Hercules Game Theater XP

External sound card line 2 inputs, 2 coaxial inputs / outputs, 2 inputs / outputs SP / DIF, 3 line outputs, a MIDI in / out ... A good configuration, with sufficient clearance / O for a home studio

UTILIZATION

The installation will be done, I think no problem until Windows 98. By installing this card on Windows XP, I encountered major problem for drivers. Rsultats: Can not play mp3 properly, let alone DVD or MIDI! Fortunately, I finally understood the problem (see below) ...

GETTING STARTED

The problem is that a sound card silent dj Submitted on my computer, connects the motherboard, and therefore can not uninstall completely. So there is conflict between the two cards, which makes me reinstall the drivers and restarting my computer when I want to use the MIDI! Another thing: when I want to read or work without jerking mp3 files WAVE, I must disable my card THERNET! This is not the top! ..

OVERALL OPINION

Apart from these dsagrments, this card is still worth the time, and this is my shade from the view Previous: once rgls the problem of conflict, trs sound good, either with analog or numriques (I've never had a problem with the SP / DIF!). In addition, its multitude of inputs and outputs make it a very practical map (not found elsewhere for this price!). That said, I deprecated the Game Theater XP, because the conflicts are too many peripherals with computers today: the card silent Designed for Windows 98. It is a little dated

Good and well when it comes to setting up the pc I had no problem.
The rack has been one of my arguments of choice .... french and it also
In short nothing to say on the number of input / output (almost too y'en)

UTILIZATION

Well it's true that I had a problem with the MP3 playback and DVD at the beginning of my reach WinXP ..... but this problem has completely disappeared from the new drivers are out.
For more worries (and I'm back in Win2000 for other reason)

GETTING STARTED

Good and well in terms of stability and compatibility is perfect.
The update are regularly although it is not really big difference to make major.
I have two big regrets with this card (the only 2 that matter)
- The configuration of the digital output that requires a mandatory reboot the system if it makes a change.
- I find it really lack of software for this card should not be operated at 100% in this case.

OVERALL OPINION

Well except for just two notes described above, this card is really a pleasure to use ... yet he must have utility for all inputs / outputs presented.
But I always regret my little Diamond Monster Sound with Aureal chip .... shame that Creative does not use this power since their acquisition of Aureal ...

the many possible connections.
mic + line, many outputs (7.1) analog / optical / coaxial, MIDI, 4-port USB ...
everything has already been described on the proposed connections.
I used a Korg Karma + Sennheiser microphone and Sonar software for recording audio.
very good quality when making audio
ditto to control virtual synths noon.
although not ASIO drivers, the problem is circumvented by using ASIO4ALL.
As a low latency (<10ms at)
Use also with electric guitar and GUITAR RIG with no problem.
used on PCs with Windows XP

UTILIZATION

any concern for drivers, Hercules support site-to-date (end of 2011 for a map of more than 10 years, bravo!)

GETTING STARTED

no problem if the installation procedure is followed to the letter.
easy configuration, no conflict, full user interface.
However, given that all PCs have an integrated sound chipset of origin, it is imperative that the disabled in the BIOS, and not to use the card Hercules (much better for that matter).

OVERALL OPINION

I just bought a laptop, and unfortunately, I'm using it as no more opportunity to connect, because now I can not use a USB sound card (Hercules DJ Console MK2 USB + MIDI Prodipe) So goodbye my Game Theater XP on my new PC.
I loved this sound card with a rack of very good quality, well done.
I also used with a keyboard connected to the master midiplus61 Joystick port without any problem.
the only negative points are:
-The cable from the PCI card plugged into the PC to the external rack that is very big and too rigid.
-The 4 USB ports that only work in 1.0, so low speed, just good to connect a mouse, keyboard, printer ... to release the USB 2.0 ports on the PC.
to recommend to any amateur musician, looking for an excellent price / quality ratio and a varied use (audio input / output mic / line / optical, and MIDI)
Note the continuous monitoring of Hercules on the latest drivers downloaded completely stable on their site

See General Appreciation.

UTILIZATION

See General Appreciation.

GETTING STARTED

See General Appreciation.

OVERALL OPINION

For those that would buy the card from Guillemot Game Theater XP, which seems to have characteristics more than respectable (I / O digital SP / DIF coax and optical, external rack, noon in / out, acting as a USB hub, etc. ..) for 1290 fr, does not buy it especially .. Unfortunately, looking for a new card, I was tempted by the thing, and I got paid two days later. reasons: - SP / DIF does not work, there are latency and sync problems, which cause glitches monstrous, and when it decides to work, the sound is awful with a "noise" when the gains are driven. (SP / DIF should provide us with a golden silence, as on my SBLive!) - Drivers 'origins' are bugged to death under Win98SE. This is nonsense! I had to get new drivers from Guillemot. The SP / DIF is still buggy, with this horrible noise on the outputs ... (Cables are cables "pro" specially designed to interface SP / DIF) and the configuration settings are not always remembered. - The sound card is really weird .. it seems that the stereo image is exaggerated, and MP3 playback is really not that great! I transferred all parameters of stereo widening, etc. .., and it is ditto .. - Another note on the sp / dif, you have to uncheck the activation of output every time record, otherwise, for some unknown reason, but certainly not overshadowed by a guillemot, a feedback "digital" appears (the entrance SP / DIF output is looped). Guillemot "advise" to uncheck the box to the right ... QUICK, and that's not all .. So absolutely avoid this card is a horror to make zik .. The map is definitely worth the SBLive! Platinum .. 1690 fr .. it is really value for money, because in addition to being an excellent card (very little wind, even on trips "analog"), she comes with a lot of things that make the difference (the rack 5 1 / 4, the optical cable, etc ...)