EAX has been developed as a set of extensions to the DirectSound3D API. Apparently the implementation of EAX into programs is quite simple; an important element for wide and rapid support.

So what does this API accomplish? The extensions provide programmers with a bigger set of "instructions" to choose from, and allow for real time generation and panning effects. These also include so-called "environmental" effects such as reverb and echo. These effects relate to the virtual environment.

WW2 Fighters. Focke-Wulfe 190.

Say you are cruising in your P47 side by side with a P51 Mustang. The sound of your engine will combine uniquely with the sound of the Mustang engine, and will also echo off the frame of the other aircraft. Or say you are taxing beside a building, and then turn to pass between two buildings. The sound will change accordingly. If you then taxi into a hangar, it will change again.

Back to Basics

My test system is a PII 300, ASUS P2L97 mainboard with 96 meg SDRam running Matrox MGA G200 and Wicked 3d-2 (12 meg).

Installation was simple. I removed the TM Monterey from my system and inserted the PCI board into a slot. I restarted my computer, WIN98 detected the new device, and I inserted the install CD, one of the three! CDs packaged with the board. The drivers installed and I restarted my system.

I then ran the setup program a second time to install the software and control panels. A very complete 71 page manual accompanies this product, a refreshing change! The software installation uses between 40 and 140 megs of space depending on your selections and includes a suite of utilities plus these programs:

• MixMan Studio - A simple sampler that lets you author your own mixes
• Cakewalk Express Gold 6.0 - A reduced version of the PC MIDI sequencing program
• Unreal Special Version - This demo is optimized for the Environmental Audio Extensions supported by the SB Live!
• Sound Forge XP 4.0d - A reduced version of an industry standard audio editing tool
• Jamm HIT Session 2.12.1 - An decent MIDI sequencing program with more intuitive controls than Cakewalk

The flexibility and power in this board plus daughterboard is simply amazing. According to my knowledgable friends, merely a year ago to have this kind of music power in a PC would have cost at least $400 US. The year before it would have been more than double that. Note however that even though the daughterboard doesn't actually use a PCI slot, (it has no connector) it does occupy a PCI slot space.

Trembling lest I give the wrong impression, this is a fairly complex audio device. While it seems quite intuitive to use, it actually installs its own control bar, which pops up whenever your mouse cursor hits the top of the screen (below: click for the full image).

In order to configure the bar for your gaming and music preferences, you must first customize your setup by virtue of your sound environment. Clicking on the Multimedia icon in Control Panel gives you access to the Speaker Control panel. I chose the Preset for Combat Simulations (I like the sound of that!) and also selected a four speaker system. (You can also select a headphone setup if that is your normal use).

Click to continue . . .

The SB Live! Control Bar was now ready to instantly set up the games that support the EAX extensions. Clicking on the ENVIRONMENTS tab brought up a drop down list where I selected Longbow II. Check this out:

Frankly, friends, I am impressed! Someone has been doing their homework. Is it any wonder that EA is on the band wagon and supporting this new hardware?

Environmental Audio in Speakers

Now it also happens that Creative owns Cambridge SoundWorks, and the SB Live! is actually available complete with a five speaker system. The PCWorks FourPoint Surround system consists of 4 satellites no larger than 3" square and a powered subwoofer. Retailing for around $99, this system is a solid addition for SB Live! users.

The rear channel speakers come with 4 m, while the other two are fitted with 3 m cables. This makes it possible to set up the system in almost any location. Mounting brackets and screws are provided so that you can attach the rear speakers to your walls if you prefer. Cambridge also included two speaker stands with the system, but they are too light and they are only two feet high.

Playing EAX enhanced games and even using the Environmental Audio effects during normal audio playback makes for a completely new experience with the FourPointSurround&trade speakers. I loaded up Longbow II to give it a try, and then went back into the WW2 Fighters beta. The SB Live! DOES bring new life to the "immersion" cliche. Bass response is especially solid.

SUMMARY

About the only thing lacking in this hardware at the moment is DOLBY DIGITAL (AC-3) support, but apparently it's on the way. I feel confident in recommending this board to anyone ready to upgrade, and even more so for those putting together a new system. If you happen to be into the music end of things, professionally or just casually, it's an even greater value. The software bundle includes SOUND FORGE 4 XP.

Is there any room for improvement here? Alas, this board still uses an analog game port and is about half the speed of the TM Montego when polling 64x per second on one joystick. You may want to hang on to your PDPI L4 a bit longer.

A list of EAX supported games can be found at the SB Live web site. For innovation and quality and overall value, we award the SB Live! our "Top Pick!"

If you already own an SB Live! you can download the latest drivers (2.5 meg, 10/29/98) from Creative Labs. These drivers will take you from 8 to 32 DirectSound3d streams.