Creative Officially Introduces PCI64

Creative Technology officially introduced its two new PCI audio cards, the Sound Blaster PCI64 for US$99.99 and the Creative Ensoniq AudioPCI for $49.99.

Also, Creative announced the PCWorks FourPointSurround speaker system, designed by Cambridge SoundWorks. The system was designed to complement the 3D capabilities of the SB PCI64. It is expected to be released early this summer and pricing will be announced later.

About a week ago, GameSpot News broke the news that Creative had begun shipping the SB PCI64 - ahead of this announcement. If you're looking to buy one, they should be readily available.

Here is a partial listing of features for each of the new products:

Sound Blaster PCI64 - support for two- or four-speaker output, and/or PCWorks FourPointSurround system - 64-voice wavetable synthesis - 2 and 4MB General MIDI sample sets; and an 8MB sample set for professional music quality - low CPU utilization - 16-bit, CD quality, hardware full-duplex audio output - support for all leading 3D audio standards including DirectSound, DirectSound3D, and derivative audio in two- and four-speaker mode - Sound Blaster PCI compatibility for running existing DOS-based games and Windows titles

PCWorks FourPointSurround Speaker System - Optimized acoustic design based on the award-winning PCWorks speakers from Cambridge SoundWorks - Built-in four-channel satellites and subwoofer - Compact size with in-line remote volume control that can be placed where it's easy to reach - Magnetically shielded so speakers can be placed near TV or monitor - Only speaker system optimized for DirectSound3D titles and true 3D audio games

Creative Ensoniq AudioPCI - support for two-speaker output - 2 and 4MB General MIDI sample sets - 32-voice wavetable synthesis - low CPU utilization - 16-bit, CD quality, hardware full-duplex audio output - support for all leading 3D audio standards including DirectSound, DirectSound3D, and their derivatives - Genuine Sound Blaster PCI compatibility for running existing DOS-based games and Windows titles