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REVIEWER’S GUIDE
20
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.
GAMES WITH
EAX 1.0, EAX
2.0, DIRECT-
SOUND3D,
A3D AND
OTHERS
SOUND
AMAZINGLY
REAL WITH A
THE REVOLU-
TION 7.1
CARD