Tech Shout!

Creative has just announced the introduction of Creative Xmod, which is a device based upon its X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity audio platform that improves music playback quality for MP3, WMA, iTunes or AAC songs to beyond the original CD quality.

The Creative Xmod enhances the low and high frequencies while improving audio dynamics for a much cleaner and richer sound. The Creative Xmod can connect to a PC or Mac, without installing any software. An optional AC power adaptor is required to connect one’s iPod, Creative Zen or any other MP3 players to the Creative Xmod.

The Creative Xmod is a small device, approximately the size of a candy bar. It connects between stereo speakers or headphones and either a PC, Mac, iPod, ZEN or any other MP3 player. There is no need to re-purchase music in a new format to experience X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity. The Creative Xmod does not require conversion of files.

X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity provides two audio functions, X-Fi Crystalizer and X-Fi CMSS-3D, which improve and enhance music listening experiences. The X-Fi Crystalizer upconverts MP3 music by analyzing and identifying which parts of the audio stream have been truncated or damaged during compression. It intelligently and selectively restores the highs and lows such as the snare drums, basses, cymbals crashes and guitar plucking that are damaged during the compression of MP3s.

X-Fi CMSS-3D creates virtual surround sound through speakers or headphones. It expands audio for superior headphone listening so music completely surrounds the listener like a multi-channel speaker system. X-Fi CMSS-3D also uses advanced techniques to place specific audio elements, such as the voice of a movie character, in the virtual center channel while ambiance is played through virtual surround channels.

The Creative Xmod will be available in October at a suggested retail price of US$79.99.