Creative Labs Xmod USB Sound Card for PC & Mac | List Price: $101.47
Discount Price: $44.44
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Brand: Creative Labs
Binding: Electronics
Warranty: 1 year warranty
Features: - Device Type - Sound card
- Interface Type - External
- Localization - English
- Sound Output Mode - Multi channel
Does most of what it promises [Posted on 2008-06-16]
I got the Xmod because the line-out jack on my Mac was busted, so I needed to get sound out of the computer using the USB port instead. For this purpose, this device worked perfectly. I just plugged it in, set the Mac's sound output to be this device instead of the line-out, and it worked! As advertised, there are no drivers or other programs to install. It's also nice to have a system volume control knob on the Xmod instead of needing to go through the system sound preferences. The MP3 Crystallizer does make my music sound better (more dynamic), especially the MP3s that are recorded at 128 kbps or lower quality. However the "CMSS-3D" virtual surround makes the music sound terrible (distorted, hollow, and weakened vocals) even through my high-quality stereo speakers. Luckily it is easily turned off with a switch on the device.
Microsoft Plug-N-Play is Evil [Posted on 2008-07-07]
I listen to live streaming audio from several radio stations around the country while working at my desk. This little beauty turns internet audio streams into pleasant listening experiences. Once in a while some error happens (A BUG IN WINDOWS?!!!) and the Xmod goes away. I have to either restart my computer (not likely while working) or unplug my headphones from the Xmod and switch to raw soundcard output. Going back to listening to what sounds like a transister radio playing underwater makes me sad. It was a pain trying to get it installed on Windows XP. Creative's help desk helped me to install it. I blame Windows for the sound not going to the Xmod sometimes. I've had the same issue with other devices/software. I had to be persistant and use the information I got from Creative to get it working consistantly. 5 stars minus 1 for the headaches getting it working.
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Wonderful [Posted on 2008-09-29]
I use a macbook to play all of my music (and now video) through a home theater system. For some reason I just wasent getting the bass I should have been (using a 3.5mm jack to rca cable), so I got this product. Now everything works perfectly. Very pleased.
Btw, I prefer to use it without the CMSS-3D, but with the crystalizer. The CMSS-3D made it sound...unnatural.
Does the job for streaming radio [Posted on 2008-10-18]
I purchased this unit because my $89 MP3 player sounded so much better than the audio from my desktop RCA jack, which is the primary way which I access my music. I have a compact desktop, and can't find an audio card replacement that fits. The audio out is also dead on my laptop, so USB is the only viable option.
The real gains are from internet radio streams. I used to avoid Pandora, because of the muddied audio, but this unit makes it a pleasure to listen to. The effect is less pronounced for 192 Kb MP3s from CD's, but there are also some gains here, though the "crystallizer" makes the music a little bright for my taste when listening through my Sennheiser headphones. It is easy to switch off through an external switch; much nicer than having to use software, but of course raises the price of the unit.
This is an extremely well built, sturdy unit. The large external volume / mute control is very handy and easier and faster to use than the software volume control on your audio application or system volume. Great for your home office when you get a phone call. The unit also has headphone and line out outputs, so you don't need to change the cables, which really adds to the life of the unit if you do it often.
The only downside is the price. You can get a cheap external USB audio unit for $10 or less (including postage), and they sound pretty good, but fall apart in no time and stick out awkwardly and risk damage to the USB port. I've had two that both broke within 3 months. I got a deal on this unit for about $30, a refurb direct from Creative, and it was well worth it. $80 is too high for me, even though I use it 6 hours a day. On the other hand, I am a cheapskate.
Xmod Excellance For Your Tunes [Posted on 2008-11-11]
I purchased the Xmod for my Ipod. It worked wonders from the very beginning. I placed it between my 80GB Ipod and any speaker system. I even use it in my car with astounding results. It brings all of my MP3 tunes right back to life. I get a rich full sound at home, from my computer or from my Ipod to my home theater sound system. I also get this same outstanding sound in my car. All the amazing deep lows to the highly defined highs are your with this amazing product from Creative...
Dan-N-Oregon
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