24-bit/96kHz multi-channel recording, DVD-Audio playback, advanced gaming features and convenient and comprehensive I/O make this the most complete PC Audio solution yet


Creative (Nasdaq: CREAF), the worldwide leader in digital entertainment products for the personal computer and the Internet, announces the new Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX, the only THX-certified consumer sound card capable of 6-channel DVD-Audio quality 24-bit/96kHz recording. Available from the end of February, the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX will have an SRP of £199.99 incl. VAT.

This exciting new audio solution consists of an internal PCI card based on the Audigy 2 processor and the convenient and easy-to-use Audigy 2 External I/O Module. This provides users with studio-quality connectivity through three analogue stereo connections, optical and coaxial digital I/O, full-sized MIDI I/O, and two SB1394 (FireWire) ports.

The Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX is the latest addition to the award-winning Sound Blaster Audigy 2 family, which has established a new global performance benchmark for PC audio and remains the only available solution for DVD-Audio playback on the PC. It also boasts all of the other family attributes, including support for EAX Advanced HD and Hardware Direct X in games, Dolby Digital EX in DVD movies and 6.1-surround sound in games, music and movies.

Unparalleled audio playback quality

Anyone with a DVD-ROM drive of 6x or greater can utilise the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX to experience Advanced Resolution DVD-Audio with amazing 24-bit/192kHz sound quality in stereo, introducing listeners to detail and clarity in recordings that far exceeds the limits of vinyl, tape or CD. Its support for 24-bit ADVANCED HD audio playback at 106dB SNR delivers up to eight times the clarity of motherboard integrated audio solutions. To optimise MP3, WMA or CD playback, the system includes Creative MediaSource the most comprehensive player for digital music transfer, library management and enhancements. It can also be used to up-mix stereo MP3 music into full 6.1 surround sound.

6 channel low-latency recording for the aspiring musician

The Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX sets a new performance standard in recording. It offers the capability to record at 24-bit/96kHz in 6 channels, with a pure recording path and high-performance analogue-to-digital converters. These features enable it to capture the full quality and subtle detail of any kind of music. Coupled with ASIO 2.0 support, the system supports direct monitoring with audio driver latency values as low as 2 milliseconds.

Comprehensive music creation software bundle

The Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX includes a compelling audio and video software bundle:

Steinberg Cubasis VST 4.0 Creative Edition* with Wavelab Lite 2.0 – The complete music production solution, with low-latency multi-track ASIO recording and playback of up to 32 audio and 32 MIDI channels, including integrated SoundFont support plus VST instruments and effects with mixer automation;

Ableton Live 1.5 Creative Edition* – Arrange, playback and remix sample collections in real time and record the results. Features automatic time stretching, built in effects and sample triggering via MIDI or PC keyboard;

Native Instruments Traktor DJ Creative Edition* – Provides dual outputs to cue up tracks in real time to create DJ mixes from MP3 or WAV tracks;

Image Line FruityLoops Pro 3.5 Creative Edition* – Serves as a pattern-based sequencer with built-in software synthesisers and support for VST instruments and VST and DirectX effects.
*ASIO driver support included

"This is an outstanding addition to the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 family," comments Darragh O’Toole, European brand manager for audio products with Creative. "The powerful combination of the Audigy 2 processor inside the PC, and the ample connectivity provided by the External I/O Module outside it, ensures that users will benefit from cleaner signals and better performance," he adds.

"The exceptional technology, connectivity and software bundle we have packaged into this system will put home recording and audio playback onto a new level," he continues. "And everything the user needs is in the box – all they have to do is unpack and install it, and their audio ‘studio’ is ready for action!"

-ENDS-

About Creative Labs:Creative (Nasdaq: CREAF) is the worldwide leader in digital entertainment products for the personal computer and the Internet. Famous for its Sound Blaster and for launching the multimedia revolution, Creative is now driving digital entertainment on the PC platform with products like its highly acclaimed Jukebox MP3 player. The company’s innovative hardware, proprietary technology, applications and services leverage the Internet, enabling consumers to experience high-quality digital entertainment -- anytime, anywhere.

Founded in 1981, Creative Technology's corporate headquarters are based in Singapore. Creative Labs Europe was established in 1993 to capture a bigger share of the growing European market. A fully-fledged European operation was put in place by General Manager Michael Sullivan, with sales offices in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, UK, Benelux, Denmark, Sweden and Poland. Creative's European Operations and Technical Centre (EOTC) facility is based in Dublin, Ireland. The EOTC acts as the central hub to Creative Labs' European business, providing an efficient localised and customised product supply for the European market and customer support to complement sales office activities in several countries. The European operation currently employs around 500 staff.

For further information, visit http://www.europe.creative.com