ESI Prodigy X-Fi NRG User Manual

High Quality 24-bit 96kHz 7.1 PCI Express Soundcard

User’s Guide

Revision 1, February 2010

www.esi-audio.com

ESI Prodigy X-Fi NRG

INDEX

1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................4

2. System Requirements .................................................................................................................. 4

3. Connector Layout ........................................................................................................................5

4. Hardware Installation .................................................................................................................6

4.1 Preparation for Hardware Installation..................................................................................................................6

4.2 PCIe Card Installation..........................................................................................................................................7

5. Software Installation.................................................................................................................... 8

6. Connection Diagram.................................................................................................................. 10

7. Functions of control panel Software ........................................................................................11

7.1 Entertainment Console.......................................................................................................................................11

7.2 Audio Control Panel ..........................................................................................................................................15

7.3 Karaoke Player...................................................................................................................................................16

7.4 Creative ALchemy (Windows Vista & Windows 7)..........................................................................................16

8. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)......................................................................................... 17

9. Specifications..............................................................................................................................19

10. General Information................................................................................................................ 19

ESI Prodigy X-Fi NRG

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the ESI Prodigy X-Fi NRG. Prodigy X-Fi NRG is a PCIe (PCI Express) audio interface, providing more stable and higher

bandwidth than usual PCI solutions. It has a high performance D/A converter supporting 24-bit / 96kHz, 112dB of dynamic-range and boasts an exceptionally stable circuit design and built-in high quality condenser for the best quality sound with 7.1 channel surround output. Using EAX 3D functions from Creative, the best functionality for home-theater and computer games is provided. High level multimedia functions like the integrated headphone amplifier, digital in- and output, microphone and line level input are also provided.

High Performance D/A Converter

7.1 channel, 24-bit/96kHz supporting AKM high performance D/A converter AK4358 to provide 112dB dynamic-range. High quality condenser and a special circuit design provide best HiFi level sound quality.

PCIe (PCI Express) Interface using Creative X-Fi Chipset

The Creative X-Fi provides excellent performance for game play, 3D surround sound and other consumer applications. The PCIe interface provides more stability and higher higher bandwidth compared to general PCI solutions.

Headphone Amplifier

The built-in headphone amplifier works with up to 300 ohm impedance and provides excellent driving force and high resolution even when using a high impedance headphone.

7.1 Channel Surround / Virtual Surround System

Prodigy X-Fi NRG supports up to 7.1 channel analog output and output channel expansion functionality for stereo signal.

Exchangeable Socket Type High Performance OPAMP

The OPAMPs for both headphone-out and front line output are changeable, allowing you to adjust the sound to your own custom taste.

Digital In/Output

The optical digital in- and output supports up to 24-bit/96kHz for PCM signals and AC3/DTS output, perfect for connection to an external D/A converter (such as our Dr. DAC prime) or decoder and receiver.

2. System Requirements

In order to take full advantage of all the high quality sound and multimedia features provided by Prodigy X-Fi NRG, it is crucial that the minimum system requirements are meet. As a general rule, a faster and better system, always provides better results.

ESI Prodigy X-Fi NRG

Minimum Requirements Recommended Requirements

1. Intel Pentium 4 CPU (LGA 775) or higher or equivalent AMD CPU (Socket 939, AM2, AM2+, AM3)

2. Intel, VIA, nVidia, or AMD chipset motherboard (with PCIe slots)

3. 512 MB main memory

4. one vacant PCIe 1x slot

5. Microsoft Windows XP / Vista

6. Hard disk supporting UDMA 100/133 (at least 500 MB disk space are needed for installation)

7. CD-ROM 40X or higher

8. active speakers or passive speakers with amplifier, 2 channels (stereo)

1. Intel Core2 Duo (LGA775), Core i7 (LGA1366) equivalent AMD CPU (AM2, AM2+, AM3)

2. Intel, AMD, nVidia chipset motherboard (with PCIe slots)

3. 2 GB o r more main memory

4. one vacant PCIe 1x slot

5. Microsoft Windows XP (SP3) / Vista (SP1) / Windows 7

6. S-ATA, S-ATA II type hard disk (at least 500 MB disk space are needed for installation)

7. DVD-ROM 8X or higher

8. active speakers or passive speakers with amplifier, 2 channels (5.1 or 7.1 surround)

Please note that for very high system performance, a graphic card with the latest technology is required for playback of 3D games and Blu-ray / HD DVD or any other high-definition formatted movies such as MPEG-4 AVC (H.264), VC-1. A high-performance dual-core CPU and 1 GB or more RAM plus special graphic card are required for DirectX 10 compatibility.

3. Connector Layout

ESI Prodigy X-Fi NRG

1. Mic/Line-In: Connects a microphone or external line level source such as a TV receiver card,

tape deck, analog output of CD player, etc.

2. Headphone-Out: Connects a headphone or earphone.

3. Front-Out: Connects the front speakers. This is the main stereo output for 2 channel stereo

playback and connection to your amplifier & speaker.

4. Back Surround: Connects the back surround speakers in a 7.1 setup.

5. Center/Woofer-Out: Connects the center/woofer surround speakers in a 5.1 and 7.1 setup.

6. Rear-Out: Connects the rear surround speaker in a 5.1 and 7.1 setup.

7. Digital-Out (optical, TOSlink): Connects to an external D/A converter or to a receiver /

amplifier with digital input.

8. Digital-In (optical, TOSlink): Connects digital output from a source device like a MD- or CD-

Player.

9. FP_AUDIO: front panel audio, only for an HD Audio connection and is not compatible with an

AC97 connector. Therefore, when connecting the cable connector with the computer front panel, you must check if the cable connector is to be used for HD Audio. If you connect an AC97 or other connector to the computer front panel, severe damage to the system as well as the sound card may occur.

10. S/PDIF OUT: coaxial output connector for internal connection with HDMI supporting graphic

cards or expansion connection (i.e. for case front bay).

4. Hardware Installation

4.1 Preparation for Hardware Installation

The Prodigy X-Fi NRG PCIe card and other components in the computer can be damaged easily by electrical shock. You should use an anti-static device that can discharge the static electricity of your body to avoid potential static damage to the cards. If you do not feel capable of installing a PCIe card into your computer please contact a computer specialist.

Turn off the computer power and remove the power cable from your computer power supply.

Disconnecting the Power Cord

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