Creative X-Fi Titanium (Fhaktality version)...

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undertheradar

[H]ard|Gawd
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Oct 26, 2004
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Well, I was ordering some other parts, so I tacked one on as well for $150. So whats the story with this card? I havent seen any reviews, but my mobo doesnt have any PCI slots open (SLI), so I had to wait for a PCI-E (or I might have gone with a X-Fi Elite Pro).

Anyone else gotten their paws on one? Seen any reviews? Thought I would give this thing a whirl, as much as a hate the 'Fhakgtaltitty' branding.
 
it's just a repackage of the old stuff.
It's just another XFI fatlity in PCIE slot.

They are now also a copy cat of the EMI shield to the Xonar thing.
They used to be the leader, now just a follower...
 
undertheradar said:
It seems like they added Dolby -Live encoding, isnt that something new?
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For Creative? Yes, quite.

And it's not a repackaging of the 'other' PCI-E card. The X-Fi XtremeAudio PCI-E was basically an SB Live! 24-bit...not using the X-Fi chip at all, and it performed all its functions emulated in software on your CPU.

This new X-Fi is an actual X-Fi on PCI-e. AFAIK, the first one. And, as noted, Creative has Dolby Digital Live encoding, now (just in time for it to become obsolete!). Didn't see anything on DTS support or anything more advanced.
 
It lists DTS-ES on the creative site.

I figured, it looked like a pretty well-rounded card, even for $150. I was just sick of using the mobo sound since going SLI, so the first decent PCI-E card I saw that I could wedge in there, from a reputable make... 'click to add to cart'...lol. But now I wonder how it really is, and havent seen any reviews.

When I was comparing stats with other similar cards, like the Asus, it seemed like it just had more to offer.

Of course, chances are, there will be a PCI-E version of the Platinum Elite Pro coming out as well... not that I see a huge advantage to the external box or anything anymore. All those extra connections usually end up collecting dust it seems, and all the dials are just duplicates of whats in the control panel.

Heck, I still dont know 100% if it will fit my board even. The only space I have is right in between the two SLI cards where an open PCI-E exists. Luckily, it wont block any fans (8800GTS's), and it will have a slot. I would imagine I will still have to add a fan on its side to keep it cool though.
 
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2316939,00.asp

In short: It's an actual X-Fi but in PCI Express format. Better analog quality than the X-Fi "Extreme Gamer" card, atleast. Given the price I'm guessing it's probably using the same DACs as the higher end of the previous X-Fi cards instead of the ones used by the Extreme Music et al.

Not to be confused with the "Extreme Audio" which was, as mentioned, software only.

I was just sick of using the mobo sound since going SLI, so the first decent PCI-E card I saw that I could wedge in there, from a reputable make..
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Erm, Asus isn't a "reputable" make? If you want to spend that much on a card, the D2X might be a good option... otherwise the regular DX.
 
I didnt mean it wasnt reputable, just when comparing the stats this card seemed the better pick. If Im wrong, Im all ears. I seem to remember some software problems were common with the Asus, and some games werent working right with it all together. I figure Creative made the X-Fi chip... so there SHOULD be less problems.
 
I just installed this card two nights ago, as I have been patiently waiting for a real X-FI card that was pci-express. It works as it should, no snaps or crackles of any kind. I had an Auzentec Prelude before and would like to keep it, but I would rather have a pci-e card, as it fits in my system better. The only thing I haven't tried out is the mic, so I'm not too sure if the mic issues have been resolved or not.

Shawn
 
Well, I havent tried the mic online yet, but it does test well... makes me sound like Im in a huge cave though.

Otherwise, the gaming experience is pretty nice. Everything was very directional, easy to setup and tune. I have tried CoD4 so far, everything is nice. Ill try Crysis and some others like TF2 later on.

I have the Logitech Z5500THZ speakers BTW, with my old Logitech Z560's operating as the left and right channels (so dual subs, and 4 front speakers).

The card fit right inbetween my two 8800GTS 512's though... just perfect. They dont block anything as far as air flow either... just what I needed because my only other open slot other than this PCI-E is a regular PCI at the bottom of the mobo which I have another card in.

Software triggered my threatfire protection though upon installation and froze up everything... so I had to reinstall everything again. So just be sure to disable your anti-virus while installing.
 
Will this one support a Live Drive?
I haven't found a PCIe sound card that supports a 5.25" bay I/O thingy yet.
 
That would be the X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Champion Series, it comes with a drivebay I/O.
 
You know, I saw that and had to look it up... I see a platinum fatality champion series but not a titanium one. Still, all I could think was "Super X-Fi 2 Turbo EX Plus Alpha Hyper Fighting Rainbow Championship Edition."

I think Creative needs to get away from the "extreme" style of names...
 
Or start an anti-culture system of gaming names... like 'Dirty Card', 'Sound Chunk', or 'Mud Machine'.. low-tech stuff that just takes the piss out of all that 'Super Duper Extreme Turbo Supercharged Digital Professional Future-Alloy Limited Supreme Edition'...lol. But yeah, it would be easier if they just said 'Level1', 'Level2', or 'Basic', 'Gamer Mk1', and 'Audiophile Mk3'... something like that.

FWIW, the new drive bay adapter is worthless IMO. Its not like the previous bays or the old break-out box of the platinum pro.
 
Ok, I've got the card in (the PRO version, not the Champion) and to my surprise, Vista x64 automatically recognized it and installed standard HD Audio device drivers. I decided I would test it out with these drivers to see if there were any issues and none so far. Soud is noticably better than onboard even using these drivers. I'm almost afraid to install the Creative drivers for fear that the SCP issue will return but it would of course be a waste to use this card with windows drivers as most of the features are not enabled. So, I'll get the real drivers installed and report back with my experiences.
 
Creative drivers and software are installed now and the SCP problem has not reared its ugly head I am happy to report. Finally I have an X-Fi working like it should despite SLI. Too bad they didn't seem capable of fixing it with the PCI cards. First experiences have been very positive with this card. Hopefully it will stay that way. I'll try and get some gaming in over the next couple days and then report back if anyone's interested.
 
My gameplay experience has improved with this card, I can easily say that. Now I can pinpoint footsteps in CoD4 very well thanks to the THX calibration, and somewhat due to my 7.1 system (Logitech Z560 4.1 system and a Logitech Z5500 5.1 combined). The Mic works fine, and there have been no glitches to report. All in all... its as good as I could want it seems.

Is it just me, or does this card seem to have 'freed up' the PCI bus to give SLI a little more breathing room? My framerates seem to have gone up a bit.
 
I have an MSI P7N Diamond mobo, it came with the Creative 'X-Fi' PCI-E card... Would it be worth it to buy this instead? I can only fit in a PCI-E card too, because of the SLI.
 
undertheradar said:
Or start an anti-culture system of gaming names... like 'Dirty Card', 'Sound Chunk', or 'Mud Machine'.. low-tech stuff that just takes the piss out of all that 'Super Duper Extreme Turbo Supercharged Digital Professional Future-Alloy Limited Supreme Edition'...lol. But yeah, it would be easier if they just said 'Level1', 'Level2', or 'Basic', 'Gamer Mk1', and 'Audiophile Mk3'... something like that.

FWIW, the new drive bay adapter is worthless IMO. Its not like the previous bays or the old break-out box of the platinum pro.
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u make me giggle:D
 
good God, took Creative long enough to put DDL on their cards.

this is what happens when you have no competition in the market... you get companies like Creative Labs... thank you Asus, Auzentech and other great sound card makers!
 
i don't think creative knows what their doing half the time... lol "Creative President: hey!!! i got a great idea lets re-release our soundcard 5 times over and over and name it differently eatch time and put lights on it so people will buy it and then joe and bob will think theres actually a difference from the last one!!"... really now the x-fi was what released in 2005? and in 3 years they did two things only... converted it to pci-e and put DDL on it...wow...what a accomplishment!! oh and on top of that they still havent fixed their crappy drivers and when somebody else does it for them they threaten to sue them!! lmao
 
I'm surprised nobody took the shield plate off and posted pictures of the actual card yet.

I'm sure many, including myself, would be interested to see what changes Creative did.
 
I got this card installed today. I am plagued by the 4GB Snap-Crackle-Pop no longer. I'm also using the Dolby Digital over optical and getting 5.1.

So far so good. Has anyone else noticed that their keyboard volume/mute keys don't function while audio is playing, though? I'm forced to use my speaker remote instead. Its pretty strange.

The same hardware worked fine with the PCI X-Fi.
 
Ya how is Vista x64 support with these new cards? I have almost had enough of my Audigy 2 and its poor drivers.
 
Judging by his sig, looks like Balthazor and I are both using the card under Vista x64. No problems to report here. It's running very nicely for me.
 
undertheradar said:
No problems myself with that. Did you remove old drivers (I take it you removed the old card and/or disabled on-board audio)? That might be messing things up. No problems here though.
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I did remove everything properly; I had read about improper uninstallation of prior audio devices causing issues, so avoided that.

Upon further testing it appears that the windows volume/muting controls have no effect whatsoever on the audio output when using Dolby Digital over the optical out WHILE you have an audio application active (an audio application just has to be open, not actually playing sound, for this behavior to be exhibited.)

Using analog connections or unencoded digital optical out works properly with the Windows Volume controls even during audio playback.

It seems to be a particular quirk with the way they did their Dolby Digital implementation. Any other users run into this, using the Dolby Digital over optical out?
 
dont mean to downplay the gains this new card has over previous gen Creative cards, but i see no reason whatsoever to buy a medium or higher end creative card these days, especially not a $100+ card. with the amazing sound card choices available from Razer, Asus, HTS, Azuretech, and others, there's no reason to buy creative for the foreseeable future.

i am delighted to see the PCI-E card so far trouble-free in Vista, though.
 
Balthazor said:
Upon further testing it appears that the windows volume/muting controls have no effect whatsoever on the audio output when using Dolby Digital over the optical out WHILE you have an audio application active (an audio application just has to be open, not actually playing sound, for this behavior to be exhibited.)

Using analog connections or unencoded digital optical out works properly with the Windows Volume controls even during audio playback.

It seems to be a particular quirk with the way they did their Dolby Digital implementation. Any other users run into this, using the Dolby Digital over optical out?
Click to expand...

Upon further testing, it appears that the master windows volume controls & muting does not have any effect on the audio output when using Dolby Digital over optical. Application-level volume & muting controls work fine.

The Master windows volume controls also work fine using unencoded digital optical or analog connections.
 
I dont know... it doesnt seem to be an issue... the volume in the creative control panel IS the same as the master volume, as well as mute. If I use the volume controls on my keyboard, the dial in the creative panel works with it just fine... and of course, there is the individual application level control. Perhaps I am not understanding what you are getting at, but isnt this the way it is supposed to be in the first place?
 
Under:... are you using dolby digital optical out?

When I say application-level audio controls still function, I mean the volume/mute controls within a particular audio application (windows media player.) Of course the Creative volume control tray applet and console control are the same as the master window control; but these have no effect (for me) when I use Dolby Digital over optical out.

If I use analog or unencoded digital optical out it works fine.

I've already tried, for a 3rd time, doing a complete uninstall, including a driver cleaner 'clean' to erase Creative remnants. I get the same behavior every time, and I've fiddled with every setting I can think of.

Again, this only happens with dolby digital out; the volume controls work fine with analog or unencoded digital optical out.

If you are indeed using Dolby Digital out with no issues I'd like to see your system specs, OS version, service packs, antivirus, etc, anything that might help me figure out why mine isn't working properly and yours is. That is, if you don't mind sharing.
 
Just to be clear - my keyboard still manipulates the master volume controls (windows volume icon, and creative console icon, which are all the same.) It is just that when using Dolby Digital these settings have NO effect. The volume icon might say muted, but Dolby Digital out will still be playing music. Volume levels can only be changed from within an application (windows media player) or at the speaker level.
 
Yes Balthazor, I am using the optical cable, digital out. My Z5500's say Optical, Dolby Digital for the input. The volume works as normal for me in everything I use. What applications are you using in particular where the master volume no longer works?
 
Sorry if I'm not being clear.

I get this behavior ONLY when using Dolby Digital encoding:

The master windows volume control does not have ANY effect on the audio output in ANY application. If I use the volume controls built-in to the operating system (which are the same volume controls used by the Creative Console / Creative Volume Panel applets), I can move the volume levels or 'mute' them, but any changes made there have ZERO impact on the audio coming out over Dolby Digital. This applies to ALL audio, everything from windows sounds, test noise, music, games, etc.

The ONLY way I can change the audio level when using Dolby Digital is either at the speaker or inside an audio-producing application (e.g., Windows Media Player has its own internal volume & muting controls.)

Going into the Playback Devices and changing the audio levels or muting the devices there (either the Speakers or the SPDIF) has ZERO impact on the audio output when using Dolby Digital.

I hope this makes it clear as to what I am seeing (or hearing.) This strangeness disappears if I use analog out or unencoded digital out.

You are not experiencing this, so I would appreciate it if you can post your OS type & version and service packs installed, so we can see if there are differences between our two setups. My issue appears to be at the OS level so my first guess is you are on either XP or Vista, and if Vista maybe 32-bit instead of x64.
 
Okay, no, then I can not replicate the problem you have then, I can use the windows master control/creative volume control with anything.

I am using an Asus M2N32SLI board, AMD x2 6400+, and run XP pro 32-bit with all the latest service packs. It looks like you are vista 64, eh? That must be part of the problem there.
 
It HAS to be an OS-level problem. The only other thing I could think it might be is Eset NOD32 Anti-virus, but even disabled (and installing with it disabled, and leaving it disabled - I mean not even loaded at startup or services) I am still getting the same behavior.

Vista has different ways of handling audio in XP, so evidently Creative must have overlooked something with their implementation of Dolby Digital. As I posted earlier it is as if the virtual 'Dolby Digital' device isn't fully hooked into the Vista sound system somehow. If I turn off encoding and use the card with the SPDIF output device the volume works fine. If I use analog connections the volume works fine. Only with Dolby Digital, and evidently only with Vista and not XP.

Vista gives you a visual indicator of sound output on the different devices (I think XP does as well); I am seeing that visual indicator, but if I mute or change the volume it does nothing to the sound output.

Thanks for posting your OS, that makes me less irritated (since it is likely a Creative driver issue and not a 'my system is screwed up somehow and I don't know what it is' issue.) I actually just gave a shot at doing a 'Repair' installation off the X-Fi CD with no improvements; same strange windows vista volume control.

But at least we narrowed it down.
 
I have the Auzen Prelude X-Fi and I have the same problem with their latest drivers in XP Pro x64 when using DDL over TOSLink with my Z-5500's.

IMO, it definitely points at a driver issue when using DDL on a digital connection. I know this doesn't make it better, but at least it might help knowing that it happens with other recent, "similarly-coded" drivers.

Z
 
Thank God I'm not going crazy!

Maybe it is a 64-bit issue with the DDL?

Need a Vista x86 user to report.

Zsheezor - are you using any of the following on your system?:

Eset NOD32 Anti-Virus
Logitech G15 LCD Gaming Keyboard (w/ Gamepanel software installed)
HP Printer Software

I highly doubt is one of these third party applications causing the issue, but computers are complex machines.

Thanks for your input.
 
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