7.1 Speakers | Steps to Upgrade Your System

What speakers do you have for your PC now? How about upgrading it to the 7.1 speakers from the 5.1 set up? You will experience great difference and you will enjoy the sound even much better. So here are the steps you need to follow for the same:

1. Things you will need are 7.1 channel sound cards, a game that needs 7.1 audio API. You need plan properly every minute detail to achieve best results.

2. You also need to have a sound card that can deliver 7.1 audio, and surround speakers.

3. The market leader for these sound cards is 'Crearive's Audigy 2 ZS' and 'Sound Blaster Audigy 4'. They also include the Pro and Platinum versions that have very advanced sound boxes. The 'Audigy 4 Pro' is a good option because in addition to the box it also has one wireless remote. If you are looking to save some money on working out something simple you can choose a 7.1 from other vendors like 'Catarina' or 'M-Audio.' However, there is always a limited choice for 7.1 speaker systems required for computers. Two fast moving models include S750 (700 G Works) and Inspire P7800 which is quite affordable. These come with input jacks, wall mounts and can automatically mix 5.1 or 6.1 to 7.1.

4. If you are using an integrated sound card instead of a separate card, disable it first. Then switch off your PC and open the case to install the card. Make sure that there is no flow of electric current when you touch the parts of the PC. Find an empty PCI slot on the motherboard. Remove the slot bracket that goes out near the rear of the cover. Insert the sound card into it and don't forget to connect its cable to the power. Also connect the breakout box that is outside. Close it, turn the power on. You may be prompted to run the installation of the card using the CD Rom. When it’s done you can restart and the set up will be finished.

5. If you have a large room you need to identify places equidistant from the place you sit to have maximum effect of the speakers. Also ensure that all the speakers form a kind of circle in the height of your ear where you sit. This ensures maximum sound quality and clarity. It is also recommended to keep the face of the speakers away from the listener's face.

6. Now that you have placed all the speakers in appropriate positions you need to balance the volume of all 7 satellites for normal listening. Use the speaker calibration utility via each channel to set the volume levels. You can also use the sound level meter and set its meter to C weighting and the Fast response. Now adjust the volume in all units to produce the same readings when playing a sound. Follow the same procedure to set volume of the bass unit. Adjusting the bass level could be done manually. For maximum boost of the bass try placing it to a corner of the room.

When all these done, you can enjoy some very good quality sound and can experience a theater effect at your home itself.