ASUS Launches Xonar DX PCI-e 7.1 soundcard
Crystal Clear Audio for Gaming and Home Entertainment
The ASUS Xonar DX PCI-e 7.1 soundcard delivers 35 times cleaner audio than integrated motherboard solutions
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA (March 17, 2008) - Providing an alternative to flat and murky motherboard audio, ASUS, leading manufacturer of high quality computer components, releases the Xonar DX soundcard. Engineered for pristine, clean audio quality with a 116 dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), the Xonar DX is equipped with innovative technologies such as Dolby Home Theater and DirectSound3D Game Extensions 2.0 (DS3D GX2.0) offering immersive home theater audio and rich gaming sound features.
35 Times Cleaner Audio Quality
Today’s motherboards feature onboard audio solutions rated between 80-86 dB SNR. Low quality components and electrical interference introduce unintentional noise and distortion to the overall audio experience. Adopting CirrusLogics CS4398 Digital Analog Convertors (120 dB SNR & 117 dB THD+N), the Xonar DX achieves 30% cleaner sound. The Xonar DX dramatically minimizes the output of background noise, as little as 1/32 (-105dB) of the total harmonics distortion versus traditional motherboard audio (-75dB). Listeners can now enjoy clean audio as it was meant to be heard.
Latest DirectSound & EAX 5.0 Compatibility
With Windows Vista’s new audio architecture, many gamers are unable to take advantage of multi-channel sound, DirectSound; and EAX 5.0 sound effects in PC games. The Xonar DX solves all these problems. With DS3D GX 2.0 technology, the Xonar DX supports the latest EAX effects and DirectSound out of the box. Gamers can dive into a truly engaging sonic experience.
Innovative VocalFX Enliven Online Chat
VocalFX applies voice processing technology to gaming landscapes (VoiceEX), and emulates background scenes in online chat (ChatEX). It also allows users to disguise or modify the pitch of their voice (MagicVoice). With VocalFX, online voices are a part of the game.
Low Profile Design and Front Panel Header
The Xonar DX’s low profile design and its bundled mini-bracket offers compatibility with small form factor and home theater PC chassis. A front-panel header makes headphones and microphones conveniently accessible from the front.
Dolby Sound Technologies
Similar to other ASUS Xonar audio solutions, the Xonar DX card is packed with multiple Dolby sound technologies to deliver outstanding multimedia entertainment. Special features include Dolby Digital Live, which converts PC or game audio content into Dolby Digital in real-time; Dolby Headphone, which simulates a surround sound listening experience using any set of headphones; Dolby Virtual Speaker, which delivers a vibrant surround sound listening experience from stereo speakers and Dolby Pro Logic IIx, which creates up to 7.1-channel surround sounds from stereo or 5.1 sources.
Specifications:
Description Output Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted): 116 dB (Front) Input Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted): 112dB Output THD + Noise at 1kHz (-3dB) : 0.00056% (-105 dB) (Front) Input THD + Noise at 1kHz (-3dB) : 0.0004% (-108 dB) (Line-in) Frequency Response (-3dB, 24-bit/96kHz): <10Hz to 48KHz Output/Input Full-Scale Voltage 2 Vrms (5.65 Vp-p) Bus Compatibility PCI Express -PCI Express Rev.1.0a compatible Main Chipset Audio Processor ASUS AV100 High-Definition Sound Processor (Max. 192KHz/24bit) 24-bit D-A Converter of Digital Sources: Cirrus-Logic CS4398*1 (Front) 120dB SNR, Max. 192kHz/24bit 24-bit A-D Converter for Analog Inputs: Cirrus-Logic CS5361*1 114 dB SNR, Max. 192kHz/24bit Sample Rate and Resolutions Analog Playback Sample Rate and Resolution 44.1K/48K/96K/192KHz @ 16/24bit Analog Recording Sample Rate and Resolution 44.1K/48K/96K/192KHz @ 16/24bit S/PDIF Digital Output 44.1K/48K/96K/192KHz @ 16/24bit, Dolby Digital, DTS
Audio Performance
112 dB (Other)
-Max. full 2.5Gbps bandwidth per direction and optimized latency for high-definition audio processing
-Compatible with X1, X4, X8, X16 PCI Express slots
Cirrus-Logic CS4362A*1 for other 6 channels 114 dB SNR, Max. 192kHz/24bit
Availability
The Xonar DX will be available via ASUS North American resellers starting March 24, 2008. The introductory MSRP is $89 USD.
