Terratec Aureon 5.1 USB

Rich audio from this convenient card.

Terratec is a name usually associated with computer sound products designed for those who enjoy making music as well as listening to it. The Aureon 5.1 USB device is, however, little more than a fuss-free way to upgrade your computer's existing audio processor to surround sound - not unlike the Philips Aurilium (see opposite).

Gold-plated input/output sockets are about the only concession to the professional market. Even then, the range of connections available won't be adequate for the needs of a serious musician looking to plug equipment, such as Midi devices, into their computers.

Mic and headphone sockets double up as digital optical in/out when used with the small adaptors provided. Add a single stereo analogue input and six-channel analogue-out and that's pretty much the size of it.

This is, however, more than enough for those looking to blast out 5.1 soundtracks to games and movies. A variety of audio standards and decoders are supported including Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby Pro Logic II. Accompanying software includes a software DVD player (Intervideo WinDVD 4), a basic music creation program and a control panel for managing the sound processor's settings.

Despite having less technical oomph than the Philips Aurilium, the Aureon sounded warm and immersive on both our 2 and 5.1 test speakers, and is good at creating 3D audio environments for games.

The analogue in/outputs on the device are of the left/right phono variety, usually found on hi-fis. Cables are provided, but users might need to invest in adaptors to hook up speakers and other devices which favour mini-jack connections.

Contact: Terratec 01252 870 726
http://en.terratec.net

Specifications:

• Terratec Aureon 5.1 sound processor
• 16bit, 48KHz
• analogue stereo, 4-channel and 5.1
• headphone, digital S/PDIF, digital coaxial
• Dolby Digital (AC3), DTS and Dolby Pro Logic II
• Intervideo WinDVD, Traktor DJ Mixer