Reviews
Xitel SoundAround
2 + 1 does not equal 5
B
efore we listened to Xitel’s SoundAround, we thought any device
or software that promised to deliver true surround sound from two
speakers was digital hokum. The SoundAround has done little to
change our opinion.
Xitel makes some big claims of its $100 device, plastering a logo on the
box that reads “5.1 from 2.” Although that’s clearly overstating the device’s
capabilities, the SoundAround isn’t total crap. It does make DVD movies and
games sound a skosh better. Does it make even a 2.1-channel system sound
like 5.1 channels? Not in the least.
Here’s the lowdown: As an analog audio signal passes through the
SoundAround to your powered speakers, it’s processed by a suite of algo-
rithms, collectively known as TruSurroundXT, from SRS Labs. (Incidentally,
if you’re using your PC to watch DVDs, you’ll get the exact same algorithms
with InterVideo’s WinDVD software). We tested the SoundAround with our
new favorite low-end speaker system: Tascam’s VL-S21 (reviewed on page
70 of this issue).
There’s a headphone jack with volume control on the front of the box,
and a switch on the back allows you to customize the audio processing for
small, medium, or large speakers. All other effects can be adjusted using a
wireless remote control.
The SoundAround has three modes: Bypass, Stereo, and Surround. Bypass
mode, as you’ve probably guessed, does nothing to the signal. Stereo mode
engages SRS’ TruBass algorithm to beef up lower frequencies. Used judiciously,
TruBass does indeed enhance the bass; but in our tests, bumping it up more
than two (out of six) notches just turned the subwoofer’s bass into mush. The
effect might be more useful with a 2.0-channel speaker system.
Surround mode activates TruBass and SRS’ TruSurround algorithm, which
delivers “virtual” surround sound over a two-channel audio system using any
multichannel audio source. You can also toggle SRS’ Dialog Clarity algorithm,
which attenuates the frequency range occupied by human voice. In our tests
with both movies ( The Matrix ) and games ( Half-Life 2 ), “surround sound”
proved to be much too big a promise for the SoundAround to deliver. The device
considerably expanded the audio sweet spot, but it did absolutely nothing to
position audio events in a 3D
space. Activating Dialog Clarity,
meanwhile, just made voices
sound grating.
If you’re desperate to
improve your PC audio experi-
ence, we’d recommend upgrad-
ing your speakers before invest-
ing in a device like this.
—MICHAEL BROWNExpands audio sweet spot using just two speakers.GOOD VIBESDR. PHIBES
Fails to deliver on its surround-sound promises.
$100, http://www.xitel.comMA XIMUMPCVERDICT 5
JUNE 2005 MA XIMUMPC 77
Reviews
efore we listened to Xitel’s SoundAround, we thought any device
or software that promised to deliver true surround sound from two
speakers was digital hokum. The SoundAround has done little toXitel makes some big claims of its $100 device, plastering a logo on the
box that reads “5.1 from 2.” Although that’s clearly overstating the device’s
capabilities, the SoundAround isn’t total crap. It does make DVD movies and
games sound a skosh better. Does it make even a 2.1-channel system sound
Here’s the lowdown: As an analog audio signal passes through the
SoundAround to your powered speakers, it’s processed by a suite of algo-
rithms, collectively known as TruSurroundXT, from SRS Labs. (Incidentally,
if you’re using your PC to watch DVDs, you’ll get the exact same algorithms
software). We tested the SoundAround with our
new favorite low-end speaker system: Tascam’s VL-S21 (reviewed on page
multichannel audio source. You can also toggle SRS’ Dialog Clarity algorithm,
which attenuates the frequency range occupied by human voice. In our testsXitel’s SoundAround
uses algorithms from SRS
Labs to deliver pseudo-surround sound
from 2.0- and 2.1-channel speaker systems.U
sing a hyper-sensitive gaming mouse can be both a
blessing and a curse. Sure, having lightning-quick turn
speed and pixel-perfect accuracy are great in a hot-
‘n’-heavy deathmatch, but when you’re sniping, 1,600dpi is just too twitchy.
For the best of both worlds, Logitech’s new MX518 lets you change the
resolution on the fly using two hard-wired buttons.
Here’s how it works: The two buttons above and below the MX518’s
scroll wheel control the mouse resolution. Press the button above the
wheel, and the sensitivity and mouse speed increase. Press the button
below the wheel, and the sensitivity decreases, netting you finer control
over mouse movements. The mouse ships with three presets—400dpi,
800dpi, and 1,600dpi—that work all the time, even if you haven’t installed
Logitech’s mouse drivers. If you install the drivers, you can reconfigure the
sensitivity settings to better suit your needs.
Getting this to work in games takes a little tweaking, but the benefit
is huge, especially in games that include vehicles. We recommend set-
ting your in-game mouse sensitivity with the mouse set at the highest
resolution you plan on using. Then you can crank the resolution down for
extremely accurate movement when you’re sniping or flying an aircraft.
In fact, the lower resolution provides more precision with the inaccurate
weapons in games such as Brothers in Arms and Battlefield: Vietnam.
Logitech also improved the MX518’s feet. Instead of the usual Teflon-
footpads, this rodent sports new shoes that use an even slicker substance.
The result? Silky smooth movement when paired with a gaming mousepad.
Of course, you might be wondering why Logitech would go with a tradi-
tional optical design instead of the laser design they debuted in the MX1000.
The answer is simple: Many gamers don’t dig the “floaty” feel of the laser
mouse. Because the only laser
mouse released to date is the
wireless MX1000, it’s impos-
sible to tell if the float we felt
on that mouse is the result of
the laser sensor or the wireless
connection. Regardless, we’re
fond of the multitude of options
that the MX518’s selectable
sensitivity gives us.
—WILL “TUF-E-NUF” SMITHLogitech MX518
This variable-sensitivity gaming mouse will
tickle your fancy
Adjustable sensitivity sans drivers rocks.
Feet are super smooth.The sensitivity buttons are small and difficult
to use.
$50, http://www.logitech.com9
DONUT HOLESBULLET HOLESMA XIMUMPCVERDICT
If you’re desperate to
improve your PC audio experi-
ence, we’d recommend upgrad-
ing your speakers before invest-
ing in a device like this.
—MICHAEL BROWNFails to deliver on its surround-sound promises.
$100, http://www.xitel.comOf course, you might be wondering why Logitech would go with a tradi-
tional optical design instead of the laser design they debuted in the MX1000.
The answer is simple: Many gamers don’t dig the “floaty” feel of the laserNo, those aren’t
bullet holes; the Logitech MX518’s surface decal is covered
with nifty 3D-looking indentations.