X-Fi gaming mode question

AaronW · 29 Apr 2006 at 12:36

I have a x-fi music and a 5.1 gigaworks sound system.

Should I enable CMSS-3D when playing games on my 5.1 speaker system? If so what upmix mode should I use?

I thought CMSS-3D was only for headphones or 2.1 speaker systems?

Thanks.,

MadMatty · 29 Apr 2006 at 13:09

CMSS is only needed if the game (or any other source) doesnt output 5.1. Its pretty naff, but it will attempt to spread parts of 2.1 audio across all your speakers. Always enable eax in your games if its available as that will enable proper 5.1 support.

TooNice · 29 Apr 2006 at 18:35

CMSS works particularly well for headphones. I don't use it for speakers.

fish99 · 29 Apr 2006 at 20:07

Also CMSS shouldn't kick in at all if you're running a 5.1 game and the soundcard is set to output to 5.1 speakers.

nbkpsycho · 29 Apr 2006 at 21:46

when i use CMSS in counter strike source it makes me hear double the gun shots , foot steps etc

soundcard : Soundblaster Audigy 2 zs

Works great in movies tho

MadMatty · 30 Apr 2006 at 17:14

Source has native 5.1 output, so forcing cmss on just messes things up.

ja3h · 2 May 2006 at 11:15

i've got an xfi too, so if you're going to play cs or something and turn it to game mode, do you disable everything and just leave it on 5.1?

lewis_johnstone · 10 May 2006 at 00:10

MadMatty said:
Source has native 5.1 output, so forcing cmss on just messes things up.

I have an Audigy 2

And i have CMSS 2 turned on in the 'EAX Console'.

I also have 5.1 speakers, so am i supposed to turn this CMSS 2 off b4 i play games like Call of Duty 2 with EAX turned on ingame?

I have noticed a drop in performance in COD 2 when i turn on EAX?? Is this normal?

Do i need to upgrade my sound card? EAX has always seemed to slow my games down in some areas? when i used to have an x800xt and play COD or Far Cry

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Kind Regards

Lewis

TooNice · 10 May 2006 at 01:19

How about... testing it yourself since you can. Whether it is "meant to" or not, it is kinda irrelevant if you ears tell you otherwise right? Better trust your ear than what Creative/other people tell you. AFAIK (i.e. based on what some people have reported), CMSS is supposed to do headphones quite a bit of good. But on the X-Fi, I still prefer that option off in HL2 for instance. However, I do quite enjoy having CMSS on with headphones in entertainment mode for some movies.

I'll admit it has been a while since I've gamed on my speakers. I'll give a test at some point. But you really are better off trying it for yourself and drawing your own conclusion. The effect of CMSS is quite obvious to me (though the implementation of CMSS in the X-Fi is said to be different than the ones in the Audigy), it is not something that you should have difficulty telling which one you prefer (or if you indeed have any preference).