Recently Hercules
is punching out more new audio devices then you can
shake a stick at. This time, they're back with
yet another way of getting the groove from your
computer to your speakers, the Gamesurround Muse
Pocket. Unlike Hercules's last attempt at an
external sound machine, their
DJ Console, one can not scratch or remix their
music with this product. However, with a
simple push of a button, one acquires total
volumetric control over the output of the sound card
or should we say "knob".
With computer
modding and overall visual appearance of ones
computer hitting at an all time high recently,
Hercules has decided to draw upon the current trends
of computer enthusiasts by producing a product that
not only puts forth a sleek and stylish feel,
but offers a rich variance of connectible options.
Sporting 16-bit 5.1 surround sound, DirectSound, EAX
and total USB (1.1 or 2.0) bus-power support,
the Muse should appeal to a wide range of consumers
who are looking for an upgrade to their mobile
computing equipment. However, as we all know,
the sticker on the box does not always correlate to
"real world" performance. So, in the words of
my boy, Will Smith, lets "pump up the volume along
with the tempo"... ;)
Specifications / Features Of The Pocket
Muse
What's Under The Hood...
Click Image
for Larger View
Technical Specifications
Sound Card Hardware
Records and
playback audio in 16-bit in 22, 32, 44 and 48
KHz
Stereo record
on line in and microphone in
Stereo, 4
channels and 5.1 channels play back
3 stereo mini
jack plugs for 5.1 surround outputs
1 stereo
mini-jack plug for line in
1 stereo
mini-jack plug for headphone output
1 Stereo
Mini-Jack Plug for Microphone Input
Software
5.1 Channel mixer
Set the volume
of each channel separately
5.1 Channel
surround test panel
Sensaura engine based surround positioning
Position
surround sound on 5.1, 4 speakers
Choose the
audio positioning effect
Surround
virtualization on stereo headphones
Button
Aluminium Round
Button
Set volume by
rotating the button
Mute by
pressing on the button
Cable
150 cm USB cable
Audio data
transfers
USB-bus
powered device / no need to plug
Minimum System
Requirements
Package
Contents
Pentium? III or Athlon? 500 MHz or higher
USB port (USB 1.1 or USB 2.0)
Amplifiers Speakers or Stereo Headphone
32MB RAM
Win 2000, Win ME, Win XP, Win 98SE
1 x
Gamesurround Muse Pocket USB 5.1 Sound Card
1 x
Installation CD
1 x User
Manual
Upon opening the box we found the Muse nestled into
a cardboard housing which securely held it in place.
Once removed, the User Manuel and Installation CD,
which where tossed loosely into the bottom of the
box, where exposed. As far as extras are
concerned, there where none to be found. One
Muse, one manual, one CD, that is the totality of
the bundle.
Click Image for
Larger View
Open Box
Box Contents
The Muse
Bottom of
Muse
Comprised of solid aluminum, the Muse has quiet the
concrete feel. The upper rotating cap spins
infinitely in either direction which in turn adjusts
the volume when powered on. Below the cap is
the beefy aluminum base which houses the six I/O
connections around the outside edge. On the
very bottom of the unit is a translucent rubber
slab, which keeps the muse in place while in use.
Though the rubber is not the soft pliable type one
may find on the bottom of speakers, it is sufficient
enough to hold the Muse in place when on a hard,
flat surface like your desktop.
