Neil’s Messy Basement: Episode 32

Wow has this episode of Neil’s Messy Basement been a long time coming!

This edition is all about sound on PC.  While it started as a review of the Creative Labs Sound BlasterX AE5 sound card, the process of reviewing this product made this episode so much more.

In brief, I really like the Sound BlasterX AE5 card; there shouldn’t be any surprises there.  The bigger question is why, and to answer this, I needed to get a fundamental understanding of how audio works, the terminology regularly boasted by the marketing gurus, what the modern day baseline is for PC audio so I have what to compare to, and factor in the unique needs and perspectives of a VR gamer versus a traditional gamer.

While it’s much better to watch from beginning to end, the episode has been divided into chapters if you need to fastforward to specific parts.

• Introduction
• Equipment Tested on, Mindset of Review
• Bring on the Audio Lingo
• A Quick History Lesson About PC Gaming Audio
• Let’s Play “Where is the DAC”
• How and Why is VR Audio Different?
• How I Started the Review Process, and Things Discovered Along the Way
• Time to (FINALLY) Talk About the Creative Labs Sound Blaster AE5
• How Much of a Difference Will 32 Bit Depth Make in Your Listening Experience?
• NOW Let’s Talk About How the Sound Blaster Sounds!
• Important Things to Know For VR Gamers
• Final Thoughts!  Should You Buy This?