AW540 Series Audio Card
User's Guide
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FCC Statement
FCC Class B Radio Frequency Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
2. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.
Notice 1:
The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user's authority to operate the equipment.
Notice 2:
Shielded interface cables must be used in order to comply with the emission limits.
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Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 FEATURES .........................................................................................................................................................5
1.2 COMPONENTS AND CONNECTING.................................................................................................................7
1.2.1 Components .................................................................................................................................................7
1.2.2 Connecting Peripherals ................................................................................................................................8
1.2.2.1 Audio Card Output Devices........................................................................................................................9
1.2.2.2 Audio Card S/PDIF Out Devices...............................................................................................................10
1.2.2.3 Audio Card Input Devices......................................................................................................................... 11
1.2.2.4 Audio Card MIDI/Joystick Devices............................................................................................................12
1.2.2.5 System Requirements...............................................................................................................................12
2. INSTALLATION
2.1 HARDWARE INSTALLATION..........................................................................................................................13
2.2 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION ..........................................................................................................................13
2.2.1 SETTING UP IN WINDOWS 95/98/ME ......................................................................................................14
2.2.2 SETTING UP IN WINDOWS NT40 .............................................................................................................19
2.2.2.1 Install MPU-401/Joystick Driver...........................................................................................................21
2.2.3 SETTING UP IN WINDOWS 2000..............................................................................................................22
3. APPLICATIONS
AOpen Drivers Live Update Wizard.................................................................................................................26
AOpen Digital CD Player..................................................................................................................................28
WinRip- MP3 Player/Encoder/Ripper...............................................................................................................29
AOpen Music Center........................................................................................................................................29
4. TECHNICAL SUPPORT.........................................................................................................................................30
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Features
1.1 Features
AOpen AW540 Series(AW540S-L, AW540, AW540 DELUXE..) with ForteMedia FM801-AU sound chip inside is an
advanced audio controller for the PCI Bus. It is compatible with Microsoft Windows, Microsoft DirectX and Thousands of
games to provide highest hardware compatibility for numerous PC games environment.
AW540 Series with Yamaha SoftwareSynthesizer S-YXG50 allows Software Driver to support 676 instruments
Sondius-XG Capital Synthesizer. The PCI audio engine converts the sampling rate of each audio stream and the streams
are mixed without utilizing the CPU or causing system latency. Its also supports DirectSound , Downloadable Sound (DLS)
and DirectMusic.
Legacy audio block supports FM Synthesizer, Sound Blaster Pro, MPU401 UART mode and Joystick function in order
to provide hardware compatibility on the PCI. In addition, AW540 Series supports consumer ICE958, Audio Digital
Interface(S/PDIF, excluded AW540-L), to connect external audio equipment by digital.
AW540 Series audio card has the following features:
Advanced technology support
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PCI 2.2 Compliant
True Full Duplex Playback and Capture with Different Sampling Rate
Support 676 instruments Sondius-XG Capital Synthesizer including GM compatibility
Q3D positional audio with EAX technology support
DirectSound support
Downloadable Sound (DLS) level-1
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Features
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FM Synthesizer
Hardware Sound Blaster Pro compatibility
Supports Consumer IEC958 Output (S/PDIF OUT) (excluded AW540-L)
Supports Consumer IEC958 Input (CD Digital IN) (excluded AW540-L)
Supports External Optical/Coaxial S/PDIF IN Connector(For AW540 DELUXE only)
Software-controllable audio
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Supports various audio devices all controllable through software
Adjusts master volume, CD audio, line-in, and microphone inputs
3D Surround Enhancement
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Adjusts AC97 CODEC to enhance 3D Surround effect
Driver Support
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Microsoft Windows 95/98/Me VXD driver
Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
Microsoft Windows 2000 driver
MS-DOS
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Components and Connecting
1.2 Components and Connecting
1.2.1
Components
AW540
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Components and Connecting
1.2.2 Connecting Peripherals
To fully utilize the card functions, it supports various ways to connect AW540 Series to peripheral devices. Figure 1.2
shows the different devices that you can connect to the sound card.
Audio Card Output Devices
1. Front Out
2. Rear Out
3. Center/Subwoofer
4. S/PDIF Out
5. Game/MIDI Port
Audio Card Input Devices
1. Line In
2. Microphone In
3. CD In
4. Auxiliary In
5. TAD In
Figure 1.2 Connecting Peripheral Devices
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Components and Connecting
1.2.2.1 Audio Card Output Devices
AW540 supplies 2 analog output jacks (Front/Rear) that can maximum connect four speakers to the
sound card at the time. We illustrate three common connection types and display them below.
Type I
Connect audio card to general
stereo speaker.
Type II
Connect audio card to 2 sets of
stereo speakers.
Type III
Connect audio card to 5.1
speakers.
NOTE:
AW540 supports WAVE, MIDI,
games which support Microsoft
DirectSound or QSound Positional
3D Technology for maximum 6
channels output.
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Components and Connecting
1.2.2.2 Audio Card S/PDIFOut Devices
AW540 with the capabilities to process digital signals (compliant with IEC958).
S/PDIF Out Connector
The S/PDIF-Out port is available for Mini
Disk, LD player, set-top box etc. and support
48KHz sample rate digital signal.
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Components and Connecting
1.2.2.3 Audio Card Input Devices
To connect your output peripherals (Speakers) to PC, AW540 supports variously connection types to output
devices, you can use your card to do the following:
G9 Cable (Figure 2.2.2) provided together wtih AW540 product packages transforms output signals from Digital DIN to
three separated mini stereo phone jacks (labeled FR/FL, RR/RL, SUB/CEN) supports up to 6 channels output.
Different jacks are connected to different output device.
FR/FL Jack : Connected to Front Right/Left Speaker.
RR/RL Jack : Connected to Rear Right/Left Speaker.
SUB/CEN Jack : Connected to Center and Subwoofer Speaker.
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Components and Connecting
1.2.2.4 Audio Card MIDI/Joystick Devices
The Game/MIDI port on the card is compatible with the standard PC joystick. You may also choose to
connect a MIDI adapter with a joystick port to use the MIDI and joystick simultaneously.
1.2.2.5 System Requirements
?? IBM PC or compatible
?? 166MHz CPU or better processor
?? Minimum 32 MB Memory
?? Minimum 10MB hard disk space available
?? Free PCI slot
?? 2 available IRQs
?? CD-ROM with 24X or above
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Hardware Installation
2.1 Hardware Installation
NOTE:
Please check the appearance of the audio card before you are starting below steps of
hardware installation, If there is any damage appeared, return it to the store for exchange.
1. Turn off the PC and all external peripherals connected to it (e.g. printer…etc.), remove the PC system
cover.
2. Locate an empty PCI expansion slot.. Remove the metal bracket corresponding to the slot you have
chosen. Save the screw.
PCI expansion slots can be identified by its approximate length of 3¼“ . Please read MainBoard
manual for reference also.
3. Align AW540 to the expansion slot. Hold it by its edges, and without using excessive force or pressing
any components on the sound card, insert AW540 into the slot. Make sure that it is seated firmly and
completely in the slot.
4. Secure AW540 to the expansion slot. Align the notch in the mounting bracket of the sound card with the
screw hole in the rear panel of the computer case. Use the screw that you removed from the metal
bracket to secure the sound card in place.
5. Connect the required cables to the sound card –
A. Connect your speaker cable to the line- out external Line out jack.
B. Locate the CD ROM audio connector to CD-IN connector on the PCI sound card.
6. Replace the system cover. You are now ready to boot up your PC system.
7. Proceed to the next section, Software Driver Installation, to install AW540 driver.
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Setting Up In Windows NT40
2.2 Software Installation
2.2.1 Setting Up In Windows 95/98/Me
NOTE:
Although there are many types of setup procedures available when install driver for Windows 95,
98, Me, NT, or 2000, but we strongly recommend you to install sound card driver by selecting
AOpen CD Auto-Run
The Microsoft Windows9x, Me, NT or 2000 OS disc might be needed when installing driver for
you sound card. So please keep ready before proceeding with all hardware and software
installation.
During the driver installation procedures, a warning dialog ‘Digital Signature Not Found’ windows
might display if the driver you choose is not the Microsoft WHQL certified one, Anyway, please
click the Yes button to continue the installation procedures.
CD Auto-Run Setup
1. After had properly finished the Hardware Installation procedures, please power on the PC.
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Setting Up In Windows NT40
When Windows95/98/Me finds the PCI Multimedia
Audio Device, push the ESC button to cancel the
Hardware Installation screens utility and enter
windows. This is so you can use our Auto-Run Setup.
Insert the AW540 Series driver disk in the appropriate
drive. The Win95/98/Me Setup Menu wizard displays.
Move mouse to the ‘ Driver’ button, select ‘ Install Driver’
item, then click the button to begin auto driver installation
procedures.
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Setting Up In Windows NT40
AW540 Driver Auto-Run setup display, push the ‘Begin Install’
button, then restart the system. all driver installation procedures
will automatic execute and be finished.
After finish all installation procedures, system
makes changes and adds 3 components in
‘ Device Manager’.
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Setting Up In Windows NT40
Magnificent AW540 Utilities
Setting up the Real Speakers
AOpen provides a Speaker-Location program, please
exec when you finished the driver installation
procedures.
AOpen collects much sound
utilities and setting up tool into its
management assistant.
Click the speaker image to check if the real-speakers
have place to right location.
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Setting Up In Windows NT40
Setting up QSound Effects
allows users to configure the settings. CPU Usage is a
three-position slider that combines the effects of
Elevation and Sample Rate Conversion(SRC). Low CPU
Usage results as both SRC and Elevation at off mode.
Turning both SRC and Elevation On will result high
CPU usage. The center position of CPU usage slider is
an indication of turning SRC on while Elevation mode is
set at off.
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Setting Up In Windows NT40
2.2.2 Setting Up In Windows NT40
NOTE:
Although there are many types of setup procedures available when install driver for Windows 95,
98, Me, NT, or 2000, but we strongly recommend you to install sound card driver by selecting
AOpen CD Auto-Run
The Microsoft Windows9x, Me, NT or 2000 OS disc might be needed when installing driver for
you sound card. So please keep ready before proceeding with all hardware and software
installation.
During the driver installation procedures, a warning dialog ‘Digital Signature Not Found’ windows
might display if the driver you choose is not the Microsoft WHQL certified one, Anyway, please
click the Yes button to continue the installation procedures.
CD Auto-Run Setup
1. After had properly finished the Hardware Installation procedures, please power on the PC.
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Setting Up In Windows NT40
Insert the AW540 Series driver disk in the appropriate
drive. The WinNT Setup Menu wizard displays.
Move mouse to the ‘ Driver’ button, select ‘ Install
Driver’ item, then click the button to begin auto driver
installation procedures.
After finish all installation procedures, system makes
changes and adds components in ‘ Multimedia
Properties’ .
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Setting Up In Windows NT40
2.2.1.2 Install MPU-401/Joystick Driver
Follow these steps to install the MPU401 or joystick drivers:
1. Select MULTIMEDIA from control panel and click on the Devices tab.
2. Press the ADD button. Select MPU-401 Compatible Driver /Microsoft Sidewinder 3D Pro Joystick and press OK.
3. Place your NT4.0 installation CD and press OK (the default path is the i386 directory).
4. The Generic MPU-401/Joystick Setup dialog box will pop up. Select the default configuration resource and press OK.
5. Click on the Restart Now button.
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Setting Up In Windows 2000
2.2.3 Setting Up In Windows 2000
NOTE:
Although there are many types of setup procedures available when install driver for Windows 95,
98, Me, NT, or 2000, but we strongly recommend you to install sound card driver by selecting
AOpen CD Auto-Run
The Microsoft Windows9x, Me, NT or 2000 OS disc might be needed when installing driver for
you sound card. So please keep ready before proceeding with all hardware and software
installation.
During the driver installation procedures, a warning dialog ‘Digital Signature Not Found’ windows
might display if the driver you choose is not the Microsoft WHQL certified one, Anyway, please
click the Yes button to continue the installation procedures.
CD Auto-Run Setup
2. After had properly finished the Hardware Installation procedures, please power on the PC.
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Setting Up In Windows 2000
Insert the AW540 Series driver disk in the appropriate
drive. The Win2000 Setup Menu wizard displays.
Move mouse to the Driver button, select
AW540 Windows2000 Driver Setup program will
display, please push Begin Install button to continue.
Restart the system to finish all installation procedures.
‘Install/Upgrade’ item, then click Driver button to begin
auto driver installation procedures.
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Setting Up In Windows 2000
During the driver installation procedures, a warning
dialog ‘Digital Signature Not Found’ windows might
display if the driver you choose is not the Microsoft
WHQL certified one, Anyway, please click the Yes
button to continue the installation procedures.
After finish all installation procedures, system
makes change and adds components in ‘ Device
Manager’ .
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Applications
3. Applications
AOpen provides the overall application-driven capacity in music listening, player for WAVE, MIDI, CD, MP3 and driver
auto-upgrade service application, etc..
Insert the AW540 Series driver disk in the appropriate drive. The AOpen2000 Setup Menu wizard
displays. Move mouse to the Application button, select any one and click the button to begin installation.
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Applications
AOpen Drivers Live Update Wizard
Trying to get new feature and update driver but all
things need by yourself with vexation?
AOpen Drivers Live Update Wizard program
-Auto-Diagnose your system.
After you clicked the Upgrade button, it automatically
detect your system configuration and auto link to AOpen
web to check if any latest information and driver had been
released.
-Direct Web Auto-Service Connection.
An ‘ information’ dialog will display, if found..
-Auto-detect and download latest driver.
-Auto-Update your system after downloaded driver.
Now you only need 'ONE BUTTON CLICK'!
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Applications
You can select any download site near you and
beginning download new drivers.
NOTE:
Sometimes the download site you choose might be
not accessed, please try later or select another one.
After all download procedures had finished, an auto
update dialog display, Click Yes button to upgrade your
system at once.
.
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Applications
AOpen Digital CD Player
AOpen Digital CD Player grabs the truly digital CD
audio data from CD-ROM direct to audio DSP without
any DA or AD procedures. It provides.
-Truly Digital audio data.
Skin Maker
An utility for users to build their own style skin. It is
bundled together with Digital CD Player.
-20 kinds of built-in sound effects.
-Player skin changeable. Provides 4 kinds of built-in skins
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Applications
WinRip- MP3 Player/Encoder/Ripper
Operation System: Win95/98/Me/NT4/2000
Technical Feature:
-Support CD,MP1, MP2, MP3 etc. audio formats.
-Ability to record audio sources to MP3, WAVE, CD.
-Processional DSP Sound Effects including Hall,
Vocal, Rock, Soft, Bass, Surround etc.
AOpen Music Center
Operation System: Win95/98/Me/NT4/2000
Technical Feature:
-Support CD, WAVE, MIDI . audio formats.
-Ability to record audio sources to WAVE, WMA.
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Technical Support
4. Technical Support
Dear Customer,
Thanks for choosing AOpen products. To provide the best and fastest service to our customer is our first priority. However,
we receive numerous emails and phone-calls worldwide everyday, it is very hard for us to serve everyone on time. We
recommend you follow the procedures below and seek help before contact us. With your help, we can then continue to
provide the best quality service to more customers.
Thanks very much for your understanding!
AOpen Technical Supporting Team
Online Manual: Please check the manual carefully and make sure the jumper
settings and installation procedure are correct.
1
Test Report:We recommend to choose board/card/device from the compatibility test
reports for assembling your PC.
2
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Technical Support
FAQ:The latest FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) may contain a solution to your
problem.
3
4
5
6
Download Software:Check out this table to get latest updated utilities and drivers.
News Group:Your problem probably had been answered by our support engineer or
professional users on the news group.
Contact Distributors/Resellers: We sell our products through resellers and
integrators. They should know your system configuration very well and should be able
to solve your problem more efficiently than us. After all, their attitude of service is an
important reference for you if next time you want to buy something else from them.
Contact Us: Please prepare detail system configuration and error symptom before
contacting us. The part number, system configuration and driver version are also
very helpful.
7
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Technical Support
Web: http://www.aopen.com
Email : Send us email by going through the contact form below.
Simplified Chinese
TEL:
USA
Netherlands
China
650-827-9688
+31 73-645-9516
(86) 755-375-3013
(886) 2-2696-1333
+49 (0) 2102-157-700
Taiwan
Germany
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