• 256 DirectSound Streams
  
• 96 3D Positional Audio Streams
  
• Full Duplex, 48kHz, 16-bit
  
• QSound 3D Positional Algorithms
  
• EAX 1.0, EAX 2.0 capable
  
• A3D 1.0 capable
  
• Yamaha XG/GM compatible
  
• 2, 4 or 5.1 channel output
  
• Analog and digital output and input

The OEM (or whitebox) version of the card is accompanied by two breakout cables, one for coaxial digital input and output, and the other for analog 5.1 channel output. You’ll also get a Driver CD, which includes ‘lite’ versions of Siren XPress, and Acid XPress. Opt for the full retail kit, and in addition you’ll get both analog and digital CD audio cables, as well as full versions of Interplay’s Giants: Citizen Kabuto, and CyberLink’s PowerDVD player.

Installation of the card did not result in any unexpected difficulties. Windows ME and 2000 do not include drivers for the card, so you’ll need to have drivers ready. We installed the card in both VIA and Intel-based platforms, and in both cases, the card was detected properly, and driver installation went off without a hitch.