Install Sound Card
Q: How do I install my sound card?
A: Below is an overview of all the steps necessary to install your sound card from Auzentech. For details on each stage when you install the sound card, consult your manual.
- Before you install the sound card.
- Read the sound card manual.
- Uninstall existing soundcard drivers if necessary for current soundcard onboard sound devices or PCI soundcards. Consult the manual for details.
- Think about how you will use the sound card.
Will you connect your sound card to a home theater receiver, a multi-channel speaker system, or a standard pair of powered computer speakers? Your computer will need to be located close enough to the equipment, and you should be aware of the needed connector before you install the sound card. Each Auzentech sound card supports Coaxial and Optical digital connections, as well as 3.5 mm stereo mini jack analog connectors. - Decide how you will connect the sound card to your computer's internal CD / DVD drive. The manual describes several possible connections between the sound card and the internal drive when you install your sound card, both optical and analog, or via the computer's PCI data bus. You may need to make the decision after the case is opened—but don't forget, or else you will need to re-open the case later.
- Install the sound card.
- Disconnect your computer from power. Unplug any cables that hamper access. Open the case following the manufacturer's instructions. You're ready to install the sound card.
- Ground yourself by touching the PC chassis or metal within the PC. As much as possible, ground yourself at all times while you install your sound card.
- Remove your prior PCI soundcard, if any.
- Remove a metal slot cover by unscrewing the screw, and an adjacent bracket if you are installing a sound card accessory such as the Midi cable.
- Install the sound card. Screw down the slot cover.
- If installing the Midi cable at the same time as you install your sound card, plug the Midi cable into the card and install the cable into a slot.
- Run the connector from your CD/DVD drive, if appropriate. The sound card should now be fully installed.
- Replace the PC cover and reconnect all cables.
- Connect your audio equipment, including speakers, microphone, and other peripherals.
- Reconnect the power and turn on your PC.
- Set up the newly installed sound card.
- If necessary, position the speakers in the room. See the illustrations in the manual.
- Install the sound card software from the CD that came with your soundcard. Check the Auzentech download page for updates.
- If necessary, configure your audio software (such as Winamp Player, Windows Media Player, and so on) so that the program knows how you connected your CD / DVD drive when you installed the sound card. Illustrated instructions are in the manual.
- Control the audio configuration using the 3-D audio configuration panel in your Windows System Tray (located in the lower right corner of the screen).
Now that you have finished installing your
sound card, it may take some time for you to grow accustomed to the features and to settle on the ones most suited to your situation. Spend some time browsing through the settings and experimenting to see what works best for you.
Auzentech will soon setup a community section to help you connect with other Auzentech sound card users.
Related Links
Category: Soundcards. Date published: May 21, 06
