Here at Driverheaven we focus a lot of our review time on hardware like top of the range graphics cards, enthusiast cooling systems and the fastest processors money can buy. These are all hugely important parts of a gaming or multimedia system and the soundcard to be included is often overlooked (im as guilty as anyone). A decent soundcard can make a huge difference to how immersive your experience is when using your uber PC. Today we have one of Terratecs top of the range sound products in for review, the feature packed Aureon 7.1 Universe.

The Product:
The Aureon 7.1 Universe is a PCI based card which is based on the Via Envy chipset, as the name suggests the card adds 7.1 surround sound capability to your PC. Included in the package are the following items:

PCI TerraTec Aureon 7.1 Universe
Aureon 7.1 Universe front module
Connector cable for PCI to front module connection
Midi I/O slot plate adapter
CD-Rom digital audio cable
TOS-Link Cable (1.0M)
2 Adapter plugs (6.3mm Stereo Jack to 3.5mm Socket)
Infared Remote Control + batteries
Instalation and driver CD
Manual
Customer Service Card
Registration Card
Algorithmix Registration and update card

Everything you could wish for is included in the package, even batteries for your remote control.
The card itself is based on a black PCB and features all of the normal connectors, also worth noting is the PCI bracket, which has a stylish gold finish…a nice quality touch.

Along the top of the card you can see (from right to left) the large connector for communication between the PCI card and the front module, 2 CD Audio Inputs, onboard audio input and the onboard CD-Rom digital input. The socket in the bottom right is used for attaching the MIDI I/O adapter.

The PCI bracket features the following plugs: (again from right to left).
Analogue Stereo input, analogue stereo output (front), analogue stereo output (rear), analogue stereo output (Centre/Subwoofer), analogue stereo output (Back Surround) and a digital audio out (Optical, S/PDIF/AC3/DTS)

Most users would be happy with the connectors on display however TerraTec are aiming to cater for a much larger market. That’s where the aforementioned Front Mondule comes in. Connected to the PCI card the front module sits in a spare five and a quarter inch drive slot on the front of your case.

As you can see, the front module is not barren of connectors. From left to right we have… Stereo in (R+L), Phono In (R+L), Line Out (R+L). Digital In (Coaxial and Optical), Digital Out (Coaxial and Optical), Mono Microphone in (6.3mm) with peak control and stereo headphone out with volume control. On the rear of the unit is the connector for attaching to the PCI card.

The actual module has a nice solid feel to it, the casing is metal rather than plastic and the controls are sufficiently strong despite them being relatively small.

Before we look at the installation of the unit, here are the detailed tech specs:

 

Next: Installation/Testing