Audiotrak's Prodigy Is No Mozart

Lack of attention to detail mars clear sound performance.

Eric Dahl

The Audiotrak Prodigy 7.1 sound card deftly utilizes Via's Envy 24HT audio chip to create clean, clear sound at a reasonable $99 price. However, installation problems and poor drivers prevent me from recommending the card.

The Prodigy 7.1 offers an interesting technology called Advanced NSP (Native Sound Processing) that, combined with other driver features, gives you a remarkable degree of control over how the card routes and processes sound. Music enthusiasts can use Advanced NSP to apply a broad array of real-time effects such as reverb and equalization, and to simulate different room environments.

Unfortunately, a lack of attention to detail in my shipping unit's drivers and installation program marred the product's clear sound performance. I experienced several problems with NSP effects, as well as a loss of audio when my Windows 2000 test PC resumed from suspend mode.

Worse yet, Audiotrak's Web site makes updating drivers needlessly complicated.

Deficiencies like this overshadow the Prodigy's high-quality sound and make it a poor buy. For a better Envy-based option, consider auditioning the M-Audio Revolution 7.1, which we reviewed in our April issue. That card lacks some extras, but it delivers smooth sound without hassle.

Buying Information

Audiotrak Prodigy 7.1 2 stars (7/1/2003) Price when reviewed: $99 Current prices (if available) High-quality sound card is saddled with problems.