Side by Side Comparison of: Creative

Finally a sound card that will let the user have control over all the advanced features of EAX on Windows 7 to 10. For those who don't know what that means: I can now plug my electric guitar into my computer, add an AutoWah effect, a flanger, then even an overdrive effect on top of that. I can go into the parameters of each of those effects and customize them. I can even record what I play.
Though that is cool, I personally mainly just use the EAX features to make new echos for my music collection.
One of the reviews I read about his card said they couldn't get EAX to enable in their games. I did already have Creative Alchemy installed when I put this card in, and I have had no problems enabling EAX in any of my games that use it. It's not hard to install Creative Alchemy even if it doesn't pop up as a download for this card. Just search for it, it should be super near the top of the results.
I would never bother with 7.1 speakers, though I'm using 5.1 analog headphones right now, I really want to get some good quality stereo ones. That being said, this card is awesome for 5.1 surround. I can't tell if I like it's stereo spanning of music into surround as much as the Audigy ZS, but I blame the poor quality of my headphones on that. Just a warning, if this card is set to 5.1 speakers, it will always convert stereo music into surround.

Well one word....fantastic. This card was exactly what i was looking for to get amazing sound out of my speakers. The package was a little roughed up by UPS but the card inside was totally fine. Installations was simple take out the back plate and plug it into my motherboard. The card worked the first time i ran the computer, no problems at all. I dont have a dvd drive for my pc so i downloaded the drivers from the creative website. The drivers were very easy to install and the software for the card is really really nice. Overall I feel like this was an exceptional buy and addition to my pc.

Update: Using this card for about 2 months now and still fantastic card for 40 bucks. The sound from my logitech z506 has never been better. The software that comes with it is really good too; lets you customize sound output and other bells and whistles.

At this price the Sound Blaster/Audiology FX-PCIe sound card is a truly great performer. I only use it with a 2.1 speaker system but it clearly supports 5.1 systems along with several tweaking options. Sound is clear and expansive - almost impossible to believe that this level of sound quality is attained at such a low price.

A few install/setup notes: I run Windows 10 and herein lies the issue. Clearly, this sound card has been in production for a few years - long before Win10. I used the enclosed CD-ROM setup disc. It is a waste of time & confusing. Just go to: [...] and download the latest Windows 10 Install Pack, extract, and you are all set. The enclosed CD-ROM is intended for windows 7, 8, whatever. When I used the CD-ROM it kept getting hung up during several steps of the install process. When you finally struggle through, you are directed to the link I posted (supra) anyway.

OK. We have the sound card installed along the appropriate Win10 drives - yea! You will notice that you now have an FX Control Panel icon installed in your Quick Launce Bar. (If you do not see it expand your Quick Launch bar and there it is!) The default for the card is for a 5.1 system. As I mentioned earlier, I use the the card with a 2.1 speaker system. So, we need to select settings that will give 2.1 system users the maximum benefit.

Here we go-

1) Open the Audiology FX Control Panel (single click for me)
2) Select the "Speakers & Headphones" tab
3) Select "Stereo" (remember card default is 5.1)
4) Check the Full Range box (Front Left & Right)
4) Run test. Happy?

Almost done!

Now, select the "Mixer" tab from the FX Control Panel.

5) Extend the Speakers slider all the way to the right (full)
6) Inside the Balance/Settings Box: Slide L, R, & Sub fully to the right
7) Slide C, LR, & RR all the way to the left.

The Equalizer Tab: Default is "Flat." That is exactly what you want. Leave it alone if you want the music to playback the way it was recorded (or closer to that ideal).

One last step you may wish to double check before leaving the FX Control Panel altogether. Look to the very top right of the FX Control Panel. Do you see the small arrow (or whatever it is called)? Open that arrow. Make sure that "Audiology starts when Windows starts" is selected (it should already be so set).

That should do it. Hope this helps you avoid the errors I made.

UPDATE: After learning how to get into the Dell XPS BIOS (F2 Key) I quickly found the sound enable/disable option. Once the on-board sound chip was disabled and PC rebooted there was a great improvement in SQ. It took some courage for me to enter the BIOS.

Installed easily. Huge improvement over the built in sound device. I've had Sound Blaster products before and always like them. Don't know why it took so long to upgrade this computer. I already have a 5.1 speaker system. How silly to sacrifice your sound with an onboard sound device that doesn't give you the ability to utilize your system to the fullest. I've found that with most systems you need to reboot every once in a while as the audio tends to degrade and have static after a while. Don't know if this will happen with this card but so far everything is crystal clear. BTW, I have a Windows 10 system so I can verify that this card works with that operating system.

This replaced my acclaimed HIFI onboard sound. What a difference this made! Sound is crisp, clear, and the software is powerful yet easy to use. This little card is super compact and super easy to install. Best bang for the buck upgrade I made for my new build.

Finally a sound card that will let the user have control over all the advanced features of EAX on Windows 7 to 10. For those who don't know what that means: I can now plug my electric guitar into my computer, add an AutoWah effect, a flanger, then even an overdrive effect on top of that. I can go into the parameters of each of those effects and customize them. I can even record what I play.
Though that is cool, I personally mainly just use the EAX features to make new echos for my music collection.
One of the reviews I read about his card said they couldn't get EAX to enable in their games. I did already have Creative Alchemy installed when I put this card in, and I have had no problems enabling EAX in any of my games that use it. It's not hard to install Creative Alchemy even if it doesn't pop up as a download for this card. Just search for it, it should be super near the top of the results.
I would never bother with 7.1 speakers, though I'm using 5.1 analog headphones right now, I really want to get some good quality stereo ones. That being said, this card is awesome for 5.1 surround. I can't tell if I like it's stereo spanning of music into surround as much as the Audigy ZS, but I blame the poor quality of my headphones on that. Just a warning, if this card is set to 5.1 speakers, it will always convert stereo music into surround.

Well one word....fantastic. This card was exactly what i was looking for to get amazing sound out of my speakers. The package was a little roughed up by UPS but the card inside was totally fine. Installations was simple take out the back plate and plug it into my motherboard. The card worked the first time i ran the computer, no problems at all. I dont have a dvd drive for my pc so i downloaded the drivers from the creative website. The drivers were very easy to install and the software for the card is really really nice. Overall I feel like this was an exceptional buy and addition to my pc.

Update: Using this card for about 2 months now and still fantastic card for 40 bucks. The sound from my logitech z506 has never been better. The software that comes with it is really good too; lets you customize sound output and other bells and whistles.

At this price the Sound Blaster/Audiology FX-PCIe sound card is a truly great performer. I only use it with a 2.1 speaker system but it clearly supports 5.1 systems along with several tweaking options. Sound is clear and expansive - almost impossible to believe that this level of sound quality is attained at such a low price.

A few install/setup notes: I run Windows 10 and herein lies the issue. Clearly, this sound card has been in production for a few years - long before Win10. I used the enclosed CD-ROM setup disc. It is a waste of time & confusing. Just go to: [...] and download the latest Windows 10 Install Pack, extract, and you are all set. The enclosed CD-ROM is intended for windows 7, 8, whatever. When I used the CD-ROM it kept getting hung up during several steps of the install process. When you finally struggle through, you are directed to the link I posted (supra) anyway.

OK. We have the sound card installed along the appropriate Win10 drives - yea! You will notice that you now have an FX Control Panel icon installed in your Quick Launce Bar. (If you do not see it expand your Quick Launch bar and there it is!) The default for the card is for a 5.1 system. As I mentioned earlier, I use the the card with a 2.1 speaker system. So, we need to select settings that will give 2.1 system users the maximum benefit.

Here we go-

1) Open the Audiology FX Control Panel (single click for me)
2) Select the "Speakers & Headphones" tab
3) Select "Stereo" (remember card default is 5.1)
4) Check the Full Range box (Front Left & Right)
4) Run test. Happy?

Almost done!

Now, select the "Mixer" tab from the FX Control Panel.

5) Extend the Speakers slider all the way to the right (full)
6) Inside the Balance/Settings Box: Slide L, R, & Sub fully to the right
7) Slide C, LR, & RR all the way to the left.

The Equalizer Tab: Default is "Flat." That is exactly what you want. Leave it alone if you want the music to playback the way it was recorded (or closer to that ideal).

One last step you may wish to double check before leaving the FX Control Panel altogether. Look to the very top right of the FX Control Panel. Do you see the small arrow (or whatever it is called)? Open that arrow. Make sure that "Audiology starts when Windows starts" is selected (it should already be so set).

That should do it. Hope this helps you avoid the errors I made.

UPDATE: After learning how to get into the Dell XPS BIOS (F2 Key) I quickly found the sound enable/disable option. Once the on-board sound chip was disabled and PC rebooted there was a great improvement in SQ. It took some courage for me to enter the BIOS.

Installed easily. Huge improvement over the built in sound device. I've had Sound Blaster products before and always like them. Don't know why it took so long to upgrade this computer. I already have a 5.1 speaker system. How silly to sacrifice your sound with an onboard sound device that doesn't give you the ability to utilize your system to the fullest. I've found that with most systems you need to reboot every once in a while as the audio tends to degrade and have static after a while. Don't know if this will happen with this card but so far everything is crystal clear. BTW, I have a Windows 10 system so I can verify that this card works with that operating system.

This replaced my acclaimed HIFI onboard sound. What a difference this made! Sound is crisp, clear, and the software is powerful yet easy to use. This little card is super compact and super easy to install. Best bang for the buck upgrade I made for my new build.

The latest driver pack from Creative's website forces you to install all of its bloatware, which is a bummer. Installing only the drivers is possible by not using the executable to install the drivers, but rather using device manager, or by using the included CD. Compared to my onboard sound, it does have 15ms more latency while using DirectSound, but with ASIO, this card kinda rocks. Kinda, because I am forced to use 48000Hz or 96000Hz while using ASIO, so if you use FL Studio you are kinda forced to export your MP3s in DVD quality. Have fun downsampling. For gaming it is acceptable, there are no odd quirks I have noticed while using this card aside from the lack of front panel detection. It just outputs to everything plugged in all at once, which is definitely a minus.

Audio is louder, so had to set the volume at about 20% rather than around 50%. Clarity is noticeable over on board sound but not incredibly so. I am using Logitech 5300 5.1 speakers so they do most of the work. I rarely use headphones so can't speak to that. For the price I believe this was a good purchase for me assuming they last for several years. I was previously using a Creative Audigy Music card that worked very well and was still working until my newest build. I was disappointed to find the pci interface with the new motherboard would not work so had to get this pci-e card. The next step up in price doubled the money and seemed the difference had to do with using a headset with the microphone, not a need for me. The next step doubled the price again and would be a good card for those creating their own music with vocals and instruments. I could not discern any of the higher priced cards making a difference through 5.1 speakers so got this Audigy FX.

I had to upgrade to get a card that was supported for Windows 10 - this card was exactly as advertised and works perfectly - but - I replaced a Soundblaster Xfi that I used for recording - it supported what u hear recording and this card does not. Otherwise and excellent card and a good deal, I had no issues.

This will be my last Creative product purchase, this card definitely rocks crystal clear and what a difference, but a pain in the you know what with Windows 10 installation, was going to uninstall and return and remembered a comment to turn off/uninstall current sound software, did that, card detected, drivers installed. Been a Creative fan for long time and it is not getting any easier, there web site is not very user friendly or informative in lay terms, my shared opinion, though when you file a request for support they do follow up to conclude resolving issue. Me and my 2 cents worth.This card software provides options, choices and settings, wish they would continue to include individual EQ band settings for my personal tastes and environment, not presets determined by others for different music genres.Creative Sound Blaster Audigy PCIe RX 7.1 Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp

Seems like it has decent output, it certainly sounds good with Philips Fidelio X1s. Minimal options but that's not a terrible thing. The software for the mic control is relatively unobtrusive. I got it so I could use the PCI-E 1x slot above my GPU and retire my -arguably- superior PCI X-Fi Fatal1ty card. The Asus Xonar DGX seems relatively comparable with this card, but the Xonar has much more entertaining mic software.

I haven't owned this too long so I can't speak for longevity. What I did want to write in my review is that this was plug and play with Windows 10 as of May 2016. It sounds like there were definitely some early Windows 10 issues but it was as easy as popping it in. Driver downloaded, installed, and worked automatically for me.

Sounds good so far....

Audio is louder, so had to set the volume at about 20% rather than around 50%. Clarity is noticeable over on board sound but not incredibly so. I am using Logitech 5300 5.1 speakers so they do most of the work. I rarely use headphones so can't speak to that. For the price I believe this was a good purchase for me assuming they last for several years. I was previously using a Creative Audigy Music card that worked very well and was still working until my newest build. I was disappointed to find the pci interface with the new motherboard would not work so had to get this pci-e card. The next step up in price doubled the money and seemed the difference had to do with using a headset with the microphone, not a need for me. The next step doubled the price again and would be a good card for those creating their own music with vocals and instruments. I could not discern any of the higher priced cards making a difference through 5.1 speakers so got this Audigy FX.

I had to upgrade to get a card that was supported for Windows 10 - this card was exactly as advertised and works perfectly - but - I replaced a Soundblaster Xfi that I used for recording - it supported what u hear recording and this card does not. Otherwise and excellent card and a good deal, I had no issues.

This will be my last Creative product purchase, this card definitely rocks crystal clear and what a difference, but a pain in the you know what with Windows 10 installation, was going to uninstall and return and remembered a comment to turn off/uninstall current sound software, did that, card detected, drivers installed. Been a Creative fan for long time and it is not getting any easier, there web site is not very user friendly or informative in lay terms, my shared opinion, though when you file a request for support they do follow up to conclude resolving issue. Me and my 2 cents worth.This card software provides options, choices and settings, wish they would continue to include individual EQ band settings for my personal tastes and environment, not presets determined by others for different music genres.Creative Sound Blaster Audigy PCIe RX 7.1 Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp

Seems like it has decent output, it certainly sounds good with Philips Fidelio X1s. Minimal options but that's not a terrible thing. The software for the mic control is relatively unobtrusive. I got it so I could use the PCI-E 1x slot above my GPU and retire my -arguably- superior PCI X-Fi Fatal1ty card. The Asus Xonar DGX seems relatively comparable with this card, but the Xonar has much more entertaining mic software.

I haven't owned this too long so I can't speak for longevity. What I did want to write in my review is that this was plug and play with Windows 10 as of May 2016. It sounds like there were definitely some early Windows 10 issues but it was as easy as popping it in. Driver downloaded, installed, and worked automatically for me.

Sounds good so far....

simply haven't been able to notice a difference between this card and my on-board sound. Supposedly relieves CPU usage compared to built-in mainboard sound, but can't find any evidence that it does so. But, no denying that it does work.

I was looking for a good replacement for my legacy audio card (which worked amazingly well in Windows 7 but wasn't supported in Windows 10). As an audiophile on a budget, I was looking for a quality card that produced good sound and that had tons of software settings. I was looking for good quality. This card is "ok". For the price, I think I definitely got my money's worth. If you're looking for a decent audio card with very responsive software, yet you're not too worried about amazing sound quality, you probably can't beat this card. If you've got an extra $40 in your wallet, skip this one. You can get so much better for a few bucks more! Gotta say, not bad for the price!

This card has pretty decent sound and is overall worth the money. Unfortunately, I can only get it to fully work in windows, not under linux. I believe this is because linux recently switched to having the driver for the chipset on the card built in to the kernel. Creative does not supply drivers. I tried Fedora and Ubuntu, and both would play sound for a little bit and then the sound would stop. The only way to get it back is to select a different sound profile (e.g. USB headset) and then reselect this card. Then it will work for another few minutes. I'm hoping newer kernels will fix this issue, but for now, I would pass on this card if you have a linux system. Interestingly, this chipset worked before the newer kernel drivers, so if you have a really old system you might get lucky.
On windows it worked flawlessly, and much better sound quality than the integrated sound on the motherboard (which, surprisingly, is the exact same chip used in the audigy FX). I suppose it is the supporting hardware that makes it sound better.

It works great in windows. I thought it would work in Ubuntu 15.04 but it doesn't work without a lot of trouble. I only bought this because my motherboards on board sound card broke. Can't complain to much as I mostly needed the sound card for windows. I just wish I could get it to work in Ubuntu. If I ever figure it out I be sure to update this review with instructions on how to do so.

Update: Ubuntu 15.04 just had an update to support more hardware. I haven't had a problem with the sound card since update. However, I haven't tested it thoroughly. Will update if anymore problems arise.

Update 2: Still sort of glitches. I would recommend a different sound card if you are running Linux.

This sound card is probably for those who do music production on their PC, which I do.

This is not the newest of the Sound Blaster line of sound cards, but it is the last to offer support for soundfonts, which, if you've used them, know how valuable they can be in your desktop music/midi production. No VFX plug-in software soundfont emulator works as well as hardware based soundfonts.

And if you're doing PC recording, then you know that latency is an issue. That is where what you hear in live recording, if you monitor the microphone, is a slight delay. This is the first sound card I've had that seems to have solved that problem. It's about as close as the software will allow you to get.

Those pluses aside, the installation of the software leaves a lot desired...like a working installation. I never got the full installation to work on Windows 7, it froze every time. The best you can do, or I could do, was install ONLY the driver, and none of the additional software. Then reboot, and only install the Creative Update software. On the next reboot, it will check for online updates and will find a new complete version, about 280 MB download. THIS installation DOES work, and includes all the software.

A couple of the items that I do miss from previous Audigy sound cards is the Creative Mixer. The new control panel app isn't as robust. I also miss a graphic equalizer.

I'd almost go back to my X-Fi Fatality, but the latency on this RX is so much better.

simply haven't been able to notice a difference between this card and my on-board sound. Supposedly relieves CPU usage compared to built-in mainboard sound, but can't find any evidence that it does so. But, no denying that it does work.

I was looking for a good replacement for my legacy audio card (which worked amazingly well in Windows 7 but wasn't supported in Windows 10). As an audiophile on a budget, I was looking for a quality card that produced good sound and that had tons of software settings. I was looking for good quality. This card is "ok". For the price, I think I definitely got my money's worth. If you're looking for a decent audio card with very responsive software, yet you're not too worried about amazing sound quality, you probably can't beat this card. If you've got an extra $40 in your wallet, skip this one. You can get so much better for a few bucks more! Gotta say, not bad for the price!

This card has pretty decent sound and is overall worth the money. Unfortunately, I can only get it to fully work in windows, not under linux. I believe this is because linux recently switched to having the driver for the chipset on the card built in to the kernel. Creative does not supply drivers. I tried Fedora and Ubuntu, and both would play sound for a little bit and then the sound would stop. The only way to get it back is to select a different sound profile (e.g. USB headset) and then reselect this card. Then it will work for another few minutes. I'm hoping newer kernels will fix this issue, but for now, I would pass on this card if you have a linux system. Interestingly, this chipset worked before the newer kernel drivers, so if you have a really old system you might get lucky.
On windows it worked flawlessly, and much better sound quality than the integrated sound on the motherboard (which, surprisingly, is the exact same chip used in the audigy FX). I suppose it is the supporting hardware that makes it sound better.

It works great in windows. I thought it would work in Ubuntu 15.04 but it doesn't work without a lot of trouble. I only bought this because my motherboards on board sound card broke. Can't complain to much as I mostly needed the sound card for windows. I just wish I could get it to work in Ubuntu. If I ever figure it out I be sure to update this review with instructions on how to do so.

Update: Ubuntu 15.04 just had an update to support more hardware. I haven't had a problem with the sound card since update. However, I haven't tested it thoroughly. Will update if anymore problems arise.

Update 2: Still sort of glitches. I would recommend a different sound card if you are running Linux.

This sound card is probably for those who do music production on their PC, which I do.

This is not the newest of the Sound Blaster line of sound cards, but it is the last to offer support for soundfonts, which, if you've used them, know how valuable they can be in your desktop music/midi production. No VFX plug-in software soundfont emulator works as well as hardware based soundfonts.

And if you're doing PC recording, then you know that latency is an issue. That is where what you hear in live recording, if you monitor the microphone, is a slight delay. This is the first sound card I've had that seems to have solved that problem. It's about as close as the software will allow you to get.

Those pluses aside, the installation of the software leaves a lot desired...like a working installation. I never got the full installation to work on Windows 7, it froze every time. The best you can do, or I could do, was install ONLY the driver, and none of the additional software. Then reboot, and only install the Creative Update software. On the next reboot, it will check for online updates and will find a new complete version, about 280 MB download. THIS installation DOES work, and includes all the software.

A couple of the items that I do miss from previous Audigy sound cards is the Creative Mixer. The new control panel app isn't as robust. I also miss a graphic equalizer.

I'd almost go back to my X-Fi Fatality, but the latency on this RX is so much better.

Just did not work in my Win7 Professional computer with an Asus card! Amazon was terrific through a return, replacement and another return. The Creative Sound Blaster card just would not install. Can't blame Creative either - their tech support was outstanding providing me with hours of help to get this thing to work. BUT, after so much time, I just sent the card back (twice) for full refund. Bought an ASUS DGX 5.1 card (also PCI-E) and in 10 minutes, up and running with the card and software and excellent music on my Altec Lansing speakers. So, install of the Sound Blaster Audigy FX PCIe 5.1 card might work for you, but not for me.

If I'm watching a movie, some of the time about half way through the sound will just cut out completely. I can get the sound back by changing the setting for the sound card in the computer to something else and then resetting it back to SPDIF out again which is a big nuisance but its not quite worth the trouble of taking my computer apart and sending the card back. The card works well when its working this is the only problem I have with it. The Sound quality is great.

I ended up going back to the motherboard for my audio. I'm not sure if it's because the card won't fit right into the PCIe slot and the back of the case or if it's just broken in some way. It seems the back plate is a tiny bit longer than it should be and when screwed in raises the other end of the card slightly out of the PCIe slot. Though I don't know if this was the cause of the distortion. I keep getting some stutter while playing games and music playback was choppy. It wasn't constant but it was definitely noticeable and frequent enough to be annoying.

Creative doesn't have server drivers for this sound card, so it is useless for Audio/Video production/review on servers. Most Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 drivers will work on Server 2012, but not the drivers for this card.

Just a warning to anyone contemplating using this for Audo/Video on a server platform.
Support says "Our sound cards are not designed for Windows Server operating systems. As such the drivers for Server OS are not available for download." (Period)

Anyone know of a sound card manufacturer that produces a PCIe 5.1/7.1 Surround card with a driver that DOES work on Windows 2012 server?
I am frustrated with trying to get a compatible sound card on Amazon.com! (Sigh)

After having a Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS on my old Dell Dimension 8400, I figured another Sound Blaster Audigy product would be just what I was looking for for my new computer which came with on board audio. Even though I had a bit of a falling out with Creative after having a Creative Zen Vision (non W model) die within a year of ownership (motherboard failure), I thought I would give Creative another shot. The card might be good, but it is being held back tremendously by the absolutely useless software. There is absolutely no mixer where you can adjust something like line, in volume, and there is no equalizer at all. You get these EAX settings which are effects... like say, if you wanted to hear what your music would sound like in the bathroom... or a haunted cavern. Useless. I wish I could easily use my Audigy 2 ZS on this new computer, but the 2 ZS is a PCI card and I only have PCIe on this new machine.

I did some reasearch and found out that the Audigy FX, the cheaper card, has a useable mixer and equalizer. Amazing. Cheaper card comes with more usable software. I bought the card 6 months ago, so I can't return it. And I still have found no way of making this card usable with better software with a mixer and equalizer. I'm still looking around to find something that is as good as that Audigy 2 ZS.

Just did not work in my Win7 Professional computer with an Asus card! Amazon was terrific through a return, replacement and another return. The Creative Sound Blaster card just would not install. Can't blame Creative either - their tech support was outstanding providing me with hours of help to get this thing to work. BUT, after so much time, I just sent the card back (twice) for full refund. Bought an ASUS DGX 5.1 card (also PCI-E) and in 10 minutes, up and running with the card and software and excellent music on my Altec Lansing speakers. So, install of the Sound Blaster Audigy FX PCIe 5.1 card might work for you, but not for me.

If I'm watching a movie, some of the time about half way through the sound will just cut out completely. I can get the sound back by changing the setting for the sound card in the computer to something else and then resetting it back to SPDIF out again which is a big nuisance but its not quite worth the trouble of taking my computer apart and sending the card back. The card works well when its working this is the only problem I have with it. The Sound quality is great.

I ended up going back to the motherboard for my audio. I'm not sure if it's because the card won't fit right into the PCIe slot and the back of the case or if it's just broken in some way. It seems the back plate is a tiny bit longer than it should be and when screwed in raises the other end of the card slightly out of the PCIe slot. Though I don't know if this was the cause of the distortion. I keep getting some stutter while playing games and music playback was choppy. It wasn't constant but it was definitely noticeable and frequent enough to be annoying.

Creative doesn't have server drivers for this sound card, so it is useless for Audio/Video production/review on servers. Most Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 drivers will work on Server 2012, but not the drivers for this card.

Just a warning to anyone contemplating using this for Audo/Video on a server platform.
Support says "Our sound cards are not designed for Windows Server operating systems. As such the drivers for Server OS are not available for download." (Period)

Anyone know of a sound card manufacturer that produces a PCIe 5.1/7.1 Surround card with a driver that DOES work on Windows 2012 server?
I am frustrated with trying to get a compatible sound card on Amazon.com! (Sigh)

After having a Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS on my old Dell Dimension 8400, I figured another Sound Blaster Audigy product would be just what I was looking for for my new computer which came with on board audio. Even though I had a bit of a falling out with Creative after having a Creative Zen Vision (non W model) die within a year of ownership (motherboard failure), I thought I would give Creative another shot. The card might be good, but it is being held back tremendously by the absolutely useless software. There is absolutely no mixer where you can adjust something like line, in volume, and there is no equalizer at all. You get these EAX settings which are effects... like say, if you wanted to hear what your music would sound like in the bathroom... or a haunted cavern. Useless. I wish I could easily use my Audigy 2 ZS on this new computer, but the 2 ZS is a PCI card and I only have PCIe on this new machine.

I did some reasearch and found out that the Audigy FX, the cheaper card, has a useable mixer and equalizer. Amazing. Cheaper card comes with more usable software. I bought the card 6 months ago, so I can't return it. And I still have found no way of making this card usable with better software with a mixer and equalizer. I'm still looking around to find something that is as good as that Audigy 2 ZS.

First I installed the card without installing the software and then the subwoofer didn;t work.

Then I installed the software from the CD and then nothing worked. I tried removing and installing the software multiple times: no luck. I also tried downloading drivers from the creative website twice, two times I got different software and both times I got an error message saying that "the installation software cannot find the hardware" or something like

Piece of crap, returned.

Have not been able to get this to work on a Windows 10 PC. The directions say to insert the installation disc and let autorun install the drivers, but the program starts up, loads for a minute, then exits itself with an error saying no compatible hardware is present in the system. I have tried everything from downloading the most up to date drivers from the Creative website to uninstalling and disabling my on- board sound device through the BIOS. Nothing works. My computer simply didn't see the card in any of its PCIe slots.

Worked well for about 2 weeks, than started having problems similar to others (nothing but bass heavy music and weak, scratchy internet videos). Of course I didn't suspect the sound card at first so I wasted time chasing the problem elsewhere. I would still be using my old PCI Audigy if my MB had a PCI slot (only PCIe, now). Software shipped with the board was from 2014. I'll stick to the on-motherboard sound until I can find a decent dedicated card.

I purchased this sound card to have 5.1 audio in a new computer. within 2 weeks it developed static, then stopped playing back recorded tracks properly. Most recently it has become weak on the right channel. Not at all usable, and the worst part is having to jump through the hoops to return it or get refunded for junk and then having to order something else. The seller is going to want to replace it - but I don't want another piece of junk and the headache of having to take the computer off-line and unhook it and install it again and again. This is the second time in my life I've experienced substandard products from Sound Blaster - not likely to try one again.

I have struggled with this card for over a year, bought it in January of 2016. Creative replaced it initially, after almost 3 months of email communication, but with the replacement card, I had the same problems (below). If I can manage to get Windows to disregard the Creative software and go with default drivers, I lose EQ and Balance/Fader controls, but at least the sound is more consistent... until a Windows update throws everything off again, which just happened a few days ago and none of my previous tricks will fix it.

I have an HP Envy desktop, with Logitech 5.1 surround sound system (that sounds great in my older XP PC with an old Turtle Beach 5.1 card). With the Audigy, sound cuts out and I have pitch/speed variances (like wow and flutter), channels switch in and out (the center cuts out briefly, rear speakers cut in and out), and static is heard intermittently across all channels. I have installed the software from the included CD, uninstalled and downloaded the drivers from Creative's website, listed as recommended for Windows 10 (although Creative hasn't updated them since August of 2015). I tried all of the available sample rates, made no difference. After a reboot, it sometimes sounds fine at first, but then degrades again after about 30 seconds. I even updated the HP's MB firmware, made no difference.

It may be a good card under certain conditions - obviously there are reviews from people who are perfectly pleased with it - but Creative doesn't seem interested in addressing the problems for those who have them.

First I installed the card without installing the software and then the subwoofer didn;t work.

Then I installed the software from the CD and then nothing worked. I tried removing and installing the software multiple times: no luck. I also tried downloading drivers from the creative website twice, two times I got different software and both times I got an error message saying that "the installation software cannot find the hardware" or something like

Piece of crap, returned.

Have not been able to get this to work on a Windows 10 PC. The directions say to insert the installation disc and let autorun install the drivers, but the program starts up, loads for a minute, then exits itself with an error saying no compatible hardware is present in the system. I have tried everything from downloading the most up to date drivers from the Creative website to uninstalling and disabling my on- board sound device through the BIOS. Nothing works. My computer simply didn't see the card in any of its PCIe slots.

Worked well for about 2 weeks, than started having problems similar to others (nothing but bass heavy music and weak, scratchy internet videos). Of course I didn't suspect the sound card at first so I wasted time chasing the problem elsewhere. I would still be using my old PCI Audigy if my MB had a PCI slot (only PCIe, now). Software shipped with the board was from 2014. I'll stick to the on-motherboard sound until I can find a decent dedicated card.

I purchased this sound card to have 5.1 audio in a new computer. within 2 weeks it developed static, then stopped playing back recorded tracks properly. Most recently it has become weak on the right channel. Not at all usable, and the worst part is having to jump through the hoops to return it or get refunded for junk and then having to order something else. The seller is going to want to replace it - but I don't want another piece of junk and the headache of having to take the computer off-line and unhook it and install it again and again. This is the second time in my life I've experienced substandard products from Sound Blaster - not likely to try one again.

I have struggled with this card for over a year, bought it in January of 2016. Creative replaced it initially, after almost 3 months of email communication, but with the replacement card, I had the same problems (below). If I can manage to get Windows to disregard the Creative software and go with default drivers, I lose EQ and Balance/Fader controls, but at least the sound is more consistent... until a Windows update throws everything off again, which just happened a few days ago and none of my previous tricks will fix it.

I have an HP Envy desktop, with Logitech 5.1 surround sound system (that sounds great in my older XP PC with an old Turtle Beach 5.1 card). With the Audigy, sound cuts out and I have pitch/speed variances (like wow and flutter), channels switch in and out (the center cuts out briefly, rear speakers cut in and out), and static is heard intermittently across all channels. I have installed the software from the included CD, uninstalled and downloaded the drivers from Creative's website, listed as recommended for Windows 10 (although Creative hasn't updated them since August of 2015). I tried all of the available sample rates, made no difference. After a reboot, it sometimes sounds fine at first, but then degrades again after about 30 seconds. I even updated the HP's MB firmware, made no difference.

It may be a good card under certain conditions - obviously there are reviews from people who are perfectly pleased with it - but Creative doesn't seem interested in addressing the problems for those who have them.