Monster MX400 User Manual

ONSTER SOUND

M

S3/Diamond Multimedia Systems, Inc.
Corporate Headquarters:
2801 Mission College Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95052-8058 USA

MX400

U

SER’S GUIDE

NTRODUCTION

1I

About Monster Sound MX400.......................................................................................................1

MX400 Features ................................................................................................................................1

About ESS Canyon3D..................................................................................................................3

NSTALLING THE MONSTER SOUND

2I

General System Requirements....................................................................................................... 4

Hardware Installation .......................................................................................................................5

Software Installation .........................................................................................................................7

Installing Software Extras................................................................................................................. 11

ENSAURA TECHNOLOGY

3S

Sensaura Technology Overview ....................................................................................................12

ONFIGURING YOUR MONSTER SOUND

4C

Hardware.............................................................................................................................................14

Software...............................................................................................................................................17

............................................................................................................. 1

............................................................................................. 12

Table of Contents

MX400 ............................................................. 4

MX400 ..................................................... 14

OFT

5S

6T

AU

BC

CS

DG

ET

DVD....................................................................................................................... 18

Introducing SoftDVD........................................................................................................................ 18

SoftDVD Features .............................................................................................................................18

ROUBLESHOOTING AND GENERAL

PDATING YOUR DRIVERS

Update Wizard...................................................................................................................................22

ONTACTING

PECIFICATIONS

LOSSARY OF TERMS

Monster Sound MX400 Glossary..................................................................................................26

RADEMARK, WARRANTY AND CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

S3/D

.............................................................................................................. 24

............................................................................................ 22

IAMOND

........................................................................................ 23

..................................................................................................... 26

Q & A.............................................................. 21

.............................. 29

NTRODUCTION

I

1

Welcome to the world of Monster Sound MX400! Based on groundbreaking
technology from ESS and Sensaura, Monster Sound MX400 adds a whole new twist
to your gaming experience by adding vertical positional audio. Now you can hear

sounds on a whole new axisabove and below you, true quad output, and Dolby
Digital surround sound for PC home theater.

The Monster Sound MX400 series is designed to fit the needs of both the hardcore
PC gamer and digital audio enthusiasts who want nothing less than the ultimate in
PC gaming and entertainment experience. Play the hottest new 3D games, or view
the latest DVD titles to hit the market with sense shattering sound!

This chapter introduces you to Monster Sound MX400 and its features.

♦

A

BOUT MONSTER SOUND

♦

MX400 F

♦

A

BOUT

A

BOUT MONSTER SOUND

The MX400 PCI digital audio card gives you fully immersive 3D interactive audio.
Using the ESS Canyon3D controller and Sensaura's MultiDrive true 3D multi-

speaker technology, Monster Sound MX400 pinpoints every individual sound in 3D
space for incredibly realistic gaming and listening experiences. Monster Sound
integrates scorching 3D positional audio, enhanced DS3D support, Dolby Digital
surround sound with external Dolby Digital decoder, and quadraphonic playback.
Monster Sound MX400 also boosts your video entertainment with cinema quality
DVD and MP3 tools for fiery digital Internet audio.

MX400 F

EATURES

ESS C

ANYON

EATURES

3D

MX400



MX400

Powerful features include the following:

♦

Advanced 3D Positional Audio

♦

Digital streams are processed independently on X, Y and Z-axes, enabling
audio effects from multiple positions simultaneously

1

♦

Enhanced support for DirectSound3D with Sensaura’s MacroFX and
EnvironmentFX

⇒

In order to mimic reality in a gaming environment, MacroFX creates
special close-up 3D “near-field proximity effects,” so that sounds seem to
be very close to the game player (i.e., whispering in the ear, wind noises
and ultra close fly-by).

⇒

EnvironmentFX takes PC audio to the next level of realism. Not only the
sounds, but also the acoustic contribution of the environment envelop the
listener and give vital clues about the positions of the sound sources.

♦

True Quad Speaker Output - Quadraphonic playback for games

♦

Incorporates Sensaura’s powerful MultiDrive technology for true quad speaker
output

♦

Sensaura 3D positional audio technology incorporates a patented multi­speaker capability for creating 3D sound fields using four or more
loudspeakers. This is achieved by using each speaker pair to create a
complimentary sound field, each addressing the front and rear hemispheres so
that any number of virtual sound sources can be made to move around the
listener, controlled by DirectSound3D.

♦

Dolby Digital for PC Home Theater - Turn your PC into a home theater system
with Dolby Digital surround sound

♦

Features S/PDIF Out for playing back high quality DVD movies on your PC.
Combined with an external Dolby Digital decoder

and

surround sound
speaker system, the MX400 delivers full six-speaker (5.1 channel) audio
support.

♦

Also includes software SoftDVD that delivers the Dolby Digital home theater
experience at a fraction of the cost

♦

High-Performance PC Audio Acceleration

♦

System power and efficiency are optimized to ease the audio processing
burden on the CPU, thereby allowing several applications to be opened
simultaneously, without the threat of audio interruption

♦

Cool Utilities and Free Music

♦

MPEG-1 Layer 3 (MP3) and Liquid Audio music files and utilities included

♦

Studio quality software wavetable for musicians

♦

Real-mode DOS for legacy game support

♦

3-year warranty

2

A

BOUT

The Canyon3D technology, which supports the Microsoft DirectSound3D (DS3D) API,
uses HRTF algorithms from Sensaura Technology for each of the four individual
speakers to provide the vertical sound cues needed for total PC game immersion.
Canyon3D's vertical sound positioning for each speaker outperforms other four
speaker processors that only use simple 2D panning techniques to attempt to
simulate a true 3D environment.

ESS C

ANYON

3D



3

NSTALLING THE

I

ONSTER SOUND

M

2

This chapter provides an overview of the MX400 hardware and instructions on the
MX400 hardware and software installation.

♦

G

ENERAL SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

♦

H

ARDWARE INSTALLATION

♦

S

OFTWARE INSTALLATION

♦

I

NSTALLING SOFTWARE EXTRAS

MX400

A

A –

Installation CD

B –

Software Extras

G

ENERAL SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

C

C –

MX400 PCI card

D –

CD Audio Cable (MPC3)

DB

The following minimum requirements are recommended:

♦

Pentium 90MHz or faster (PII 266MHz for SoftDVD support)

♦

16MB of system memory

♦

Windows 98/95, NT 4.0 or Windows 2000 (when available)

♦

50MB free hard disk space

♦

One available PCI 2.1 compliant slot

4

♦

Powered speakers or headphones

Contents

Your Monster Sound MX400 kit includes the MX400 card, installation CD, CD audio
cable, and additional software applications.

To make the MX400 installation proceed smoothly, install the Monster Sound
MX400 hardware, install the software drivers from the installation CD disk, and then
install the optional software.

H

ARDWARE INSTALLATION

To install the MX400 card, shut your computer down, and complete the following
steps.

Before you install the Monster Sound MX400 card:

♦

Review the System Requirements for Monster Sound MX400

♦

Verify the operating system you have (Windows 98, Windows 95, or Windows
NT 4.0) and what version you are running

♦

Be sure that Windows 98/95 or Windows NT 4.0 is installed and functioning
properly. Windows NT 4.0 users should be updated to the latest Service Pack.
You can download the latest Service Pack from Microsoft’s Web page at

www.microsoft.com.

♦

Ground yourself by touching the power supply case

♦

Remove your existing sound card(s) or disable any on-board audio. If available,
use your previous sound card's driver removal utility.

Installing the Monster Sound MX400 Card

Install your Monster Sound MX400 according to the following directions. Please
note that the illustrations provided in this section are for instructional use only; the
card shown may look different than the one you purchased.

Caution

touching the computer's metal case before handling any card. Remove your card
from its protective bag. Handle it by the edges and do not directly touch internal
components or connector contacts.

—Static charges can damage electronic components. Ground yourself by

5

To install your peripheral card:

1. With the power off, remove your computer cover
and locate an available PCI slot (light color slot).

2. Remove the screw attached to the bracket cover
and remove the bracket plate.

3. Position the card directly above the PCI slot.

Note—

Cards are designed to fit one way only. Be sure

your card is properly aligned.

4. Insert the card firmly into the PCI slot.
Take care to press it evenly and snugly into its

Do not force

slot.

.

6

5. Once you are certain your card is installed properly in its slot, secure it to the
computer frame with the bracket screw you removed in step 2.

6. If your computer has a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, connect the CD-ROM audio
cable to the internal connector labeled
card.

7. Reattach any previously removed cables. Next, attach any external speaker(s),
joystick, and microphone connections to the Monster Sound MX400 card. See

Configuring the Monster Sound MX400,

information.

8. Secure your computer cover and reboot your computer.

S

OFTWARE INSTALLATION

Now that you have installed your new Monster Sound MX400 digital audio
accelerator card and rebooted your computer, complete your installation using the
following directions.

There are two ways to install the software for your Monster Sound MX400:

CD In

on your Monster Sound MX400

for cable setup and connection

♦

Take advantage of Diamond’s installation utility and make installing your drivers
and Diamond software quick and easy. See

and Utilities

♦

Install the drivers for your card manually. See

Drivers

.

.

Quick Installation of Diamond Drivers

Manual Installation of Diamond

Quick Installation of Diamond Drivers and Utilities

This section covers the installation of your Diamond drivers and Diamond utilities
under Windows 98/95 and NT 4.0.

After Windows 98/95 reboots, the plug-n-play feature detects your new card and
gives the message that new hardware was found. Windows 98/95 may then compile
a driver database. The

Update Device Driver Wizard

the
Wizard, under Windows 98/95, begin with step 1 below. Windows NT 4.0 users
should go to step 2 below:

1. Click

2. After your computer boots, insert the Diamond installation CD disk into your

Cancel

CD- or DVD-ROM drive. If your computer is set to “auto play,” the Diamond
installation program will start, go to step 5. If not, continue with step 3.

. Your computer will finish booting up.

Add New Hardware

appears under Windows 95. When you see the

Wizard appears under Windows 98, and

3. Double click on
DVD-ROM drive. The Diamond installation CD opens.

My Computer

, then double-click on the letter of your CD- or

7

4. After the Diamond installation CD opens, double-click on
Diamond installation program is launched.

5. You should now see the Language Selection screen for your Diamond product.
Select your preferred language from the list. Click

Next

Setup.exe

.

. The

6. The Monster Sound MX400 Welcome screen appears. Click

7. You should now see the Online Manual screen. Click
Acrobat Reader, if not already installed, or click on
manual.

8. Click Next to continue installation.

9. Select the software you would like to install.

Note—

product.

10. Select the

11. Select the

12. Please review the Release Notes that may appear onscreen—they contain

13. Click

Note—

14. After the installation is complete, click

Diamond Drivers must be installed the first time you install a Diamond

Drivers

card.

Standard

important last minute information.

Next

to continue installation.

If you are prompted to keep or replace existing files, keep the newer files.

Cancel

to install additional software.

installation option to install the Diamond audio driver for your

installation option. Click

Next

Next

to restart your computer, or click

Install

Manual

.

Next

.

to install the Adobe
to view the online

Congratulations, you have successfully installed your Monster Sound MX400 digital
audio accelerator card! Continue with the section

Installing Software Extras

.

Manual Installation of Diamond Drivers

To install the drivers for your Monster Sound MX400 manually, follow the
procedures below for your operating system. If you need to update your drivers,
please see the chapter on Updating Your Drivers later in this user's guide.

Windows 98

After your system boots, the
displays the text

Device.

1. Click

2. You are prompted with two options for finding the drivers. Select

Next

best driver for your device

This wizard searches for new drivers for: PCI Multimedia Audio

.

Add New Hardware Wizard appears

. Click

Next

.

. The Wizard

Search for the

8

3. You are offered several search options. Select the

Specify a location

check box.

4. Insert the Monster Sound MX400 Installation CD into your CD-ROM drive and
set the path in the install window to

D:\Win9X\English\Drivers

(or replace

D

with the letter that corresponds to your CD-ROM drive). You can also click

Browse

and navigate to your CD-ROM drive.

5. Windows confirms that it has located the drivers for the

Manager

Note—

. Click

If the drivers could not be located, click

Next

.

Back

and verify that the correct path

MX400 Series Device

to the Monster Sound MX400 installation CD has been entered.

6. Windows 98 now copies the Monster Sound MX400 driver files to your hard
drive and informs you when the task is completed. Click

Finish

.

Additional drivers will now be installed. Please wait until Windows 98 finishes
loading all drivers—which may take an extra minute or two.

Congratulations, you have successfully installed your Monster Sound MX400 digital
audio accelerator card! Continue with the section

Installing Software Extras

.

Windows 95

There are several versions of the Windows 95 operating system. Verify your version
of Windows 95 by clicking
directory opens, double-click
indicate you are using one of the OEM Service Releases of Windows 95. Be sure to
follow the instructions below for the appropriate operating system you are using.

Start > Settings > Control Panel

System

. The designations

4.00.950 B

. After the Control Panel

4.00.950 C

or

Notes—(1)

You may need your original Windows 95 CD to complete this installation.

If you are using one of the OEM Service Releases, go to the following section,

Windows 95 (versions OSR2.X). (2)

Windows may request the original Windows CD
to update or install some necessary files. Remove the Monster Sound MX400 CD and
insert the Windows CD into the CD-ROM drive. Once Windows has installed the
necessary components, the Monster Sound MX400 installation requests the Monster
Sound MX400 installation CD. Remove the Windows CD and reinsert the Monster
Sound MX400 installation CD.

Windows 95 (version 4.00.950)

After your system boots, it will inform you that it has found a new

Audio Device

1. Select the option

New Hardware Found

the

and prompts you with selections:

Driver from disk provided by hardware manufacturer

dialog. Click OK.

2. Insert the Monster Sound MX400 Installation CD into your CD-ROM drive. In the

space

Copy manufacturers files from

, type

D:\Win9X\English\Drivers

PCI Multimedia

from

(or

9

replace D with the letter that corresponds to your CD-ROM drive). You can also

Browse

click

and navigate to your CD-ROM.

3. Windows 95 now copies the Monster Sound MX400 driver files to your hard

drive. Click OK.

4. You may be requested to reboot your computer. If so, please restart your

computer now—leaving the installation CD in the CD-ROM drive.

Congratulations, you have successfully installed your Monster Sound MX400 digital
audio accelerator card! Continue with the section

Installing Software Extras

.

Windows 95 (versions OSR2.X)

This section provides driver installation procedures for the OSR2 releases (version

4.00.950 B

4.00.950 C

or

) of Windows 95.

After your system boots, it will inform you that it has found a new

Audio Device

1. Click

and display the

Next

. Windows now searches for the location of the driver files. Wait a few

moments until you see the

Update Device Driver Wizard

Other Locations

button. Click

.

Other Locations

PCI Multimedia

.

2. Insert the Monster Sound MX400 Installation CD into your CD-ROM drive and

set the path in the install window to

D:\Win9X\English\Drivers

(or replace

D

with the letter that corresponds to your CD-ROM drive). You can also click

Browse

3. Click OK, then click

and navigate to your CD-ROM drive.

Finish

. The driver files will be copied to their destination
directories. If you are prompted for the Monster Sound MX400 Installation Disk,
Click OK. The

4. Enter

D:\Win9X\English\Drivers

your CD-ROM drive) in the

Copying Files…

Copy files from

dialog appears.

(or replace D with the letter that corresponds to

box. You can also click

Browse

and

navigate to your CD-ROM drive.

5. Windows 95 now copies the Monster Sound MX400 driver files to your hard
drive. Click OK.

6. You may be asked to reboot you computer. If so, please restart your computer
now—leaving the installation CD in the CD-ROM drive.

Congratulations, you have successfully installed your Monster Sound MX400 digital
audio accelerator card! Continue with the section

Windows NT 4.0

The following steps instruct you on how to install the MX400 drivers and software.
To install the Monster Sound MX400 Drivers under Windows NT 4.0:

1. From the Windows Taskbar, click
Panel directory opens.

10

Installing Software Extras

Start > Settings > Control Panel

.

. The Control

2. Double-click

Multimedia

and select the

Devices

tab.

3. Click

4. Set the path in the

5. Select the

6. The MX400 drivers are now loaded into your system.

Note—

Congratulations, you have successfully installed your Monster Sound MX400 digital
audio accelerator card! Continue with the section

I

NSTALLING SOFTWARE EXTRAS

Your Monster Sound MX400 kit may contain additional software applications on
individual CD disks. Choose a CD of interest and install a game or application.

Add

and select

Install Driver

with the letter that corresponds to your CD-ROM drive). Click OK. The

Unlisted or Updated Driver

OK

.

The system

dialog appears.

Diamond Monster Sound MX400 Series

Restart

Unlisted or Updated Driver

Install Driver

prompt may appear. Reboot your system at this time.

dialog to

dialog box appears.

from the list box. Click OK. The

D:\NT4\English\Drivers

driver from the list and click

Installing Software Extras

(or replace

D

Add

.

11

S

ENSAURA TECHNOLOGY

3

S3/Diamond Multimedia Systems has partnered with ESS Technology and Sensaura,
to deliver the latest and most realistic audio system possible for your PC. With

unique support of true 3D gaming with Sensaura's MultiDrive technology into the
ESS Canyon3D controller, the MX400 audio accelerator has a compelling feature set
that enables consumers to experience up to six-speaker, theater sound quality from
their PC. Sound as low as a whisper or as intense as a freight train will attain a new
realism never before experienced in PC entertainment.

This chapter describes Sensaura's 3D audio technology that is at the heart of your
Monster Sound MX400 card.

ENSAURA TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW

S

Sensaura MultiDrive is a true 3D multi-speaker technology. The Monster Sound
MX400 audio accelerator uses Sensaura's MultiDrive technology to provide complete
360-degrees vertical and horizontal position 3D sound effects, from each of the four
speakers independently in a multispeaker PC gaming environment.

Sensaura's 3D audio technology allows for highly realistic simulations of spatial
acoustics and real-time audio environments. With Sensaura's support of the DS3D
API, the Monster Sound MX400 allows for an amazingly realistic and immersive 3D
audio experience for PC gamers.

Your MX400 audio system aims to digitally reproduce a highly realistic sound field.
To achieve the best possible effect, Sensaura's system recreates all of the listening
cues to which a human ear responds: outer ear effects, occlusions, reflections, and so
on. A typical first step to building such a system is to capture the listening cues by
analyzing what happens to a single sound as it arrives at a listener from different
angles (see following illustration).

12

Reflection

Sound source

Once captured, the audio cues are synthesized in a computer simulation for
verification.

13

ONFIGURING YOUR

C

ONSTER SOUND

M

4

The Monster Sound MX400 hardware and software can be configured in a variety of
ways. This chapter outlines the connections and some basic setups you can use to
get the most from your Monster Sound MX400 card.

♦

H

ARDWARE

♦

S

OFTWARE

H

ARDWARE

The Monster Sound MX400 card provides a number of ways for you to connect
external devices such as headphones, microphones and speakers. The following
illustration describes the Monster Sound MX400 card connectors.

MX400

14

Figure - Connecting External Devices

Audio Output: 2 or 4 Speakers

The Monster Sound MX400 card has three separate audio output jacks labeled

S/PDIF, F L/R

figure).

and

R L/R

respectively on the mounting bracket (see the following

MPU401 MIDI/game port
connector

Figure – Side view of external MX400 I/O connector

Note—

The MX400 processes A3D (1.0 emulated), DirectSound 3D and SoftDVD multi­channel sources and automatically virtualizes the signal for 2 or 4 speaker
configurations. Connect your speakers to the MX400 card in the following manner:

♦
♦

If you are using a four-speaker setup, A3D, DirectSound 3D and SoftDVD signals are
virtualized such that sounds that come from the “front” are output to
that originate from the “rear” are output to

Powered speakers are required to connect to the audio outputs.

Use
Use

F L/R

with 2 speakers

F L/R

and

R L/R

with 4 speakers

R L/R

.

F L/R

; sounds

S/PDIF Connector

Monster Sound MX400 offers coaxial S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interchange)
format output for the ultimate home theater experience. Combined with software
DVD support, an external Dolby Digital decoder, and digital speakers, it gives full
six-speaker (5.1 channel) Dolby Digital audio support.

Connect the
IN on your external decoder. With this configuration, the Monster Sound MX400
can provide true digital signal to your home theater system.

S/PDIF

connector on the Monster Sound MX400 to the RCA (Coaxial)

Note

—The Monster Sound MX400 S/PDIF interface is limited to Dolby Digital and

stereo PCM digital output only.

Using Headphones

Attach your headphones to the

F L/R

connector only.

15

MIDI Output

The MX400 card can output and accept General MIDI data from your PC to external
MIDI-compatible devices. Use your favorite music software to control MIDI devices
through the MX400 card. You can also use the powerful, built-in MX400 wavetable
to produce concert quality instrumental music directly from music software. MIDI
cables must be purchased separately.

To connect an external MIDI device to MX400:

1. With the computer off, insert a MIDI connector into the
the MX400 card.

2. Attach the opposite end of the MIDI connector to your MIDI compatible device or
MIDI patch bay.

3. Restart your computer.

MIDI/Joystick

port on

Legacy DOS Game Support

The Monster Sound MX400 card supports full DOS game compatibility through three
hardware implementations: PC/PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect), DDMA
(Distributed DMA), and TDMA (Transparent DMA). Full DOS game compatibility is
achieved over the standard PCI 2.1 bus without additional sideband signals.

The PC/PCI hardware implementation serves as a bridge between the motherboard
and Monster Sound MX400 card to deliver Sound Blaster compatibility for real­mode DOS games. If you desire to use the PC/PCI hardware implementation, the
jumper configuration is needed only for TX chipset-based motherboards.

To configure for the PC/PCI hardware implementation, you must connect one end of
the PC/PCI cable to connector J8 (PC/PCI) on the Monster Sound MX400 card, and
the other end to the PC/PCI connector on your motherboard. Please consult the
motherboard documentation for information on where to locate the PC/PCI cable
and connector on your motherboard.

16

S

OFTWARE

Audio InControl Tools

The Monster Sound control panel is installed when you select Audio InControl Tools
from the Monster Sound MX400 installation program. It allows you to configure
your audio output and verify proper speaker configuration.

There are two ways to launch the Monster Sound control panel:

⇒

Notice the icon at the lower right side of the Windows Taskbar—the Diamond
Monster Sound musical note. It appears by default. To open the Monster Sound
control panel, double-click the Diamond Monster musical note from the Taskbar.
The Monster Sound control panel is displayed.

⇒

From the

Audio InControl Tools

Start

menu, go to

Programs > Diamond > Audio InControl Tools >

. The Monster Sound control panel is displayed.

Set your MX400 configurations using the control panel. You can also test your
speaker selections before exiting the program.

17

OFT

S

5

Your Monster Sound MX400 supports SoftDVD. This chapter describes software DVD
and the requirements necessary to run SoftDVD.

DVD

♦

I

NTRODUCING SOFT

♦

S

I

NTRODUCING SOFT

SoftDVD is a software application that allows playback and navigation of DVD­Video discs. SoftDVD decrypts, navigates, and decodes the audio and video data that
a DVD-Video contains. This allows you to enjoy the latest DVD-Video titles, without
the high cost of dedicated DVD-V hardware.

The SoftDVD software was chosen for its excellent video quality and graphic card
support. In addition, the SoftDVD software was written with the Monster Sound in
mind, because it can direct the DVD-V's audio out to the Monster Sound MX400's
S/PDIF output. When the S/PDIF is connected to a Dolby Digital decoder, you can
experience true 5.1 channel audio as it was meant to be.

S

OFT

The SoftDVD technology supports the following features:

DVD F

OFT

DVD F

EATURES

EATURES

DVD

DVD

♦

Parental settings to "lock-out" unsuitable titles. Parental settings may be
implemented from the

♦

“Chapter” division. Similar to tracks on an audio CD, you can skip to the
previous or next chapter.

♦

Multiple language subtitle support

♦

Multiple language audio support

♦

Multiple camera angle support. This function allows you to choose the viewing
angle of scenes that were shot from different cameras (limited to DVD discs
recorded with multiple camera angles).

♦

Play a video CD disc using the Media Player and ActiveMovie Control utilities.

18

Settings

screen.

Note

—The features described above vary depending upon the DVD title you are
playing. To access these features, the DVD title you play must be programmed to
support them.

SoftDVD System Requirements

To take full advantage of SoftDVD, the following minimum system configuration is
recommended:

♦

Pentium II 266MHz or faster

♦

Monster Sound MX400 audio card

♦

Windows 98, Windows 95 OSR2.1 and Windows NT 4.0 (with the latest Service
Pack) operating systems

♦

Microsoft DirectX 5.0/6.0

♦

32MB of system memory

♦

DVD-ROM drive

♦

VGA monitor

♦

15 MB free hard drive space

♦

TV monitor (optional, dependent upon your graphics card supporting TV-Out)

♦

Graphics card that is SoftDVD compliant

If your system meets these requirements, you can install the SoftDVD application
from the Monster Sound MX400 Installation CD disk.

For more information while using SoftDVD, online Help is available.

Audio Capabilities of SoftDVD

MX400 can output multi-channel audio that is standard with most DVD movies and
titles. There are three modes of audio operation with SoftDVD:

1. Stereo

2. 3D Sound

3. Surround

Stereo
3D Sound

Dolby Digital, for example) is mixed into four channels. Use this method for
optimum audio performance with Monster Sound MX400 and a four-speaker setup.
Connect the

mode is a two-speaker downmix.

is a four-speaker implementation where all channel information (5.1

S/PDIF

connector on the Monster Sound MX400 to the RCA (Coaxial)

19

IN on your external decoder. With this configuration, the Monster Sound MX400
can provide true digital signal to your home theater system.

Surround

mode uses Sensaura surround technology to position the 5.1 Dolby Digital
audio streams in 3D space through your stereo speakers. This provides a more
realistic surround sound experience.

To change the audio mode of SoftDVD:
Open the SoftDVD application and click

SoftDVD Properties

The

page appears.

Configure

within the SoftDVD Navigator.

Audio Settings

Click

Surround

.

. Under Audio mode, you can choose

For more information while using SoftDVD, online Help is available.

20

Stereo, 3D Sound

or

ROUBLESHOOTING AND

T

ENERAL

G

Q & A

6

Do I need four speakers to hear all the sounds?

Monster Sound MX400 provides a 360-degree positional audio effect with headphones, two
speakers or four speakers.

Why am I prompted for the Windows 98/95 CD when installing Monster Sound MX400?

The reason Windows 98/95 prompts you for the CD is because it needs one or more of
Windows system components that are not installed on your system. These are typically
audio components that are required when using Monster Sound MX400. These components
include, but are not limited to:

♦

Joystick drivers

♦

Audio Compression modules

♦

Volume Control (Mixer)

♦

Sound Recorder

If Windows prompts you for the Windows 98/95 Installation CD:

1. Remove the Monster Sound MX400 CD from the CD-ROM drive.

2. Insert the Window 98/95 CD.

3. After the Windows components are installed, you will be prompted for the Monster

Sound MX400 CD.

4. Remove the Windows 98/95 CD from the CD-ROM drive.

5. Insert the Monster Sound MX400 CD.

6. The Monster Sound MX400 setup program should start automatically. Follow the on-

screen instructions to complete the software installation.

Will the Monster Sound MX400 work with my existing ISA sound card (i.e. Sound Blaster
compatible)?

Yes, Monster Sound MX400 will work with your existing sound card. However, the Monster
Sound MX400 is a comprehensive audio solution. It provides complete Windows support
(98/95) and DOS legacy Sound Blaster emulation. Therefore, it is recommended that you
remove your legacy sound card, or disable your motherboard’s legacy audio function.

Note—

you may experience a resource conflict with other onboard sound cards and Monster Sound
MX400. To eliminate any potential conflict, disable the onboard sound option through the
system's BIOS configuration or setup. Please consult the motherboard documentation or
computer manufacturer for additional information.

Although the Monster Sound MX400 fully complies with the PCI 2.1 Specification,

21

PDATING YOUR DRIVERS

U

A

Diamond publishes periodic updates to the drivers for Diamond hardware installed
on your system. These updates address various issues from overall product
performance enhancements, to software upgrades and other improvements.

U

PDATE

Diamond makes it easy for you to update your Diamond hardware drivers with its
Update Wizard. The Update Wizard is simple and quick. If you have an Internet
connection, the latest driver update is just a few mouse clicks away!

The Update Wizard software can be installed from your product installation CD. If
you did not install Update Wizard or desire to reinstall, run the product installation
CD and choose Update Wizard from the list of available options. See the Software
Installation section of this user's guide for information on using the product
installation CD for your operating system.

To run the Update Wizard for Windows 98/95:

1. You should log in to your Internet account. The Wizard uses the Internet to

perform its update magic.

2. Click

Wizard

3. Follow the Update Wizard’s on-screen instructions. The Wizard searches your

system for any supported Diamond products, and returns a list you can browse.

4. Choose the product(s) you want to update from the provided list, and let the

Wizard do the rest!

W

IZARD

Start > Programs > Diamond > Update Wizard > Diamond Update

. The Update Wizard screen and Wizard appear.

Run the Update Wizard periodically to ensure that you have the latest optimized
drivers for the Diamond products installed on your system. The Wizard is so smart,
he even updates himself!

22

ONTACTING

C

S3/D

IAMOND

B

Worldwide Support and Information Services

Service Country Phone / Internet Address

Technical Support
S3/Diamond Multimedia Systems, Inc.
7101 Supra Drive SW
Albany, OR. 97321

Email Support USA

BBS Germany [phone] (28.8 Kbps);

(please call Technical Support for

RMA

RMA authorization, prior to calling the
RMA center)

USA [phone]

UK [phone]
Germany [phone]
France [phone]
Japan [phone]

[e-mail]

[e-mail]

Japan
UK, France,

Germany

USA
International

[e-mail]
[e-mail]

[phone] (K56flex/V.90);
[phone] (ISDN)

(800)-468-5846
[phone]

World Wide Web USA www.diamondmm.com

Fax On Demand USA (800)-380-0030
TTY/TDD USA [phone]

UK www.diamondmm.co.uk
Germany www.diamondmm.de
Japan www.diamondmm.co.jp
France www.diamondmm.fr/fra/support/faqs.htm

23

C

Operating System Support

♦

Windows 98/95, NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 (when available)

♦

Real-mode MS-DOS

API Compatibility

♦

DirectSound, DirectSound3D, and DirectInput

♦

DirectMusic

♦

A3D version 1.0

PECIFICATIONS

S

♦

MacroFX and EnvironmentFX

♦

EAX 1.0

♦

I3DL2 (reverb API)

Minimum System Requirements

♦

Pentium 90MHz

♦

16MB memory

♦

50MB free hard disk space

♦

One available PCI 2.1 compliant slot

♦

Powered speakers or headphones

Note

—SoftDVD and Dolby Digital support requires Pentium II 266MHz or faster. See

section

SoftDVD System Requirements

for more information.

24

Hardware Specifications

Audio Processing Chipset:
Audio Codec:
Wavetable:
Bus Type:
Signal-to-Noise-Ratio:
Sample Rates:
External Audio Output:

External Audio Input:
Internal Audio Input:
Other External Connectors:

PCI Controller: Canyon3D
Quad AC’97 2.1 Codec
320-voice DLS wavetable engine
PCI 2.1
~96dB
Up to 48kHz
2 - Buffered Stereo Line Level Outputs
for Quad support
S/PDIF Out for Dolby Digital 5.1
MIC Input, Stereo Line Input
CD, Monophonic source
MPU401 MIDI/Joystick Game Port

25

D

LOSSARY OF TERMS

G

M

ONSTER SOUND

3D Algorithm

An algorithm that takes as input a monophonic audio stream and outputs the sound
in the listener's sound field. This algorithm simulates the auditory physiology that
exists in humans. The quality of the algorithm allows the listener to localize (where
the listener is with relation to the sound source) the sound in three dimensions even
though there may be only two speakers.

A3D

An API for handling 3D positional sounds and Doppler effects. Using algorithms
developed for NASA, A3D is able to simulate 3D positional sounds on two speakers.
A3D will support four or more speakers, but is optimized for two.

Digital Audio

Digital or Redbook audio is the audio standard used to notch the tracks of
commercial CDs. Multiple file formats are supported: MP3, Liquid Audio, MSAudio,
RealAudio and AT&T’s a2b Music.

Dolby Digital 5.1

MX400 G

LOSSARY

A digital surround sound audio specification that provides for six discrete channels,
including two rear-placement effects channels and a low-frequency effects channel.

DS3D

Microsoft’s 3D audio API helps game developers define where sound should be
placed in the 3D space and how loud it should be. The location where each sound
should be placed is then passed on to your DS3D capable sound card that uses some
clever algorithms to place the sound in 3D space.

EAX

Environmental Audio Extensions (EAX) API for enhancing interactive gaming
software. The EAX API extends Microsoft's DirectSound

adding reverb, echo, and other effects consistent with the room acoustics, position of
the player, source of the sound, and many other cues.

26



and DirectSound 3D,

Head Related Transfer Function (HRTF)

Algorithms that produce head related transfer functions that provide audio through a
filter that incorporates the effects of sounds reflecting off a listener's head, shoulders
and outer ears. Input for HRTF-based 3D audio include the monaural sound source
signal, the listener's position and orientation, and the position of the sound source,
while the output is projected in a multi-speaker environment.

I3DL2 (Interactive 3D level 2)

Offers a standardized artificial reverberation interface for creating virtual audio
scenes and worlds, including the possibility for sound sources and the listener to
move interactively between distinct audio environments and within an environment.
With I3DL2, principal 3D positional and environmental cues can be dynamically
updated in accordance with interactive movements. It includes occlusion and
obstruction features that make it possible to render the muffling of sounds as they
travel through or around walls and obstacles, whether these sounds emanate from a
different room or from the same environment as the listener.

MacroFX

Creates special close-up 3D “near-field proximity effects,” so that sounds seem to be
very close to the game player (i.e., whispering in the ear, wind noises and ultra close
fly-by).

MultiDrive



Sensaura's 3D positional audio technology that incorporates a patented multi­speaker capability for creating 3D sound fields using four or more loudspeakers. This
is achieved by using each speaker pair to create frontal and rearward hemispheres
respectively. The frontal and rearward sound hemispheres are seamlessly integrated
together, such that any number of virtual sound sources can be made to move
around the listener, controlled by DirectSound3D. In addition, Sensaura's MultiDrive
technology uses patented Sensaura transaural crosstalk cancellation algorithms that
ensure optimal performance. Multi-speaker system owners are no longer restricted to
flat, 2D sound panning, but can enjoy the full benefits of immersive 3D-sound.

Quadraphonic Output

Uses HRTF for both front and rear speakers.

Reverb

The sound you hear can be split up in a direct path sound and a reflected sound.
Direct path is the actual sound produced by the sound source (the original sound) as
it travels directly to your ear. The reflections are called reverb, which is the sound
waves that have bounced (i.e., reflected) around on the walls or other objects before
they arrive in your ear. What you will hear is the combination of original sound and
the reverb. The ratio original reverb/sound source is called the wet/dry ratio. The
shape, size and materials of the room/environment and the distance to the sound
source will determine the reverb.

27

S/PDIF

The S/PDIF (Sony/Phillips Digital Interface) format provides output for the ultimate
home theater experience. Combined with software DVD support, an external Dolby
Digital decoder, and digital speakers, it gives full six-speaker (5.1 channel) Dolby
Digital audio support.

28

E

RADEMARK

T

ERTIFICATION INFORMATION

C

, W

ARRANTY AND

Trademarks

Monster is a registered trademark of Monster Cable. All other trade names
referenced in this manual are the service mark, trademark, or registered trademarks
of their respective manufacturers. S3/Diamond reserves the right to change
specifications without notice.

Monster Sound MX400 Warranty

Your Monster Sound MX400 kit comes with a three-year hardware warranty.
S3/Diamond Multimedia Systems, Inc., (S3/Diamond) warrants Monster Sound
MX400 against defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from
the date of purchase from S3/Diamond or an authorized S3/Diamond agent. This
warranty applies only to the original purchaser of the Monster Sound MX400 kit and
is not transferable. This warranty does not cover any incompatibilities due to the
user’s computer, hardware, software or any other related system configuration in
which Monster Sound MX400 interfaces. Proof of purchase will be required before
any warranty consideration by S3/Diamond occurs.

This warranty does not cover any damage caused by negligence, non-authorized
modifications, or parts installed without prior written permission from S3/Diamond.

This warranty does not apply if the product has been damaged by accident, abuse,
misuse, or misapplication, nor as a result of service to the product by anyone other
than by S3/Diamond.

S3/DIAMOND IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS OR
OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE
OF, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PRODUCT. THIS INCLUDES DAMAGE TO
PROPERTY AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, DAMAGES FOR PERSONAL
INJURY. THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES INCLUDING
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE.

Some states do not allow limitation of implied warranties, or exclusion or limitation
of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to
you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have other rights that
may vary from state to state.

This warranty applies only to this product, and is governed by the laws of the State
of California.

29

Certification Information

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and radiates
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna (television, radio, etc.).

2. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is

3.

connected.

4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for additional help.

Caution:

could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. Contact S3/Diamond Multimedia Systems,
Inc., 7101 Supra Drive SW, Albany OR 97321. Technical Support tel: [phone]. This device
complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
other than as described in this manual or altering the antenna in any way may violate FCC rules. FCC
ID JJ4-GP9450-H (Handset) FCC ID JJ4-GP9450-R (Receiver)

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance

Warning:

Using this product in any way

Canadian Radio Interference Regulations

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment
Regulations. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règelement sur le
matériel brouilleur du Canada.

30