Creative SB1500 User Manual

SB1500 / SB1502 SB1506

User’s Guide

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of Creative's latest audio revolution, Sound Blaster Z-Series! With cutting edge technology from the leaders in PC audio, Sound Blaster Z-Series will give you years of reliable entertainment on your PCIExpress(PCIe®) enabled personal computer.

This User Guide contains software installation and usage information for your audio card.

System Requirements

Minimum Requirements

l Intel

l Intel or AMD compatible motherboard

l Microsoft

l 1 GB RAM

l >600 MB of free hard disk space

l Available PCI Express slot*

l CD or DVD drive for software installation

l High quality headphones or powered amplified speakers (available separately)

Core™2 Duo or AMD®processor equivalent (Core™2 2.0 GHz, AMD processor equivalent or

faster recommended)

Windows®8 32-bit or 64-bit; Windows 7 32-bit or 64-bit

Additional Requirements (where applicable)

DVD-Video

l 6x or faster DVD drive

l DVD player software such as InterVideo

recommended) installed.

l 5.1 speakers for optimal listening experience

Notes

l *Some motherboards reserve the PCI Express x16 slots for video cards only. Use a x1 or x4 slot

instead. For more information, consult the documentation of your motherboard.

l Other applications may have higher system requirements. For more information, consult the

documentation of your application.

WinDVD®or CyberLink®PowerDVD®(latest version

Introduction 1

More Help

For the latest news and products for Sound Blaster, visit www.soundblaster.com. The site also includes information on making purchases, technical help, and the latest driver updates.

Using Creative Software AutoUpdate

Locating, downloading, and installing updates for your Creative products is now simpler and faster with the web-based Creative Software AutoUpdate system.

When you connect to Creative Software AutoUpdate via theInternet, the web site will analyze your computer system to determine what operating system (OS), language, and Creative products are installed in your system.

After the online analysis, you will be able to select from a list of only the most relevant software and driver updates. The files will then be retrieved and installed on your system for you.

To learn more about Creative Software AutoUpdate, visit www.soundblaster.com/support.

Notes

l First-time users of Creative Software AutoUpdate may be prompted to authorize the download of a

browser component required for system inspection. Ensure that the content is signed by Creative Labs, Inc., then click the Yes button.

l Ensure that all your Creative products are connected and installed on the same computer running

Creative Software AutoUpdate.

Introduction 2

About Your Hardware

For instructions on installing your Sound Blaster Z-Series, and any additional accessories, consult the Quick Start leaflet.

To learn more about your product, consult the following sections:

l Your Sound Blaster Z-Series Audio card

l Audio Control Module

Notes

Actual products may differ slightly from those shown in this chapter.

Your Sound Blaster Z-Series Audio card

Your Sound Blaster Z-Series audio card has the jacks and connectors below to enable the attachment of a wide variety of devices.

SB1502

SB1500 / SB1506

About Your Hardware 3

Jack or Connector Description

1. Line In/Microphone In jack

2. Headphone jack Connects to stereo headphones with a 3.5mm (1/8-

3. Line Out 1 jack (Front L/R)

4. Line Out 2 jack (Rear L/R)

5. Line Out 3 jack (Center/Subwoofer)

6. Optical S/PDIFOut jack Connects to recording devices with optical

7. Optical S/PDIF In jack Connects to playback devices with optical

Connects to line-level sources(for example, MP3 players) or microphones with a 3.5mm (1/8-inch) plug.

inch) plug.

Connects to the Front Left and Front Right inputs on powered analog speakers or an A/V receiver.

Connects to theRear Left and Rear Right inputs on powered analog speakers or an A/V receiver.

Connects to theFront Center andSubwoofer inputs on powered analog speakers or an A/V receiver.

connectors (for example, Digital Audio Tape recorders, MiniDisc recorders or external hard disk recorders).

connectors (for example, Digital Audio Tape players, MiniDisc players or DVD players).

8. Front Panel Header Audio connector

Connects to one end of the Intel Front PanelAudio cable (available separately). See Front Panel Header Audio Connector for specifications.

Note:

Toggle to select the appropriate input device (for example, Microphone or Line-In) from the Sound Blaster Z-Series Control Panel. Refer to Sound Blaster Z-Series Control Panel Mixer Settings for more information.

About Your Hardware 4

Audio Control Module

An external ACM(Audio Control Module) provides a built-in beamforming microphone and microphone/headphone I/Oconnections.

Note:

The ACM accessory is bundled with Sound Blaster Zx only.

Jack, Connector or Component Description

1. Volume Control Knob Controls the playback volume of the sound card.

2. Beamforming Microphone Built-in Sound Blaster Beamforming Microphone

3. 6.3mm Microphone In jack

Connects to line-level sources(for example, MP3 players) or microphones with a 6.3mm plug.

4. 6.3mm Headphone jack Connects to stereo headphones or headsets with a 6.3mm plug.

5. 3.5mm Microphone In jack Connects to line-level sources(for example, MP3 players) or microphones with a

3.5mm (1/8-inch) plug.

6. 3.5mm Headphone jack Connects to stereo headphones or headsets with a 3.5mm (1/8-inch) plug.

Note:

The 6.3mm Microphone In jack takes priority over the 3.5mm Microphone In jack.

When connected to the Sound Blaster Z-Series, the built-in beamforming microphone features CrystalVoice technologies which is designed to deliver crystal clear vocal fidelity in multiplayer games, online chats and video conferencing. It also enhances voice communications for popular VoIP solutions. Voice effects can be controlled using the Sound Blaster Z-Series Control Panel. Simply toggle between your headphone and speakers system with a flip of a switch in the control panel.

The options of 3.5mm and 6.3mm Microphone and Headphone jacks let you have choices of your own on which headset or microphone to be used for recording, and audiophile grade connection through the gold-plated jacks on the ACM and Sound Blaster Zx.

About Your Hardware 5

The Volume Control knob on the ACM controls the volume output to your headphones, giving you quick control over the audio level from your games or music.

Note:

The ACM Volume Control Knob allows you to adjust headphone levels conveniently based on the maximum level set by your computer's master volume control. We recommend that you determine the desired maximum volume on your computer before using the ACM.

About Your Hardware 6

Connecting Speakers and Headphones

The connectors and associated components shown here may be different from that of your speaker system. Consult the documentation of your speaker system to identify similar input connectors. You can upmix your stereo sources (for example, CDAudio, MP3, WMA, MIDI and Wave) to enjoy multi-channel sound on your speakers or headphones.

To learn how to connect different types of speaker systems to your audio card, consult the following sections:

l Connecting Analog Speaker Systems

l Connecting Digital Speaker Systems

l Connecting Home Theater Systems

l Connecting Headphones and Headsets

l Connecting Audio Control Module

For tips on how to arrange your speakers, consult Positioning Your Speakers.

For a list of supported Creative speaker systems or interactive help on speaker connectivity, visit

www.soundblaster.com.

Note

l Actual products may differ slightly from those shown in this chapter.

l Select the correct speaker setup or headphone option in the Sound Blaster Z-Series Control Panel to

get the best experience. For more information, refer to their respective Online Help.

l The cables shown in this chapter may be bundled with your peripheral or are available separately

from www.creative.com.

l For more information on the Creative peripherals mentioned in this chapter, visit

www.creative.com.

Connecting Speakers and Headphones 7

Positioning Your Speakers

2 4

Good speaker placement is crucial to getting optimal performance from your audio system and achieving an enhanced listening experience. Below are our recommendation for 5.1 channel speakers.

For detailed speaker placement tips, consult the documentation of your speaker system.

For 5.1 channel speakers:

Speaker Component

1. Subwoofer

2. Front left

3. Front Center

4. Front Right

5. Rear Right

6. Rear Left

Connecting Speakers and Headphones 8

Connecting Analog Speaker Systems

audio inputs

speakers

audio

inputs

Your audio card supports analog speaker systems of up to 5.1 channels. To learn more about connecting different channel speaker systems, consult the following sections:

l 2.1 channel analog speakers

l 5.1 channel analog speakers

2.1 channel analog speakers

Jack, Connector or Cable

1. Line Out 1 jack (Front L/R)

2. 2 channel audio cable (available separately)

3. Audio Input jack

Connecting Speakers and Headphones 9

5.1 channel analog speakers

front rear center/

subwoofer

audio inputs

center speaker

front

speakers

rear

speakers

front rear center/

subwoofer

audio

inputs

756

Jack, Connector or Cable

1. Line Out 1 jack (Front L/R)

2. Line Out 2 jack (Rear L/R)

3. Line Out 3 jack (Center/Subwoofer)

4. 5.1 channel audio cable (available separately)

5. Front (Audio Input) jack

6. Rear (Audio Input) jack

7. Center/Subwoofer (Audio Input) jack

Connecting Speakers and Headphones 10

Connecting Digital Speaker Systems

OPTICAL

COAXIAL

REAR

16V AC IN

FRONT

CENTRE/ SUBWOOFER/ REAR CENTER

AUDIO

OUTPUTS

AUDIO INPUTS

ANALOG

LEFT RIGHT

SPEAKER

CONFIGURATION

6.1/7.1

5.1

MASTER

CENTER

SIDE

REAR SUB

TREBLE5.1

6.17.17.1

UPMIX

MIN

MAX

M-PORT

STANDBY/ POWER

VOLUME

SELECT

UPMIX

POW

CENTER

REA

TREB

SID

PMI

VOL

2 3

Your Sound Blaster Z-Series comes with an Optical S/PDIF Out jack which allows you to connect your digital speaker system. Most digital speakers systems connect the audio card to the subwoofer or an external unit.

For more information on your digital speaker connections, consult the documentation of your digital speaker system.

Connecting your digital speakers to the Sound Blaster Z-Series

Jack, Connector or Cable

1. Optical S/PDIF Out jack

2. Optical cable (available separately)

3. Optical S/PDIF In jack

Connecting Speakers and Headphones 11

Connecting Home Theater Systems

BASS TREBLE BALANCE

VOL

POWER

INPUT MODE

PROGRAM

INPUT SELECTOR

VIDEO L R

EFFECT

PHONE

Your Sound Blaster Z-Series comes with an Optical S/PDIF jack which allows you to connect your home theatre system. Most home theater systems connect the audio card to an A/V receiver.

For more information on your A/V receiver's speaker connections, consult the documentation of your A/V receiver.

Connecting your A/V receiver to the Sound Blaster Z-Series

Jack, Connector or Cable

1. Optical S/PDIFOut jack

2. Optical cable (available separately)

3. Optical S/PDIF In jack

Connecting Speakers and Headphones 12

Connecting your A/V Receiver using Line Level inputs

If your A/V receiver supports multi-channel line-level inputs, you can connect them directly to your audio card's Line Out jacks instead of the Optical S/PDIF Out jack as shown below.

Connect to Line Out 1 (Front L/R)

Jack, Connector or Cable Description

1. Line Out 1 jack (Front L/R) Connects to the Front left and Front Right jacks on your A/V receiver, using a 3.5mm (1/8-inch) stereo-to-RCA cable (available separately).

2. 3.5mm (1/8-inch) stereo-to-

Connects your audio card and A/V receiver.

RCAcable (available separately)

3. Front Right jack Connects to the Line Out 1 jack on your audio card, using a 3.5mm (1/8-inch) stereo-to-RCA cable (available separately).

4. Front Left jack Connects to the Line Out 1 jack on your audio card, using a 3.5mm (1/8-inch) stereo-to-RCA cable (available separately).

Connecting Speakers and Headphones 13

Connect Line Out 2 (Rear L/R)

Jack, Connector or Cable Description

1. Line Out 2 jack (Rear L/R) Connects to the Rear Left and Rear Right jacks on your A/V receiver, using a 3.5mm (1/8-inch) stereo-to-RCA cable (available separately

2. 3.5mm (1/8-inch) stereo-to-

Connects your audio card and A/V receiver.

RCAcable (available separately)

3. Rear Right jack Connects to the Line Out 2 jack on your audio card, using a 3.5mm (1/8-inch) stereo-to-RCA cable (available separately).

4. Rear Left jack Connects to the Line Out 2 jack on your audio card, using a 3.5mm (1/8-inch) stereo-to-RCA cable (available separately).

Connecting Speakers and Headphones 14

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