Creative X-Fi: A New World of Sound

The X-Fi Line, Continued

The next model up is the X-Fi Platinum, which has all the characteristics of the basic model - in fact, the PCI card looks identical - but adds an internal rack that fits into a 5¼" bay. The rack has a line/mic input with adjustable level using a 1/4" (6.35 mm) jack, a line input, digital optical and coaxial inputs and outputs, and a headphone jack with volume adjustment. MIDI connections using mini-DIN connectors are also provided, and adapters for standard MIDI connectors are supplied as well. An infrared remote controls all sound functions. All of these features make this model a good choice for amateurs who want a good range of connections and easy access to them.

The more specialized Fatal1ty FPS is very similar to the Platinum, including a PCI card and internal rack, but is aimed at hard-core gamers. It adds 64 MB of internal memory (X-RAM) to improve performance in games supporting this technology.

Finally, the top of the line, the X-Fi Elite Pro, comprises a PCI card and an external rack. The rack is fairly large and can be installed either flat or vertically using the provided support, and obviously also has a remote control. This is the model we mainly based our test on, and the one we'll go into detail about, because it has higher-quality converters and thus provides the best audio performance.

A remote control comes with all models except the basic XtremeMusic. It controls certain functions like the Crystalizer, EAX, CMSS-3D, and 3DMIDI, and also playing your files, and allows essential adjustments such as volume. On the rack of the Elite Pro, you can adjust the same functions with rotary controls, which can be practical; there are indicator lights showing their operation to avoid any ambiguity.