How The Magic Works

When a stereo signal is fed into the Sonic Carrier, the X-Fi quad-core DSP (digital signal processor) up-scales all input to 24-bit HD audio format. It then intelligently restores the highs and lows of music, extending the dynamic range; giving users enhanced detail and clarity. The two channel stereo signal is then up-mixed to a X-Fi 7.1 signal.

But it doesn’t end there. The 15.2 SuperWide X-Fi algorithm is so complex and so demanding, it requires an additional high-performance DSP to complete the task. This additional EAX 15.2 DSP is capable of processing and assigning any audio input signal into 16 DSP-controlled outputs.

Running on the EAX 15.2 DSP is our proprietary 15.2 SuperWide X-Fi algorithm that processes the incoming X-Fi 7.1 signal. The output is then assigned to the relevant 16 directional channels that correspond to the driver array in the Sonic Carrier (9 front-firing, 2 side-firing, 4 up-firing, and 1 bass).

The low-pass filtered bass channel is digitally transmitted to the subwoofer unit, where it is then split into two channels, which go into a pair of DACs (digital-analog converters). The analog DAC outputs, which can be separately tuned, are then fed into two 300W RMS amplifiers.

The 9 front-firing channels consisting of the left, center, and right directional channels are passed through 9 high-resolution DACs, feeding 9 high-quality, highly efficient 60W RMS Class-D amplifiers. This in turn, feeds 9 highly precise pistonic drivers arranged in a TMM-MTM-MMT configuration.

Likewise, the 2 up-firing channels consisting of the top-left and top-right directional channels are passed through 4 high-resolution DACs, feeding 4 high-quality, highly efficient 60W RMS Class-D amplifiers. This in turn, feeds 4 highly precise pistonic drivers arranged in a TM-MT configuration. Similarly, the 2 side-firing channels consist of 2 full-range drivers powered by two DACs and two 60W RMS Class-D amplifiers.

The development of the 15.2 SuperWide X-Fi technology started off with a mathematically-derived algorithm, optimized through never-ending listening sessions by our expert in-house acoustic engineers to cater for different listening modes, environments and preferences.

Each tuning session involved tuning all the 15 drivers individually as separate directional channels as well as collectively as a system of drivers. For example, the left channel in a TMM configuration must take in not only the left, but also parts of the center, right, rear and surround channels of the 7.1 signal. And then, this convoluted left channel is applied to the TMM drivers differently through another sub-algorithm. After going through each channel, the overall system has to be fine-tuned all over again.

Lastly, the 15.2 SuperWide X-Fi technology is a highly intricate fusion of hardware and software design. Not only is the algorithm important, the hardware also plays a very important role in delivering the desired effect. For instance, the customized driver design and the unique speaker arrangement are intricately tied to the specific algorithm design to deliver an optimum experience. Even the design of individual acoustic chambers and power amplifiers are crucial.

And when it comes to Dolby Atmos, the signal is fed through the X-Fi DSP to the EAX 15.2 DSP to be further processed and enhanced to give wider and more realistic soundstage.

X-Fi DRE (Dynamic Range Expansion)

Generally, legacy audio content has been compromised in order to optimize the listening experience within the dual constraints of the 16-bit resolution of CDs/MP3s, as well as the typical limitations of playback systems. X-Fi DRE was created with the realization of this limitation. X-Fi DRE intelligently remasters your legacy audio material, freeing the audio from the constraints of the original, lower resolution mediums such as CDs and MP3s, conferring many of the advantages presented by high-resolution recording and delivery formats.

Most audio systems on the market, regardless of claims of support for high resolution playback, do not have the dynamic range needed to reproduce realistic musical dynamics. The Sonic Carrier, on the other hand, has ample dynamic range and detail resolution. This allows the X-Fi DRE to restore and enhance legacy audio material to its full potential. This is achieved by analyzing the audio signal in real-time, distinguishing specific transient sound events that suffer from dynamic compression during the recording process, and selectively restoring their lost dynamics. The typical effect of this restoration produces crisper highs, punchier mid-range percussion, and stronger kick bass hits.

X-Fi DRE is particularly effective in improving the impoverished high-frequency sound of data-compressed audio, such as MP3s – giving enhanced detail and clarity.

X-Fi Smart Volume

Volume levels can change dramatically within a playlist, between different source content, during transitions between TV programs, commercials, and between different TV channels. Yet the listener generally desires to have the volume they hear remain at a consistently comfortable level while retaining the dynamics in a track. Setting the amplifier volume control constantly between tracks in a playlist can be tricky and frustrating.

X-Fi Smart Volume prevents abrupt volume fluctuation during playback between tracks by automatically and continuously monitoring volume and smoothly applying gain and attenuation to compensate for those changes.

X-Fi Smart Volume Night Mode gives you clear dialogs without way-too-loud action scenes. It suppresses the loudness of the explosion but gains up the volume of dialog. The user is able to enjoy his favorite movie at night without disturbing his family or neighbors.

X-Fi Dialog Plus

X-Fi Dialog Plus enhances the voices in movies for clearer dialog, allowing the listener to hear the dialog over the rest of the soundtrack and over ambient noise in the listening environment.