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The Monster Sound MX300 is looking to redefine3D sound. For more information on the card, visit Diamond's website by clicking here.
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Diamond Multimedia
Introduction Back when the SoundBlaster name was synonymous with PC audio, it was no problem to run out and pick up a new 16-bit sound card and not worry about having an incident. However, when we look at the current state of sound on the computer, SoundBlaster compatibility is a thing of the past. So many companies have entered the market, all sporting their own patented features and high quality wavetable, it has become an arduous and almost impossible task to find the card that's right for you. The introduction of 3D sound complicates matters even further; with Aureal garnering attention with its Vortex chipset, and Creative Labs picking up support for their newly developed Environmental Audio Extensions, the consumer is faced with a huge dilemma. While all of the ruckus has been going on over which is better, the hardware giant, Diamond Multimedia, has been closely monitoring the success of the two 3D audio technologies. After much thought, they've decided to go with the Aureal 3D Vortex 2 chipset. Diamond most likely came to the decision because of the advanced features and robustness of the newest incarnation. While EAX seems to be an excellent API, Aureal is looking to put Creative Labs back in their place; however, the Sound Blaster Live! is putting a tight stronghold on 3D sound right now, and it will be interesting to see which technology comes out on top. The Monster Sound MX300 appears to have 3D sound capabilities that are at least equivalent to, or better than Creatives current offerings.
MX300: The Features
Most of you will be happy to know that Diamond has decided to go with a 4-speaker output, which should prove to be an unforgettable
experience when playing games that support the Vortex 2. Not only will the directions of the sounds be much more precise, they will also
be much more immersive than a two speaker configuration. MX300: API Support Diamond has made sure that support for the MX300 will be phenomenal; and, in order to insure that nearly everything will be compatible,
they have made drivers for nearly every API available. Including Direct Sound, Direct 3D, A3D 1.0 and A3D 2.0. The only 3D sound API
that is being left out is, of course, Creative Labs Environmental Audio Extensions (EAX). The massive support Diamond has included will
certainly turn some heads and attract several potential buyers. MX300: Sound Quality The sound quality of the Monster Sound MX300 should be nothing short of astounding. The MIDI will deliver some phenomenal sound, and
the 3D aspect of the card should be even better. The A3D 2.0 API is specifically designed for the AU8830 Vortex 2; games designed with
A3D 2.0 compliance will bring with them a new era of sound and, quite possibly, redefine 3d sound as we know it. The feeling of
immersion you received with the first generation of 3D sound will be insignificant and weak compared to the new standard that Aureal has
set. And Diamond, with its Monster Sound MX300, will be raking in the dough as the flocks of gamers rush out to spend their hard earned
cash for the ultimate in 3D sound. Conclusion The MX300 is promising a new era of 3D audio. However, empty promises are becoming almost commonplace in the computer industry (I
won't mention Nvidia), but Diamond has a proven track record of bringing excellent products to the consumer, so look for the MX300 to be
the trend setter for the next generation. The newest Monster Sound is going for the exceptionally cheap price of $99.00, which, when you
look at the tech sheet, makes it an unbelievable value. |
