SoundBlaster Live! (EMU10K1) terrible sound?!

I tried the SBLive_SupportPack_1_0. (for a SB 5.1 Live!)
Before the installation, Win7 (build 7600) can't update the driver, can't install any EMU10k1 driver, can't recognize my card, can't do anything.

When finished the installation, my windows7 recognized only the game port...

Finelly, i tried update the sound device manually. (from the unzipped SBLive_SupportPack_1_0)
I've browsed the folder, Win7 said: Driver can't installed (or something like that)

OK.

I do it again. AND WORKED Windows recognized the driver, allowed everything, restarted. And tadaa. Working perfectly.
Thank you

Use the drivers here: RapidShare: 1-CLICK Web hosting - Easy Filehosting after uncompressing it
run the setup file found in the drivers directory. If you get an error
when installing it dont worry about it, it will still install just fine. Use
this pack: RapidShare: 1-CLICK Web hosting - Easy Filehosting to install audio console, ect. first though as it'll uninstall
the driver from the first pack listed.

Hi,

I've tried all the solutions listed here, and on a few other forums as well. Nothing seems to be working. I've managed to get sound for a short time with the KX drivers as well as the Creative set that only supports 2GB of RAM but both of these end up leading me to a BSOD after only a short time. I have a sound blaster live 5.1 (not the 24-bit one) with a live drive. I would really like to get this working because, other than this sound issue, W7 seems to run faster on my machine than XP ever did. I could just build a new machine and that would solve all my problems but, due to my work, I've had to mostly switch to Mac. I'm not sure I want to put any more money into a PC until I really get to see how this new OS performs.

I am hoping someone might have some more suggestions. I've debated trying to connect my onboard sound instead of the sound blaster but I would really like to be able to use the live drive as I want to be able to connect headphones in the front of my pc.

Natilus13 said:

Hi,

I've tried all the solutions listed here, and on a few other forums as well. Nothing seems to be working. I've managed to get sound for a short time with the KX drivers as well as the Creative set that only supports 2GB of RAM but both of these end up leading me to a BSOD after only a short time. I have a sound blaster live 5.1 (not the 24-bit one) with a live drive. I would really like to get this working because, other than this sound issue, W7 seems to run faster on my machine than XP ever did. I could just build a new machine and that would solve all my problems but, due to my work, I've had to mostly switch to Mac. I'm not sure I want to put any more money into a PC until I really get to see how this new OS performs.

I am hoping someone might have some more suggestions. I've debated trying to connect my onboard sound instead of the sound blaster but I would really like to be able to use the live drive as I want to be able to connect headphones in the front of my pc.

If you try the drivers I posted above after extracting them go to the drivers directory and run the setup program and install the drivers (if it doesn't work try running it as administrator). I have the same card you have minus the live drive and the drivers work for me. Only problem I have
is no 5.1 surround sound.

I've got my on-board audio working right now... it actually sounds better than what I remember the Sound Blaster sounding like. lol

I still want to try your suggestion though Rebeldawg. I don't like letting the computers win, I have to solve this problem.

Thanks for the response.

I could go out and buy a new card, but that would defeat the purpose of getting this old machine running without putting any more money into it. Honestly, if I am going to spend any money it will be towards building a new machine.

Thanks for the suggestion though :)

Corpsecrank said:

The SBLive is pretty dated and you would be much better off with a newer value card in the SB line such as an audigy SE or newer.

For the price you can't go wrong. Walmart had Audigy SE cards for like 30 bucks last year and they sound much better than the legacy Live! card. Not to mention better support with drivers and software.

Honestly I would've even touch anything creative anymore after the crap they pulled and most likely still pulling in order to get people to buy the newer
cards whenever they come out with one with features that were promised in
previous cards.

@ Natilus13 - If you can get the software installed using version 2.10 (second link) of the driver pack I uploaded and then uninstall the sound blaster live from the device manager and only install the drivers with the 2.15 version which is also uploaded (first link) and run the ctxsetup (or whatever it is) that is found in the drivers folder and you'll see an error which is nothing to worry about and then a dialog about allowing the driver(s) to install everything should work fine. Just remember to set the speakers to 4.1 or higher to avoid any sound problems.

Rebeldawg said:

Honestly I would've even touch anything creative anymore after the crap they pulled and most likely still pulling in order to get people to buy the newer
cards whenever they come out with one with features that were promised in
previous cards.

@ Natilus13 - If you can get the software installed using version 2.10 (second link) of the driver pack I uploaded and then uninstall the sound blaster live from the device manager and only install the drivers with the 2.15 version which is also uploaded (first link) and run the ctxsetup (or whatever it is) that is found in the drivers folder and you'll see an error which is nothing to worry about and then a dialog about allowing the driver(s) to install everything should work fine. Just remember to set the speakers to 4.1 or higher to avoid any sound problems.

Thanks for the input. When I get a chance I will try what you suggest.

Alright guys, here's what I did this weekend...

I have a PC with 4gb of RAM. I tried going up to Windows 7 RTM (x32) from Windows XP Pro, clean install. I avoided the Windows 7 betas due to the issues I had with the RTM, so here's all of the methods I did that didn't work:

- Install the XP drivers from Creative's site (just install them, they fail, then Windows offers to install in compatibility). Drivers result in system crashing and BSODs.
- SBL_VTDRV_LB_2_10_0001A.exe results in BSODs, same as SB_Live_Naimad_Mod_LB_2_15_0002.zip
- No Daniel K drivers work (I have more than 2gb of ram) - they all cause BSODs
- The kxDrivers don't work properly. All I hear in my speakers is crackling and buzzing (stereo sound, too).

I'd love to get this fixed, but until I can find a driver that works nicely and has a good headphone mode like on Windows XP, I'm sticking with XP.