Reviews / previews
Maybe the Universal Serial Bus, better known as USB, is good for something. In Microsofts new Digital Sound System 80, Ive finally found a peripheral that makes
me take notice of those two USB ports in the back of my computer.
Open up the big box, and youll find the sub-woofer unit is as big as a stone from the pyramids and weighs about as much. Installation is simple, but you have two options to take note of. If you connect via the USB port, the audio signal to the DSS 80 is all digital and operates without a sound card (as long as youre working in Windows 98). But since some games may not fully support this digital connection, you can also plug a different cable into your existing sound card, and then switch between USB or your sound card with the handy Control Panels applet. The DSS 80 comes with a standard audio wire in case you need it.
I started off pretending I didnt have USB or Windows 98 on my PC to test audio ranges. What I discovered were outstanding lows, mainly the bassgreat for gamers in love with explosions and other forms of rumble. But when I tested the highs, the speakers seemed to
rattle out in attempts to duplicate the tip-top notes of Sebastian Bach, The Gypsy Kings, or even Mariah Carey. I know, I know, but Half-Life and Rainbow Six are not the best test vehicles for high notes, perhaps another indicator that most gamers could care less about those lofty ranges.
USB definitely provided a cleaner, warmer sound than standard audio cables. The difference was phenomenal. Using the included 10-band equalizer, which only works in USB, I quickly adjusted high and low ranges to even better suit my personal tastes. Bottom line, the DSS 80 in USB mode provides awesome warmth in the midrange and great low bass. Again, the highs arent as good as what we heard from the Monsoon system reviewed last month, but the DSS 80s lows, midranges, and bassnot to mention the best sub-woofer shells money can buymake this a great gaming speaker system.-- Nash Werner / GamePro
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