Why isn't your SoundBlaster Audigy Rx/5 able to play EAX 4 even though it should support it?

F5F Stay Refreshed Software PC Gaming Why isn't your SoundBlaster Audigy Rx/5 able to play EAX 4 even though it should support it?

Why isn't your SoundBlaster Audigy Rx/5 able to play EAX 4 even though it should support it?

Why isn't your SoundBlaster Audigy Rx/5 able to play EAX 4 even though it should support it?

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MrSherbert21
Junior Member

32

03-19-2016, 12:59 AM

#1

I'm attempting to play Rome I Total War and Medieval 2 Total War, but neither allows me to use my Sound Blaster Audigy Rx/5's EAX features. It mentions that the sound provider couldn't be reached, possibly due to hardware limitations. I believe my current Audigy supports EAX 4, though I'm not sure if Rome 1 had that version—maybe only EAX 1–3? It doesn't work with EAX 4 either. I've reinstalled the driver and games multiple times without success. Anyone have suggestions?

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MrSherbert21

03-19-2016, 12:59 AM #1

I'm attempting to play Rome I Total War and Medieval 2 Total War, but neither allows me to use my Sound Blaster Audigy Rx/5's EAX features. It mentions that the sound provider couldn't be reached, possibly due to hardware limitations. I believe my current Audigy supports EAX 4, though I'm not sure if Rome 1 had that version—maybe only EAX 1–3? It doesn't work with EAX 4 either. I've reinstalled the driver and games multiple times without success. Anyone have suggestions?

I

ilycookie
Member

53

03-19-2016, 02:26 AM

#2

For relevance, could you confirm the source of the game? Also, what operating system and version are you using for your platform?

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ilycookie

03-19-2016, 02:26 AM #2

For relevance, could you confirm the source of the game? Also, what operating system and version are you using for your platform?

C

CatNinja44
Junior Member

8

03-22-2016, 08:57 AM

#3

You received both games from STEAM with your specified Windows version. That should cover everything you needed.

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CatNinja44

03-22-2016, 08:57 AM #3

You received both games from STEAM with your specified Windows version. That should cover everything you needed.

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ludo66
Junior Member

4

03-22-2016, 10:02 AM

#4

EAX depended on DirectSound that was deleted in Vista. You need to employ ALchemy to bring back EAX features.

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ludo66

03-22-2016, 10:02 AM #4

EAX depended on DirectSound that was deleted in Vista. You need to employ ALchemy to bring back EAX features.

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xTripleMinerx
Posting Freak

846

03-22-2016, 10:54 AM

#5

That's an interesting question. It seems unusual that support for ALchemy wasn't included with the standard driver.

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xTripleMinerx

03-22-2016, 10:54 AM #5

That's an interesting question. It seems unusual that support for ALchemy wasn't included with the standard driver.

D

Destructor52
Junior Member

46

03-23-2016, 09:56 AM

#6

I own a Sound Blaster Audigy Rx/5 but neither ALchemy nor EAX4 functions properly, as confirmed by a Creative/Sound Blaster support technician regarding my card model. I have two games that require Creative Labs EAX 2 & 3 (Rome: Total War 1), and the third game is Medieval II: Total War which supports Creative Labs EAX 2, 3, and 4, but even the EAX 4 that the support team claims works on my model says "Unable to activate sound provider, possibly due to hardware limitations." I received a link to download Creative ALchemy (file name: ALMY_PCW8APP_LB_1_45_01.exe), but installing it results in a flashing message that says "Starting InstallShield Wizard.." for two seconds before the installer crashes with no further details. Could you assist me?

D

Destructor52

03-23-2016, 09:56 AM #6

I own a Sound Blaster Audigy Rx/5 but neither ALchemy nor EAX4 functions properly, as confirmed by a Creative/Sound Blaster support technician regarding my card model. I have two games that require Creative Labs EAX 2 & 3 (Rome: Total War 1), and the third game is Medieval II: Total War which supports Creative Labs EAX 2, 3, and 4, but even the EAX 4 that the support team claims works on my model says "Unable to activate sound provider, possibly due to hardware limitations." I received a link to download Creative ALchemy (file name: ALMY_PCW8APP_LB_1_45_01.exe), but installing it results in a flashing message that says "Starting InstallShield Wizard.." for two seconds before the installer crashes with no further details. Could you assist me?

D

DroyTheSloth
Member

132

03-23-2016, 03:01 PM

#7

You might need to refresh InstallShield:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...me...1448600521
Alternatively, a user discovered a solution by deploying it on an earlier Windows release and moving it:
https://www.tenforums.com/software-...ry...ersal.html

D

DroyTheSloth

03-23-2016, 03:01 PM #7

You might need to refresh InstallShield:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...me...1448600521
Alternatively, a user discovered a solution by deploying it on an earlier Windows release and moving it:
https://www.tenforums.com/software-...ry...ersal.html

F

fluffy22
Junior Member

7

03-25-2016, 10:35 AM

#8

It's necessary to install Alchemy to fix the EAX effects. After Vista, Directsound was changed to just a software stereo driver, so EAX had to be handled through OpenAL. Alchemly acts as the tool that translates the directSound calls into a format the audio driver can use. Without it, there would be no EAX effects.

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fluffy22

03-25-2016, 10:35 AM #8

It's necessary to install Alchemy to fix the EAX effects. After Vista, Directsound was changed to just a software stereo driver, so EAX had to be handled through OpenAL. Alchemly acts as the tool that translates the directSound calls into a format the audio driver can use. Without it, there would be no EAX effects.