Windows 10: Sound Blaster Live! External (USB) isnt working properly on Windows 10

Hi,

I used Lenovo X240 with Windows 7 + Sound Blaster Live! USB with no problems for several years. Just upgraded to X270 + Windows 10 -- and cannot use my soundcard anymore.

Windows 10 detects the usb device automatically and installs a generic driver for it which allows having sound via Sound Blaster Live! but microphone isnt working -- so no skype conferences anymore

Creative Labs site says that this card is compatible with Windows 10, so I downloaded a Windows 10 driver for this card from Creative site but can not install it. When i try to install it is said that "operation requires an interactive window station". When i try to do it from "safe mode" there is another error, but still i cannot install the driver.

How can i get this card working?

Thank you!

:)

 

Sound Blaster Z does not work after lastest windows Update

Hi Robert,

I appreciate the troubleshooting steps you have tried to resolve the issue.

Please answer these questions to assist you better.

• Do you get any error message?
• Which is the latest build installed in your computer?
• What troubleshooting steps are you referring to?
• What is the make and model of your computer?
• Are you able to hear sound from internal Speakers?

I suggest you toRun the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
and check the status.

Windows 10 has a built-in troubleshooter to check and fix issues with hardware and devices. I would suggest you to run this troubleshooter to check if the issue is with the Bluetooth adapter. Refer these steps:

• 
  Press Windows key + X, select
  Control panel.
  
• 
  Change the view by option on the top right to
  Large icons.
  
• 
  Click on troubleshooting and click on the
  view all option on the left panel.
  
• 
  Run the Hardware and devices troubleshooter.
  
• 
  Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.
  

Do let us know if Sound Blaster Z works as it should. Thank you.

 

Creative Announces the Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 USB Sound Card

Creative Technology Ltd today announced an all new high performance external sound card - the Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1. On top of enhancing audio playback via Creative's SBX Pro Studio suite of processing technologies, the Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 goes a step further to provide a more complete playback experience. The sound card comes with a 600 ohm headphone amplifier that allows discerning listeners to hear every enhanced audio detail through powerful studio-grade monitoring headphones.





"We have always strived to ensure that our sound cards are packed with the latest features and technology, and that's why they represent the best upgrades from simple motherboard audio to full cinematic surround sound. This principle is reflected with the all new Omni Surround 5.1. With its 600 ohm headphone amplifier, users are able to enjoy a more complete immersive experience - the amplifier supports the capabilities of studio-grade monitoring headphones by giving them sufficient power to reproduce low frequency tones that are usually ignored, bringing the listening experience to a whole new level," says Low Long Chye, General Manager of the Audio Video Products Group.

Beyond a complete playback experience, the Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 also features impressive recording capabilities that will be appreciated by today's new generation of audio content creators, including podcasters and budding YouTube musicians. It houses a built-in dual array microphone that records clear audio, and all recorded audio is further enhanced and cleaned up via Creative's CrystalVoice technologies.

Users can look forward to a painless installation process - the Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 can be connected to laptops, PCs and Macs via a simple USB cable. The device also houses conveniently accessible controls and input options.

Intelligent Features of the Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1

• Comes with Sound Blaster Omni Control Panel, a PC/Mac software suite that gives users full access and control over advanced SBX Pro Studio and CrystalVoice technologies for enhanced audio playback and recording
• Dolby Digital Live allows users to connect to their decoder through a single optical cable for compelling 5.1 Surround Sound in addition to a 5.1 analog output
• Comes with a 600 ohm amplifier for studio-grade monitoring, allowing every enhanced detail to be heard with great clarity
• Built-in dual microphone array works in tandem with CrystalVoice technology for crystal clear audio pickup and recording, perfect for voice communications or audio content creation
• Features a simple installation process, with users able to connect the Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 to laptops/PCs/Macs via USB
• Houses easily accessible controls and input options

Sound Blaster Audigy Rx and Sound Blaster Audigy Fx - Internal PCIe Entertainment Sound Cards

Along with Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1, Creative also revealed the all new Sound Blaster Audigy Rx and Sound Blaster Audigy Fx - two internal sound cards that represent powerful upgrades from basic motherboard audio to immersive surround sound. The Sound Blaster Audigy Rx is an advanced internal 7.1 PCIe sound card, while the Sound Blaster Audigy Fx is an internal 5.1 half-height PCIe sound card. Both cards feature 600 ohm headphone amplifiers, a 106dB SNR and full customisation via their respective PC software suites. The Sound Blaster Audigy Rx has more advanced recording capabilities, with a dual microphone input for simultaneous multi-person audio recording, useful for podcasting or singing along with a friend.





Intelligent Features of the Sound Blaster Audigy Rx

• Comes with Sound Blaster Audigy Rx Control Panel, a PC software suite that gives users full access and control over advanced technologies for enhanced audio playback and recording
• EAX Studio Software allows for additional customisable environmental effects to music, movies, games and voice
• Comes with a 600 ohm amplifier for studio-grade monitoring
• Built-in dual microphone input allows for simultaneous multi-person podcasting or audio recording

Intelligent Features of the Sound Blaster Audigy Fx

• Comes with Sound Blaster Audigy Fx Control Panel, a PC software suite that gives users full access and control over advanced SBX Pro Studio technologies for enhanced audio playback and recording
• Comes with a 600 ohm amplifier for studio-grade monitoring
• Independent Line-in and microphone input allows user to play music from a smart device or MP3 player through the Sound Blaster Audigy Fx to get amazing sound quality

Pricing and Availability
The Creative Sound Blaster Entertainment sound cards are slated for availability in October 2013 at the online store at sg.store.creative.com and authorised dealers in Singapore, at the following suggested retail prices:

• Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 - SGD109 (~ USD86)
• Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Rx - SGD99 (~ USD78)
• Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Fx - SGD59 (~ USD46)

For more information about Creative Sound Blaster Entertainment sound cards, please visit sg.creative.com/p/sound-blaster.

 

Creative Launches the Sound Blaster E Series USB Audio Solutions

Creative Technology Ltd today launched an all-new series of small but powerful USB audio solutions for PCs, Macs, smartphones and tablets -- The Sound Blaster E Series. Consisting of the Sound Blaster E3 and the Sound Blaster E1, the Sound Blaster E Series builds upon the popularity of the Sound Blaster X-Fi Go!Pro. They utilize USB plug-and-play connectivity to provide PC, and now even Mac users, with access to a powerful USB audio experience through real-time advanced audio processing.

Top audio quality is ensured even on smartphones and tablets through the Sound Blaster E Series' high SNR levels and 600Ω headphone amplifiers that supply more power than a standard headphone jack. The Sound Blaster E3 can also function as a high performance USB DAC for selected smartphones and tablets, and users can alternatively enjoy high quality wireless audio by pairing with smartphones and tablets via Bluetooth.









With their high SNR levels, high performance USB DAC and headphone amplification capabilities, the Sound Blaster E Series products are designed as end-to-end solutions that allow users to bring the best out of their audio and their headphones, even when they are on the go. In addition, the Sound Blaster E Series supports studio-grade headphones.

"Since the inception of Sound Blaster, we have provided the best audio quality for PC and Mac users. That being said, the mobile market has rapidly grown, creating opportunities for entertainment experiences on the move that only a few years ago were confined to the PC or living room. With the Sound Blaster E Series, we are not only able to enhance the PC audio experience, but have gone beyond it. These devices capitalize on our high-end audio expertise, and give smartphone and tablet users the opportunity to experience uncompressed audio quality while on the go," said Long Chye Low, General Manager for Sound Blaster Audio at Creative.

Beyond their sound card and headphone amplification capabilities, the Sound Blaster E3 and E1 also feature dual headphone ports for music sharing. Furthermore, they feature high quality embedded microphones for voice recording and phone calls, virtually turning every headphone into a headset.

Sound Blaster E3
The all new Sound Blaster E Series is led by the Sound Blaster E3, a powerful USB DAC & Bluetooth Headphone Amplifier. When connected to PCs and Macs, users can utilize the downloadable Sound Blaster E Series Control Panel software to access the full suite of SBX Pro Studio audio enhancement technologies, giving users a powerful and fully customizable listening experience for movies, music and games.

Users can also utilize the Sound Blaster E3's 600Ω headphone amplifier (600Ω amplification capabilities) for audio listening from smartphones and tablets. Additionally, the Sound Blaster E3 features Bluetooth connectivity, which allows the device to connect to smartphones and tablets wirelessly for up to 8 hours of wireless audio playback. The Sound Blaster E3 also functions as a portable USB DAC, so users can connect the Sound Blaster E3 to selected smartphones or tablets via USB for uncompressed digital audio streaming.

Intelligent Technological Highlights of the Sound Blaster E3

• Functions as a powerful external sound card, providing PC and Mac users with the power of real-time Sound Blaster audio processing from a small package.
• Utilizes a simple plug and play USB connection for PCs and Macs. This provides users with high-resolution digital audio while charging the device.
• Features high quality audio with a 110dB SNR and a 600Ω headphone amplifier for a powerful and detailed listening experience.
• Due to its small, ultra-portable size and internal lithium-ion battery, headphone amplification can also be enjoyed when used with smartphones and tablets while on the go.
• Users can enjoy the freedom of Bluetooth wireless audio playback between the Sound Blaster E3 and smartphones, tablets, or mobile devices capable of Bluetooth output.
• The Sound Blaster E3 functions as a portable USB DAC, so users can also connect the Sound Blaster E3 to selected smartphones or tablets via USB for uncompressed digital audio streaming.
• Supports Audio Stream Input/Output (ASIO) for low latency and high fidelity playback.
• Gives up to 8 hours of battery life when wireless Bluetooth is enabled. When used in analog mode, battery life lasts up to 17 hours.
• Features two headphone ports for convenient simultaneous stereo audio listening.
• Features powerful voice recording and clear voice calls via the built-in microphone that virtually transforms every headphone into a headset. When connected to PC and Mac via USB, users can utilize CrystalVoice Technology for real-time voice enhancements.

Sound Blaster E1
The Sound Blaster E1 is a small but powerful wired USB HD Audio and Headphone Amplifier that increases the level of audio detail and resolution on PCs, Macs, smartphones and tablets. Like the Sound Blaster E3, it functions as an advanced external sound card for PCs and Macs, while providing smartphone and tablet users with powerful and detailed audio amplification.

Intelligent Technological Highlights of the Sound Blaster E1

• Functions as a powerful external sound card, providing PC and Mac users with the power of real-time Sound Blaster audio processing from a small package.
• Utilizes a simple plug and play USB connection for PCs and Macs.
• Features high quality audio with a 106dB SNR and a 600Ω headphone amplifier for a powerful and detailed listening experience.
• Due to its small size and internal lithium-ion battery, headphone amplification can also be enjoyed when used with smartphones and tablets while on the go.
• Supports Audio Stream Input/Output (ASIO) for low latency and high fidelity playback.
• Gives up to 25 hours of battery life.
• Features two headphone ports for convenient simultaneous stereo audio listening.
• Features powerful voice recording and clear voice calls via the built-in microphone. When connected to PC and Mac via USB, users can utilize CrystalVoice Technology for real-time voice enhancements.

Pricing and Availability
The Creative Sound Blaster E3 and Sound Blaster E1 audio solutions will be available at the online store at us.creative.com at the following suggested retail prices:

• Creative Sound Blaster E3 USD129 (Available from early July 2014 onwards)
• Creative Sound Blaster E1 USD49 (Available now)