Benchmarks Cont'd
The 16 bit/44.1kHz graphs are below. The 16 bit/48kHz graphs are generally in between the 24/96 and 16/44.1 and are not included. In an effort not to have a 20+ page review, you can just interpolate those results. Please note that the eX measurements for 16/44.1 are in green for these tests.
DMX 6fire WaveSB Audigy2 eX Audio [9000]
RightMark Audio Analyzer test
Testing chain: External loopback (line-out - line-in)Sampling mode: 16-bit, 44 kHz
Summary
Test | DMX 6fire Wave | SB Audigy2 eX Audio [9000] |
Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB: | +0.02, -0.06 | +0.11, -0.34 |
Noise level, dB (A): | -93.5 | -95.1 |
Dynamic range, dB (A): | 92.8 | 93.7 |
THD, %: | 0.0009 | 0.0036 |
IMD, %: | 0.012 | 1.242 |
Stereo crosstalk, dB: | -88.5 | -95.7 |
Frequency response
While still measuring well, the eX exhibits a little feedback in the frequency response graph. This is from some input that I didn't mute somewhere. I've also noticed that if you play with the effects engine (reverb, chorus, etc.), there will still be residual audible effects when you turn the effect off. Only a complete reboot will turn the effects completely off.
Noise level
The eX still measures exceptionally well in 16 bit/44.1kHz mode at -95.1dB. That is very low, indeed.
Dynamic range
93.7dB for the eX and 92.8dB for the DMX 6-fire. The DMX 6-fire sounds a little 'punchier' and more dynamic than the eX, despite what the measurements say, which is probably due to the high IMD of the eX.
THD + Noise (at -3 dB FS)
At 0.0009%, the DMX 6-fire has a THD that is unbelievably low. The eX is an order of magnitude higher, and then some, at 0.0036%.
Intermodulation distortion
Finally, a weak spot for the eX. At 1.242% IMD, a fairly high ammount, it would appear that Creative still needs to work out its 44.1kHz to 48kHz upsampling. I might suggest they give the EMU10K2 some concrete shoes and a long walk off a short pier.
Stereo crosstalk
The eX still wows with extraordinary results, however. With an astounding -95.7dB of stereo crosstalk, the eX continues to perform like a champ.
So there you have it: the eX is the best measuring sound card we've ever tested. It is miles (kilometers?) above any other Creative product and it sits comfortably above high-end products like Terratec's DMX 6-fire, which was the previous benchmark winner. The eX doesn't come close to Creative's claimed (and highly touted) 106dB signal-noise-ratio. It is possible, however, to have a product that measures well but still sounds bad. Fortunately, the eX also sounds quite good.