Introducing the Digital Extension Design
In the December 1999 edition, our magazine featured a design detailing a digital extension for the Sound Blaster Live! Value Player (circuit board #990079-1). This particular sound card was equipped with a 12-pin Audio Extension connector. Its successor, the Live! Player 1024, introduced a 40-pin connector that retained the same inputs and outputs, albeit in different positions. To ensure compatibility with the new sound card, we have created an adapter card. This adapter simplifies the connections by channeling the necessary signals from the 40-pin connector to a 14-pin counterpart, aligning perfectly with the pin assignments of the extension card.
Understanding Inputs and Outputs through the 40-Pin Connector
The provided table offers a comprehensive breakdown of the available inputs and outputs on the 40-pin connector (for further details, consult the software’s help menu for the new sound card). Within this connector, there are two inputs, with JP1 enabling the selection of one of them. Notably, the SB Live! Ware 3.0 software appears to support only the first of these inputs.
Outputs Configuration and Additional Features
Among the four outputs, output 0 serves as the source for the S/PDIF signal, handling normal two-channel information. The remaining outputs come into play during specific scenarios, such as when AC3-encoded DVDs (5.1-channel Dolby Digital) are played back, contingent upon hardware and software support. In such cases, output 1 supplies a non-decoded data stream. Additionally, the I2S inputs can be routed through the ten-pin connector K3, adding versatility. However, it seems that Live! Ware 3.0 for the 1024 card does not support this functionality. JP2 facilitates the selection of one of three data inputs connected to K3, although any potential advantages of this feature remain unclear.
I²S (Inter-IC Sound, pronounced “eye-squared-ess”), is an electrical serial bus interface standard used for connecting digital audio devices together. It is used to communicate PCM audio data between integrated circuits in an electronic device. The Integrated Inter-IC Sound Bus (I2S) is a serial bus interface standard used for connecting digital audio devices together.
