X-Fi Crystalizer for SB Audigy Series
Warning: This software is unofficial, not supported by Creative Technology Ltd.
Use it at your own risk.
This utility was written from scratch and does not contain any copyrighted code. Creative’s director of developer relations, George Thorn told me, in a chat session, that is OK to provide mods as patches.
X-Fi Crystalizer for Creative SB Audigy series 1.2.0.0 – by Daniel Kawakami
WARNING: Use this utility at your own risk, without any guaranties.
This small utility will unlock X-Fi Crystalizer on any Audigy card, except the Audigy SE/Value/LS.
It requires Windows running in Safe Mode.
How to use:
1) Install the unofficial “SB Audigy Series Installation Disc for Windows XP/Vista” (new version, unreleased) or “SB Audigy series Vista Support Pack” from Daniel Kawakami (daniel_k).
Restart Windows to complete the driver installation.
2) Restart Windows in Safe Mode.
Install the X-Fi Console, then run CrystalizerUnlocker.
Restart Windows in Normal Mode.
3) Open the X-Fi Console and enjoy!
IMPORTANT NOTES:
This is a software (host-based) implementation of Crystalizer
CMSS in Audio Console/EAX Settings only works with OpenAL/ALchemy
These utilities configure CMSS in hardware mode, that requires OpenAL or ALchemy. Disable CMSS to avoid conflicts with X-Fi CMSS-3D.
In software mode, used by Windows Vista, use the X-Fi Console to enable X-Fi CMSS-3D.
X-Fi Console
Provides the following audio enhancements:
- EAX effects
- X-Fi CMSS-3D
- X-Fi Crystalizer
These enhancements only work with the Windows Vista audio system, that uses software processing and don’t work with OpenAL and ALchemy.
When using X-Fi CMSS-3D, disable CMSS in Audio Console/EAX Settings to avoid conflicts.
*** There were some bugs in the previous version.
*** To install this new version, you must remove everything, including the driver, applications, “Creative” folders in “Program Files” and all registry entries.
The X-Fi Console is just the “X-Fi Audio Console” renamed to co-exist with the Audigy Audio Console and the unnecessary tabs were removed.
Without the CrystalizerUnlocker, it does nothing, so it was not “cracked”.
X-Fi Console and its files are property of Creative Technology Ltd.
Download:
Crystalizer Unlocker (19.4 Kb)
X-Fi Console 2.50.11 (5.78 Mb)
“Beefy Bass Has Returned”
In practice, the Crystalizer is a dedicated, dynamic equalizer (Exciter). Its main function is to enhance the high and low frequencies of the input audio. Other functions include modifying a certain range of frequencies in order to achieve better perceived sound quality on a wider array of equipment such as headphones and speakers, and also to digitally increase the volume by about 3db. The Crystalizer emphasis can be adjusted between 0-100% when enabled, however even at 0% the audio is still processed partially. As a consequence of enabling the Crystalizer, the original signal is altered, and whether the result improves upon the original audio is purely a matter of perception and can depend on the type of audio being played.
Any news on Win XP version ?
I think the XP version uses hardware crystalizer, so I don’t think there’s a need for software emulation for XP
I think it’s pure software solution. I think the problem is how to force X-Fi XP console installation on Audigy before using the unlocker.
From the readme file:
“(…)
In software mode, used by Windows Vista, use the X-Fi Console to enable
X-Fi CMSS-3D.
(…)
- EAX effects
- X-Fi CMSS-3D
- X-Fi Crystalizer
These enhancements only work with the Windows Vista audio system, that
uses software processing and don’t work with OpenAL and ALchemy (…)”
It looks like Vista only….
I just tried these because I only formatted yesterday and none of the options available in the X-Fi Panel affect my music playback from WinAmp… so have I done something wrong or is there something wrong with the installation files?
The Crystalizer only works with certain drivers, but it shouldn’t allow you to run unless they are in use. I’ve used it on quite a few installs and it’s always gone in fine for me..
Do we really need to install the old support packs?
Will this still work with just the 2.15 or 2.18 drivers without the extra software from the support packs?
I would like to know if a version of the crystaliser will come out for the 2.18.001 driver version? great work Daniel_K nonetheless
I don’t think the crystalizer will work with latest Audigy release. I can notice volume variations with this program anyway.
2.18.0001 sounds way better.
The crystalizer works fine in the Danial_k 2.15 driver but will not install in the new driver 2.18 .I would like to see it work in this new driver because the sound in much louder (from 54 to 20 in the mixer ) so if the cystalizer would work it would be great .I am very much into music and audio quality .Build my own amps and all 8 satalites and 2 10″ subs 3000Watts total .
selam siten super olmus
I have installed this and have the crystalizer working but have lost access to stereo surround and X-Fi CMSS3D is not selectable in the X-Fi console, the only option i have working now is CMSS2 from audio console and thats not the same as stereo surround, all other options in CMSS-3D do nothing.
Gain one thing but lose another that i use all the time hmm is it worth it.
I personally think the Crystalizer destroys my music. It was great when we were all running 3rd party drivers. Now we have better quality drivers, I don’t think it’s needed.
If your having trouble installing the daniel k drivers, there is a support.cab that can help people if it says “cannot find….” it’s also by daniel k though i don’t know if he implemented it in his new release or not.
hi, iv just installed the Creative.Soundblaster.Audigy.Series.Vista.Drivers[by.daniel_k] and cannot get the Crystalizer to install i get “the software insatlled is INVALID!”
iv tryed using the “SBAX_PCDVT_LB_2_15_0004EQ” but get the same error with that. any idea’s?
thanks
SB Creative Audigy
Vista 32Bit SP1
Can this work under Win7 (7100)?
any version of this out for windows xp 64 yet?
When will the Value SE version will come out? Been waiting for so long..