RMAA suite is designed for testing quality of analog and digital paths of any audio devices, be it a sound card, an MP3 player, a consumer CD/DVD player or an acoustic set. The results are obtained by playing and recording test signals passed through the tested audio path by means of frequency analysis algorithms. A more common mark is also provided for those unfamiliar with measured technical parameters.
16 bit 44kHz
24 bit 96kHz
Games, Music and Movies
Jumping on to Battlefield 3, there is a definite difference in audio quality over the onboard solution, gunshots where whizzing round and explosions were clear. Scout mode was an interesting experience too, while at first it seemed that all scout mode did was make the sound 'tinny' like it had cut out the bass, in game it did seem as though I was sensing a more audible difference in direction, recommended to try though not something I personally would be keen to use 'all the time'. DOTA 2 was an interesting experience with crystal clear sounds and an epic announcer.
Music was much more enjoyable when using a high fidelity sound card, each sound, is reproduced accurately and concisely allowing for audible differentiation of instrumental timbre. For testing I listened to Sabrepulse's First crush EP. Providing a challenging mix of tones provided by a contemporary blend of House, Chiptune, liquid Drum and Bass and Dubstep. The title track is a highly syncopated melody with lots of stabbing and chipbreak midi melts broken up with smooth bleeps and bloops. The onboard solution could not give what I would call an enjoyable experience of this particular track, the drum loop ended up sounding like a muddy sped up maraca going 'cha cha cha'. Using the Creative Sound Blaster Z there was precise definition and clarity which gave hugely noticeable order to the noise.
Watching through various movies and series audio was again impressive which gave clarity and character allowing for better immersion and a better experience.
