Asus launched the ASUS Xonar DS 7.1 channel audio card.

The Xonar DS boasts 107dB SNR, which is 12 times clearer than most onboard audio solutions. The card features a noise elimination system that eliminates 91% of background noise and the GX 2.5 audio engine, which enables the latest EAX technologies, DirectSound effects and full surround sound in Windows Vista without additional software.

VocalFX is a new voice processing technology that allows users to insert voices into realistic game landscapes (VoiceEX), or inject audio ?backdrops' into online chats (ChatEX). It also allows them to change their voice pitch to disguise who they are (Magic Voice).



The Xonar DS boasts an Intel HDA compatible jack-sensing front panel header which automatically switches signals from the back panel to the front whenever headphones are plugged into the front panel output. The Xonar DS' S/PDIF output combines with the less utilized rear surround analog output jack, and the optical digital output adaptor is bundled in package. The Xonar DS has another onboard internal S/PDIF header, offering high quality digital audio to HDMI-ready graphics cards.

Consisting of DTS Neo: PC and DTS Interactive technologies, DTS Connect brings Hi-Fi surround sound to the PC. DTS Interactive? converts gaming audio into sensational DTS Digital Surround while DTS Neo: PC automatically converts stereo audio into 7.1 channels to get the most out of multichannel speaker setups.

The design utilized by the Xonar DS also includes swappable OPamp sockets that allow users to customize their sound by solderlessly adjusting the OPamp, creating new listening flavors with ease.

The Xonar DS Offers Audio Performance Improvements:

- 107dB SNR with 91% noise reduction for clearer audio
- For gamers: The GX 2.5 audio gaming engine and DTS Interactive encodes gaming audio to the DTS surround format in real-time
- For home theaters: DTS Connect brings the aural immersion of a Hi-Fi theater to your desktop
- For music lovers: 192K/24bit support and swappable OPamp sockets offer audiophile-grade audio and flexibility