Audigy 2 ZS - 8 Outputs

solacedagony · May 29, 2010, 05:23 PM

I'm attempting to run a four-way active speaker off the Audigy 2 ZS card w/ kxProject drivers in Windows 7. The Audigy 2 ZS is listed to have 8 outputs (7.1 support). However, I'm having trouble accessing the last two.

I've got the Analog Center/LFE outs, Analog Rear outs and Analog Front outs working. I found that I could get the headphone outs signal from the white connectors on the board, so I built a wiring harness to terminate them with RCAs and send them to my amps. However, every time I use the headphone outs, it makes the analog front have the same signal, as if they are physically connected in some way.

Can someone correct what I'm doing wrong or point me in the right direction? Thanks!

Russ · May 29, 2010, 11:22 PM

I do not have one of these cards but, if I recall correctly:

The last 2 outputs are the side outputs and are at Out 30/31 on epilog.

Some of the jacks on the rear of the card are 4 pole jacks, so you need special (or custom) cables to access the extra outputs.

i.e. (see user manual)
Line Out 1 has front left, front right
Line Out 2 has rear left, rear right, and side right.
Line Out 3 has center, subwoofer, and side left.

AFAIK, there is no separate analog headphone output (other than the drive bay stuff).

solacedagony · May 30, 2010, 02:45 AM

Thanks! I actually just found that out a couple hours ago but didn't get a chance to post. I've been looking for the manual and still haven't found a copy, even on Creative's site. But I found another site detailing the card and it showed that analog outputs 2/3 have the extra outputs on them.

Russ · May 30, 2010, 06:47 AM

Try this: Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS and Audigy 2 ZS Platinum Users Guide.chm

solacedagony · Jun 6, 2010, 07:12 AM

In Windows 7, those .chm files don't work correctly. I just get that the webpage didn't load. Those are the only copies of the manual I have found.

So I got the correct 4-pole cables and plugged them into analog outputs 2 and 3 as I found from multiple sources. I'm STILL not getting all the outputs, however. I've gone through every output available and my two of my RCAs are still showing 0 volts. I downloaded the new version of the ProFX plugin which includes the "Side Out" setting on k2lt and that doesn't produce output. Everything looks good in the signal chain (shows signal where it should be). How can I figure out what I'm doing wrong here?

Thanks!

Russ · Jun 6, 2010, 03:21 PM

The CHM files are probably blocked by Windows, see here:
Windows 7: How to display .chm content - didierdanse.net - Development News

As for the side outputs, how are you testing it? (i.e. What DSP config? What are you using as a signal?). Connect peak plugins to the end of your signal chain (i.e. just before the side output connections of epilog/kxlt) and use the peak plugins to make sure that you are actually sending audio the those outputs.

This page also shows the output info for your card (as well as the pinout):
Creative Knowledge Base | Sound Blaster Connectors: Minijack configuration (Ring assignments) (look under 7.1 Sound Blaster cards)

solacedagony · Jun 6, 2010, 05:43 PM

Sorry, I should have explained. I have a Vol8Xt plugin for volume control directly before the k2lt which shows levels. It shows that I do have signal going out electronically.
http://thumb0.webshots.net/t/82/82/2...0ygecpk_th.jpg
I do have output on 6 of my 8 RCAs. Rear out, Analog front out and Analog Center/LFE all produce output. I have tried setting all of the other outputs to the last set of RCAs and I get no voltage on my multimeter for any of them.

The side outs output are labeled "Side Out (I2S 2)". Does this mean anything to me?

Note: You might notice only one side is getting signal. This is intentional. I'm still setting up the system so I am only working with Left and not Right yet.

I did check those pin assignments. Analog outs 2 and 3 have the 4-pole connectors. I checked the cables I got with the multimeter to make sure ground was in the correct place on the rings and it was.

Russ · Jun 6, 2010, 06:19 PM

I cannot see any detail in the pic you posted, as it is just a thumbnail.... In any case, it sounds like you are doing everything correctly, so I am not sure why it is not working.

Maybe try resetting the hardware (I forget the exact menu entry, and I am not running kX atm) from the kX context menu, and maybe try resetting AC97 (on AC97 page of kxmixer) and see if it makes any difference.

Also, double check the levels on the Ins and Out's page of kxmixer (assuming there is a volume slider for the side outputs with the a2zs).

Beyond the above I do not know... Maybe something is wrong with your card, or maybe it is Windows 7 related (seems unlikely). Hopefully other kX/A2ZS users can reply and let us know if it is working for them under Windows 7, etc.

solacedagony · Jun 6, 2010, 06:49 PM

Link to the picture:
http://thumb0.webshots.net/t/82/82/2...0ygecpk_th.jpg

I'll start going through and resetting everything to see if that makes a difference.

For the hardware reset do you mean Settings->Reset Device Settings?

Russ · Jun 6, 2010, 06:57 PM

This is probably not related to your problem, but, why are you using both FxBus and FxBusX? You should probably only be using FxBusX.

Quote:

Originally Posted by solacedagony

For the hardware reset do you mean Settings->Reset Device Settings?

Yes.

solacedagony · Jun 6, 2010, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ

This is probably not related to your problem, but, why are you using both FxBus and FxBusX? You should probably only be using FxBusX.

It was from when I was still learning how the software worked. I switched it and went back through the outputs to no avail.

Do you think that I could have physically damaged the card by sticking 3-pole connectors into the 4-pole analog outputs 2 and 3? Shorting the output?

solacedagony · Jun 6, 2010, 07:10 PM

Well, the reset did it. The Side Outs now have output.

Thanks so much for your help Russ. I wouldn't have thought a reset would make a difference.

Russ · Jun 6, 2010, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solacedagony

Do you think that I could have physically damaged the card by sticking 3-pole connectors into the 4-pole analog outputs 2 and 3? Shorting the output?

No, I do not think that should have harmed anything.

Again, hopefully another kX/A2ZS user can reply and lets us know whether the side outputs work for them with kX 3550 and Windows 7.

[EDIT]
Oops, missed your last post...
The reset worked? Good stuff

I am glad I was able to help.
[/EDIT]

silvertones · Oct 10, 2010, 01:42 PM

I use all outs for my one man band. What I found is sort of strange. Wav Out 4,5 are "hardwired" to go to the SIDE OUTS. So in your audio program what sound you want to go to the sides must be assigned to Wav out 4,5. The unfortunate thing is you can't add any effects and such in the DSP for those 2 outs. In your case if you're trying to take a stereo source and split it into 4 bands and then out to 4 different amps for a four way system I believe you are out of luck.

May 29, 2010, 05:23 PM	#1
solacedagony HardwareHeaven Newbie Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 12 Rep Power: 0	Audigy 2 ZS - 8 Outputs I'm attempting to run a four-way active speaker off the Audigy 2 ZS card w/ kxProject drivers in Windows 7. The Audigy 2 ZS is listed to have 8 outputs (7.1 support). However, I'm having trouble accessing the last two. I've got the Analog Center/LFE outs, Analog Rear outs and Analog Front outs working. I found that I could get the headphone outs signal from the white connectors on the board, so I built a wiring harness to terminate them with RCAs and send them to my amps. However, every time I use the headphone outs, it makes the analog front have the same signal, as if they are physically connected in some way. Can someone correct what I'm doing wrong or point me in the right direction? Thanks!

May 29, 2010, 11:22 PM	#2
Russ HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 5,563 Rep Power: 62	Re: Audigy 2 ZS - 8 Outputs I do not have one of these cards but, if I recall correctly: The last 2 outputs are the side outputs and are at Out 30/31 on epilog. Some of the jacks on the rear of the card are 4 pole jacks, so you need special (or custom) cables to access the extra outputs. i.e. (see user manual) Line Out 1 has front left, front right Line Out 2 has rear left, rear right, and side right. Line Out 3 has center, subwoofer, and side left. AFAIK, there is no separate analog headphone output (other than the drive bay stuff).

May 30, 2010, 02:45 AM	Thread Starter #3
solacedagony HardwareHeaven Newbie Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 12 Rep Power: 0	Re: Audigy 2 ZS - 8 Outputs Thanks! I actually just found that out a couple hours ago but didn't get a chance to post. I've been looking for the manual and still haven't found a copy, even on Creative's site. But I found another site detailing the card and it showed that analog outputs 2/3 have the extra outputs on them.

May 30, 2010, 06:47 AM	#4
Russ HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 5,563 Rep Power: 62	Re: Audigy 2 ZS - 8 Outputs Try this: Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS and Audigy 2 ZS Platinum Users Guide.chm

Jun 6, 2010, 07:12 AM	Thread Starter #5
solacedagony HardwareHeaven Newbie Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 12 Rep Power: 0	Re: Audigy 2 ZS - 8 Outputs In Windows 7, those .chm files don't work correctly. I just get that the webpage didn't load. Those are the only copies of the manual I have found. So I got the correct 4-pole cables and plugged them into analog outputs 2 and 3 as I found from multiple sources. I'm STILL not getting all the outputs, however. I've gone through every output available and my two of my RCAs are still showing 0 volts. I downloaded the new version of the ProFX plugin which includes the "Side Out" setting on k2lt and that doesn't produce output. Everything looks good in the signal chain (shows signal where it should be). How can I figure out what I'm doing wrong here? Thanks!

Jun 6, 2010, 03:21 PM	#6
Russ HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 5,563 Rep Power: 62	Re: Audigy 2 ZS - 8 Outputs The CHM files are probably blocked by Windows, see here: Windows 7: How to display .chm content - didierdanse.net - Development News As for the side outputs, how are you testing it? (i.e. What DSP config? What are you using as a signal?). Connect peak plugins to the end of your signal chain (i.e. just before the side output connections of epilog/kxlt) and use the peak plugins to make sure that you are actually sending audio the those outputs. This page also shows the output info for your card (as well as the pinout): Creative Knowledge Base \| Sound Blaster Connectors: Minijack configuration (Ring assignments) (look under 7.1 Sound Blaster cards) Last edited by Russ; Jun 6, 2010 at 03:31 PM.

Jun 6, 2010, 05:43 PM	Thread Starter #7
solacedagony HardwareHeaven Newbie Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 12 Rep Power: 0	Re: Audigy 2 ZS - 8 Outputs Sorry, I should have explained. I have a Vol8Xt plugin for volume control directly before the k2lt which shows levels. It shows that I do have signal going out electronically. http://thumb0.webshots.net/t/82/82/2...0ygecpk_th.jpg I do have output on 6 of my 8 RCAs. Rear out, Analog front out and Analog Center/LFE all produce output. I have tried setting all of the other outputs to the last set of RCAs and I get no voltage on my multimeter for any of them. The side outs output are labeled "Side Out (I2S 2)". Does this mean anything to me? Note: You might notice only one side is getting signal. This is intentional. I'm still setting up the system so I am only working with Left and not Right yet. I did check those pin assignments. Analog outs 2 and 3 have the 4-pole connectors. I checked the cables I got with the multimeter to make sure ground was in the correct place on the rings and it was.

Jun 6, 2010, 06:19 PM	#8
Russ HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 5,563 Rep Power: 62	Re: Audigy 2 ZS - 8 Outputs I cannot see any detail in the pic you posted, as it is just a thumbnail.... In any case, it sounds like you are doing everything correctly, so I am not sure why it is not working. Maybe try resetting the hardware (I forget the exact menu entry, and I am not running kX atm) from the kX context menu, and maybe try resetting AC97 (on AC97 page of kxmixer) and see if it makes any difference. Also, double check the levels on the Ins and Out's page of kxmixer (assuming there is a volume slider for the side outputs with the a2zs). Beyond the above I do not know... Maybe something is wrong with your card, or maybe it is Windows 7 related (seems unlikely). Hopefully other kX/A2ZS users can reply and let us know if it is working for them under Windows 7, etc. Last edited by Russ; Jun 6, 2010 at 06:27 PM.

Jun 6, 2010, 06:49 PM	Thread Starter #9
solacedagony HardwareHeaven Newbie Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 12 Rep Power: 0	Re: Audigy 2 ZS - 8 Outputs Link to the picture: http://thumb0.webshots.net/t/82/82/2...0ygecpk_th.jpg I'll start going through and resetting everything to see if that makes a difference. For the hardware reset do you mean Settings->Reset Device Settings?

Jun 6, 2010, 07:10 PM	Thread Starter #12
solacedagony HardwareHeaven Newbie Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 12 Rep Power: 0	Re: Audigy 2 ZS - 8 Outputs Well, the reset did it. The Side Outs now have output. Thanks so much for your help Russ. I wouldn't have thought a reset would make a difference.

Oct 10, 2010, 01:42 PM	#14
silvertones HardwareHeaven Addict Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 283 Rep Power: 39	Re: Audigy 2 ZS - 8 Outputs I use all outs for my one man band. What I found is sort of strange. Wav Out 4,5 are "hardwired" to go to the SIDE OUTS. So in your audio program what sound you want to go to the sides must be assigned to Wav out 4,5. The unfortunate thing is you can't add any effects and such in the DSP for those 2 outs. In your case if you're trying to take a stereo source and split it into 4 bands and then out to 4 different amps for a four way system I believe you are out of luck.