Creative Audigy 2 ZS User Manual

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About Your Hardware

To learn more about your product, refer to the corresponding section:

Your Audigy 2 ZS audio card

Your Joystick/MIDI Bracket

Your Platinum Drive (included with Audigy 2 ZS Platinum)

Your Remote Control (included with Audigy 2 ZS Platinum)

Your Audigy 2 ZS audio card

Your audio card has these jacks and connectors to enable the attachment of a wide variety of devices:

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Jack or Connector Description

FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector

Connects to a FireWire (IEEE 1394) compatible external device (for example, a digital video camcorder, digital still camera, printer or scanner).

Line Out 3 jack (LIN_OUT3)

Connects to Front Center, Subwoofer, Side Left (only on 7.1 systems) and Rear Center (only on 6.1

systems) inputs on powered analog speakers or an external amplifier.

Line Out 2 jack (LIN_OUT2)

Connects to Rear Left, Rear Right, and Side Right (only on 7.1 systems) inputs on powered analog speakers or an external amplifier.

Line Out 1 jack (LIN_OUT1)

Connects to Front Left and Front Right inputs on powered analog speakers or an external amplifier.

Also supports headphones.

M icrophone In jack

(M IC_IN)

Line In jack (LIN_IN)

Connects to an external microphone for voice input.

Connects to analog devices like music synthesizers and other line-level sources.

Digital Out jack

Connects to external digital devices or digital speaker systems (6-channel or compressed AC-3 SPDIF output).

Telephone Answering Device connector (TAD)

Provides a monaural connection from a standard voice modem, and transmits microphone signals to the modem.

CD Audio connector

(CD_IN)

Connects to the Analog Audio output on a CD/DVD-ROM drive using an Analog CD audio cable

(available separately).

Aux In connector (AUX_IN) Connects to the analog output from a CD/DVD-ROM drive.

Internal FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector (SB1394)

Connects to the internal FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector on the Platinum Drive (included with Audigy

2 ZS Platinum).

CD SPDIF connector

(CD_SPDIF)

Connects to the digital output from a CD/DVD-ROM drive.

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14.

Joystick/M IDI connector

(JOYSTICK)

AD_EXT connector

(AD_EXT)

Connects to the Joystick/M IDI bracket for gaming or M IDI devices (optional).

Connects to the AD_EXT connector on the Platinum Drive (included with Audigy 2 ZS Platinum).

Your Joystick/MIDI Bracket

The Joystick/MIDI bracket is used to attach a joystick or MIDI device:

1.

Jack or Connector Description

Joystick/M IDI connector Connects to a joystick or a M IDI device.

Your Platinum Drive (included with Audigy 2 ZS Platinum)

The Platinum Drive provides additional connectivity for a number of other devices.

Front panel

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Jack or Connector

Optical SPDIF In/Out connectors (OPTICAL

IN/OUT)

Auxiliary 2 Line In jacks

(AUX IN 2)

Description

Connect to recording/playback devices with optical connectors (for example, M iniDisc recorders, Digital

Audio Tape recorders or external hard disk recorders).

Connects to analog devices like VCRs, TVs and CD players.

Infrared receiver

Coaxial SPDIF In/Out connectors (SPDIF

IN/OUT)

FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector

Lets you control your computer via the IR remote control.

Connect to digital audio recording/playback devices with optical connectors (for example, M iniDisc recorders, Digital Audio Tape recorders or external hard disk recorders).

Headphones jack

Connects to a FireWire (IEEE 1394) compatible external device (for example, a digital video camcorder, digital still camera, printer or scanner).

Connects to headphones. Speaker output will be muted if selected in software (Creative Audio HQ or

Creative Audio Control).

Controls the volume of your headphones. Turn clockwise to increase the volume, and counterclockwise to decrease the volume.

Headphones volume knob

M ini M IDI In/Out connectors (M IDI

IN/OUT)

Line In 2/M ic In 2 jack

(LINE IN 2/M IC IN 2)

Line In 2/M ic In 2 knob

(M icrophone gain)

Connects to M IDI devices using the mini-M IDI-to-standard-M IDI adapter cables provided.

Connects to line sources (for example, electric guitars) or a microphone.

Selects Line In 2 or M ic In 2. To increase microphone gain, continue to turn clockwise.

Line In 2/M ic In 2 separator mark

To switch to Line In 2, turn the knob counter clockwise over the Line In 2/M ic In 2 separator mark until you hear a "click". To switch back to M ic In 2, turn the knob clockwise over the separator mark until you hear a "click".

Top panel

1.

2.

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Jack or Connector

Jumper JP1

Description

Connects to the supplied shunt. By default, your Platinum Drive is set for use with a condenser microphone. Connect the supplied shunt to Jumper JP1 if you want to use a dynamic microphone.

Power connector

AD_EXT connector

(AD_EXT)

Connects to the supplied power splitter cable.

Connects to the AD_EXT connector on the Audigy 2 ZS audio card.

Internal FireWire (IEEE

1394) connector (SB1394)

Connects to the internal FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector on the Audigy 2 ZS audio card.

Your Remote Control (included with Audigy 2 ZS Platinum)

The Platinum Drive has an infrared receiver for your Creative remote control. Your remote control lets you operate your computer from the comfort of your sofa or bed, at a distance of four meters (13 feet).

Changing the battery

To insert your remote control's battery:

1. Release the battery compartment by depressing the small tab on the left, and then slide out the battery compartment.

Place the battery with its positive polarity indicator (+) facing up, and slide the battery compartment back in.

Using your remote control

Note

OSD - On Screen Display. The OSD appears on your computer monitor.

To select an option on the OSD, press the Up , Down , Reverse/Left and Fast-Forward/Right buttons to scroll the option, and then press the Select/OK button on your remote control.

Depending on where you purchased your product, the actual remote control may vary from the one shown here.

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CM SS

M ute

Power

EAX

Volume

Button

Number pad

Description

Use to select tracks and menu items. To access a two-digit track such as track 10, press the 1 button followed by the

0 button (in quick succession).

When albums, tracks, genres or playlists are displayed on the OSD, you can search them by name using the number pad. Each key on the number pad is assigned different letters ( 2abc to 9wxyz ) or symbols ( 1&() and 0_), and you can use these to enter a name. Press once for the first character, twice for the second character, three times for the third character, and so on. If you make a mistake, you can delete characters to the left of the cursor by pressing the

Rewind/Left button.

During playback, press the 0 button to display the track list on the OSD.

Turns on CM SS or CM SS 2.

M utes audio.

Displays the OSD Power Settings submenu.

Displays the OSD EAX submenu.

Volume Up (+) and Volume Down (-) buttons control the master volume of your computer.

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Up Scrolls up in the OSD menus.

Rewind/Left

Start

Return

Rec

Cancel

Display

Options

Next

Step

Stop/Eject

Rewinds a track during playback. Scrolls left in the OSD menus.

Opens the OSD main menu.

Returns to a previous OSD submenu.

Records the track that is being played back.

Play/Pause

Previous

Slow

Starts, pauses or resumes current playback.

Goes to the previous track, or previous OSD submenu.

Enables Time Scaling for M P3, WAV and VCD files (for Creative Sound Blaster Audigy series audio cards only).

Press repeatedly to select the speed. To resume normal playback, press the Play/Pause button.

Executes a selected option in the OSD.

Select/OK

Fast

Forward/Right

Fast forwards a track during playback. Scrolls right in the OSD menus.

Down Scrolls down in the OSD menus.

Closes the OSD or any application that you are controlling with your Creative remote control.

Displays (where applicable) the current play mode and track information, and OSD time and date.

Displays options for a selected task.

Goes to the next track or menu page.

Press once to pause playback, and press again to advance to the next video frame (for video only). To resume normal playback, press the Play/Pause button.

Stops the current playback. Ejects your CD/DVD-ROM drive tray when no track is being played back.

Installing Hardware

What You Need

Before you begin installation, be sure that you have these:

Note

In addition, you will also need on your computer, an available PCI slot for your audio card and an available adjacent slot for your

Joystick/MIDI bracket (optional).

The Analog CD audio cable is available separately.

If you are installing the Platinum Drive (available with Audigy 2 ZS Platinum), you will also need these following items:

Warning!

Use the AD_EXT cable ONLY with the Platinum Drive. Do not attempt to use a conventional IDE cable or any other cable with the Platinum Drive as it may cause electrical shorts and permanent damage to your Audigy 2 ZS audio card, Platinum Drive and computer. It will also void the warranty for this product.

Step 1: Prepare your computer

1. Turn off your computer and all peripheral devices.

Touch a metal plate on your computer to ground yourself and to discharge any static electricity, and then unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

Remove the computer casing.

Remove a metal bracket from an unused PCI slot. If you are installing the Joystick/MIDI bracket (optional), also remove an adjacent metal bracket.

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2.

3.

Component

M etal brackets

PCI slot

ISA slot (may not be present on your computer)

Caution!

Turn off the main power supply and disconnect your computer's power cord. Systems using an ATX power supply unit with soft power off may still be powering the PCI slot. This can damage your audio card when it is inserted into the slot.

Note

Remove any existing audio card or disable the onboard audio chipset. For more information, see Problems with Multiple Audio

Devices .

If you are installing the Platinum Drive (included with Audigy 2 ZS Platinum), remove the front panel cover from an unused 5 1/4-inch drive bay.

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Component

5 1/4-inch drive bay cover

Step 2: Prepare your Platinum Drive

This step only applies if you are installing the Platinum Drive (included with Audigy 2 ZS Platinum). If you are not installing the

Platinum Drive, go to Step 6: Install the audio card .

There are two types of microphones that can be connected to your Platinum Drive: dynamic microphones and condenser microphones.

By default, your Platinum Drive is set for use with a condenser microphone. To use a dynamic microphone, you must place the provided shunt onto Jumper JP1 of your Platinum Drive.

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2.

To use a condenser microphone, remove the shunt from Jumper JP1.

Component

Shunt

Jumper JP1

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2.

Component

Shunt

Jumper JP1

Note

The Jumper JP1 may not be available on certain models of the Platinum Drive.

The shunt for Jumper JP1 can be found together with the packet of screws provided.

Step 3: Connect cables to the Platinum Drive

This step only applies if you are installing the Platinum Drive (included with Audigy 2 ZS Platinum).

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Component

Internal FireWire (IEEE 1394) cable

Jumper JP1

Power splitter cable

To system power supply unit

Red-colored wire

AD_EXT cable

Black circle on the underside of the cable

Platinum Drive

Warning!

Use the AD_EXT cable ONLY with the Platinum Drive. Do not attempt to use a conventional IDE cable or any other cable with the Platinum Drive as it may cause electrical shorts and permanent damage to your Audigy 2 ZS audio card, Platinum Drive and computer. It will also void the warranty for this product.

To prevent permanent damage, use only: the AD_EXT cable with the AD_EXT connector, and the Audigy 2 ZS audio card with the

Platinum Drive.

Do not force any cable into a connector. This can cause permanent damage to your hardware. If it does not fit properly, gently remove it and try again. Make sure you are connecting to the correct connector, and that the cable is properly aligned with the connector.

Step 4: Install the Platinum Drive

This step only applies if you are installing the Platinum Drive (included with Audigy 2 ZS Platinum).

1. Carefully pass the cables attached to the Platinum Drive through the vacant drive bay of your computer. Make sure these cables do not block the airflow of the fans and heatsinks in your computer.

Slide the Platinum Drive fully into the vacant drive bay.

Secure the sides of the Platinum Drive to the casing with the screws provided.

Step 5: Connect cables to the Audigy 2 ZS audio card

This step only applies if you are installing the Platinum Drive (included with Audigy 2 ZS Platinum).

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4.

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2.

5.

Component

Internal FireWire (IEEE 1394) cable

Pin 1

AD_EXT cable

Red-colored wired

Joystick/M IDI cable

Warning!

Use the AD_EXT cable ONLY with the Platinum Drive. Do not attempt to use a conventional IDE cable or any other cable with the Platinum Drive as it may cause electrical shorts and permanent damage to your Audigy 2 ZS audio card, Platinum Drive and computer. It will also void the warranty for this product.

Align the red-colored wire to Pin 1 of the connector.

Step 6: Install the audio card

1. Align the Audigy 2 ZS audio card with the PCI slot and press the card gently but firmly into the slot as shown here.

Secure the card to your computer. Depending on your computer's configuration, you may need a screw to secure your Audigy 2 ZS audio card to the computer.

Warning!

Do not force the audio card into the slot. Be sure that the gold connectors of the card's PCI connector is aligned with the PCI bus connector on the motherboard before you insert the card into the slot. If it does not fit properly, gently remove it and try again.

Step 7: Install the Joystick/MIDI bracket

1. If you are installing a joystick or MIDI device (optional), secure the Joystick/MIDI bracket to the slot next to the Audigy 2 ZS audio card. Depending on your computer's configuration, you may need a screw to secure your Audigy 2 ZS audio card to the computer.

Connect the Joystick/MIDI cable to the Joystick/MIDI connector on the Audigy 2 ZS audio card as shown above.

Tip

You may also connect the Joystick/MIDI cable to the Audigy 2 ZS audio card before securing the Joystick/MIDI bracket in place.

Warning!

Do not force any cable into a connector. This can cause permanent damage to your hardware. If it does not fit properly, gently remove it and try again. Make sure you are connecting to the correct connector, and that the cable is properly aligned with the connector.

Step 8: Connect CD/DVD-ROM drive

For analog CD audio output:

Connect an Analog CD audio cable (available separately) from the Analog Audio connector on your CD/DVD-ROM drive to the

CD_IN connector on the Audigy 2 ZS audio card.

For digital CD audio output:

Connect the Digital CD audio cable from the Digital Audio connector on your CD/DVD-ROM drive to the CD_SPDIF connector on the Audigy 2 ZS audio card

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Component

CD/DVD-ROM drive

Analog CD Audio cable (available separately)

Digital CD audio cable

Note

If you connect both an analog and digital audio cable at the same time, do not select both the CD Audio or CD Digital option in

Surround Mixer.

Using Digital CD Audio Extraction, audio can be sent to your computer through your CD or DVD drive's IDE cable instead of via an analog or digital SPDIF cable. See " Digital CD Audio Extraction " if you wish to use this feature.

Windows 98 SE users can listen to audio CDs via Windows Media Player 7.x or later, using the Digital Playback option. Your

CD/DVD-ROM drive must support sustained digital reads. Read the Media Player help for more information.

Digital CD Audio Extraction

To enable this feature in Windows 98 SE, Windows Me or Windows 2000 (SP3) (Windows XP has this feature enabled), follow the steps below:

In Windows 98 SE

1. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel .

Double-click the Multimedia icon. The Multimedia Properties dialog box appears.

Click the CD Music tab, and then click the Enable Digital CD audio for this CD-ROM device check box to select it.

In Windows 2000 (SP3)/Me

1. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel .

Double-click the System icon. The System Properties dialog box appears.

Click the Device Manager tab.

Double-click the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM icon.

Double-click the name of your drive.

Click the Properties tab, and then click the Enable Digital CD audio for this CD-ROM device check box to select it.

Note

On a fresh installation of Windows Me, you may not hear audio from your CD-ROM drive even after enabling Digital CD Audio. To solve this, disable Digital CD Audio and then restart the computer. When the system has restarted, re-enable Digital CD

Audio and restart the system again.

Step 9: Connect to power outlet

1. Replace the computer casing.

Plug the power cord into the AC wall outlet, and turn on the computer.

To connect your Audigy 2 ZS audio card and Platinum Drive (included with Audigy 2 ZS Platinum) to other devices, see Connecting

Related Peripherals .

To install software, see Installing Drivers and Applications .

To connect speakers, see Connecting Speakers .

Installing and Uninstalling Software

Installing Drivers and Applications

You need to install device drivers and applications before using your Audigy 2 ZS or Audigy 2 ZS Platinum. The instructions below apply to all supported Windows operating systems.

1. After you have installed your audio card, turn on your computer. Windows automatically detects your audio card and searches for device drivers.

When prompted for the audio drivers, click the Cancel button.

Insert the Audigy 2 ZS Installation and Applications CD into your CD/DVD-ROM drive.

If Windows AutoPlay mode is enabled for your CD/DVD-ROM drive, the CD starts running automatically. If not, you need to enable your CD/DVD-ROM drive's auto-insert notification feature. For more details, see Problems Installing Software .

Alternatively, from your Windows desktop, click Start->Run and type d:\ctrun\ctrun.exe

(replace d:\ with the drive letter of your

CD/DVD-ROM drive).

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.

When prompted, restart your computer.

Note

During the installation process, Windows 98 SE users will be prompted to insert the Windows 98 SE installation CD into the

CD/DVD-ROM drive. Insert the installation CD into the CD/DVD-ROM drive and then click the OK button.

If you did not receive a Windows 98 SE installation CD with your system, but received a Recovery Disk, the necessary Windows files may be located at c:\WINDOWS\Options\Cabs (replace c:\ with the drive letter of your hard disk drive).

Audigy 2 ZS Feature Showcase Demonstration

To feel the audio card's awesome gaming, music reproduction and home studio capabilities, install the Audigy 2 ZS Feature Showcase

Demonstration. This demonstration requires high-quality 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 speakers for optimal listening experience. See Audigy 2 ZS

Feature Showcase Demonstration .

1. Insert the Audigy 2 ZS Feature Showcase Demonstration CD into your CD/DVD-ROM drive.

If the drive supports Windows AutoPlay mode, the CD starts running automatically. If not, you need to enable your CD/DVD-

ROM drive's auto-insert notification feature. For more details, see Problems Installing Software .

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation, and to run the Demonstration.

Using Creative Software AutoUpdate

Locating, downloading and installing updates for your Creative products is now simpler and faster with the new web-based Creative

Software AutoUpdate system.

When you connect to creative Software AutoUpdate via the Internet, the web site will analyze your computer system to determine what operating system (OS), language and Creative products are installed in our system.

After the online analysis, you will be able to select from a list of only the most relevant software and driver updates. The files will then be dynamically retrieved and installed on your system for you.

To find out more about Creative Software AutoUpdate, go to www.soundblaster.com/support/ .

Points to note:

First-time users of Creative Software AutoUpdate may be prompted to authorize the download of a browser component required for system inspection. Ensure that the content is signed by Creative Labs, Inc., and then click the Yes button.

Ensure that all your Creative products are connected and installed on the same computer running Creative Software AutoUpdate.

Updating Windows 2000 (Service Pack 3)

Windows 2000 now provides better support for AC-3 SPDIF output (non-PCM through waveOut) for software DVD viewing. Download the Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 to enjoy this support and to fix other issues in the Windows 2000 operating system.

Download this update from www.microsoft.com

.

Updating DirectX

To download the latest the latest update for DirectX, go to www.microsoft.com

.

Uninstalling and Reinstalling the Applications and Device Drivers

At times you may need to uninstall or reinstall some or all of the audio card's applications and device drivers to correct problems, change configurations, or upgrade outdated drivers or applications. The following instructions tell you how to do so in all Windows operating systems.

Before you begin, close all audio card applications. Applications that are still running during the uninstallation will not be removed.

Reinstalling all Audio Drivers and Applications

1. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel .

Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.

Click the Install/Uninstall tab ( or Change or Remove Programs button).

Select the Audigy 2 ZS entry, and then click the Add/Remove ( or Change/Remove ) button.

In the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, select the Repair option.

If prompted, insert the Audigy 2 ZS Installation and Applications CD into your CD/DVD-ROM, and click the OK button.

Click the Yes button.

Restart your computer when prompted.

You can now check the computer to see if the reinstalled software works properly. If not, proceed to Troubleshooting and FAQs .

Uninstalling all Audio Drivers and Applications

1. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel .

Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.

Click the Install/Uninstall tab ( or Change or Remove Programs button).

Select the Audigy 2 ZS entry, and then click the Add/Remove ( or Change/Remove ) button.

In the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, select the Remove option.

Click the Yes button.

Restart your computer when prompted.

You may now install existing or updated Audigy 2 ZS device drivers or applications. For more information, see Installing Drivers and

Applications .

Installing/Uninstalling selected Audio Drivers or Applications

1. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel .

Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.

Click the Install/Uninstall tab ( or Change or Remove Programs button).

Select the Audigy 2 ZS entry, and then click the Add/Remove ( or Change/Remove ) button.

In the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, select the Modify option.

If you want to uninstall an application, click the application check box to clear it.

If you want to install an application, click the application check box to select it.

Click the Next button.

If prompted, insert the Audigy 2 ZS Installation and Applications CD into your CD/DVD-ROM, and click the OK button.

Restart your computer when prompted.

To uninstall a selected component in Creative MediaSource, do the following:

1. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel .

Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.

Click the Install/Uninstall tab ( or Change or Remove Programs button).

Select the Creative MediaSource entry, and then click the Add/Remove ( or Change/Remove ) button.

In the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, click the Custom Uninstallation button, and then click the Next button.

Click the check box of the application that you want to uninstall to select it.

Click the Next button.

Restart your computer when prompted.

Connecting Related Peripherals

Your Audigy 2 ZS or Audigy 2 ZS Platinum will give you endless hours of listening pleasure. To connect related peripherals, refer to the corresponding section. The cables shown here are available separately.

Playing Games

Watching DVDs

Playing/Recording Music

Creating Music

Transferring Data

Playing Games

1.

Connector Description

Joystick/M IDI connector Connects to the Joystick/M IDI bracket for gaming or M IDI devices (optional).

Watching DVDs

Decoding with an external decoder or AV Amplifier

If you have a Dolby Digital/DTS external decoder or AV Amplifier, you can use it to decode Dolby Digital or DTS signals from your

Platinum Drive (included with Audigy 2 ZS Platinum) or Audigy 2 ZS audio card. For more information on external decoder or AV

Amplifier speaker connection settings, consult the User's Guide of your external decoder or AV Amplifier.

For optical connections:

1.

2.

Jack, Connector or Cable

Optical cable (available separately)

Optical SPDIF Out connector

Description

Connects to the Optical SPDIF Out connector on the Platinum Drive and the SPDIF In connector on your AV Amplifier.

Connects to devices with SPDIF connectors.

For coaxial connections:

1.

2.

Jack, Connector or Cable

Coaxial cable (available separately)

Description

Connects to the Coaxial SPDIF Out connector on the Platinum Drive and the SPDIF In connector on your AV Amplifier.

Coaxial SPDIF Out connector

Connects to devices with SPDIF connectors.

Alternatively, you can connect to an external decoder or AV Amplifier via the Digital Out jack on your Audigy 2 ZS audio card.

1.

2.

Jack, Connector or Cable

Digital Out jack

3.50 mm (1/8-inch) mono-to-RCA cable

(available separately)

Description

Connects to digital devices.

Connects to the Digital Out jack on the Audigy 2 ZS audio card and the SPDIF In connector on your AV Amplifier.

Decoding with Audigy 2 ZS

If you have an external Dolby Digital/DTS DVD player, you can use your Platinum Drive (included with Audigy 2 ZS Platinum) to decode the Dolby Digital or DTS signal.

For optical connections:

1.

Jack, Connector or

Cable

Description

Optical cable (available separately)

Connects to the Optical SPDIF In connector on the Platinum Drive and the SPDIF Out connector on your external DVD player.

Optical SPDIF In connector Connects to devices with SPDIF connectors.

2.

For coaxial connections:

1.

2.

Jack, Connector or

Cable

Description

Coaxial SPDIF In connector Connects to external devices with Coaxial connectors.

Coaxial cable (available separately)

Connects to the Coaxial SPDIF In connector on the Platinum Drive and the SPDIF Out connector on your external DVD player.

Connecting a multichannel AV Amplifier

If you have a multichannel AV Amplifier, connect it directly to the Audigy 2 ZS audio card's Line Out 1, Line Out 2 and Line Out 3 jacks as shown below. For more information on multichannel AV Amplifier speaker connections, consult the User's Guide of your AV

Amplifier.

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2.

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4.

Jack, Connector or Cable

Front Left connector

Front Right connector

3.50 mm (1/8-inch) stereo-to-RCA cable (available separately)

Line Out 1 jack

Description

Connects to the Line Out 1 jack on the Audigy 2 ZS audio card.

Connects to the Line Out 1 jack on the Audigy 2 ZS audio card.

Connects the Audigy 2 ZS audio card and AV Amplifier.

Connects to the Front Left and Front Right connectors on an AV

Amplifier.

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2.

3.

4.

5.

Jack, Connector or Cable

Rear Left connector

Rear Right connector

Side Right connector

3.5mm (1/8-inch) surround-to-RCA cable (available separately)

Line Out 2 jack

Description

Connects to the Line Out 2 jack on the Audigy 2 ZS audio card.

Connects to the Line Out 2 jack on the Audigy 2 ZS audio card.

Connects to the Line Out 2 jack on your Audigy 2 ZS audio card.

Connects the Audigy 2 ZS audio card and AV Amplifier.

Connects to the Rear Left, Rear Right and Side Right connectors on an AV

Amplifier.

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2.

3.

4.

Jack, Connector or Cable

Side Left connector

Center connector

Subwoofer connector

3.5mm (1/8-inch) surround-to-RCA cable (available

Description

Connects to the Line Out 3 jack on the Audigy 2 ZS audio card.

Connects to the Line Out 3 jack on the Audigy 2 ZS audio card.

Connects to the Line Out 3 jack on the Audigy 2 ZS audio card.

Connects the Audigy 2 ZS audio card and AV Amplifier.

5.

separately)

Line Out 3 jack

Connects to the Side Left, Center and Subwoofer connectors on an AV

Amplifier.

Playing/Recording Music

You can connect playback devices (for example, Creative NOMAD Jukebox 3) to the Audigy 2 ZS audio card or Platinum Drive

(included with Audigy 2 ZS Platinum) using a FireWire (IEEE 1394) cable.

Connect stereo headphones to the Line Out 1 jack on your Audigy 2 ZS audio card. Use a convertor if your headphones come with a larger connector.

1.

2.

Jack, Connector or Cable

FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector

Line Out 1 jack

Description

Connects to FireWire (IEEE 1394)-compliant devices.

Connects to stereo headphones with a 3.50 mm (1/8-inch) jack. Use a convertor if your headphones come with a larger connector.

Connects to the FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector on the Audigy 2 ZS audio card and your playback/recording device.

3.

FireWire (IEEE 1394) cable

(available separately)

If you installed the Platinum Drive (included with Audigy 2 ZS Platinum), you can also connect headphones and FireWire (IEEE 1394)compliant devices to the Platinum Drive.

If you want to record music to your DAT or MiniDisc recorder, connect your recording device to the Optical or Coaxial SPDIF Out connector on the Platinum Drive.

You can play back music from your DAT or MiniDisc player by connecting it to the Optical or Coaxial SPDIF In connector.

Jack, Connector or Cable Description

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Optical cables (available separately)

Optical SPDIF In/Out connectors

FireWire (IEEE 1394) cable (available separately)

FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector

Headphones jack

Coaxial SPDIF In/Out connectors

Coaxial cables (available separately)

Connect to the Optical SPDIF In/Out connectors on your Platinum Drive and your playback/recording device.

Connect to recording/playback devices.

Connects to the FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector on the Platinum Drive and your playback/recording device.

Connects to Firewire (IEEE 1394)-compliant devices.

Connects to stereo headphones with a 6.35 mm (1/4-inch) jack.

Connect to recording/playback devices.

Connect to the Coaxial SPDIF In/Out connectors on your Platinum Drive and your playback/recording device.

Creating Music

You can set up a home music studio using your Audigy 2 ZS or Audigy 2 ZS Platinum.

Put together your own productions consisting of multiple music tracks from a MIDI Synthesizer, an electric guitar or a microphone.

Alternatively, connect your electric guitar using a Pre-amp Box to the Line In jack.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Jack, Connector or Cable

Line In jack (LIN_IN)

M icrophone In jack (M IC_IN)

M IDI cable (15-pin-to-5-pin)

(available separately)

M IDI cable (15-pin) (available separately)

Description

Connects to line sources (for example, electric guitars).

Connects to a microphone.

Connects to the M IDI connector on the Joystick/M IDI bracket and the M IDI In/Out connectors on your M IDI keyboard.

Connects Creative BlasterKey to the Joystick/M IDI bracket.

If you have installed the Platinum Drive (included with Audigy 2 ZS Platinum), you can also connect a MIDI Synthesizer, an electric guitar or a microphone to the Platinum Drive.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Jack, Connector or Cable

Optical cable (available separately)

Optical SPDIF Out connector

Line In 2/M ic In 2 jack

M ini-M IDI-to-standard-M IDI adapter cables

Standard M IDI cables (available separately)

Description

Connects to the Optical SPDIF Out connector on the Platinum Drive and the SPDIF In connector on your M iniDisc recorder.

Connect to recording devices with optical connectors.

Connects to an external microphone or electric guitar.

Connect to the M IDI In/Out connectors on the Platinum Drive and two standard M IDI cables

(available separately).

Connect to the M IDI In/Out connectors on your M IDI keyboard and the two mini-M IDI-tostandard-M IDI adapter cables provided.

Transferring Data

If you want to transfer data from an external hard disk drive or a movie from your camcorder, connect the device to the FireWire (IEEE

1394) connector using a FireWire (IEEE 1394) cable. If you installed the Platinum Drive (included with Audigy 2 ZS Platinum), you can use the FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector on either the Audigy 2 ZS audio card or Platinum Drive.

1.

2.

Jack, Connector or Cable Description

FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector Connects to FireWire (IEEE 1394)-compliant devices.

FireWire (IEEE 1394) cable (available separately)

Connects to the FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector on the Audigy 2 ZS audio card and DV camcorder or external hard disk drive.

1.

2.

Jack, Connector or Cable Description

FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector Connects to FireWire (IEEE 1394)-compliant devices.

FireWire (IEEE 1394) cable (available separately)

Connects to the FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector on the Audigy 2 ZS audio card and DV camcorder or external hard disk drive.

Connecting Speakers

The connectors and associated components shown here may be different from that of your speaker system. Consult the User's Guide of your speaker system to identify similar input connectors. The cables shown here are available separately.

For interactive help on speaker connectivity, visit the Knowledgebase at www.creative.com

.

Positioning your speakers

Good speaker placement can enhance your listening experience, while careless placement can make good audio systems sound bad.

Below are our recommendations for 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 channel speakers. For detailed speaker placement tips, refer to the User's Guide of your speaker system.

For 5.1 channel speakers:

For 6.1 channel speakers:

3.

4.

1.

2.

5.

6.

Speaker component

Subwoofer

Front Left

Front Center

Front Right

Rear Left

Rear Right

For 7.1 channel speakers:

5.

6.

7.

3.

4.

1.

2.

Speaker component

Subwoofer

Front Left

Front Center

Front Right

Rear Left

Rear Center

Rear Right

1.

2.

Speaker component

Subwoofer

Front Left

6.

7.

8.

3.

4.

5.

Front Center

Front Right

Side Left

Side Right

Rear Left

Rear Right

Note

If you have a 5.1 channel, 6.1 channel or 7.1 channel speaker system, you can upmix your stereo sources (for example, CD Audio,

MP3, WMA, MIDI, and Wave) to the respective channels by using Creative Multi-Speaker Surround (CMSS) technology. To upmix, you need to enable the CMSS feature in Creative EAX Console. Refer to the Creative EAX Console online Help.

Connecting Digital Speaker Systems

The Digital Out output on your Audigy 2 ZS or Audigy 2 ZS Platinum is continuously active except during DVD-Audio playback.

Enabling the Digital Output Only selection in Creative Speaker Settings will disable analog speaker output. It is not necessary to enable

Digital Output Only to use the Digital Out connector.

Note

As with dedicated DVD-Audio player devices, output from DVD-Audio playback is limited to analog output. The digital output is disabled and cannot be used during DVD-Audio playback.

2.1 channel digital speakers

1.

2.

3.

Device/Cable

Digital Out jack

2 channel audio cable (available separately)

Digital In jack

5.1 channel digital speakers

1.

2.

3.

4.

Digital Out jack

Device/Cable

M iniplug-to-DIN cable (available separately)

Digital DIN cable (available separately)

Digital DIN connector

Connecting Analog Speaker Systems

You can connect analog speakers systems of up to 7.1 channels.

2.1 channel analog speakers

1.

2.

3.

Jack, Connector or Cable

Line Out 1 jack

2 channel audio cable (available separately)

Audio Input jack

4.1 channel analog speakers

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Jack, Connector or Cable

Line Out 1 jack

Line Out 2 jack

4 channel audio cable (available separately)

Front (Audio Input) jack

Rear (Audio Input) jack

5.1 channel analog speakers

5.

6.

7.

3.

4.

1.

2.

Jack, Connector or Cable

Rear (Audio Input) jack

Front (Audio Input) jack

5.1 channel audio cable (available separately)

Line Out 1 jack

Line Out 2 jack

Line Out 3 jack

Center/Subwoofer (Audio Input) jack

6.1 channel analog speakers

5.

6.

7.

3.

4.

1.

2.

Jack, Connector or Cable

Line Out 1 jack

Line Out 2 jack

Line out 3 jack

6.1 channel audio cable (available separately)

Front (Audio Input) jack

Rear (Audio Input) jack

Center/Subwoofer/Rear Center (Audio Input) jack

7.1 channel analog speakers

7.

8.

5.

6.

3.

4.

1.

2.

Jack, Connector or Cable

Line Out 1 jack

Line Out 2 jack

Line Out 3 jack

7.1 channel audio cable (available separately)

Rear (Audio Input) jack

Front (Audio Input) jack

Center/Subwoofer (Audio Input) jack

Side (Audio Input) jack

Note

When you are using 7.1 channel analog speakers with your audio card, make sure you select the 7.1 Speakers option in Creative

Speaker Settings to experience 7.1 channel audio.

If you want 6.1 channel audio with 7.1 channel analog speakers, select the 6.1 Speakers option in Creative Speaker Settings, and move your Side Left speaker to the Rear Center position.

General Specifications

This section displays the specifications of your Audigy 2 ZS audio card, Joystick/MIDI bracket and Platinum Drive (included with

Audigy 2 ZS Platinum).

PCI Bus Mastering

PCI Specification Version 2.1 compliant

Bus mastering reduces latency and speeds up system performance

Audigy 2 ZS Processor

Advanced hardware accelerated digital effects processing

32-bit digital processing, which maintains a 192 dB dynamic range

Patented 8-point interpolation that reduces distortion to inaudible levels

64-voice hardware wavetable synthesizer

Professional quality digital mixing and equalization

Versatile Audio Features

Playback of 64 audio channels, each at an arbitrary sample rate

32-bit mixing of all digital sources within Audigy 2 ZS's Digital Mixer

24-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion of analog inputs at 96 kHz sample rate

24-bit Digital-to-Analog conversion of digital sources at 96 kHz to analog 7.1 speaker output

24-bit Digital-to-Analog conversion of stereo digital sources at 192 kHz to stereo output

16-bit to 24-bit recording sampling rates: 8, 11.025, 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48 and 96 kHz, including ASIO2 support at 16-bit 48 kHz resolution.

Professional Digital Audio Processing

Supports Sony/Philips Digital Interface (SPDIF) format of up to 24-bit/96 kHz quality

SPDIF output at selectable sampling rate of 48 or 96 kHz

SPDIF output not available during playback of protected digital audio contents authored with DRM (Digital Rights Management) technology

Selectable 6-channel SPDIF output to matching digital speaker systems

Software switching of SPDIF Input-to-Output (bypass) to minimize cable connection hassle

Low latency multitrack recording with ASIO support

Flexible Mixer Control

Selectable input source or mixing of various audio sources for recording

Adjustable master volume control

Separate bass and treble control

Front and rear balance control

Muting and panning control for mixer sources

THX Certification

Audigy 2 ZS has received the prestigious THX Multimedia Certification award, making it the perfect choice for PC audiophiles seeking the very best music and movie experiences.

Dolby Digital and Digital Surround EX Decoding

Decodes Dolby Digital Surround EX to 7.1 or 6.1 channels, or will pass through a compressed SPDIF bitstream to an external decoder

Bass redirection: enhances bass output to subwoofer for small satellite speaker systems

Crossover bass frequency (10-200 Hz): adjustable to standalone subwoofer units for desired bass level

Adjustable Center, Rear Center and LFE level control

Creative MultiSpeaker Surround (CMSS)

Multispeaker technology

Upmixes mono or stereo sources to 7.1 channels

Professional-quality panning and mixing algorithm

DTS-ES

Support DTS decoding for 5.1 audio

Support DTS-CD playback and decoding for 5.1 audio

Support DTS-ES for 7.1/6.1 audio

DTS-ES Matrix 6.1 for decoding 5.1-channel soundtracks with a back surround channel matrix encoded into the left and right surround channel

DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 for 6.1 soundtracks mastered with a discrete back surround channel

EAX ADVANCED HD

EAX ADVANCED HD brings a new level of performance, power, and flexibility to PC audio. The all-new EAX ADVANCED HD Game

Audio Library takes in-game audio and acoustic simulation to a whole new level.These innovative technologies bring tremendous realism and total audio immersion to PC gaming:

New Multi-Environment

T M

technology renders multiple environment audio effects in real time.

Environment Panning

T M

makes it easy for gamers to track, with three-dimensional precision, the location and movement of sounds that usually represent enemies or team mates. This gives Audigy 2 ZS gamers a better advantage as they are more "attuned" to the game scenario.

Environment Reflections

T M

offers localization of early reflections and echoes.

Environment Filtering

T M

accurately simulates the propagation of sound in both open and closed environments.

Environment Morphing

T M

allows for seamless transition from one environment to the next.

EAX ADVANCED HD Music Technologies also assure sonic superiority, rich environment effects and music enhancement features such as Audio Clean-Up, Time Scaling and EAX ADVANCED HD audio effects.

Audio Clean-Up enables the removal of unwanted noise in a digital audio file.

Time Scaling speeds up and slows down music with no distortion.

EAX ADVANCED HD audio effects, developed especially for music listening, further enhance playback of songs.

EAX ADVANCED HD offers dramatically increased 3D audio performance and functionality. Delivering superior audio fidelity and sophisticated reverb effects, this unsurpassed digital entertainment experience is available only from the Audigy 2 ZS family of products.

FireWire (IEEE 1394) Compatibility

Compliant to IEEE 1394a specification

Supports data rates of 100, 200, and 400 Mbps

Supports up to 63 FireWire (IEEE 1394) compatible devices in a daisy-chain configuration

Supplies up to 3 watts to FireWire (IEEE 1394) compatible devices

Connectivity

Audigy 2 ZS audio card

Audio Inputs

Line-level analog Line input via stereo jack on rear bracket

Mono Microphone analog input via stereo jack on rear bracket

CD_IN line-level analog input via 4-pin Molex connector on card

AUX_IN line-level analog input via 4-pin Molex connector on card

TAD line-level analog input via 4-pin Molex connector on card

CD_SPDIF digital input via 2-pin Molex connector on card

Audio Outputs

Digital Out via 4-pole 3.50 mm (1/8-inch) minijack on rear bracket

Three line-level analog outputs via 4-pole 3.50 mm (1/8-inch) minijacks on rear bracket: Front Left, Front Right, Rear Left, Rear Right,

Side Right, Center, Subwoofer and Side Left channels

Stereo headphone (32-ohm load) support on Line Out 1

FireWire (IEEE 1394) Interfaces

2 x 5 pin internal FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector on card

6-pin FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector on rear bracket

Other Interfaces

2 x 8 pin header for connection to the Joystick/MIDI bracket (optional)

Joystick/MIDI bracket

15-pin Joystick/MIDI connector on rear bracket

Platinum Drive

Inputs and outputs on front panel

Two RCA jacks for coaxial SPDIF input and output

Headphone output and volume control with auto detection via 6.35 mm (1/4-inch) stereo jack

Shared line-level analog Line/Microphone input (Line In 2/Mic In 2) via 6.35 mm (1/4-inch) stereo jack. Shared input selectable via knob with gain control for microphone.

Two mini MIDI female connectors for MIDI input and output

Two RCA jacks for Auxiliary input

Two optical connectors for optical SPDIF input and output

FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector for FireWire (IEEE 1394) compatible devices

Infrared receiver for receiving infrared signals from the remote control. Transmission range within four meters (13 feet) with 15-degree deviation from the center axis.

Interfaces

4-pin power supply header for connection to system power supply unit

2 x 20 pin AD_EXT header for connection to Audigy 2 ZS audio card

2 x 5-pin FireWire (IEEE 1394) header for connection to Audigy 2 ZS audio card

Problems with Multiple Audio Devices

The other installed audio card is not working well.

You may have an existing audio device installed in your computer. The audio device may be an audio card or an onboard audio chipset.

Before you install your Audigy 2 ZS audio card, you are advised to completely uninstall and remove your existing audio device.

Operating multiple audio devices in your computer may introduce usability issues.

Alternatively, during the installation of your Audigy 2 ZS audio card, do the following:

If your computer detects an installed Sound Blaster Live! Series or Sound Blaster PCI512 audio card, a message box recommending that you completely uninstall and remove the older audio device will appear. Click the Yes button and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the removal of the old audio device. Remove the old audio card from your computer.

If your computer detects any other installed audio card, a message box recommending that you completely uninstall and remove the older audio device will appear. Click the Yes button to continue with the installation of the Audigy 2 ZS audio card.

After the installation of the Audigy 2 ZS audio card, completely uninstall the existing card and remove the audio card from your computer.

The onboard audio chipset is not working well.

Disable your computer's onboard audio chipset. See your computer's motherboard documentation for details.

Problems Installing Software

The installation does not start automatically after the Audigy 2 ZS Installation and Applications CD is inserted.

The AutoPlay feature in your Windows system may not be enabled.

To start the installation program through the My Computer shortcut menu:

1. Double-click the My Computer icon on your Windows desktop.

In the My Computer window, right-click the CD/DVD-ROM drive icon.

On the shortcut menu, click AutoPlay and follow the instructions on the screen.

To enable AutoPlay through Auto Insert Notification:

1. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel .

In the Control Panel window, double-click the System icon.

In the System Properties dialog box, click the Device Manager tab and select your CD/DVD-ROM drive.

Click the Properties button.

In the Properties dialog box, click the Settings tab and select Auto Insert Notification .

Click the OK button to exit from the dialog box.

Demonstrations

Two demonstration packages have been included to showcase the basic as well as the advanced features of your Audigy 2 ZS audio card. We recommend that you play them at least once in order to have a good overview of your card's features.

Audigy 2 ZS Getting Started Demonstration

This is a good starting point from which you can learn about Audigy 2 ZS. The Audigy 2 ZS Getting Started Demonstration consists of several interactive and informative demonstrations that highlight different aspects of Audigy 2 ZS: experiencing digital music and digital gaming, watching movies, connecting speakers, and performing tasks.

Audigy 2 ZS Feature Showcase Demonstration

Use the Audigy 2 ZS Feature Showcase Demonstration to feel the audio card's awesome gaming, music reproduction and home studio capabilities.

Experience the following exciting features of the new Audigy 2 ZS:

DVD-Audio Playback - Learn more about this new, high-resolution music format and experience the difference when a DVD-

Audio clip is being played.

EAX ADVANCED HD technologies - Experience complex multi-environment audio effects as you navigate through a fascinating virtual 3D world. Run this demonstration and experience EAX ADVANCED HD technologies such as Environment Panning,

Environment Reflection and Environment Morphing. Compare the scenes with and without EAX ADVANCED HD, and you will understand why more game developers are using EAX ADVANCED HD technologies for the best gaming experience.

Dolby Digital Surround EX and DTS-ES support - Listen to a THX audio demonstration containing an additional rear channel (rear center) that produces a richer and more consistent surround effect than that of systems with only two rear channels.

Note

The Audigy 2 ZS Feature Showcase Demonstration can be installed using the Audigy 2 ZS Feature Showcase Demonstration

CD in your package. This demonstration will run only if a Audigy 2 ZS audio card is installed because the software utilizes the card's hardware capabilities for the demonstrations.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

This section provides solutions to problems you may encounter during installation or normal use. This includes:

Problems Installing Software

Problems with Sound

Problems with Sound and CD-ROMs

Problems with File Transfers on Some VIA Chipset Motherboards

Insufficient SoundFont Cache

Problems with the Joystick

Problems with Multiple Audio Devices

Problems with Sound Blaster Live! Series or Sound Blaster PCI512 card

Resolving I/O Conflicts

Problems in Windows XP

Problems with Digital Audio Devices

Problems with Sound

There is unexpected excessive environmental sound or effects when an audio file is played.

The last selected preset is an inappropriate environment for the current audio file.

To switch to an appropriate environment:

1. Click the Audio Effects tab in Creative EAX Console.

Click the Enable/Disable Audio Effects check box to clear it.

The preset box title may change, depending on the effect you select.

You can also check the following:

In Surround Mixer, the source and master volume sliders are set to mid-range (50%).

The correct input is selected for speaker systems with multiple inputs.

No sound from the headphones.

Check the following:

The headphones are connected to the Headphones jack.

In the Speaker Selection tab of Creative Speaker Settings, the Headphones option is selected in the Speaker/Headphone Selection box.

In the Basic tab of Creative Surround Mixer, the recording source selected is "What U Hear" .

Individual analog recording sources are not displayed in Creative Surround Mixer.

The following analog recording sources are combined in one recording control called Analog Mix (Line/CD/TAD/Aux/PC) , which is found in the Record panel of the Basic tab:

Line-In

CD Audio

Auxiliary

TAD-In

PC Speaker

Individual analog recording sources cannot be selected in Creative Surround Mixer.

Five analog recording sources are combined under the selection Analog Mix (Line/ CD/TAD/Aux/PC) . For more information, see the previous Troubleshooting item.

To record an individual analog source:

In the Record panel of the Basic tab in Creative Surround Mixer, make sure the recording source selected is Analog Mix

(Line/CD/TAD/Aux/PC) .

In the Source panel, mute the analog sources that you do not want to record by clicking the Speaker button to change it to a button with a red cross sign on it.

No sound from the speakers.

Check the following:

You have connected your speakers to your card's output.

You have selected the correct source in the Source panel Creative Surround Mixer.

If both the above conditions have been met and you still do not get any sound, click the red plus sign above the Volume control and check whether the Digital Output Only check box is selected. If it is, you are in the Digital Output Only mode and so must connect to digital speakers to hear the sound from your audio card. See the section on "Speaker Selection Settings" in Creative Speaker Setting's online Help for more information.

No audio output when playing digital files such as .WAV, MIDI files or AVI clips.

Check the following:

The speakers' volume control knob, if any, is set at mid-range. Use Creative Surround Mixer to adjust the volume, if necessary.

The powered speakers or external amplifier are connected to the card's Line Out or Rear Out jack.

There is no hardware conflict between the card and a peripheral device. See Resolving I/O Conflicts .

The Speaker selection in Creative Speaker Settings corresponds to your speaker or headphone configuration.

Panning a source sometimes turns off its sound.

This occurs when you are in the Digital Output Only mode and the source's left-right balance in a software mixer application other than

Creative Surround Mixer (for example, the Windows Volume Control application) is at the opposite end compared to the position to which you have panned the source in the Basic tab of Creative Surround Mixer. For example, the CD Audio balance in Windows Volume

Control is on the left but in Creative Surround Mixer you have panned the CD Audio to the right.

To solve this problem:

Open that other mixer, and center the balances for all the audio input sources.

This ensures that your analog sources will not turn silent when you pan them in Creative Surround Mixer.

Problems with Sound and CD-ROMs

No audio output when playing audio CDs.

To solve this problem:

Make sure the Analog Audio connector on the CD/DVD-ROM drive and the CD In connector on the audio card are connected.

Enable digital CD playback:

For Windows 98 SE: i. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel .

i. In the Control Panel dialog box, double-click the Multimedia icon.

In the Multimedia Properties dialog box, click the CD Music tab.

Click the Enable digital CD audio for this CD-ROM device check box to select it.

Click the OK button.

Double-click the DVD/CD-ROM drives icon.

Your computer drives will appear.

Right-click the disk drive icon. A menu will appear.

Click Properties .

In the Digital CD Playback box of the next dialog box, click the Enable digital CD audio for this CD-ROM device check box to select it.

For Windows Me: i. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel .

i. In the Control Panel dialog box, double-click the System icon.

In the System Properties dialog box, click the Device Manager tab.

Click the OK button.

For Windows 2000 and Windows XP: i. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel .

i. In the Control Panel dialog box, double-click the System icon.

In the System Properties dialog box, click the Hardware tab.

Click the Device Manager button.

Double-click the DVD/CD-ROM drives icon.

Your computer drives will appear.

Right-click the disk drive icon. A menu will appear.

Click Properties .

In the Digital CD Playback box of the next dialog box, click the Enable digital CD audio for this CD-ROM device check box to select it.

Problems with File Transfers on Some VIA Chipset Motherboards

After you install the Audigy 2 ZS audio card on a VIA chipset motherboard, you may have the slight chance of seeing one of the following:

When transferring large amounts of data, the computer stops responding or restarts itself, OR

Files transferred from another drive are incomplete or corrupted.

These problems appear in a small number of computers, which contain the VIA VT82C686B controller chipset on their motherboards.

To verify if your motherboard has the VT82C686B chipset:

Refer to your computer or motherboard manual, or

In Windows: i. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel .

Double-click the System icon.

Click the Device Manager or Hardware tab.

Click the Systems devices icon.

In the list that appears, see if the items highlighted in the diagram appear.

If the items appear, remove your computer cover and locate the VIA chipset on your motherboard. (Take note of the safety precautions in Step 1: Prepare your computer .)

The VT82C686B chipset has its model number inscribed on the chip.

If you have the VT82C686B chipset:

Creative recommends that you first contact your computer vendor or motherboard manufacturer for the latest solution.

Some users have solved the above problems by doing one or both of the following: downloading the latest VIA 4in1 drivers from www.viatech.com.tw

*, obtaining the most current BIOS for your motherboard from the manufacturer's web site*.

*Content in these web sites is controlled by other companies. Creative bears no responsibility for information or downloads obtained from them. This information is provided only as a convenience to you.

Insufficient SoundFont Cache

There is insufficient memory to load SoundFont banks.

This may occur when a SoundFont-compatible MIDI file is loaded or played while insufficient memory has been allocated to Creative

SoundFont Bank Manager.

To have sufficient SoundFont cache memory:

Remove one or more SoundFont banks from your SoundFont cache.

Do the following: i. Click the Bank button.

The Configure Bank dialog box appears.

Click the Select Bank drop-down button, and select a bank index.

Highlight the bank and click the Remove button.

Click the OK button to finish configuring your banks.

Load smaller SoundFont banks instead; or add more RAM to your system.

Do one of the following:

In the Configure Bank dialog box of Creative SoundFont Bank Manager, select a smaller SoundFont bank, if available, from the

Select Bank box.

Increase the system RAM on your computer. For more details, visit www.soundblaster.com

for technical help.

Note

The amount of SoundFont cache you can allocate depends on the system RAM available. Your computer may slow down if the amount of cache used is too high.

Problems with the Joystick

The joystick connector is not working.

The audio card's Joystick/MIDI connector may be conflicting with the system's joystick port.

To solve this problem:

Disable the audio card's Joystick/MIDI connector and use the system port instead.

Do the following:

1. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel .

In the Control Panel window, double-click the System icon.

In the System Properties dialog box, click the Device Manager tab.

Double-click Sound, Video and Game Controllers , and then select Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Gameport ( Creative

Gameport for Windows 2000).

Click the Properties button.

In the Properties dialog box:

If you see an Original Configuration (Current) option, clear the check box.

If you see a Disable In This Hardware Profile option, select the check box.

Click OK to restart Windows and for the change to take effect.

When the Gameport Joystick interface is disabled, the entry in Device Manager shows a red cross.

The joystick is not working properly with some programs.

The program may use the system processor timing to calculate the joystick position. When the processor is fast, the program may determine the position of the joystick incorrectly, assuming that the position is out of range.

To solve this problem:

Increase your system's 8 bit I/O recovery time of the BIOS setting, usually under the Chipset Feature Settings section. Or, if available, you may adjust the AT Bus speed to a slower clock. If the problem persists, try a different joystick.

Problems with Sound Blaster Live! Series or Sound Blaster PCI512 card

Sound Blaster Live! or Sound Blaster PCI512 applications are not working.

Other than normal playback and recording functions, older audio devices may not work well when Audigy 2 ZS or Audigy 2 ZS

Platinum is installed.

To solve this problem:

Uninstall and remove the older card from the computer. Otherwise, you can choose to disable the Sound Blaster Live! or Sound Blaster

PCI512 card:

1. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel .

In the Control Panel window, double-click the System icon.

In the System Properties dialog box, click the Device Manager tab.

Double-click Sound, Video And Game Controllers , and then select Creative Sound Blaster Live! Series or Creative Sound Blaster

PCI512 .

Click the Properties button.

In the Properties dialog box:

If you see an Original Configuration (Current) option, clear the check box.

If you see a Disable In This Hardware Profile option, select the check box.

Click OK to restart Windows and for the change to take effect.

When the audio device is disabled, the entry in Device Manager shows a red cross.

Resolving I/O Conflicts

Conflicts between your audio card and another peripheral device may occur if your card and the other device are configured to use the same I/O address.

To resolve I/O conflicts, change the resource settings of your audio card or the conflicting peripheral device in your system using the

Device Manager in Windows 98 SE/Me.

If you still do not know which card is causing the conflict, remove all cards except the audio card and other essential cards (for example, disk controller and graphics cards). Add each card back until Device Manager indicates that a conflict has occurred.

To resolve hardware conflicts in Windows 98 SE/Me:

1. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel .

In the Control Panel window, double-click the System icon.

In the System Properties dialog box, click the Device Manager tab.

Under the Sound, Video And Game Controllers entry, select the conflicting audio card driver-indicated by an exclamation mark (!)-and click the Properties button.

In the Properties dialog box, click the Resources tab.

Make sure that the Use automatic settings check box is selected, and click the OK button.

Restart your system to allow Windows 98 SE/Me to reassign resources to your audio card and/or the conflicting device.

Note

You can also refer to the Troubleshooting section in the online Help for Windows 98 SE/Me.

Problems in Windows XP

A Hardware Installation error message appears on a Windows XP operating system when non-Creative applications are being installed.

At the time of this product's release, Microsoft strongly encouraged companies to submit their hardware solutions for certification. If a hardware device driver is not submitted, or does not qualify, for Microsoft certification, a warning message similar to the one below appears.

You may see the message when you install hardware drivers from companies other than Creative. If you do, you may choose to click the

Continue Anyway button. Device drivers not signed by Microsoft may be used in Windows XP, and need not impair or destabilize your computer.

Should you need more XP-related information or help, you can contact the company that developed the driver, at the company's web site or helpline.

Problems with Digital Audio Devices

Intermittent hissing or no sound is heard from my digital speakers.

Make sure you select the sampling rate of the PCM SPDIF output of your Digital Out connector to match the requirements of the receiving device. You may need to select a lower digital output sampling rate. The choices available are 48 kHz and 96 kHz.

To solve this problem:

1. In Creative MediaSource Go! Launcher, click the Product Settings tab.

Double-click the Device Controls icon.

Click the Sampling Rate tab.

Click the required sampling rate from the Digital Output Sampling Rate list.

Popping noises are heard during playback.

The DMA feature may not be enabled for your computer's drives.

To solve this problem:

For Windows 98 SE and Windows Me:

1. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel .

In the Control Panel dialog box, double-click the System icon.

In the System Properties dialog box, click the Device Manager tab.

Double-click the Disk drives icon.

Your computer drives will appear.

Double-click the hard disk drive icon.

In the box that appears, click the Settings tab.

Click the DMA (direct memory access) check box to select it.

An alert message box appears.

Click the OK button.

Click the OK button in the next box.

Click the Close button on the System Properties dialog box.

When prompted to restart your computer, click the Yes button.

Repeat steps 4-11 if you have other drives, for example, other hard disk drives, CD/DVD-ROM, and CD-RW drives. In step 4, doubleclick the respective drive icon.

For Windows 2000 and Windows XP:

1. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel .

In the Control Panel dialog box, double-click the System icon.

In the System Properties dialog box, click the Hardware tab.

Click the Device Manager button.

Double-click the ATA/ATAPI IDE Controllers icon.

Your IDE channels will appear.

Right-click the Primary IDE Channel icon.

Click Properties .

In the Properties dialog box, click the Advanced Settings tab.

Click the DMA if available check box to select it.

Click the OK button.