🚀 go-pugleaf

Richard Talbot (richardt@triode.apana.org.au) wrote:
: Anthony Horan (anthony@xymox.apana.org.au) wrote:

: : This doesn't seem to be uncommon. My machine was advertised as having a 
: : Soundblaster 16-bit sound card (it was actually an OEM Vibra 16 card, which, 
: : to be fair, works and sounds just fine), and...

: To the best of my knowledge there is absolutely no difference between a 
: SB 16 and a Vibra 16.  As you say one is an OEM card but I thaught it 
: was just the same card with a different name for OEM purposes.  The 
: chipsets are identical.

: I know the Vibra comes with slightly less software but I was lead to believe 
: the actual hardware is identical bar the name.  Is this true ?

NO. The Vibra16 is a cheaper and different chipset version than the SB16.
Also there are other missing features - for
example: true bass, treble, L+R volume, pot volume control,
upgradeability, Advanced Signal Processor support, wavetable support  ect.

The card is designed as a cheap OEM replacement for the more expensive and
feature rich SB16 and SB16ASP MULTI CD and others. IMOHP the 
card is not 100% compatable with the SB standard and some problems have been
found in this area with the Vibra16. 

The Vibra chipset has also been used in the Endeavour Pentium mainboard but I
have no idea if they have improved on its original design or specs. 

I dislike them and would prefer a clone over a Vibra. Creative should offer
an OEM SB16 rather than just a whitebox version..but I guess they want
all of the market, including the lowest part.

--
Mitch.