Get 7.1 Surround Sound Over USB
 January 2, 2003
M-Audio announced Sonica Theater, the
easy-to-use, portable audio card for desktops or laptops. Sonica Theater
provides 7.1 surround sound output, crystal-clear audio
quality, and high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz audio playback and recording.
Sonica Theater plays the audio tracks of DVDs and music in surround sound, makes games
more realistic, and can be used to record or mix music. 7.1 surround sound
output and high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz fidelity ensure that audio is
Sonica Theater packs
advanced technology into a small, light, bus-powered, external package
that's simple to connect and use. Installation of Sonica Theater is as
simple as plugging in a single USB cable. Advanced features like speaker
setup software and professional bass management insure that speakers are
connected properly and configured for optimum performance and audio quality.
With its high signal-to-noise ratio of 101dB, Sonica Theater provides
clean audio with little noise. The product's
low distortion (THD) rating also insures that audio will sound the way it
was meant to.
Sonica Theater features Dolby Digital EX decoding with the included WinDVD 4
DVD player, allowing analog output of true multi-channel audio and turning
the computer into a home theater component. Sonica Theater also features
Dolby Digital and DTS passthrough on its digital output. Sonica Theater
supports other multi-channel formats, such as Microsoft's Windows Media
Audio 9 Professional and SRS Labs' Circle Surround II, allowing the user to
play streaming multi-channel audio off the Internet.
Full support for Microsoft Windows Media Audio 9 Professional is a first for
a laptop-compatible sound card. With Windows Media Audio 9, Sonica delivers
discrete multi-channel audio over the Internet today. With
Windows Media Audio 9 Professional and Sonica Theater, desktop or laptop
users can enjoy high-resolution surround sound
streamed live or on demand from the Internet.
Built-in SRS Circle Surround II technology instantly transforms CDs or MP3s
into surround sound. It dynamically separates
instruments, vocals, and even crowd noises for an experience. "Sonica Theater is the first consumer USB audio card
to offer the same high-quality Circle Surround II technology found in many
home theater receivers around the world" said Ted Franceschi, Executive Vice
President, Marketing and Sales. "SRS Labs is excited to partner with M-Audio
in providing laptop and desktop users the ultimate surround sound experience
over a computer."
Those without a 5.1 or 7.1 speaker system can still enjoy
results from Sonica Theater, thanks to built-in SRS TruSurround XT
technology. This powerful virtual surround sound process delivers the
multi-channel audio experience over standard stereo speakers or even
headphones. TruSurround XT enables two-channel listening that brings home
what the filmmakers intended to be heard, even if additional speakers are
not present.
Sonica Theater includes over $200 of high-quality bundled software with full
versions of Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3, MixMan Studio, Vjay Lite, and the Dolby
Digital EX version of WinDVD 4. Also included are award-winning music
creation programs with over 100 sounds and loops as well as a free sampler
CD of music from M-Powered artists who use M-Audio products.
Sonica Theater is due to ship this month, and will be distributed in
major retail stores throughout North America, and will soon be available in
Japan and Europe. Estimated street price is $99.99.
For more information, visit their web site at www.midiman.net. | 
