Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 4 Pro

Pros: Crystal Clear Spacious Audio and Flexibility

Cons: Software is Sophomoric and Kludge

Summary: The Audigy 4 Pro is a welcome and fantastic addition to your computer if you are interested in Pro-Quality audio, do audio editing or are looking for the ultimate audio gaming experience. However, don’t expect much from the included software. Although the software provides basic audio editing and sound card control capabilities, it lacks most of the functionality inherent in other commercial releases.

DVD Audio from the Audigy 4 Pro is stunning when played on a 7.1 system and a demo disc is included with your purchase. Even 5.1 systems will benefit from the clarity of the Audigy system. However, if you are using “just” a 2.0 or 2.1 system you might want to save your money for a less capable upgrade… such as Audigy 2.

Installation was a snap for both the hardware and software. The convenience of having the audio “break out box” at the front of the computer is a major advantage. I hate crawling around on the floor plugging and unplugging patch cords.

The one significant disadvantage with this sound card setup, other than the limited but free software, is that you will quickly become disenchanted with your present speaker system. Your next affliction will be a hunt for the ultimate PC speaker system to match the capability of your sound card. Klipsch THX certified speakers, both 5.1 and their new 7.1 system, is worth your attention. They provide significant performance bang for the buck.

Bottom line; Superior audio at a cost, DVD Audio capable, limited but functional free software, but you need an upgraded speaker system to take full advantage of your new capability. AudioSlave never sounded better!