Sound Blaster: X-Fi Titanium Review
Benchmark #1 – X-Fi CMSS-3D and EAX 5.0 Effect
We want to start off by testing the CMSS-3D and EAX capabilities of this card. Now mostly every other hardware site tests using 24KHz/96KHz benchmarks for tonal quality in sound output and frequency, but we do things differently here at WhatIfGaming regarding sound cards as you all already know. We go right to the central basis in a definitive manner. For this, we need to test it out for every purpose. CMSS-3D and EAX were covered using extremely qualified games: Counter Strike: Source, and Crysis.
Crysis + CS:S
Enabling CMSS 3D sound for CS:S, we begin at a very intense small level action to eliminate any disturbances from other mic hisses, etc. as they can seriously interfere with our testing. We then turned on a decibel meter to record the input from the game directly. We then jumped into a multiplayer game of “office” with 4 players within a LAN to eliminate LAG from causing stutter in the frequency. After making sure that the decibel count was 0, we started the game.
We ended up doing the same thing with Crysis reflective to the CS:S tests, so keep that in mind as we won’t delve too deeply on the Crysis multiplayer.
The decibel count skyrocketed to a higher plane to begin with. We then had someone at the opposing team shoot from anywhere randomly. As we approached a certain map distance to that point, we marked it down and tried it all over from 50 different points. Soon after, we did footstep tests and also can tests. The footsteps are crystal clear, and almost give players an ability to hear like superman. The can test was the most revealing in terms of enabling EAX 5.0 HD. Rolling in an empty hall, tensing for that edge of the door, the can could be heard from the right garage stairways. We then shot a can and monitored the decibel hits against the wall and everything was on an extremely high level, proving that the X-Fi Titanium’s EAX 5.0 HD is no joke and the key along with CMSS-3D to ultimate audible recognition for many games.
Will buy this soon since it got Gold. Hard to get that
Definitely a great card, recommended.
Same here, going to buy this with the I/O connector. Need one for the new CPU I bought because of your reviews
venkatezh replied on June 15, 2008 3:03 AM:
I want a review of the connector before I buy it. But awesome review here
I just love the FLAC tests. Thanks for all that. Will buy it tomorrow.
Hahah. Always love the IF negatives of the good products.
venkatezh replied on June 15, 2008 3:03 AM:
Dude I know right?
Buying it soon
Nice stuff
God…what pictures. Definitely have a studio. And what camera is that?!
Lajk192 replied on June 15, 2008 3:06 AM:
Hahha. I was thinking the same. Mighty fine. Can tell it’s in a studio because it has like light reflectors on 1 previous image. Definitely not cheap
Going to buy in 3 hrs. Thanks WiG
venkatezh replied on June 15, 2008 3:02 AM:
Same here!
You sold me dude. Was wondering where staff went off to ; ) Busy week!
venkatezh replied on June 15, 2008 3:02 AM:
No doubt they were.
This review is awesome
Quite possibly the best review of a sound card I’ve seen to date. Usually all WiG reviews are cool. Going to buy this too. Golden choice bitches!
Boyfriend loves listening to music and doing all that wavy stuff. He’ll read later
Thanks!
The power of Intel
Let’s not forget the product itself IntelLover
As usual, a great review
Love this review. Thanks
Going to get this for MxO. TY
A real nice choice for anyone. Just got mine on newegg
Radiant sound for sure
Love the review as usual, and really loving the display
This is what I’m talking about!
Was looking for a review on this, and you had it. Of course : D
Bought it just now.
hmmm Maybe ill buy..