M-Audio (Arcadia, Calif.) announced Revolution 7.1, the first high-definition 7.1 surround sound card providing up to eight channels of professional 24-bit/192kHz audio with consumer-oriented features. Specs include 107dB signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio and THD rating of 0.0031%, as well as an intuitive control panel that provides access to bass management, speaker optimization and input metering.
Revolution 7.1 offers outputs for up to seven speakers and a subwoofer; whereas a 5.1 format places speakers beside the listener, 7.1 places them both beside and behind them for a much more immersive surround sound experience.
Revolution includes over $200 worth of high-quality bundled software with full versions of Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3, MixMan Studio, Vjay Lite and the Dolby Digital EX Version of WinDVD 4. Also included are award-winning music-creation programs with over 100 sounds and loops, as well as a free sampler CD of music from M-Powered artists who use M-Audio products. Also included are a Dolby Digital EX DVD player and built-in SRS Labs’ Circle Surround II and TruSurround XT technologies. Revolution 7.1 fully supports stereo, 4.1, 5.1 and 6.1 formats, as well as full support for Microsoft Windows Media Audio 9 Professional to deliver high-quality, discrete multichannel audio over the Internet; for gamers, Revolution 7.1 supports today’s popular technologies such as Sensaura, EAX, DirectSound and A3D.
“Revolution is the first consumer audio card to offer the same high-quality Circle Surround II technology found in many home theater receivers around the world,” said Ted Franceschi, executive VP, marketing and sales. “SRS Labs is excited to partner with M-Audio in providing PC and Macintosh users the ultimate surround sound experience on a computer.”
“Revolution 7.1 earns its name as a truly revolutionary product by simultaneously delivering fully immersive 7.1 surround sound and amazing high-definition 24-bit/192kHz audio,” said Jason Ivan, director of product marketing for M-Audio’s Consumer division. “And where most cards sacrifice audio quality for surround sound playback, Revolution delivers all eight channels at full 192kHz fidelity. Listeners can finally enjoy movies, music and games the way they were meant to be experienced. Revolution 7.1 delivers serious audio performance and quality with ease of use designed to appeal to a wide segment of the consumer market.”
Revolution 7.1 is scheduled to ship in January 2003, and will be distributed in major retail stores throughout North America. It will be released shortly thereafter in Japan and Europe. Estimated street price for Revolution 7.1 is $99.99.
To find out more, click on www.m-audio.com.
