The Essence STX II PCI Express Sound Card from ASUS is a PCI Express sound card that is optimized for use with headphones. It features 124dB SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) audio clarity with headphone output that reaches 120dB SNR using the multichannel daughterboard that slides into a slot adjacent to the Essence STX II.
This card is built using a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) clock source whose accurate timing technology helps to ensure low jitter. The Essence STX II also uses a dedicated four pin Molex power connection instead of drawing power directly from the PCI expansion slot which equates to a cleaner supply of electricity. High-fidelity low-dropout (LDO) regulators further assist with power optimization and WIMA capacitors also help to deliver balanced sound.
The built-in headphone amplifier supports up to 600 ohms impedance and an additional gain control designed for high-sensitivity IEM headphones allows musicians and audio purists to use earpieces that channel audio straight to the ear canal, allowing ambient noise to be isolated.
In addition to its use with headphones, the Essence STX II may also be used with your Windows-compatible system to create surround sound environments using Dolby Digital Live, Dolby Pro Logic II, and Dolby Virtual Speaker.
Dolby Digital Live
Reproduces Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound, immersing players in entertainment experiences with high-quality surround that puts you at the center of the action
Dolby Pro Logic II
Transforms stereo sound into 5.1-channel surround that changes audio perception
Dolby Virtual Speaker
Reshapes two-channel and 5.1-channel stereo content into virtual surround sound even with just two speakers, reproducing the environment of a 5.1-speaker home theater system
Dolby Headphone
Simulates surround for personal audio by using digital signal processing. It delivers up to 7.1-channel surround over any headphones for more vibrant and spacious listening