Creative X-Fi MB for your G73 (Realtek HD 2.48)

If you as me have hated the problems and issues that the Audigy HD pack has given everyone not to mention the outdated and missing CMSS-3D/Crystalizer and newer EAX enhancements then this is the thread for you! As we all know Creative is always much more concerned with protecting intellectual rights and new patents then updating driver / software packages, it's been this way since the old SB Live 5.1 days.

This package download located below includes the modified Realtek HD 2.48 drivers by Alexa and the Asus Supreme X-Fi MB pack modified by SoloR.

These modded drivers will allow you to install any X-Fi MB package whether it's from Creative, ASUS, Gigabyte, etc.

NOTE: For those that asked about using the Realtek Standard 2.52 drivers with this software package it will work (thanks premudriy) but you're sacrificing many of the advantages by not using the modified 2.48 drivers. These modified drivers enable support sound encryption, add EAPD control enhancements for some codecs, updated directsound acceleration engine, increased sound buffer limit, some hardware eax acceleration, increase channel mixing limit (can't remember the exact number of channels). Pretty much the modded 2.48 drivers are hybrid between a Realtek HD driver and modded X-Fi drivers with cfg/inf tweaks, some lib/dll changes. Alexa hasn't released an update since 2.48 so these are the latest and greatest "mod" drivers out. Also wanted to note not to confuse Alexa's drivers with Daniel_K or Ket's drivers, they are in a different league as far as "softmod" changes go with drivers.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: You do need the newest WinRAR (3.93) or 7 zip 9.16 beta (thanks IM0001).
ADDITIONAL NOTE 2: These drivers/x-fi mb will work on any Realtek HD equipped laptop (g51/53, m15x/m17x, etc.)

INSTALLATION
1) Remove the Creative Audigy HD pack from your computer, when prompted to restart do so then.
2) Remove your current Realtek HD driver pack (version can vary), when prompted to restart do so then again.
3) Download X-Fi MB R248 Win7.7z from provided link above. ( MEGAUPLOAD mirror)
4) Extract contents of "X-Fi MB R248 Win7.7z" to any folder on your computer (note location to browse to). *NOTE WinRAR 3.93 and 7zip 9.16 beta tested to extract*
5) Install modded Realtek drivers from the "Realtek R248 Modded" folder onto your machine, after install complete reboot when prompted to restart your computer.
6) Install X-Fi MB 1.1 software from the "Sound Blaster X-Fi MB AD1988B" folder upon reboot, after install completes (this ones a bit long) restart when prompted again.
7) Upon computer booting up press F8 (fast here!) to launch the Windows 7 boot selector, select safe mode and continue to boot into Windows 7 in safe mode.
8) Browse to the "License Generator Virus Alert" folder, !this is a false positive!, all this simply does is replace the DD_DTS activator and the accompanying codec files in that folder. Since this is a modified vanilla Creative X-Fi MB package it does not have pre-licensed files as you would get with a manufacturer licensed version (ASUS bundled, Gigabyte bundled, Alienware bundled, etc. as examples). The way the activator works can cause issues with Delphi based VM development software, if your not a Delphi developer then you can ignore the warning, if you don't know what Delphi is then you can defiantly ignore the warning . Launch the RUN.BAT as administrator (ensure right clicking on the .bat file and select "run as administrator if your not sure).
9) Once the .bat file is complete (flashes briefly) reboot your computer and let Windows boot normally (non safe mode).
10) BASK IN THE GLORY OF X-FI MB!

Pretty easy I would say, the work is easily worth the sound quality increase (much crisper!) along with the new CMSS-3D/Crystalizer and other X-Fi specific features (and also the newer Alchemy and EAX profiles / codecs).

I'm at work currently so if my instructions aren't perfect I'm sorry just wanted to post this up after reading through all the woes of the Audigy HD pack and the glimmer of hope to have X-Fi MB. I can confirm that Steam, all my games (BC2, MW2, Mafia 2, FFXIV, Crysis, etc.) work without a hitch, MediaMonkey and other media players work great directsound and waveout.


X-Fi MB 1.1 w/ Realtek HD 2.48 Mod by shreddermiller, on Flickr



X-Fi 1.1 w/ Realtek HD 2.48 Mod by shreddermiller, on Flickr

 

Awesome. Testing when I get home. Have no "Problems" with current setup but always am game to screw around with audio drivers. Yippiee!

 

Are you using currently? Or you copy the instruction somewhere else?

 

What are you using to scan it? False Positive?

 

Seriously? Or are you just fishing?

 

Nope I'm not just fishing. I have rep and been here awhile now. I am currently using these exact files and they work flawlessly with no issues. I'll update with some screen caps for those of you that aren't believers when I get home.

IM0001 let me know when you get these loaded up, share the excitement .

EDIT: Updated the original post to reflect information and updates to folder names installing from the zip.

 

Ya saw that Virus Warning in the folder lol. Figured its just a workaround that looks like a virus like most cracks/hacks.

 

Also might want to mention the .7z file you supplied cannot be extracted with the 4.65 version of 7zip but needs the 9.16 beta version.

 

Updated info and added some pics for you guys.

 

this is a way more advanced control panel than Audigy HD with tons a config tabs.

 

So is this worth doing vs stock? I'm not really an audio geek so crappy audio probably sounds just as good as really good audio to me.

 

This looks remarkably similar to my Audigy control panel I have now. Are you sure your Creative install is working correctly? We do have EAX / CMSS / and Crystalizer in the stock 1.0 drivers.

Of course if the drivers are upgraded to X-Fi stats they will definitely sound better overall but still not quite hit on the level of a true HW X-Fi.

 

Audigy came with EAX/CMSS but DO NOT includes Crystalyzer. The soft skin on both is identical, i'm refereeing to the windows tabs.

 

Every time I click on either download button through the link, I get redirected to an advertisement page. Is anyone else having this problem?

 

You are correct good sir. Missed that. Must be my memory slacking since I just Refreshed my desktop setup and see a similar screen for my real X-Fi.

 

so this is better? Does this work with latest realtek 2.52 drivers?

 

Just tried installing. Doesnt work. Getting an error saying "The audio device supported by this application is not detected. The application will exit."

Waste of time

 

Keith1341 look down the page a good ways on the bottom right corner of the page. You should see file url, under that there is a link that says "Save file to your PC Click here", that should take care of you (2shared is pretty terrible about the tiny download link).

You have to use the drivers included. The modded Realtek 2.48 drivers are a combination of configuration changes (buffer, bit limits, etc.), x-fi pieces, and some realtek pieces. Honestly for those that don't even need or care for the Creative software changing drivers alone to the modded Realtek drivers will make huge sound quality improvements. There was a old fiasco with Creative years back with people doing hardware mods on Realtek and VIA HD audio desktop cards to allow them to use creative drivers and software for Audigy 1/2ZS/X-Fi 1. Creative simply took off the shelf Realtek / VIA chips, put there name on them, and created software and drivers locked to their soundcards (via a bios/firmware chip).

Maybe try using Driver Sweeper and check the box to remove Realtek and Creative software/drivers/inf/reg. Should take care of the issue, I'm assuming your on a G73JH? Also I'm assuming you completely removed your old realtek drivers (2.52, etc.) and installed the modded 2.48 drivers included?

In my honest opinion it is, if you don't care for all the creative software just swapping out to the modded drivers will improve audio quality and possible some performance increase.

 

Yes used driver sweeper, and no change. And yeah using G73JH. Weird but I'm going back to old creative. Worked perfect for me.

"If its not broken, dont try and fix it"

 

Did you switch drivers, couple people asked me about just using the 2.52 realtek drivers (or any other asus/realtek driver). Those will not work and give you that "audio device not detected" error. You have to use the included modded 2.48 drivers.

 

Got it. Thanks.

Even went so far as to try this on my G60-VX. It installed just fine and it works.

 

Yes uninstalled everything. Realtek and creative. Installed the modded drivers, Restarted then installed X-Fi.

Did it twice even same error.

 

Don't know if it has any bearing (shouldn't) but you have the latest bios update, and all the latest drivers and updates (windows 7 64)?

I'm curious if anyone else chimes in with the same issue. My Windows 7 install was pretty clean/fresh from not to long back. I did have the Audigy HD and Realtek 2.52 installed before changing over. I uninstalled the Audigy HD first, rebooted, uninstalled the realtek 2.52, rebooted. Ran driver sweeper in safe mode and checked realtek and creative, cleaned and rebooted. Proceeded with the rest no issues.

 

AHHHHH !!!! I F-ING LOVE THIS MAN I GIVE YOU A BIG HUG AND A ROUND OF APPLAUSE so many audio options compared to the one ASUS supplied thanx again ^^

 

Kinda works. Uninstalled all my Realtek/Creative stuff and installed the new stuff. Didn't work so I tried again. Now Its about oh 50%. Ill keep working on it for a bit and see if I can get it working fully

 

Odd a few reboots fixed it. Everything seams to be working now.

Will report back if I have any issues.

 

Ok I finally got it working. Very nice work. Great having the extra options.

Cheers

 

Yes got this working the first time. Great options and it does sound alot better than stock.

 

any suggestions for tuning this thing once everything is installed? not sure i like the sound...i like all the options but..i dunno..it's hard to explain. seems like to much treble. but if i turn the treble down then there's not enough...

guess i just need to fine tune it..

and what is with the crystalizer? it's overkill on the highs...what exactly is it suppose to do?

Edit: lol i'm gonna mess with it more tomorrow. it's getting late... my ears aren't doing what they're suppose to do and i don't want to risk waking anyone up

 

Got a lockup after first boot, but upon reboot seems to be working well.

I would definitely recommend turning down crystalizer a notch, for me personally bass boost on 4db and crystalizer turned down to about 50% sounded excellent with some Alice in Chains mp3s both thru speakers and my Sennheiser cans.

Trying it out with some other assorted music and the difference is noticeable. Crystalizer does a good job of returning clarity to the sound when you knock up the bass, making the sound fuller overall. But it is definitely turned on too high by default imo

 

Thank you very much! It worked even on my G51vx-x3a, despite the fact that it was intended for G73.

 

Oh, lol, you know what else if funny? I went to the Realtek's website and downloaded the latest R2.52 driver. And guess what... it works with R2.52 on my system too. Thanks again, TheMarkness!

 

Works brilliant for me on R2.52. Thanks muchos for this. +rep

I didn't even need to uninstall my Realtek or boot into Safemode. Uninstalled the current Creative suite, rebooted, installed X-Fi, rebooted, ran the Virus License Generator and voila.

 

It works fine without any freezes and stuff, but CMSS-3D is a horrible gimmick.

Works meh-ish for speakers, but for headphones its just another layer of audio distortion. Audio sounds much better without CMSS-3D enabled.

 

Ok, installed and working properly here! Thanks.

But...

I also installed Dolby Digital Live and DTS pack.
Will DDL encoding work if I buy a license?

​

Sure?

 

i wonder if the same job could work with g73jw eax crative 5.0 suite?

 

Good to know it does work with the R2.52 drivers. The modded 2.48 drivers are night and day in sound quality between each other so your missing out on sound quality increase, but if the 2.52 sound good enough for you and the software works just fine then there you go .

NP Glad it works, like I told premudriy skipping the modded 2.48 drivers your sacrificing sound quality compared to the standard (and limited) 2.52 stock drivers. If it works great and your happy then that's all that matters .

Hmm not 100% sure here, isn't the point of purchasing those avoided by using the activator? Similar if you where to get a bundled ASUS/Alienware version the packs would be included licensed in the bundle?

If it's something completely different then it should work fine (add on, etc.) as far as I'm aware.

 

I do agree that latest is not always greatest, but that piqued my interest.

Audio driver updates take all of 10 minutes to complete so I'm not beyond doing the whole shebang again, but how much sound quality would be gained from using the modded 2.48 drivers?

Were they specifically tuned for use with this X-Fi suite? More elaboration would be appreciated.

Soundwise, 2.52 sounds reasonable enough with BassBoost and Crystalizer, but took some EQ tweaking for CMSS-3D on headphones to sound acceptable.

Bottomline I guess the question is, would the modded 2.48 Realtek drivers sound marginally or noticeable better?

 

Depends on your ear for sound and the quality of your speakers/headphones your using as well. I can tell a noticable difference between them just running straight driver for driver (not extra creative software on top of them).

Alexa and SoloR modded those 2.48 drivers with the X-Fi MB suite primarily in mind. Thinking off the top of my head driver modifications include enabled support sound encryption, EAPD control enhancements for certain codecs, updated directsound acceleration engine, sound buffer limit increase, (some) hardware eax acceleration, increased channel mixing limit (can't remember the number). Pretty much the modded 2.48 drivers are hybrid between a Realtek HD driver and modded X-Fi drivers (like Daniel K's). Alexa hasn't released an update since 2.48 so these are the latest and greatest "mod" drivers out.

 

Is it possible if someone uploaded the file else where? Everytime i try to download it says "The file link you requested is invalid. Please contact link publisher or try to make a search."

Would really really love to give this a try.

 

smile_gerard just added a megaupload for you, let me know if that works okay for you .

 

i suggested to upgrade realtek 2.52. i experience lock up and freeze when i used non compatible program such as ease of access centre with bass boost enabled...i ran driver sweeper for realtek be4 i install d modded version.there is no such sound quality difference between d version of 2.48 and 2.52 when using x-fi..that is wat i felt

 

No success here at all.

tried:

2.48mod + X-Fi mod from here (reinstalled many times with driver sweeper in safe mode)

2.52 + X-Fi mod from here (same to install)

2.46 TruTHX + X-Fi mod from here

2.48 mod + X-Fi from Daniel-K plus activation from here

2.46 TruTHX + X-Fi from Daniel-K plus activation from here.

2.24 mod + X-Fi mod (1.0) plus activation from here

I finished so tired about creative. Everytime that I try something different I got "The audio device supported by this application is not detected. The application will exit."Probably is because I tried many different (before this post) package to get X-Fi MB and I'm unable to get rid of all the creative installation, even using driver sweeper or two different registry cleaner tools. I tried even THE ORIGINAL X-Fi DISK with a valid serial number that a friend of mine provide me, and nothing. My test also included the MB2 version posted here before. Now, back with the audigy HD, which installs and starts, but all the setting do not work. I mean: EQ activated; same sound output, Bass activated; same sound output, CMSS activated...same s!@# as output.

Probably the only way to get rid of all creative previous installation data/files/registry shall be reinstall windows. Any one know an ultimate way to remove crapware? ... I tried everything and losing many hours in this crap.

As a little note, the files posted here by TheMarkness are the 1.1 version of Solor. Is the same version than Daniel-K but his release include the license files for trial. The original activation package was the 2.24+X-Fi.

 

Just for the record. After you did all the install's + activation. did you reboot once again just for the heck of it? I did after the final reboot after the safemode/activation step and then it worked.

 

yed i did.

I try reboot after reboot in normal mode and safe. Restart many times and every single combination possible. The problem is not the software activation, is the software compatibility with the realtek ones since the keys are created.

 

Saw the link, but seems like it says its unavailable. Appreciate the effort. I'll try again tomorrow. +rep for u

edit: managed to download... Working well here

 

Got me. Id say uninstall Realtek and The Creative stuff, run the latest driver sweeper for both, then reboot. (From the first pack posted here here) Install Realtek, Reboot. Install Creative X-Fi, reboot into safemode, apply activation, reboot.. Log in, reboot again, then test.

 

Actually the X-Fi package modified from SoloR is based on Asus Supreme X-Fi pack, only borrowing AudioCP from a newer X-Fi MB pack.

Now the modded drivers are completely in a different league not to be confused with Daniel_K or Ket's driver builds. Daniel_K's drivers are mere placebo and didn't honestly have any changes other than the ability to install the X-Fi MB package. Ket's drivers where in my opinion just as placebo as Daniel_K's drivers going as far as to change the device ID name string in the ini files to read "RealTek X-Fi" on install. Neither of those supposed modded drivers included the fixes that Alexa incorporated. Alexa's drivers where original started on desktop motherboards making use of the Realtek HDA (DACS varied) chipsets turning them into a more competitive sound solution. I remember seeing people modding heatsinks on their Realtek chipsets to help with heat and crosstalk going that step further to improve the sound quality experience lol.

Completely putting the whole X-Fi MB package aside for a minute. Those that say they can't hear a difference please use some good speakers and headphones, G73 laptop speakers and iPhone earbuds will not notice a single difference. I have some Reference Klipsch speakers and studio monitors and they can tell night and day difference driver for driver. Now I want to go on and say it's not going to turn your Realtek chipset into a $300 dollar sound card but it's going to enable (softmod) some features that the chipset supports and has via the modded drivers (listed some of those in the first post).

 

I'll give it one more opportunity this evening since the installation process made me frustrated. Trust me, I just made every step that you state inmany combinations.

I was investigating this topic for months (even when a mod delete a previous post about the same), here and many others forum. Why asus released an outdated software?????

 

Remove Creative Crap, reboot and remove Realtek crap, reboot again. I would then try driver sweeper cleaning up all Realtek and Creative. I know you did those steps already (I know I'm just reiterating), I would go the next step to install ccleaner (crap cleaner). Do a good spring cleaning of all your temporary files and windows prefetch/cache/etc., head over the registry cleaner section and flush out that registry from old associated file types and dll extensions. I usually run this part 3-4 times because It can keep picking up more and more each sweep.

After all that a few reboots in between as needed I would try from scratch again. Realtek reboot, Creative Reboot, Safe mode bat, reboot, reboot.

Sorry your having so much trouble wish I could give a better lending hand (maybe mikogo session) .