ASUS Xonar Essence STX User Manual

ASUS Xonar Essence STX Sound Card manual cover
Pages 49
Year 2012
Language(s)
English en

ASUS Xonar Essence STX Sound Card Specification

The ASUS Xonar Essence STX Sound Card is a high-fidelity audio solution designed for audiophiles and sound enthusiasts, renowned for its superior sound clarity and performance. It features a powerful 124dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), delivering an exceptionally clear audio experience. The card is equipped with a high-quality TI Burr-Brown PCM1792A digital-to-analog converter (DAC), ensuring precise audio reproduction. The integrated headphone amplifier supports up to 600-ohm impedance, making it compatible with a wide range of high-end headphones, enhancing the depth and detail of sound.

The Essence STX is built with Nichicon "Fine Gold" capacitors, providing rich, warm sound quality and excellent reliability. Its Hyper Grounding technology employs a multi-layer PCB design to prevent interference and ensure a clean audio signal. The sound card supports a wide range of audio formats and provides Dolby® Home Theater technologies for an immersive surround sound experience. Its swappable OP-amp sockets allow users to customize and fine-tune their listening experience according to personal preferences.

The Essence STX interfaces with systems through a PCI Express x1 slot, ensuring high-speed data transfer and compatibility with modern motherboards. It includes RCA stereo outputs, a 6.3mm headphone jack, and an S/PDIF output, offering versatile connectivity options for various audio setups. The included software provides a user-friendly interface for audio customization and control, allowing users to adjust EQ settings, effects, and more to tailor the sound to their liking. Overall, the ASUS Xonar Essence STX is a robust sound card that delivers high-quality audio performance, making it an ideal choice for users seeking an enhanced audio experience in music, gaming, and multimedia applications.

ASUS Xonar Essence STX Sound Card F.A.Q.

How do I install the ASUS Xonar Essence STX sound card on my computer?

To install the ASUS Xonar Essence STX, first power down your PC and unplug it. Open the case and insert the card into an available PCIe slot. Secure the card with a screw, close the case, and reconnect your PC. Install the drivers from the included CD or download the latest version from the ASUS website.

What should I do if my Xonar Essence STX is not detected by Windows?

Ensure that the card is firmly seated in the PCIe slot and that power is connected to it. Check in the BIOS to see if the slot is enabled. If the card is still not detected, try a different PCIe slot or test the card in another computer to rule out hardware issues.

How can I optimize audio settings for the best sound quality on the Xonar Essence STX?

Open the ASUS Audio Center and select 'Hi-Fi' mode for pure audio playback. Adjust the sample rate to 192kHz and bit depth to 24-bits for the highest quality. Use the equalizer to tailor the sound to your preference, and enable Dolby Headphone for a more immersive experience when using headphones.

What are common causes of static or distortion in audio playback with this sound card?

Static can be caused by outdated drivers, so ensure they are up to date. Check for electromagnetic interference from nearby devices and ensure all cables are properly connected. Also, adjust the audio buffer size in the ASUS Audio Center to see if it reduces distortion.

How can I update the drivers for my ASUS Xonar Essence STX?

Visit the ASUS support website and navigate to the Xonar Essence STX product page. Download the latest drivers for your operating system, then run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Restart your computer to complete the installation.

Why is the microphone input not working on my Xonar Essence STX?

Check that the microphone is correctly connected to the card and that it is not muted in the ASUS Audio Center. Adjust the microphone gain settings and ensure it is selected as the default recording device in Windows sound settings.

How do I enable Dolby Digital Live on the Xonar Essence STX?

Open the ASUS Audio Center and navigate to the 'SPDIF Out' tab. Select Dolby Digital Live from the drop-down menu to enable it. Ensure your speakers or AV receiver support Dolby Digital to experience the full benefits.

What maintenance is required to keep the Xonar Essence STX in good condition?

Regularly clean dust from your computer case and ensure good airflow to prevent overheating. Periodically check for driver updates. If you experience issues, reseat the card and cables to ensure proper connections.

Can I use the ASUS Xonar Essence STX with a headphone amplifier?

Yes, the Xonar Essence STX has a high-quality DAC and line-out that can be connected to an external headphone amplifier. This setup can improve the sound quality and drive high-impedance headphones more effectively.

How do I configure 5.1 surround sound with the Xonar Essence STX?

Connect your 5.1 speaker system to the card's outputs. Open the ASUS Audio Center, go to the 'Main' tab, and select '6 Channels'. Configure your speaker layout in the Windows sound settings to ensure correct channel output.