M-Audio Revolution 7.1 manual Listening Tests

R E V I E W E R ’ S G U I D E

G A M E S W I T H E A X 1 . 0 , E A X 2 . 0 , D I R E C T - S O U N D 3 D ,

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A M A Z I N G L Y R E A L W I T H A T H E R E V O L U - T I O N 7 . 1

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Listening Tests

With the Revolution 7.1, the proof is in the listening. Ideally, you would have two computers that are identical in every way except for the sound card installed. This will allow you to make direct A-B comparisons with Revolution 7.1 and the com- peting sound card of your choice. If not, you’ll use one system and swap the sound cards in and out as necessary.

Note that some competing sound card driver software assumes single card function- ality and this software can conflict with other sound cards. We’ve noticed that even after a full uninstall of some competitors’ drivers and software, some residual soft- ware is left on the system which can still cause problems if a new sound card is later added to the system. We recommend installing the Revolution 7.1 on a clean, up- dated system.

Test 1: Inherent Noise

This test compares the inherent noise—or lack of noise—present in the sound cards. The Revolution 7.1 features a professional 107 dB signal-to-noise ratio.

DO NOT PLAY AUDIO CONTENT DURING THIS TEST.

Doing so may damage speakers and cause hearing loss.

1.Connect the competing sound card/computer combination to pow- ered speakers or a stereo receiver, then turn the volume up all the way. Listen for the amount of noise present.

2.Turn the volume all the way down, then connect the speakers to the Revolution 7.1.

3.Repeat the same test with the Revolution 7.1. You should hear no noise from the Revolution 7.1.

You may hear noise associated directly with the powered speakers, cables, stereo system, or amplification, but not from the Revolution 7.1. It helps to test with a higher-quality sound system that doesn’t introduce a lot of noise. Note that it is also important to listen for noise during quiet parts in music. Some competing cards utilize “muting circuitry,” which eliminates noise by muting when no sound is playing back. Unfortunately, these turn off when sound is playing, so noise is again introduced into the audio signal.

Test 2: Surround Gaming

Here’s where you surround yourself with the Revolution 7.1’s 3D position- ing using Sensaura technology. Games enabled with EAX 1.0, EAX 2.0, DirectSound3D, DirectSound, I3DL2, and A3D offer amazing realism when played through the Revolution 7.1.

1.Choose a game that supports positional audio, such as Unreal Tour- nament 2003, Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast, or Warcraft III.

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