★ HARDWARE ★ MASTER BLASTER/SOUND BLASTER ★ |
| Audio - Interface Siren Software - Master Blaster (Amstrad Action) |
Add two quality car speakers, a length of wire and a cigarette-packet-size box together, and what do you get? You have the latest gadget from Siren Software, the Sound Blaster. In the past Siren has put all its energy into utility software this hardware add-on comes as a surprise. The Sound Blaster, of the same genre as Maestro from Vanguard Leisure, is a system that gives your computer true stereo output. Two beefy three-way speakers (containing a 3-inch woofer, a 2-inch midrange and a tweeter) capable of 20 watts each are plugged into a tiny amplifier. From the amplifier come three leads: one goes into the CPC's stereo port, the other into its socket marked 5v DC, and the third connects to the monitor's power cable. Once everything's plugged in load your noisiest game, sit back and listen. What? You can't hear anything? Well, turn up the volume controls. There are two controls so you can correctly balance the sound.
The sound quality is superb. It adds much to games, making them atmospheric and all the more enjoyable. You won't be able to blow the roof off: the amp can deliver only 2 watts, this is loud enough, mind, especially in the confinement of your room. A pair of stereo headphones is supplied - "for a limited period . Siren's introductory offer. Plug the phones into the amp for personaJ listening or to avoid annoying the neighbours. A nice touch is the pair of red LEDs that glow when the Blaster is plugged into your computer. The Sound Blaster is a marvellous addition to your computer: it is not expensive compared to the competition, does a better job, looks impressive and endows your machine with a mean sound.
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