Published 12/10/06
New X-Fi hardware from Creative
Consumer audio equipment manufacturer Creative have unveiled a new device that is designed to enhance the quality of MP3, WMA and AAC files to 'beyond studio quality'.
Xmod is a small device that connects between your computer or MP3 player and a pair of speakers or headphones; 'upconverting' the signal to a 24-bit surround sound format, known to Creative as 'X-Fi', in the process.
According to Creative, X-Fi has two functions: 'X-Fi Crystaliser' and 'X-Fi CMSS-3D'. The former of the two analyses the data-compressed audio before it 'intelligently and selectively restores' the audio to sound better that it did on CD, while the latter process creates 'virtual surround sound' and feeds it to speakers or headphones.
Xmon requires no software, and when used with a Mac or PC, it can source its power from USB (using the included cable). However, when used with a portable device, like an iPod or Creative's Zen, Xmod requires an AC power adapter, which is not included.
Creative's Xmod costs just £59 including shipping and VAT, and you can pre-order it now. It should be shipping by the beginning of November.
www.creative.com
Xmod is a small device that connects between your computer or MP3 player and a pair of speakers or headphones; 'upconverting' the signal to a 24-bit surround sound format, known to Creative as 'X-Fi', in the process.
According to Creative, X-Fi has two functions: 'X-Fi Crystaliser' and 'X-Fi CMSS-3D'. The former of the two analyses the data-compressed audio before it 'intelligently and selectively restores' the audio to sound better that it did on CD, while the latter process creates 'virtual surround sound' and feeds it to speakers or headphones.
Xmon requires no software, and when used with a Mac or PC, it can source its power from USB (using the included cable). However, when used with a portable device, like an iPod or Creative's Zen, Xmod requires an AC power adapter, which is not included.
Creative's Xmod costs just £59 including shipping and VAT, and you can pre-order it now. It should be shipping by the beginning of November.
www.creative.com
