M-Audio Launches Industry's First High-Resolution 7.1 Surround Soundcard

30-Dec-02

M-Audio introduced the Revolution 7.1, the first high-resolution 7.1 surround soundcard providing up to eight channels of professional 192 kHz/24-bit audio with consumer-oriented features. The Revolution 7.1 allows PC and Mac owners to play DVDs and music in surround sound, experience more realistic gaming, and record or mix their own music.With output for up to seven speakers and a subwoofer, Revolution 7.1 rivals even the best movie theatres. Whereas a 5.1 format places speakers beside the listener, 7.1 places them both beside and behind them for a much more immersive and believable surround sound experience. The Revolution 7.1 even lets users experience eight channels of high-resolution 192 kHz/24-bit audio simultaneously. The included DolbyÆ Digital EXô DVD player allows listeners to immerse themselves in today's highest-quality DVD surround sound. The Revolution 7.1 fully supports stereo, 4.1, 5.1, and 6.1 formats as well.With full support for Microsoft Windows MediaÆ Audio 9 Professional, the Revolution 7.1 delivers high-quality, discrete multichannel audio over the Internet. With Windows Media Audio 9 Professional and the Revolution 7.1, PC users can enjoy incredibly high-quality, high-resolution surround sound streamed live or on demand from the Internet. The Revolution 7.1's support for surround sound up to 7.1 and for high-definition audio playback make it a great way to experience high-quality Windows Media Audio 9 Professional content at lower data rates than other formats. Whether playing back video files in surround sound, or today's latest music released in stereo or surround Windows Media 9 format, the Revolution 7.1 provides you with the most realistic and immersive audio available.Built-in SRS Labs' Circle Surround IIô technology instantly transforms CDs, MP3s, and other content into incredibly lifelike surround sound, dynamically separating instruments, vocals, and even crowd noises for a dramatically enhanced listening experience. ""Revolution is the first consumer audio card to offer the same high-quality Circle Surround II technology found in many home theatre receivers around the world,"" said Ted Franceschi, Executive Vice President, SRS 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.""Those without a 5.1 or 7.1 speaker system can still enjoy stunning results from Revolution 7.1, thanks to built-in SRS TruSurround XTô technology. This powerful virtual surround sound process delivers the multichannel audio experience over standard stereo speakers or even headphones. TruSurround XT enables two-channel listening that brings home what the filmmakers intended you to hear, even if additional speakers are not present.Revolution 7.1 is also designed with gamers in mind. Ultra-realistic 3D positional audio makes players feel like they're really in the game while providing the extra advantage of hearing exactly where danger lies. Revolution 7.1 supports today's popular game technologies such as Sensaura, EAX, DirectSound, and A3D.M-Audio has distilled years of experience making audio solutions for recording professionals into this powerful, easy-to-use, PCI surround sound solution for the consumer market. Specs such as a high 107 dB signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio and exceptionally low distortion (THD) rating of 0.0031% insure that sound is clear and clean--from whisper-quiet music to room-rattling explosions. The Revolution 7.1's intuitive control panel also makes it easy to access powerful pro features like Bass Management, Speaker Optimization, and Input Metering.""Revolution 7.1 earns its name as a truly revolutionary product by simultaneously delivering fully immersive 7.1 surround sound and amazing high-definition 192 kHz/24-bit audio,"" says 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 192 kHz 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 includes over $200 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.The 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. The estimated street price for the Revolution 7.1 is $99.99.For more information, visit www.m-audio.com.

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