The removal of the audio hardware abstraction layer from Windows Vista will compromise audio in legacy game titles that use EAX or DirectSound3D (DS3D), usually resulting in stereo output without any effects. Creative ALchemy is a simple download which will detect the presence of a number of top PC games and convert their DS3D and EAX calls into OpenAL calls, allowing users to continue enjoying their legacy titles the way they were meant to be enjoyed - in full, multi-channel sound with hardware effects.
This download is an application for Creative Sound Blaster® X-Fi™ series of audio devices. It restores 3D audio and EAX® effects for certain DirectSound®3D games in Microsoft® Windows Vista™. For more details, read the rest of this web release note.
This download supports the following audio devices only:
* Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro
* Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty® Pro
* Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Fatal1ty
* Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum Fatal1ty Champion Series
* Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum
* Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer
* Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic
Fixes:
* Enables the DirectSound3D game audio to be processed by your Sound Blaster X-Fi to deliver EAX effects, 3D audio spatialization, sampling rate conversion and hardware audio mixing. Without this, most DirectSound3D games will be reduced to stereo output without any EAX effects.
Requirements:
* Microsoft Windows Vista 64-bit or Windows Vista 32-bit
* Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi audio device listed above
Notes:
* Do not install this application if you do not play DirectSound3D games in Windows Vista.
* To find out more about Creative ALchemy or view the list of DirectSound3D games supported, click here.
* To install the application
1. Download the ALXF_WEB1_LB_1_00_4.exe file onto your local hard disk.
2. Close all other Windows applications.
3. Double-click the downloaded file.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen.
