Creative Soundblaster Audigy 2 ZS Notebook PCMCIA

BlueShadow · n00b Joined: 30 Nov 2004 Posts: 24 Location: Switzerland

I've been waiting so long for a suitable High-Performance Soundcard for my Notebook. Now Creative released the "Soundblaster Audigy 2 ZS Notebook", a PCMCIA-Soundcard. I've already been dreaming about high-quality music listening or DVD watching with my notebook. But then I read that Linux does not support PCMCIA sound cards. Is this true, or does anyone know a possibility to get this thing working?

kamina · Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2004 8:23 am Post subject:

I understood that RME soundcards work well under linux, and I think there is allready support in the kernel for them. They have pcmcia models, but they are a bit more hardcore then an audigy. I also emailed Echo-Audio's support asking if they have plans for linux drivers for their Indigo series (pcmcia) and they said they are under work...

So in theory sound should work with a pcmcia card.

Anyway, I just bought the card you mentioned and am in the process of trying to get it to work.

servo888 · Apprentice Joined: 22 Feb 2004 Posts: 293

I'm thinking about buying the same card. The price is right, and the quality is good. So as soon as I learn Linux supports it - then I'll switch over :-)

BlueShadow · n00b Joined: 30 Nov 2004 Posts: 24 Location: Switzerland

These are good news. So I think I'll buy it and try too. I think, at this time, its the only good solution for notebook users who want high quality sound.

Thank you!

Mambo · n00b Joined: 18 Oct 2003 Posts: 12

Anyone have an update on wether this works or not?

dayul · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 3:28 pm Post subject:

http://www.alsa-project.org/alsa-doc/index.php?vendor=vendor-Creative_Labs#matrix

R4miu5 · Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 2:27 pm Post subject:

any news? the update of the Matrix is from 2nd March :roll:

has someone tested the card?

twalter · Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 12:54 pm Post subject: No good still...

The card still doesn't work. There is a bug in the kernel PCMCIA code for reserving the necessary ioports, as I understand it. There is a new PCMCIA implementation in kernel versions 2.6.13 but that still doesn't work. Essentially the computer will hang as soon as you issue "pccardctl insert" message. Ejecting the card causes a hard reset. I have tried with all sorts of debugging turned on but the lockup prevents any logging of the problem, at least for me. :evil:

I *really* wish the Creative Labs people would remove their heads from their backsides long enough to realize that with their buying power they don't need to sign a stinking NDA with a DSP manufacturer. They should be telling *them* exactly what they want and how to use it.

ToeiRei · Veteran Joined: 03 Jan 2005 Posts: 1191 Location: Austria

Same Probs here... just playing around with the card. *sigh*

Rei
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twalter · Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 1:53 pm Post subject: Debugging

I just wish I knew more about it. The documentation on PCMCIA is rather sparse due to its being closed standard. I wonder if there is a GPL'd method for snooping the bus. If we could figure out how the Windows driver interacted with the card we would be better off.

R4miu5 · Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 2:06 pm Post subject:

and is there no kernel patch or at least the possibiliy to use the driver via e.g. ndiswrapper?

twalter · Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 3:24 pm Post subject: Patch

Nope

R4miu5 · Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 3:28 pm Post subject:

would it work with any former kernel (possibly 2.4.x)? FUCK CREATIVE

twalter · Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 3:50 pm Post subject: Earlier kernels

I don't know... that's definately something I want to test now. I'll post if I get anywhere.

- Todd.

twalter · Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 12:24 pm Post subject: 2.4.x

No go with this kernel either. :evil:

We will have to wait for kernel-pcmcia folks to get it together. Wish them luck, from what I've read getting the PCI & PCMCIA code to co-operate looks to be a royal pain in the ass.

- Todd.

R4miu5 · Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 1:03 pm Post subject:

bah, i sent my soundcard back (not even opened yet) i wont start using windows just get this card working :evil:

raylpc · Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 10:17 am Post subject:

James Courtier-Dutton intended to write a driver for this card, however he bumped into the pcmcia bug mentioned here. He opened a bug, and there had been some discussions with Linus Torvalds there. Anyone who wants to help, please go to http://bugzilla.kernel.org/show_bug.cgi?id=5057

ToeiRei · Veteran Joined: 03 Jan 2005 Posts: 1191 Location: Austria

Yay!! Finally a clue!
_THX_ a ton (tm)

Rei
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Bobbie · Tux's lil' helper Joined: 21 Jul 2002 Posts: 77

...but still no fix! Too bad I want to buy this card, mainly for windows apps but still...

dayul · Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 8:21 pm Post subject:

Well it appears the PCMCIA bug is fixed now, but there is still work that needs to be done on the card.

BlueShadow · n00b Joined: 30 Nov 2004 Posts: 24 Location: Switzerland

Wow, there has been some discussion here. Nice to know that I'm not the only one waiting for this to work.
At least some good news. I've already given up a long time ago.

@dayul Does that mean the card works now or not yet.

ToeiRei · Veteran Joined: 03 Jan 2005 Posts: 1191 Location: Austria

BlueShadow · n00b Joined: 30 Nov 2004 Posts: 24 Location: Switzerland

thx! Can't wait

dayul · Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 3:35 pm Post subject:

ketjow · Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 2:46 pm Post subject:

Has anyone succeeded in getting this card to work?