Arch Linux

Ellipsys

Member

Registered: 2008-02-28

Posts: 14

Current (12/09) state of Creative X-Fi support (x86 and x64)?

Hello all. I've been unable to find a definitive response on the state of Creative X-Fi based Sound Cards at current.  I am considering a new sound card for my main rig which I'd like to convert over to ArchLinux soon, so I'll only buy one that works. I read somewhere that kernal 2.6.31 has built in X-Fi support? Is this true?  Do the latest versions of ALSA, OSS4, and PulseAudio all support X-Fi cards? I was thinking of purchasing the following...

Auzentech X-Fi HomeTheater HD - http://www.auzentech.com/site/products/ … ter_hd.php
Auzentech X-Fi Forte 7.1 - http://www.auzentech.com/site/products/x-fi_forte.php

Both with the X-Fi I/O bay drive.    The HomeTheater may be a little difficult to work under Linux because of the HDMI (I assume?) but if the X-Fi is supported then I assume the Forte will be as well.  Any idea here?

In the event that neither of these work, I'll try to find an alternative (Asus Xonar D2X or HDAV1.3 Deluxe perhaps? HT Omega Claro Halo XT? Or something else?). 

Thanks!

Last edited by Ellipsys (2009-12-10 23:18:43)

Nepherte

Member

From: Singapore

Registered: 2008-09-09

Posts: 427

Re: Current (12/09) state of Creative X-Fi support (x86 and x64)?

My creative x-fi works without problems. Kernel 2.6.31 and alsa 1.0.21 have built-in support. I've tried it with alsa and pulseaudio and it works immediately. Never tried oss4.

If these Auzentech cards use the same chipset as the x-fi, there is a good chance it'll work though, although it's conclusive either.  I hope this helps a little.

pointone

Wiki Admin

From: Waterloo, ON

Registered: 2008-02-21

Posts: 379

Re: Current (12/09) state of Creative X-Fi support (x86 and x64)?

I enabled sound on Arch through my Auzentech X-Fi Prelude via OSSv4. Note that I am unable to get the optical output working, instead falling-back to direct channel connections.

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M*cr*s*ft: Who needs quality when you have marketing?

Ellipsys

Member

Registered: 2008-02-28

Posts: 14

Re: Current (12/09) state of Creative X-Fi support (x86 and x64)?

Awesome, glad to hear it. I'll just have to decide on a card now, but this makes my decision a little easier.

.:B:.

Forum Fellow

Registered: 2006-11-26

Posts: 5,819

Website

Re: Current (12/09) state of Creative X-Fi support (x86 and x64)?

I think the Xonars are a better bet than the Creative based cards. I have a Xonar Essence STX myself and am very happy with it.

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Got Leenucks? :: Arch: Power in simplicity :: Get Counted! Registered Linux User #392717 :: Blog thingy

Ellipsys

Member

Registered: 2008-02-28

Posts: 14

Re: Current (12/09) state of Creative X-Fi support (x86 and x64)?

I'd love to get a Xonar,  but alas the D2X doesn't have front panel audio, and the STX is really made only for high end headphones.  I'm interested in the HDAV Deluxe though, out of the Asus series. I just wish it wasn't so expensive!  B, do you know if the Asus HDMI will work in Linux without bad picture or sound quality? I'm pretty close to ruling out the Auzen HomeTheater because it relies on software like CyberDVD for a lot of its features.   I'm still considering...

Xonar (D2X, HDAV1.3 Deluxe, Maybe Essence ST or STX?) - Some say the Xonars are the best cards around right now, both for Linux and Windows. I'd really be fine with the D2X, but I'd like to have front panel audio connections for headphones/headsets that can operate independently or instead of the other outputs/inputs
HT Omega (Claro Plus+, Halo XT) - I hear these have awesome sound quality, but the drivers are ancient. At least this won't be a problem in Linux!
Auzen Forte 7.1 with the Titanium Drive. I wish some other high end sound card offered a big front panel audio connection suite for users, not exclusively for creation.

Last edited by Ellipsys (2009-12-12 01:16:20)