Audiotrak ProDigy 7.1 HiFi

The ProDigy 7.1HiFi is an entry level professional sound card that just happens to do everything that all those others do, only a little better (maybe a LOT better). Starting with a VIA Envy24HT (ICE 1724) audio controller, Wolfson WM8776/8766 Codecs, Sanyo/Nichicon SP/ES series high quality capacitors, and socketed op-amps that they encourage you to change to suit your needs. A shield for the analog circuits to reduce RF & Magnetic interference, Optical Digital I/O at 24-bit/196kHz, Q-sound as well as advanced native sound, and an internal software controlled mixer that allows you to record from any source (ASIO 2.0, GSIF 2.0 compliant).

Card
MSRP $129.00
Release date June, 2007
Brand AudioTrak
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Pros & Cons

1 person added to this review by submitting or voting on pros and cons. Add your say!
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Pros:
Do you agree?
•
Lot lower price than other cards with the same features
+1agreedisagree

•
True 192KHz 7.1 Surround Sound
+1agreedisagree

•
Digital Input & Output
+1agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?
•
Very hard to find in stock, anywhere.
+1agreedisagree

•
Optical connectors are very close together (hard to plug in)
+1agreedisagree


Details

Audiotrak is the subsidiary company of ESI Audio who is an industry leader in producing professional digital sound equipment & digital sound recording / editing equipment.

Specs

  • 192 kHz 7.1 HiFi surround audio interface
  • 24-bit / 96 kHz ADC with 102dB(a) dynamic range
  • 24-bit / 192 kHz DAC with 108dB(a) dynamic range
  • S/PDIF digital I/O with optical connectors
  • high quality RCA connectors for the main analog output signal
  • up to 4 simultaneous inputs and 10 simultaneous outputs
  • special design to eliminate CPU and HDD noise
  • 2 through 7.1 surround formats
  • EWDM driver based on ESI technology
  • DirectWIRE support to record any signal from any source internally
  • Advanced NSP support, use effect plugins to expand your sound
  • integrated headphone and microphone amplifiers
  • ASIO 2.0 and GSIF 2.0 support for professional multichannel applications through 7.1 surround formats
  • QSound support under Windows XP
  • works under Windows 2000, XP, 2003 and XP x64
  • compatible with all major game and surround standards
  • compatible with all major professional audio applications

Amplifiers

Unit comes with a NJM4580D or JRC4580D Op Amp

Suggested: LM4562NA Dual High Fidelity Op Amp

Or: OPA2132 FET Op Amp

The 4580D is a general purpose mid wattage amplifier with a good overall sound;

The OPA2132 is a mid wattage amplifier with cleaner highs, muddier lows;

The LM4562NA is a high wattage amplifier with the broadest range of fidelity (frequency) and lowest SN Ratio (Noise, THD), also the most expensive at $5.00 each (avg).

NOTE: Although the SoundBlaster is listed as a competitor, please note that their 192KHz sample rate is stereo only, it is much lower (96KHz) for 7.1 (even their best card) but, they are the closest for specs to this card. This is a very big difference between them.

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Competitors

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro

MSRP  $399.99    Released  --
Cons
  • No linux drivers (except beta version for 64-bit systems).

Read or add to the full product report

Vote! 0 votes
vote Audiotrak ProDigy 7.1 HiFi
vs.
vote Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Fatal1ty

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Fatal1ty

MSRP  $279.99    Released  --
Cons
  • No linux drivers (except beta version for 64-bit systems).

Read or add to the full product report

Vote! 0 votes
vote Audiotrak ProDigy 7.1 HiFi
vs.
vote Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Fatal1ty

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Comments

1.  avatar Charon9 said:

I was a die hard SoundBlaster fan until I installed this card. I had an X-Fi Platinum and picked up this card by recommendation of a friend for a second game machine SoundBlaster is now on a shelf somewhere, or maybe in that other machine.
 
It is best for me to compare this card to the X-Fi line since both were in the same machine, and with the same amplifier (Pioneer VSX-817). The only real difference is the X-Fi was coax digital, and the ProDigy is Optical.
  • Stereo or 7.1 upmix speaker separation is no comparison, the SoundBlaster is junk. This card reminded me that I had more than one ear and it is just amazing. Sounds are truly three dimensional.
  • Sound Quality: Again no comparison you can hear every cymbal brush as well as every low rumbling moan. In fact I noticed some things in different songs I never knew were there with the SoundBlaster.
  • EAX v Native Sound: Windows is set to 7.1 with both of these cards and I have heard no real difference in any of my games. If I had to choose I would say no difference..
  • Q-Sound: Not tested as I use sound shaping through the amplifier.
    Sound Positioning; Spatial positioning: SoundBlaster is again Junk. In third person view moving around a campfire in game the sound truly moves or tracks around you. In 3D shooters, lookout because I can hear where you are!
  • 196KHz Digital Recording: direct recording, no problems at all. My professional video stuff, with Dolby Codecs recognize the input and record at 7.1 196Khz. SoundBlaster, well, they don't have it so no comparison.
  • CPU or Memory Load: Not even noticed. Some have said that the ProDigy loads more but I have not seen a thing.
    Overall if you are looking for a hands down, beat your brains out sound card this is for you. If you could care less about the sound, or music, then a $19.00 house brand with speakers will do you just fine.
Dec 29, 2007 3:20am
2.  avatar Whipdaddy said:

Charon9, I also have been a SoundBlaster die hard since my very first SoundBlaster Pro back in 1992 to my very last desktop which sported the SoundBlaster Live.

It's pretty awesome to see this audio technology you can get for $130 these days.
Jan 18, 2008 2:34pm
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Community

This report was started December 29, 2007 at 2:38 am by Charon9, with the last edit occurring November 12, 2008 at 3:36 am by batteryfans
This page has been viewed 2276 times, with 20 edits by 6 contributors. See the full report history »

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*yale @ 11/12/2008 9:00:27 AM

  • delete_comment: I see many used products in Ebay, where can i buy a new IBM Thinkpad T60

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  • commented: "I see many used products in Ebay, where can i buy a new IBM Thinkpad T60 "

*SMESolutions @ 11/3/2008 7:21:14 AM

*SMESolutions @ 11/3/2008 7:16:45 AM

  • commented: "Available from the official UK reseller at Audiotrak UK website. "

*Whipdaddy @ 1/18/2008 2:34:31 PM

  • commented: "Charon9, I also have been a SoundBlaster die hard since my very first SoundBlaster Pro back in 1992 to my very last desktop which sported the SoundBlaster Live. It's pretty awesome to see this audio technology you can get for $130 these days. "

*Whipdaddy @ 1/18/2008 2:34:26 PM

  • tapped as "want it"

*captaincondor @ 1/17/2008 6:59:12 PM

  • tapped as "want it"

*meNNis @ 1/17/2008 6:10:22 PM

  • tapped as "want it"

*Erik @ 1/7/2008 11:45:39 AM

  • changed the thumbnail : "change default image to one of the soundcard itself"

*Omar @ 12/29/2007 12:55:50 PM

  • edited the description : "fixed up some html formatting"

*Charon9 @ 12/29/2007 4:26:39 AM

  • added a link http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?pname?site=ca;lang=en;name=LM4562NA-ND

*Charon9 @ 12/29/2007 4:21:06 AM

  • edited a comment

*Charon9 @ 12/29/2007 3:20:46 AM

  • commented: "I was a die hard SoundBlaster fan until I installed this card. I had an X-Fi Platinum and picked up this card by recommendation of a friend for a second game machine SoundBlaster is now on a shelf somewhere, or maybe in that other machine.   It is best for me..."

*Charon9 @ 12/29/2007 3:04:28 AM

  • new pro/con: Digital Input & Output
  • new pro/con: True 192KHz 7.1 Surround Sound
  • edited the description : "typo's"
  • added a competitor: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro
  • new pro/con: Optical connectors are very close together (hard to plug in)
  • added the image: Card
  • added the image: Caps (closeup)
  • added the image: Amps (closeup)
  • new pro/con: Lot lower price than other cards with the same features
  • new pro/con: Very hard to find in stock, anywhere.
  • added a competitor: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Fatal1ty
  • tapped as "have it"
  • added a link http://www.audiotrak.net/products/prodigy71hifi/
  • changed the thumbnail
  • added the image: Audiotrak ProDigy 7.1 HiFi
See the full report history »
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