buying a M-Audi firewire solo instead.

Hope this helps, and maybe will save you some problems.

[itsplayed]

You could take this route....but it may be overkill for your needs.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/1616Cardbus/

eedre wrote:

yeah.... I think I'll stay with Audigy haha, thanks for the suggestion!


I thought you might say that! Well, if your not doing any serious recording, then can't say as I blame ya' for not going the E-mu route and your welcome.

[eedre]

I bought one about 4 months ago, and I want to let you know of one problem with it. The Audigy card by Creative is not compatible with the Ricoh 5C476(II) PCMCIA driver. It also has problems with other Ricoh PCMCIA drivers. When I installed the card into my laptop, it made a loud buzzing sound. I contacted Creative tech support, and they told me that there was a known compatibility issue with the PCMCIA slot that I have. I own a Dell Inspiron 6000.

Creative's Tech support was very quick to respond, so I would advise that you go into your device manager and let Creative know what kind of PCMCIA slot you have and check the compatibility before you buy one.

I do know that they are good consumer cards and put out some good sound. It is much better than your normal laptop sound card.

I also contacted Echo, and they said it would work with my setup. I ended up buying a M-Audi firewire solo instead.

Hope this helps, and maybe will save you some problems.

Should not be a problem, CardBus Controller is by Microsoft, as is the driver. Thanks for the heads up. Also, I know that the included Audigy drivers are bogus, I should just get them online.

[itsplayed]

Here's a compatability list on controller chips for that Audigy. It may be incomplete, but it may help you.....
http://193.95.171.83/SRVS/CGI-BIN/WEBCGI.EXE/,/?St=944,E=0000000000189632551,K=7208,Sxi=4,Case=ob j(7459),Kb=ww_english_add,VARSET=ws:http://us.creative.com/

Are you sure about that controller chip being a product of Microsoft? I didn't think they manufactured such items.
I'd be certain if I were you, as Sony likes to use the Ricoh chip in their products. Of course that was Sony's older product line. Their newer line may not use Ricoh controllers.

[eedre]

Well, the CardBus Controller Properties Menu lists Microsoft as the Manufacturer. I didn't think they made internal hardware either, but who knows.

[itsplayed]

I don't think that it's a Microsoft product. Look in system information to see if there is any additional data on it.

Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Information

When there, expand the tree under the heading 'Hardware'. Highlight the 'I/O' view. See if they list the cardbus controller at the right. It should be somewhere near the bottom of the list and keep your fingers crossed that it's a TI chipset.

[eedre]

"Generic CardBus Controller" is listed, there are two.

[itsplayed]

Well labeling something generic is not a good sign....kinda' leaves one guessing. You could just give it a shot, odds are you'll be compatable. If you really need to know, e-mail Sony's tech support before you purchase.....I would.

[ebowgroup]

To find out the PCMCIA controller you have, go to Start - Control Panel - Administrative Tools - Computer Management

Then click on 'Divice Manager' on the left, and then click on 'PCMCIA Adapters' That will tell you what your system is using.

[eedre]

Well labeling something generic is not a good sign....kinda' leaves one guessing. You could just give it a shot, odds are you'll be compatable. If you really need to know, e-mail Sony's tech support before you purchase.....I would.

Contact Sony.... LoL!:)

ebowgroup, I've checked these, I think what Windows is telling me is that it doesn't know the CardBus manufacturer, so by default tags this title with Microsoft, or whomever provides the drivers for said device. However, at the risk of not being right, I'll say I could be wrong!

I'm sure I will have to contact Sony about it, although they haven't gotten back to me yet on a malfunctioning wi-fi adapter that I fixed myself long ago.:p