Installing a soundcard

[tango4262]

Hi guys, I've been a bit disappointed with certain aspects of the sound quality in Train Simulator, even when using recent releases from Armstrong Powerhouse. I notice the sound sometimes cuts off too soon when an AI train is passing or the sound changes tone as it passes too abruptly no real blend. Most importantly I find the onboard sound on my motherboard, A Gigabyte z170 HD3P isn't "amplifying" the sound enough in the simulator as all volumes are on max. To this end, I've treated myself to a Creative Soundblaster Audigy FX 5.1 (currently in the post), nothing too fancy but i'm hoping the independent board will be able to boost the volume at least. I'm just wondering, can I expect much else in improvement in the simulator? My headphones are Sony ZX310's, which in my opinion have always pulled their weight as well as they can!

[Easilyconfused]

I haven't used a sound card since the days of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 with the breakout 5.25" front panel with the midi connections so a keyboard could be hooked up to it. I have used onboard sound since then.

I haven't noticed any major problems with games or DVDs. YouTube videos vary greatly since the levels they are recorded at vary a lot.

Currently using an ASUS Prime Z270 and for headphones either my Logitech H610 headset (if I am in voice chat) or Bose QC15 noise cancelling headphones for playback only.

Clearly if you have ordered already it it too late but do you have the latest drivers etc. from Gigabyte or are you relying on Windows Update to supply the drivers?

[tango4262]

Thanks John, fortunately I got lucky this time! (phew )

Initial test shows a marked improvement across the board, directional sound is working well, sounds have been bought to the surface that I haven't heard in the sim before such as certain traction motor and run sounds, best of all though and the thing I was mainly after..... The distance has improved greatly! I set up view 8 at Clapham Junction carriage wash and was able to hear the AP Class 319 from Battersea power station all the way until Wandsworth Common (when the camera started chasing the train) this is an unbelievable improvement over what it was before and the other thing that has improved is the volume, the sounds are now loud and pronounced.