Does this means that it requires new hardware or will it also be a software update for existing models?

I reckon just a software update, maybe firmware. Releasing a new version of these cards would be a step back. The Z series is much better and you can grab an oem version of the Z for quite cheap.

I reckon just a software update, maybe firmware. Releasing a new version of these cards would be a step back. The Z series is much better and you can grab an oem version of the Z for quite cheap.

My thoughts exactly! I've bought a Recon3D when it was first released. I went from regular X-Fi Titanium and returned the damn thing in hours. I could not stand the sound "quality" it was producing. Love the Z on the other hand.

So is SBX Pro Studio the same as THX TruStudio Pro, or is it different? I hated Creative's original CMSS-3D headphones surround sound virtualization - in my opinion, it wasn't any good for anything besides fairly accurate sound positioning in games; it 'killed' most of the sound in films and games, unlike Dolby's Headphones solution. However, when THX released their suite it was even better than Dolby's. Naturally, I was quite happy to see Creative make the move to THX but have they now killed it, or is it just a rebrand? I feel it's a relevant question since SBX has replaced THX on high-end motherboards as well.

SBX Pro Studio is the same as THX TruStudio Pro The Z series is much better any way As for you can grab an oem version of the Z but the retail has EMI Shield and doesn't cost much more.

SBX Pro Studio is the same as THX TruStudio Pro The Z series is much better any way As for you can grab an oem version of the Z but the retail has EMI Shield and doesn't cost much more.

Thanks for answering. The Z-series support THX TruStudio Pro, correct?

Well from those who own both Z the the recon3d, told me that SBX and Tru studio pro was difference, as even i thought it was the same thing but labeled differently.

Well from those who own both Z the the recon3d, told me that SBX and Tru studio pro was difference, as even i thought it was the same thing but labeled differently.

What does 'difference' mean exactly? Different bad or different good? Are you certain the DSP itself is different and it's not just a re-branding (SBX vs. THX)? It's all very confusing; I wish there was clarity on the matter.

What does 'difference' mean exactly? Different bad or different good? Are you certain the DSP itself is different and it's not just a re-branding (SBX vs. THX)? It's all very confusing; I wish there was clarity on the matter.

DSP has nothing to do with software... DSP is the chip on the sound card that actually processes the audio data. Sound Blaster Z series cards and Recon3D cards are both based on the same SoundCore3D audio processor though....

It's just a software rebadge. The hardware is still a steaming pile of Mass Effect 3 ending. The Z, ZX and ZXR absolutely kick the Recon's ass when it comes to sound quality. Don't waste ur money on the very low spec Recon. Go for one of the Z series.

DSP has nothing to do with software... DSP is the chip on the sound card that actually processes the audio data. Sound Blaster Z series cards and Recon3D cards are both based on the same SoundCore3D audio processor though....

Thanks for the lecture on technology and not actually answering my question - very mature. Digital Signal Processing is not a chip, it is the process of manipulating (accelerating) or essentially changing, in this case, audio signals. The Sound Core3D is a chip responsible for handling 'sound acceleration' by using DSP, which would otherwise be done on the CPU; its purpose is to offload CPU time. Who said anything about software? Although, you could say DSP has a lot to do with software since, if it's supported (licensed) in software, and the CPU can handle the work (all modern CPUs can), you don't need a dedicated chip to do it. For example, all Asus Xonars do EAX on the CPU; also, PowerDVD and PureVideo HD both support Dolby Headphones without the need for specialized hardware, and so do virtually all laptops and desktop motherboards with THX TruStudio Pro and Dolby Home Theater v4. Now, can you, please, answer my question? If you can that is...

It's just a software rebadge. The hardware is still a steaming pile of Mass Effect 3 ending. The Z, ZX and ZXR absolutely kick the Recon's ass when it comes to sound quality. Don't waste ur money on the very low spec Recon. Go for one of the Z series.

Thank you for your answer. I am mostly interested in the SBX Pro Studio suite, and namely whether it's the same as THX TruStudio Pro. The reason for this is that most of the Z87 boards have it and I plan on buying one. Since I'd only use the DSP of the integrated audio solution and listen through a DAC/Amp box, I don't need to buy a separate sound card. Although, some of the high-end audio solutions on these boards seem pretty decent for headphone use. It'd be interesting to see how they fare. P.S. I haven't played any of the Mass Effects (haven't had the time), but I can infer from your comment that 1 and 2's endings were great and 3's was crap. I see what you did there - nice.

Thanks for the lecture on technology and not actually answering my question - very mature. Digital Signal Processing is not a chip, it is the process of manipulating (accelerating) or essentially changing, in this case, audio signals. The Sound Core3D is a chip responsible for handling 'sound acceleration' by using DSP, which would otherwise be done on the CPU; its purpose is to offload CPU time. Who said anything about software? Although, you could say DSP has a lot to do with software since, if it's supported (licensed) in software, and the CPU can handle the work (all modern CPUs can), you don't need a dedicated chip to do it. For example, all Asus Xonars do EAX on the CPU; also, PowerDVD and PureVideo HD both support Dolby Headphones without the need for specialized hardware, and so do virtually all laptops and desktop motherboards with THX TruStudio Pro and Dolby Home Theater v4. Now, can you, please, answer my question? If you can that is...

DSP is most commonly used as shorthand for digital signal processor, which is in fact a chip. SoundCore3D, is in fact a digital signal processor. Now, since you're too lazy to do a 2sec google search and apparently didn't pay much (if any) attention to the article. THX TruStudio Pro is licensed by THX whereas the SBX ProStudio software isn't. That's the difference. If Creative doesn't pay for the THX license, then they can't provide software with the THX logo all over it. Removal of THX licensing, also allows Creative to provide a greater range of settings adjustability in their control panel if they choose to.

As someone who has "Pro Studio" with my ZxR, let me tell you it's severely lacking. It barely has anything. It has an entire tab for "Scout Mode" which is basically a terrible equalizer presetting. And 1 option under "Advanced" as well.

DSP is most commonly used as shorthand for digital signal processor, which is in fact a chip. SoundCore3D, is in fact a digital signal processor. Now, since you're too lazy to do a 2sec google search and apparently didn't pay much (if any) attention to the article. THX TruStudio Pro is licensed by THX whereas the SBX ProStudio software isn't. That's the difference. If Creative doesn't pay for the THX license, then they can't provide software with the THX logo all over it. Removal of THX licensing, also allows Creative to provide a greater range of settings adjustability in their control panel if they choose to.

That's the kind of answer I was hoping for, minus all the spite. Thanks. I did read the article very carefully a few times; I also did way more than 2-seconds worth of google research and way before this article was released. The thing is, I wasn't sure, and when I'm unsure - I ask. I'm not below asking for help, but, if you're going to answer, please, don't lecture me on whatever's in your head. Digital signal microprocessors are usually found on 'boxes' aimed at guitarists to be used without a PC, and still, what they essentially do, is digital signal processing. It's pointless to argue which term is more often used, although most people would agree it's the process of changing audio signals and not the microprocessor which does it (the CPU in most cases - not a specialized DSP processor). Creative is the only company in the industry which still offers a dedicated processor for DSP, and it's been shown countless times in many reviews that it's not really necessary anymore as modern CPUs can more than adequately handle a little DSP on the side. This has been reflected in game development as well with the demise of EAX - practically the last AAA title to use EAX is the original Bioshock. Many modern games have great sound, or 'EAX 5.0 grade' sound, without the need for a specialized chip; Asus even showed that EAX itself can be done on the CPU as well.

As someone who has "Pro Studio" with my ZxR, let me tell you it's severely lacking. It barely has anything. It has an entire tab for "Scout Mode" which is basically a terrible equalizer presetting. And 1 option under "Advanced" as well.

Thanks for the feedback, what I'm mostly interested in (actually the only thing) is the headphone surround sound virtualization in the THX suite. Do you happen to know whether that's any good? I tried it once, compared it to Dolby Headphones and it seemed better (wider soundstage, crisper sound, etc.), a few reviews back this up as well.

The headphone surround simulation is pretty much the same thing it was in the X-Fi drivers. It's a matter of personal preference, in my opinion it's excellent for some songs, and terrible for others, regardless of the settings. I always kept it off in the past, but as of late I've kept it constantly on. Perhaps it's my imagination, or perhaps it's my new headphones, but it does seem slightly improved and is better left on more often than not.

The only way I could make CMSS-3D sound good is by selecting 5.1 in windows playback devices, 96/24, and in Creative Audio Control Panel, Game, EAX, CMSS-3d, and headphone. Play around with TruStudio Pro to adjust to your tastes. I still have yet to see a sound card that makes me want to give up my X-Fi Titanium HD. I'm still amazed Creative made a card this good. edit: I'm also running the RCA output to a LIttle Dot Mk III tube amplifier with Electro-Harmonix gold pin power tubes and some crazy old russian harmonic tubes. Headphones are Sennheiser HD580. Ooo... glowing tubes!