For the first time in history, a third party add-in card supplier releases an audio card that carries Creative Technology’s X-Fi audio processor. The news confirms intentions of Creative Labs to allow other companies to manufacture sound cards featuring Creative’s technologies.

“The Auzen X-Fi Prelude 7.1 soundcard marks the first time Creative has permitted a third-party soundcard vendor to use the Creative X-Fi chipset in its own soundcard design. The Auzen X-Fi Prelude 7.1 soundcard will fully support EAX 5.0 and have the same expandability as the Auzen X-Meridian 7.1,” a statement by Auzentech company claims.

Auzentech X-Fi Prelude audio card is based on Creative Labs X-Fi CA20K audio processor and uses Auzentech’s own design of print-circuit board, which allows the company to declare somewhat better characteristics compared to the original Creative X-Fi audio card. The new audio card is supported by Creative’s software, therefore, it features such capabilities as ASIO, EAX 5.0, Crystallizer, CMSS-3D and so on.

The novelty from Auzentech is now shipping. According to the manufacturer, end-users will be able to acquire X-Fi Prelude audio card in the U.S. and Canada via popular online stores such as Newegg or NCIX, whereas retailers in several European countries will initiate sales starting the first week of September.

Auzentech X-Fi Prelude audio card is the first of its kind, but according to some previous reports, from now on Creative Technology will sell its audio processors to third-party makers in a bid to popularize high-quality audio solutions for personal computers, as today the market is dominated by moderate-quality integrated audio solutions, which come for free and which made Creative Labs to almost withdraw from the market.

In addition to add-in cards, Creative targets mainboard makers with its relatively affordable audio solutions. Earlier this year it was reported that MicroStar International will use a low-cost X-Fi chip in its mainboard.