Question 1

does is work on windows 10?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is compatible with Windows 10.  The unit can be connected with 1} USB, 2} Optical, 3} RCA.  Has Optical and RCA outputs on the back and headphone jack on the front.

Overall this is a good sounding DAC if the connections are what you need.

Question 2

Can I use this as an pre-amp for my laptop? The sound card is connected between a laptop and a amplifier with RCA cables.

Accepted Answer

I am a little unsure about exactly what you are asking, so I will provide you with as much detail as possible.

A pre-amp classically is used to raise the output levels of a turntable up to line-level.  It is for this purpose that I bought my X-Fi HD USB.  It is used to receive the analog audio from my Technics direct-drive linear-tracking turntable and deliver the digitized audio to my computer.  Its grounding post makes this an ideal interface for this turntable.

It  is a "sound card", so it will take your computer's audio and deliver analog stereo or digital-optical audio to your amplifier.  It has 1/4" (NOT 1/8") mic and headphone jacks  on the front (as pictured) and two pairs of RCA jacks on the back; one pair for output, and the other pair for input, software-selectable between phono or line-level input.  Additionally, has the optical input a and output.  The ground post is for ground reference to a turntable, which only delivers signals of miniscule amplitudes.

If your laptop's current audio output levels are too low currently, this card should replace the existing output.  It is powered and interfaces with the computer through the USB port. I hope this helps.

Question 3

May I connect a 3rd party mic like ModMic/Zalman Zm-Mic1 and my Sennheiser HD 598s at the same time to Game on my laptop? Is this Windows 8.1 compatible and are there any drivers I need to download before use? I mainly play Steam Games and use my Head Phone to watch movies or play Games.

Accepted Answer

Not sure.  I just use as external PC sound card and to transfer recordings form tape decks.  Appears to have two RCA component inputs (R/L) and one large (stereo(?) mike input).  If unsure, you might be better trying to contact company.

I use for sound editing; no games.

Don't know about Win 8.1.  Does come with drivers and several utilities.  I bought mine several years ago and use on a Win 7 64 bit rig.

Question 4

Is this the latest model/revision?

Accepted Answer

I own 2.  Bever a problem. I feel it's the best sound card  on the market. If you use a worthless laptop like a Toshiba, or a cheap entry level laptop, this sound card will dave your life.
I use an I7 and the sound quality is 2nd to none.

Question 5

Can a pair of  speakers (2.0) be connected to this card?  It only seems to be compatible with a 2.1 (two speakers and a subwoofer) accoording to the specs?

Accepted Answer

You should be able to use a 2.0 set of speakers.  I use a 2.1 Logitech set, but the subwoofer comes off one of the speakers so cabling for 2.0 and 2.1 should be the same.

Question 6

I want to use my pc to record my music from my keyboard along with songs off my pc . will this card work?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, it will work.  However, there are better options out there for simple recording interfaces; like the Presonus Firebox or any lowcost interface from either Presonus or M-Audio (look at the M-Box).  If you are pretty serious about recording I would go with those, but if you are just tinkering around with a little bit of recording, then the Creative SB X-Fi will suit you just fine.  The sound quality of this unit (for playback) is very good.

Question 7

Is the software for this THX Trustudio Pro or is it SBX?  Product page says THX.

Thanks.

Accepted Answer

Not sure. Comes with Creative Media Toolbox 6.  I use it with a product called Diamond Cut which allows me to record old jazz recordings from cassette decks and reel-to-reel decks directly onto my PC hard disk, then edit them.  
I have used these Creative USB sound "cards" for years, and love them; bought this because the software for my old USB unit would not load into Win 7.
So far very happy.
May buy another for my 2nd music PC.
Good luck.

Question 8

does it support window 10?

Accepted Answer

Don't know.  Tower it was installed on is being rebuilt.  Had no problem installing cd on window 10 system.  Did not have a chance to try it.

Question 9

May I assume the Audio Optical output is TosLink?  Also, this must work with Linux or it's a no go.

Accepted Answer

There is no optical audio. I connected a "Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi HD 24-bit 96KHz USB Interface Sound Card" to get the surround and optical output.

Sounds fantastic!

Question 10

I've seen mixed answers to this: Does this product completely work on OS X 10.11?

Accepted Answer

I hated mine and used it for a total of 1 day. It sounded like serious crap.

Questions & Answers