The Extigy is Creative's first standalone external sound device. It plugs into the PC's USB port and takes over the sound functions so that you don't need to install an internal sound card. If you already have a sound card, the Extigy will override it.
A Swiss Army Knife Of Sound
The concept is not new. We've reviewed USB external sound devices from other makers, but none are as sophisticated and feature-packed as the Extigy. For example, we've tested external Dolby Digital 5.1 decoders, but these didn't have the myriad of optical and electrical connections of the Swiss Army knife-like Extigy.
We've also seen USB devices from Sony and Hoontech that capture MP3 music and pump this into minidisc recorders through an optical cable, but the Extigy does that and much more.
Cheaper Than Audigy, But No FireWire
At a price of AU$399, the Extigy is about half the price of the Creative's flagship sound product, the Sound Blaster Audigy Platinum eX, but boasts roughly the same number of features, with the biggest difference being the lack of an SB1394 high-speed port (or FireWire) hardware on the Extigy. However, at its heart is the same powerhouse Audigy processor and it's got the same convenience of a remote control and the external plug box--no more crawling under the desk with a flashlight.
Console gamers and home entertertainment buffs will also like the fact that the device can work without a PC. As a PC-free living room unit, the Extigy can take inputs from your DVD player, MD player, portable MP3 player, GameCube, XBox or PS2. Creative's offering can create pseudo-surround modes from two-channel stereo music or game audio, for use with 5.1-, four- or two-speaker setups.
It's A Processor, Not An Amp
Its software bundle includes apps to organize music playlists for playback or recording, as well as perform audio processing such as cleaning up hisses and pops and adding church or stadium reverb. Do note that the Extigy is not a power amplifier--it will not drive speakers on its own. It needs to be hooked up to powered speakers such as Creative's own Inspire 5300 or 5700, or a power amp. There are currently no plans to make the Extigy Mac-compatible.
Creative has hinted that it will be making a power amp, DVD player and CD-RW, so users can build a whole home entertainment unit from Extigy-look components.
Creative Sound Blaster Extigy External Sound Card
Company: Creative Australia
Price: AU$399
Distributor: Selected computer hardware suppliers
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