High-End Audio: Creative and Terratec

Platinum: Task Management

The Platinum's PCI card has the expected three 3.5 mm jack plugs for speaker output, but there is also a digital output for a link with a digital-amplification speaker system. A microphone input and a line input as well as a FireWire interface can be added.. Everything else is housed on the 5.25 rack with the same options as on the Platinum EX - two line inputs (one on Cinch plugs, the other on a 1/4" jack with gain control to change it into a microphone input), a headphone output with volume control, digital S/P DIF coaxial and optical inputs and outputs, and a FireWire interface. The small DIN sockets reappear for the MIDI interface. Adaptors are provided for standard DIN connections.

On the PCI card, three analog inputs are available as well as a digital S/PDIF input. However, the read input line is not usable, and it is impossible to select it as a recording source, which is the result of combining a card and a rack with the inputs divided between the two elements

The two Creative cards are supplied with a traditional connector for a joystick and MIDI, which would occupy a second PCI bracket if installed by the user. The cards are equipped with an infrared remote control with a receiver on the external module or on the rack. This is very handy when using your PC as a DVD, video, or audio-player.