Installation Drivers & Testing Regimen
The card is rather simple to install, one PCI-E slot and any empty slot for the expansion card. The driver suite installed just as easy. The GUI for the STX II drivers does vary a bit cosmetically from the traditional Xonar drivers but to those familiar with the cards, all required functions and settings can be found in similar locations.
Here is a screen shot of the Essence STX II driver suite. The driver offers sub panels for:
- Mixer – Offering faders for output channels and Input channels including switchable muting.
- Effect – Controls for 10 channel +/- 20dB Equalizer with 11 presets and user save/load functions for custom EQ settings. Also environmental effects settings can be found.
- Karaoke – For those with American Idol Ambitions
- Flexbass – Controls and settings for Bass redirection, with LFE freq. setting and speaker size settings.
- VocalFX – Effects for in game communication and VoIP applications.
The driver also offers controls for the Dolby audio technologies available on the card such as 7.1 Virtual speaker, Dolby Headphone and Dolby Pro-Logic IIX. In the lower corner we can see settings for Smart volume management and task based presets such as gaming, Music, Movies, Hi-Fi and GX gaming mode.
Testing Regimen
Test Audio System
- Fronts/Rears: Axiom M2 V3 Bookshelf
- Center: AxiomVP 100 V3
- Sub: Axiom EP 125
- Headphones: Sennheiser HD595
Cables
- Interconnects: JPS Ultra Conductor
- Speaker Cables: JPS Ultra Conductor
- S/Pdif: JPS Ultra Conductor
Receiver
- Sony STR- DE 975
Notes on listening tests: It is very difficult to describe sound quality and considering we all use different playback systems, the listening tests are just meant to give the reader a general idea of what we heard during testing. We generally use a new audio source for a few weeks before actually doing any analytical testing or listening tests. As we feel this is the best way to get a sense of what the product really offers the end user and it also ensures any issues or anomalies with the hardware/software will become apparent.