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I love iMac computers, they are great, however, the sound is usually limited by the speakers which are connected (the internals are good but, ask yourself why external speakers exist in the first place). If like me, you use your iMac as your main entertainment device, sound is a major consideration. The problem is, unlike PCs you can't just pop a new sound card into your iMac, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini etc. Sure they optical out, but you need a few bits of tech to get up and running, which may not be particularly portable option. Enter the Creative Sound Blaster Omni 5.1. I remember seeing them years ago and thought I must get one to try out, but never did, until last week. Unfortunately, my iMac didn't recognise the Omni when first connected, but a firmware update from Creative solved that issue. If you are already using macOS Sierra, you will need either a system running El Capitan or earlier, or access to a Windows PC to download and upgrade the firmware to make the Omni compatible with macOS Sierra. I downloaded the SBX Pro utility for Mac from the Creative Web Site, installed, connected Omni and bingo. I had a working and recognised external sound card on my iMac. Connected a set of 5.1 speakers, opened iTunes and played a movie. WOW!!! For the first time ever, I was immersed in sound and what sound it was. The SBX Pro technology, gives 3D sound to everything coming out of the speakers and it sounds incredible. Powered by USB, the Omni 5.1 can be taken anywhere if needs be. With three rear analogue connectors (Front, Rear, Centre/Sub) and an optical, connecting to anything is pretty straight forward. On the front, you have outputs for Headphones (600Ohm amp), a mic port and an input to connect a tablet, MP3 player or whatever to play through the Omni. For FaceTime /Skype video chat etc, there are two inbuilt pics which use Creative's CrystalVoice Tech, which also throws in some funky (though how useable) vocal effects into the mix. You do have to go into the Mac System Preferences to select the Omni mics over the default built in option, which is easily done. Size wise, the Omni is about the size of a typical spectacle case, so doesn't take up much room on the desk or in a bag. There is a large volume Knob on top or you can just use the included Remote which works really well on the Mac. Overall, a great addition to the iMac, which is allowing me to enjoy my music, movies and TV shows in a whole new dimension. I love it.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Been trying to get 5.1 digital sound from games for ages. This sound card encodes the sound using Dolby Digital Live so you get 5.1 sound through the S/PDIF output. Brilliant :-)
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I recommend this sound card. So good!!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Completely satisfied with this product.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Amazing bit of kit
Verified purchase: No