What is this?
First Hi-Speed USB audio solution promises 24-bit/96kHz audio, EAX Advanced HD and cinematic 7.1 surround sound for PC notebook or desktop users.
User Review(s)
"Hardware good, drivers BAAAAD!" The hardware itself is superb -- the sound quality is as good as it gets, there are all the connectors you could possibly want, and even the LEDs look cool. However, the drivers are less than stellar; some applications (WinDVD for one) will lock from time to time, and resolutely refuse to close (even via task manager), requiring a hard reset.
This has apparently been fixed in the latest drivers, but installing them has proved to be a nightmare; on two machines I tried, after installing the new drivers the machine repeatedly locked up the first time a sound was played, and would not uninstall -- in the end a system restore point was the only solution.
I'd recommend it, but with reservations; the hardware is excellent, but as with some previous cards, the drivers are somewhat of a weak point. From Mat Hall, March 03, 2004
"Terrific Addition to my laptop!" I travel alot and spend lots of time with my laptop, so I purchased the Creative Audigy 2 NX. After purchasing the Nomad Zen Xtra portable player previously, I found out how bad my laptop sounded.
Now with the Audigy 2 NX the sound coming from my USB 1 port as well as myy PCMCIA USB 2 is truely amazing. With the addition of a remote control, the Hotel room doesn't seem so restricting. I also purchased the Travelsound speakers and have a pretty complete system in my travel bag.
The combination of the Zen, the NX, and the Travelsound is wonderful.
I took it back to my home and found another use for it. I connected it to my home theater with my laptop and have a remote controlled music station as well. Using the Toslink optical out to my Denon reciever is as good as it gets!
The software that coes with it is the same complement that comes with the Audigy 2 PCI card, the remote seemlessly works with creative software products and also has the ability to interface with my Software dvd player as well as my other music jukebox programs like musicmatch and Windows media.
It appears that the thoughput of the DVD audio requires USB 2.0 and it sure sounds amazing. From Ray Burnthorn, February 15, 2004
"USB 2.0 - Worth the effort of upgrading" This soundcard is outstanding, brilliant, wonderful - if and only if your computer is geared up to use USB 2.0 straight out of the box... mine wasn't.
But, Creative did provide advice that suggested a BIOS update, and this done, the Audigy runs like a dream - I'm actually thinking of buying some DVD audio discs to play on it. The sound is superb, 24-bit sound makes the difference. EAX is amazing, games sound terrific and DVD audio is faultless. It's a gamers dream.
I would honestly recommend the Audigy, but would suggest it is for Hardware Pros or novice users who have a PC out-of-the-box and can rely on free tech support. I found that even using the USB 1.1 mode, my sound was hopelessly corrupted because of my mobo's inability to cope with the bandwidth required. I'm sure the majority of people would have called up CL straight away. But it's not really CL's fault, perhaps inclusion of this problem in their knowledge base would help a few people.
All in all... amazing quality at a good price... just a little finicky on some specs. From Ryan Layne, January 20, 2004
"Stunning" For the money this little device has it all. The sound quality is amazing. Even just for mp3s. Using the tools provided cleaning up songs is easy, but not usually required. Don't bother with Kareoke.
I have to figure out how to upload my soundfont still, but the midi with no special soundfonts is already amazing. I can't wait. What an upgrade from my Soundblaster Live! And what an upgrade from my laptops make do soundcard! From Cyrrus, November 11, 2003
"Awesome!!!" I love it. Currently I have had only small driver problems when ejecting the device. But the troubles are well worth it. I bought this becaus I am a DJ that works from my laptop, this allows me to preform through the mixer and speaks and preview upcomin songs through my headphones. Once again, I love it. From Tin Kup, November 07, 2003
We're currently upgrading our user review system; so we won't be accepting new reviews for now. Sound Blaster Audigy 2 NX Specs
Windows 98 SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP
USB speaker type
True digital audio
# of speakers
0
Output power for speakers
--
Frequency response range
Output power for subwoofer
3D sound effects
--
Wired remote control
--
Input / output ports
--
Power source
Bus-powered
Warranty
One year
Extras Lost a USB cable? Get a replacement USB cable.
Running out of USB ports? Get an extra USB hub.
You may need a new USB card to achieve Hi-Speed USB speeds.
Confirm with our USB 2.0 FAQ if you have Hi-Speed USB on your PC.
Where to buy Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 NX?
