One of NMGS’s readers noticed daniel_k has released another updated installer for Audigy series. Well done Ostar, good thing somebody’s awake around here…
SB Audigy Series Support Pack 3.5 (10/11/2009)
This software/driver pack is unofficial, not supported by Creative Labs.
Use it at your own risk.
Supports any model of the following Sound Blaster cards (based on Emu10kx DSP):
– Audigy
– Audigy 2
– Audigy 2 ZS
– Audigy 4
For Audigy SE/LS/Value and Live! 24-bit cards, click here for a compatible version.
Operating systems supported: 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows 7 RTM / Vista SP2 / XP SP3
Included in the pack:
– Audigy series driver 2.18.0011.10 (latest beta)
– ALchemy 1.26.04– Audio Console 1.32.02
– DDL and DTS Connect License Activation 2.00.03 (*)
– Dolby Digital Live Pack 3.00.03 (*)– DTS Connect Pack 1.68.75 [modified 1.03.04] (*)
– EAX Console 3.00.56 (Windows XP only)
– Graphic Equalizer 2.00.65
– MediaSource DVD-Audio Player 2.00.78
– SoundFont Bank Manager 3.21.00
– Speaker Settings 2.00.60– THX Setup Console 2.10.43 (Windows XP only)
(*) Purchase and activation required, more info at http://buy.soundblaster.com.
Does this driver improve sound quality or performance? Are there any tweaks?
No, this driver does not improve sound quality nor increase performance.
No, there are no tweaks.
If someone states that its driver improves sound quality and performance, you are being fooled, cheated.
It is even worse that the so called tweaks come from a person who is not EVEN technically acknowledged, does NOT know anything about Windows internals, software engineering and sound fidelity that all audiophiles always look for.
If you “feel” the sound better, that is the infamous placebo effect and there is no real proof that any tweaks work.
In fact, I have yet to see a driver that states in its release notes that it improves sound quality.
I’ve disassembled about every single .SYS driver, .DLL libraries and .EXE executables and found nothing.
There are some undocumented registry values, but nothing related to sound quality or performance.
Would the so called tweaks even exist, they would be in my Support Packs, you can bet that.
Fixes and improvements:
– DTS Interactive encoder now works on Windows XP without any tricks.
– Fixes a cosmetic issue on Audio Console, encoder status now says DTS Interactive.
– Readds support for 64-bit OpenAL and 64-bit ASIO.
– Fixes Microphone not available on Audigy1 cards on Windows 7 / Vista.
– Enables support for WASAPI exclusive-mode event-driven playback, seems to be working just fine.
– Fixes the enhancements errors in Windows mixer and Windows Media Player.
– Adds Microsoft Audio Home Theather Effects for both Speakers and S/PDIF Out endpoints.
– Includes Encoder Switcher to enable DTS Interactive on Audigy cards.
– Fixes the Audio Console “Internal application error” when enabling the DDL Encoder on localized installs.
– Updates Audio Console to display DTS Interactive in the Encoder tab when Encoder switcher is used.
– Workarounds a bug that unexpectedly resets the speaker configuration.
– Prevents an issue during installation on Windows 7/Vista that may result in low volume when certain enhancements are enabled.
– Implements Hardware CMSS Headphone by using a workaround.
– Updates all InstallShield setup scripts to support Windows 7.
– Fixes installation INI to properly install applications depending on the detected OS.
– Removes COM workaround for Equalizer, fixed by Creative.
– Adds workaround to a memory corruption issue preventing Equalizer from starting on Windows 7/Vista.
– Updates shared modules, responsiveness on certain applications is improved.
– Enables CMSS2 and Stereo Surround.
– Fixes 32-bit ASIO not working on Windows 7 x64.
– Fixes Encoder not available on Windows 7 x64 (related to fix above).
– Sets default speaker setting to 5.1 to properly reset configs to their defaults during install (fixes Bass and Treble leves not set to 50% on Windows 7 / Vista).
Undocumented fixes by Creative (not listed in the release notes):
– Fixes the 6.1 speaker configuration is incorrectly available on Windows 7 64-bit.
– Fixes the Enable Dolby Digital Live checkbox not staying checked when Audio Console is closed.
– Fixes Equalizer Out of Memory error.
– Fixes Equalizer settings being lost on Windows 7 / Vista when speaker configuration is changed.
– Fixes low volume on Windows 7 / Vista when default format is set to anything higher than 16-bit, 48kHz.
– Fixes MIDI instruments in Melodic Pool not playing when speaker setting is higher than 2.1 speakers.
– Restores missing Microphone option in Surround Mixer (documented).
– Fixes Microphone mute, volume and +20db boost controls.
Release Notes:
Windows Security warning during driver installation
When prompted with: “Windows can’t verify the publisher of this driver software”, choose “Install this driver software anyway”.
OpenAL 2D benchmark in RightMark 3DSound crashes your system
Due to a driver bug, your system will crash if you run the OpenAL 2D benchmark using 63 buffers. No problem With 62 or fewer buffers. OpenAL 3D and OpenAL 3D + EAX benchmarks are not affected.
Details: DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (0x000000D1) – ctoss2k.sys
System crashes when shutting down or restarting Windows if Encoder is enabled
Due to a driver bug, your system will crash if you try to shutdown or restart Windows with Encoder enabled.
Details: SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION (0x0000003B) – ha10kx2k.sys
There is no DirectSound hardware acceleration on Windows XP 64-bit (x64)
The Audigy driver does not support 64-bit addressing, disabling the DirectSound hardware acceleration and causing multichannel sound to be played only in the stereo channels (front left/right).
Workarounds:
– install the 32-bit (x86) version of Windows XP.
– limit to less than 4GB the amount of RAM available to Windows.
– enable the “Memory Hole” setting in the BIOS Setup, if your motherboard supports it.
Microphone issues on Windows 7/Vista 64-bit (x64) with 4GB of RAM or more
Audigy driver does not support 64-bit addressing, resulting in random issues with the Microphone (static, robotic or distorted voice, white noise).
Workarounds:
– install the 32-bit (x86) version of Windows
– limit the RAM available to Windows to less than 4GB
– enable Memore Hole in BIOS Setup, if your motherboard supports the setting
MediaSource DVD-Audio Player system requirements
– 32-bit edition of Windows 7 / Vista / XP
– any Audigy 2, Audigy 2 ZS or Audigy 4 card
Built-in Decoder on Windows 7 / Vista (requires Service Pack 1)
To use the built-in decoder, make sure it is enabled in Audio Console.
Select “SPDIF Out (Creative SB Audigy (WDM))” as the output device of your player and then configure the AC3/DTS filter to send the stream through SPDIF.
When you restart your computer, the Tone settings (Bass and Treble) are not applied.
Just readjust one of the controls one time per boot.
Advanced EQ and Special FX not available on Windows 7 / Vista
These presets don’t work on Windows 7 / Vista.
There is no sound in games with OpenAL support on Windows XP
Disable Advanced EQ and Special FX selecting “No effect” before running the game or program.
Equalizer settings are lost
When you run a game with OpenAL support or using Creative ALchemy, the Equalizer settings are lost. Just run Equalizer and the saved setting is loaded automatically.
Tone settings are reset when speaker configuration is changed
Bass and treble settings are reset when speaker configuration is changed.
DTS Encoder Switcher
The Encoder Switcher is now part of Audio Console.
A shortcut is created in the Programs -> Creative folder in Start Menu.
For additional info, read thoroughly the ReadMe.txt file included in the \EncSwitcher folder where you extracted the Support Pack.
Hardware CMSS Headphone
To use the hardware CMSS you need to select “Disable all enhancements” in the “Enhancements” tab on:
Playback Devices -> Speaker Properties
Now check the Speaker configuration in “Playback devices”.
If it is Stereo, run Audio Console and change it to 4.1, 5.1 or 7.1 and only after that change it to Headphones.
This procedure ensures that CMSS(1) will work after a Windows restart, otherwise only CMSS2 will work.
Microsoft Audio Home Theater Effects
This driver adds the following audio effects, which are available depending on the current speaker configuration:
– Bass Management
– Speaker Fill
– Room Correction
– Loudness Equalization
– Bass Boost
– Virtual Surround
– Low Frequency ProtectionSome effects are also available for the “SPDIF Out” device.
Some Microsoft effects have priority over Creative CMSS effects and will disable the later.
MIDI Device Configuration Utility for Windows 7 / Vista
Use this utility to change the MIDI playback device for 32-bit and 64-bit applications.
Download:
Filename: Audigy_SupportPack_3_5.exe
File size: 60.1 MB
CRC32 hash: 921CA120
SHA-1 hash: 2ACBCEC5B3DC6379F4AAB19A98198A34B5D90402
To verify the file hashes, I recommend HashTab.
Mirrors:
Rapidshare (uploaded by daniel_k)
Sendspace (uploaded by NoMoreGoatSoup)
All files are property of Creative Technology Ltd, unless otherwise noted.
No More Goat Soup 
Hello. I just recently came across these drivers which just happened to really help me out with my stupid microphone issue with my Audigy card and Vista. I really appreciate your work on these and going way beyond what Creative has done.
I would like to help in some way if I could. I currently help mirror/host downloads for two other popular projects (the Ultimate Boot CD and the Ultimate Boot CD 4 Windows) via my SimpleCDN account. If it would help you, I can give you your own ‘upload bucket’, which is essentially your own FTP account which you can use as you please and create direct links to any files you wish. All files/downloads are automatically spread across several servers throughout the world and thus all downloads are fast no matter where the user is.
Just let me know if you are interested and we can get something going. You can email me or we can chat, whichever you want. I’m sorry I didn’t email you personally about this, but I couldn’t seem to find any direct contact info (or I’m just blind). Anyway, again, thanks! 🙂
MIDI playback is still extremely soft. Any fix?
Which Improvements does the new Audigy series driver 2.18.0011.10 Beta bring? Is there any documentation? Improvements for Windows 7?
And especially how do i make a clean update for the 3.1 Pack?
Hi
I’ve got an audigy Platinum ex with a breakout box via the infamous ‘gameport’. I know gameport isn’t supported under vista, but I used your gameport driver which makes the firewire port work. However the audigy card still doesnt seem to be talking to the external input box. When i try to format inputs it will only let me use the microphone input on the card and not anything from the box. Any ideas?? And thanks for all your work on this – won’t be buying Creative next time!!!
nomoregoatsoup / daniel_k
Thank you for the support pack – works perfectly for me with Windows 7.
I’ve just migrated from Vista and suffered with crackling / popping effects when playing any audio – it was so bad I switched the audio off when playing games!
Geeza
First, thanks for supporting us when Creative refuses to!
While running Vista for a couple weeks I used your drive pack and it worked great…minus one issue. I have an analog 5.1 speaker system with an Audigy 4 Pro. Worked perfectly with XP. Surround works fine on Vista with this driver package but the subwoofer is outputting zippo. And, yes, I have set speakers to 5.1, enabled bass management wherever I could find it, set the crossover to 200Hz, and turned off CMSS and all effects. There’s no subwoofer output, not even in the control panels.
So I recently upgraded to Windows 7 Pro and the sound is working exactly the same as it did with Vista. Can’t say I’m not surprised. Anyone else have the same situation…and a fix?
I Have the exact same issue. Running Windows 7 Ultimate 64 Bit (previously Vista). So far i have not found a solution. Have you had any luck?
Oh, and I wouldn’t mind hosting another mirror for this file as well.
thanks daniel k.
i have xtremeaudio. will this work with it? or should we wait for your new drivers?
Will there be a Surround Mixer available for Windows 7 users? I have an Audigy 2 and the Surround Mixer is a great feature. I don’t seem to be able to mix sounds in Windows 7 from the mixer settings there. Is this possible? Seems pretty complicated. Any help would be appreciated!
A great big thanks!! Seems to work well will with 2008 Server as well – still early by no issues so far 🙂
3.6 is out. The only one working link:
http://www.filefront.com/14930847/Audigy_SupportPack_3_6.exe/
I don’t see any official announcement so I wouldn’t really trust that. Besides, that’s not a great mirroring site in my opinion. If this an official release though, I’ll gladly get it ready in my SimpleCDN account and post a link, just as I said in my original post here. 😀
Alright, here’s my SimpleCDN link finally: http://e1.simplecdn.net/danielk/Audigy/Audigy_SupportPack_3_6.exe
Should be ready within a few minutes… Enjoy! 😀
Also important…: http://forums.creative.com/t5/Sound-Blaster/SB-Audigy-Series-Support-Pack-3-6-11-09-2009/td-p/540934
🙂
Hi
I have an Audigy 2 ZS and recently updated to Windows 7, so I installed these drivers so I can have CMSS2. But sometimes in game or while playing music I get a really crappy sound, and I have to close all the “sound-using” applications and relaunch them. I updated to 3.6 but same problem. Any idea where it can come from?
Only want to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU … Daniel_k.
(don’t know where else than here..)
Respect.
I have the same issue FeIl. I can’t play games with the Audigy, and music on the Realtek. The sound cuts out and distorts until I restart. This bug didn’t exist before 2.15.0010, if that helps any.
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does the 3.6 pack have the latest drivers from creative. any new pack released or expected?
Im using the daniel’s driver for my platinum… and then tried to play the Grid from codemaster via Vista Ultimate 32 bit plus service pack 1.
In the 1st 30minutes, the platinum works perfectly and the game running very smooth and responsive… And suddenly, some crackling sound came up, and the game goes very slow… the sound was lagged. And the game is not responsive anymore.
Ive been trying to restart the game, restart the windows and i even re install the windows, and the same thing always happens.
But, i never found any problems when using the platinum for windows media player and listen the music. The platinum works perfectly. The surround is outstanding.
So, guys, anyone here can help me out ?
Thanks a lot
Anyway, thanks a lot to bro Daniel K for his outstanding contribution. Salute….
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I just set up a Windows Server 2008 R2 (x64) machine on an old PowerEdge server. Someone gave me an Audigy PCI card from their old workstation. I was excited to have a decent, working soundcard for my server. I was disappointed with the XP/2K drivers not being usable not matter what slights-of-hand that I tried.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU Daniel_K for your time and effort with this. The Audigy PCI card still whips the arse of a many modern day sound cards, and to have it working with a proper server is just amazing!