Creative External Sound Blaster Live! SB0490 5.1 Channels 24-bit 48kHz in 5.1 mode and up to 96kHz in stereo mode USB Interface Sound Card - Retail

Reviewed By: prophet. on 4/1/2008

Tech Level: high - Ownership: more than 1 year

This user purchased this item from Newegg

Pros: this is a fantastic external sound card. it has high-quality audio, it works with every system i've plugged it into, and it is highly customizable with the software included.

Cons: it's external.

Other Thoughts: this is a usb2 device, so ignore the previous reviewer who complained about that.

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Microphone input adds a lot of hiss; not worth it

Reviewed By: John on 3/15/2008

Tech Level: high - Ownership: less than 1 day

Pros: USB, if you need that.

Cons: The microphone input is awful. Adds a lot of hiss, so I'm returning it.

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Good for basic audio needs

Reviewed By: ran on 1/31/2008

Tech Level: high - Ownership: 1 month to 1 year

Pros: Allows expanding a laptop sound to 5.1 surround analog. Also support digital out.

Cons: USB 1.1, Stutters with high bandwidth audio.

Other Thoughts: If you need surround sound and you only listen to music, you can get this. If you play games or watch high definition videos, do not get this as the bandwidth limitations in USB 1.1 will cause audio buffer choke and everything goes bad (I mean everything as in you video stutters too as a result).

Not recoomended for anything except basic audio. For everything else. Personally I'm getting an Audigy 2 NX.

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