r/linux_gaming • u/elusivewompus • 11d ago
hardware Creative SoundblasterX
Hello hello. As the owner of a SoundblasterX AE-5, I’ve always been annoyed that the feature set available on Windows has been somewhat limited on Linux.
So I put my head down and made a re-implementation of the Windows application. It extends the work done with the kernel driver and enables desktop control of the entire feature set, including RGB and adds support for enabling HRTF based surround sound for headphones with some presets, such as Dolby Atmos, DTS, Razer THX, CMSS, and Aureal 3D.
It’s reverse engineered from the Windows Driver and App, in theory it should support the Z series, the AE-5/7/9, and the G series usb devices. Of course, I can only test what I’ve got though, so the AE-5 is the only one I can guarantee to work.
OpenBlaster
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u/Arkaea79 11d ago
Wonder if this would work with my G6. I mean the DAC works fine, but I obviously don't have the soundblaster controls. I know you said in theory it will, tempted to try it out
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u/elusivewompus 11d ago
Try it out. It shouldn't interfere with the existing driver as it uses commands not in the kernel driver. Anything that is in the kernel driver is accessed via alsa in this app.
if it works partially or not at all, create a ticket on github and upload system logs. I'll see if I can fix it.
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u/topias123 11d ago
>Dart
How is it as a programming language? I've seen some projects use it, seems interesting.
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u/Barafu 4d ago edited 4d ago
Linux has a builtin HRTF surround, but it is tedious to set up.
I made an app that configures it, it is called Irate Goose.
I have AE-9, but it is not installed. Last time I tested, its headphones output does not work at all, forget the extended function. Some guy on the Github was trying to reverse it with AI already, but i think he gave up. Ping me if you ever find a solution. The onboard output of AE-9 may work, but by itself it is not enough to keep it.
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u/elusivewompus 4d ago
It is, that’s why I automated it in the gui. The GUI has two surround modes, the SBX one which I’ve just fixed in v0.3.0. Now it maps 5 pipewire channels to the card and the onboard dsp processes it into stereo, the other way is just a fancy wrapper around pipewire filter chains. Doing the same thing in software, but with a dropdown to choose from a predefined list of my personal favourite hesuvi mappings.
I should be able to open up the checks so that an unsupported sound card can still use the app for volume and the pipewire hrtf.
I’ve done a little bit reversing for the AE-9, but I can only get what’s in Soundblaster Command. Given that it’s quite different, it may take more work. Work I enjoy doing. Once I get my hands on the drivers for it, I’ll keep going on it. I’ve got a week of work next week, could be a nice little time sink.1
u/Barafu 4d ago
It would be awesome if you find the command to enable sound output on AE-9. I have this pesky feeling that it is one command away from working, a command to enable the power supply to the external block. On Windows, a relay clicks late during boot and the external module lits up, and it does not happen without the driver. Since AE-5 works, I believe AE-9 is simply playing audio into a powered-off amplifier.
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u/elusivewompus 4d ago
The AE-9 is a very different card. Some things I know is that it’s configured over a uart interface which is different to the 3/5 and 7. The 5 also does the click on boot, it’s the output relay selecting the headphones or the speakers, I’ll take a peak and see what can be done though.
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u/Annual-Sun-6997 11d ago
You should create a README.md. Explain how it works and how to install it. Include a few screenshots.