Revolution 7.1

Zardon

M-Audio is proud to announce the release of Revolution 7.1, the first high-definition 7.1 surround sound card providing up to eight channels of professional 24-bit/192kHz audio with consumer-oriented features. Revolution 7.1 allows PC and Mac owners to play DVDs and music in surround sound, experience more realistic gaming, and record or mix their own music.

With direct analog output for up to seven speakers and a subwoofer, Revolution 7.1 supports both 5.1 and 7.1 formats -- allowing computer-based surround sound rivaling even the best movie theaters. (Where 5.1 surround places additional speakers beside the listener, 7.1 places them both beside and behind them for an even more immersive and realistic surround sound experience.) Unlike most of the competition, Revolution 7.1 even lets users experience up to eight channels of high-definition 24-bit/192kHz audio simultaneously. Revolution 7.1 features Dolby Digital EX decoding with the included WinDVD 4 DVD player, allowing analog output of true multi-channel audio and turning the computer into a home theater component. The product also supports stereo, 4.1 and 6.1 formats, and features Dolby Digital and DTS pass-through for external decoders on its digital output. (The open source VLC Player available at www.m-audio.com is one example of a Macintosh-compatible DVD player that currently supports pass-through.) Additionally, the Revolution 7.1 hardware is poised to deliver direct multi-channel audio output when Apple releases versions of the Macintosh OS and other applications that support this functionality.

Revolution 7.1 is also designed with gamers in mind. Ultra-realistic 3D positional audio makes players feel like they’re really in the game while providing the extra advantage of hearing exactly where danger lies. Revolution 7.1 supports today’s popular game technologies such as Sensaura, EAX, DirectSound, and A3D. The product also offers full support for Microsoft Windows Media Audio 9 Professional. Enabled by Revolution 7.1, the low data rates of Windows Media Audio 9 Professional allow desktop or laptop users to enjoy incredibly high-quality, high-resolution surround sound music and video streamed live or on demand from the Internet.

Users lacking a 5.1 or 7.1 speaker system can still enjoy stunning surround results from Revolution 7.1, thanks to built-in SRS TruSurround XT -- a powerful virtual surround sound process that delivers the multi-channel audio experience over standard stereo speakers or even headphones. Conversely, built-in SRS Circle Surround II technology instantly transforms stereo CDs or MP3s into incredibly lifelike surround sound, electronically separating instruments, vocals, and even crowd noises for multi-channel output to yield dynamic dimensional results. "Revolution 7.1is the first consumer audio card to offer the same high-quality Circle Surround II technology found in many home theater receivers around the world," said Ted Franceschi, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales. "SRS Labs is excited to partner with M-Audio in providing PC and Macintosh users the ultimate surround sound experience available via computers."

M-Audio has distilled years of experience making audio solutions for recording professionals into this powerful, easy-to-use, PCI surround sound solution for the consumer market. Specs such as a high 107dB signal-to-noise ratio and exceptionally low distortion (THD) rating of 0.0031% ensure that sound is clear and clean -- from whisper quiet music to room-rattling explosions. Revolution 7.1’s intuitive control panel also makes it easy to access powerful pro features like Bass Management, Speaker Optimization and Input Metering.

“Revolution 7.1 earns its name as a truly unique product by simultaneously delivering fully immersive 7.1 surround sound and amazing high-definition 24-bit/192kHz audio,” says Adam Castillo, M-Audio’s Marketing Director. “And where most cards sacrifice audio quality for surround sound playback, Revolution 7.1 delivers all eight channels at full 192kHz fidelity. Listeners can finally enjoy movies, music and games the way they were meant to be experienced. Revolution 7.1 delivers serious audio performance and quality with ease of use designed to appeal to a wide segment of the consumer market.”

The Revolution 7.1 package includes over $200 of high-quality bundled software with full versions of Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3*, MixMan Studio, Arkaos VJ Lite, and the Dolby Digital EX version of WinDVD 4*. Also included are award-winning music creation programs with over 100 sounds and loops as well as a free sampler CD of music from M-Audio’s M-Powered artists roster.

Revolution 7.1 is shipping as of January 8, 2003 for distribution in major retail stores throughout North America, with Japan and Europe following shortly thereafter. Estimated street price for Revolution 7.1 is $99.99.

About M-Audio

M-Audio (formerly Midiman) is a leading provider of digital audio and MIDI solutions for today’s electronic musicians and audio professionals. Founded in 1988, M-Audio now has independent offices in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France and Japan. M-Audio’s ability to parlay advanced technology into affordable products has led the company to win some of the international audio community’s highest praise and awards -- including being named the industry’s fastest growing company for the past two years running by Music Trades magazine. The company has also recently launched a product line that brings professional-quality audio to the consumer electronics market.

U.S. media contact: Valerie Foster at (408) 855-8608 x102 or valerie@shotwellpr.com.

High-res images of M-Audio products are available at www.m-audio.com/company/images.php.

M-Audio USA: 45 E. Saint Joseph Street, Arcadia, CA 91006-2861 Tel: (626) 445-2842 Fax: (626) 445-7564
www.m-audio.com info@m-audio.com

M-Audio UK: Unit 5, Saracen Industrial Estate, Mark Rd, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP2 7BJ England Tel: 44 (0) 1442 41
6590 Fax: 44 (0) 1442 24 6832 www.maudio.co.uk info@maudio.co.uk

M-Audio Germany: Kuhallmand 34 D-74613 Ohringen Germany Tel: 49 7941 98 7000 Fax: 49 7941 98 70070
www.m-audio.de info@m-audio.de

M-Audio Canada:1400 St. Jean Baptiste Ave., #150 Quebec City, QC G2E 5B7 Tel: (418) 872-0444 Fax: (418) 872-0034
www.m-audio.ca info@m-audio.ca

M-Audio Japan: 2-18-10 Maranouchi Naka-Ku, Nagoya Japan 460-0002 Tel: 81-52-218-3375 Fax: 81-52-218-0875 Web:
www.m-audio.co.jp info@m-audio.co.jp

M-Audio France: Unit 5, Saracen Industrial Estate, Mark Rd Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP2 7BJ England Tel: 0810 001
105 (Azur) Fax: 0820 000 731 (Indigo) www.m-audio-france.com

M-Audio Latin-America: 45 E. Saint Joseph Street Arcadia, CA 91006-2861 Tel: (949) 766-7589 Fax: (949) 766-7590
cadams@maudio.com


Contact: Valerie Foster
Company: Shotwell PR
Phone: 408-855-8608 x102
Email: valerie@shotwellpr.com

For More Information: http://www.maudio.com

DallasStar

WHAT??? just 99.99?? Yikes !!

Zardon

thats what it says in the email I got from the company yes, good price isnt it?

Necrosis

CompUSA and Best Buy will be carrying this card.

Good Bye Audigy 2!!!

nForcer

Guess the Audigy2 must be too good for ya. :P

Darksider

I am quite interested to start reading reviews on this card to see how it performs. I've been looking for a high-end sound card that isn't made by Creative. Hopefully this card with sound and game great!

RIV@NVX

This soundcard is awesome (as well as TerraTec Aureon 7.1, which is nearly identical card), but it lacks one thing - MIDI features. But anway, it will take CL Audigy's place - it is relatively good for gamers, musicians and audiophiles. VIA Envy24HT, great work!