Those who expected Creative Labs to announce their Sound Blaster Audigy 2 sound cards this Monday were quite right – the Singapore based multimedia innovator revealed the Audigy 2 family of sound cards on the 23rd of September. However, those, who expected the novelty to be unveiled only in October were not wrong at all: in fact, Creative Labs will start selling its newcomers only the next month.

The key feature of the Audigy 2 sound cards is Dolby Digital 6.1 or DVD-Audio support with maximum playback rate of 192kHz with 24-bit precision. The new Sound Blaster cards can provide sound-to-noise ratio (SNR) of amazing 106dB. What is unique about the Audigy 2 is that it has passed the most stringent and rigorous audio quality and performance tests set by THX and received the proper certification. If I am not mistaken, this is the first PC sound card to be certified by THX. It also seems to be the first one to provide DVD-Audio.

The newcomer also supports 24-bit/96kHz recording capability and even provides loads of exciting playback features thanks to the newly announced Creative MediaSource software with 6.1-channel output support.

As always, Creative Technology launches two solutions based on the latest technology. There will be the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum and the Sound Blaster Audigy 2. Both are based on the new version of the Audigy sound processor – the Audigy 2 and equipped with high-quality 24-bit/192kHz Digital to Analog Converters (DACs). Both cards offer 6.1 connectors, a digital out, line-in and microphone connectors. In addition, they are equipped with one SB1394 (FireWire) port. The Platinum version is supplied with Platinum Drive (5.25” panel with a lot of connectors) and a remote control.

Creative Technology promotes numerous capabilities of its Sound Blaster Audigy / Audigy 2, including Environment Morphing Environment Panning, Environment Reflections and Environment Filtering to be implemented in game by developers and publishers like Eidos Interactive Ltd., I/O Interactive, Activision, Inc. and Raven Software. The company will bundle "Hitman 2: Silent Assassin" and "Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix" games with the new sound cards.

The Sound Blaster Audigy 2 has an estimated street price of US$129.99; and the Sound Blaster Audigy Platinum 2 has an estimated street price of US$199.99. Both products are slated for worldwide shipment in October.