I want a new sound card. If I get an Audigy 2 do I have to install all the creative software in order to get full functionality? I would like to install just the drivers thats all. I hate having to install extra media players and other crap i just wont use. Creative just adds too much crap.

Would a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz be better?

Opinions?

When you install just use custom set up and untick the ones you dont want installed, you can just install the driver, but i always put on the Audio HQ just cos i find it usefull

It depends if you want any kind of after sales service. If yes then I would look elsewhere other than Creative Labs as ther are plenty of other cards out there offering a good if not better alternative.

Mind you, they do have a fairly large user base so most solutions to problems etc come from the user forums.

I am sure there is a possibility to install only the drivers during the setup.
uncheck the software you dont need thats all :wink:


other way is through the device manager when you are an expert.

You should install AudioHQ, Speaker Settings and Sourround Mixer, because you need this utilities to configure the card (number of speakers, EAX effects, ect.). Anything else is useless crap.

And EAX Console. Soundfont Bank Menager is for MIDI only.