Cmedia Azalia Audio Codec 9880 08.62.64

The Cmedia Azalia Audio Codec 9880 08.62.64 is a high-performance audio solution designed for a wide range of applications, from desktop computers to home entertainment systems. This codec, also known as the CMI9880, delivers exceptional audio fidelity and a versatile feature set, making it a popular choice for manufacturers and end-users alike. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Cmedia Azalia Audio Codec 9880 08.62.64, exploring its key features, capabilities, and the technologies it incorporates.

Core Audio Performance

At its core, the CMI9880 boasts impressive audio processing capabilities. It features 8-channel Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) with a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) exceeding 95dB. This high SNR ensures a clean and clear audio output with minimal background noise, resulting in a richer and more immersive listening experience. The DACs support various sampling rates and bit depths, including:

192 kHz with 24 bits
96 kHz with 20 bits
48 kHz with 16 bits

These capabilities allow for high-resolution audio playback, capturing the nuances and details of the original recording.

On the input side, the codec incorporates 4-channel Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) with an SNR greater than 85dB. The ADCs support the following sampling rates and bit depths:

96 kHz with 16 bits
48 kHz with 16 bits
44.1 kHz with 16 bits

These features enable high-quality audio recording, suitable for applications such as voice communication, podcasting, and music creation.

Advanced Features of the Azalia Codec

The Cmedia Azalia Audio Codec 9880 08.62.64 distinguishes itself with a suite of advanced features that enhance its functionality and usability.

Smart Jack I/O Ports

The codec features 8 Smart Jack I/O ports, offering significant flexibility in connecting audio devices. Key features of these ports include:

Microphone Re-tasking: Each port can be configured as a microphone input, allowing for multiple microphone setups.
Headphone Driving Capability: Each port has a built-in 32Ω headphone amplifier, providing sufficient power to drive most standard headphones directly without the need for an external amplifier.
Microphone Array Support: The codec optionally supports a 4-channel microphone array with Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC) and Beam Forming (BF) reference capabilities. AEC eliminates echoes in the audio signal, while BF focuses the microphone’s sensitivity on a specific direction, improving audio clarity in noisy environments.
Jack Detection: The codec utilizes a Resistor Network Method (RNM) for extensive jack detection, allowing the system to monitor the plugging status of each jack. This feature enables automatic configuration of audio settings based on connected devices.
Impedance Sensing: The codec incorporates precise impedance sensing technology, enabling the system to identify the class of the connected audio device. This allows for optimized audio settings based on the specific device, such as headphones, speakers, or microphones.
Multi-Streaming: The codec supports multi-streaming capabilities, allowing multiple audio streams to be processed simultaneously. This feature is useful for applications such as gaming, where different audio sources need to be routed to different outputs.

Miscellaneous Features

Beyond its core audio performance and advanced features, the CMI9880 includes several miscellaneous features that contribute to its overall versatility and reliability.

Intel Azalia Compliance: The codec is compliant with the Intel Azalia specification, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of motherboards and chipsets.
Microsoft PC2001 Compliance: The codec meets the Microsoft PC2001 requirements, ensuring compatibility with Windows operating systems.
Power Management: The codec incorporates advanced power management and power saving capabilities, reducing energy consumption and extending battery life in portable devices.
Package: The codec is housed in an industry-standard 48-lead LQFP package, making it easy to integrate into various designs.
Power Supply: The analog power supply is 5V, while the digital power supply is 3.3V. The power supply for digital I/O and the digital core are separated to support low voltage for future chipsets, ensuring compatibility with evolving technology.

Versatile I/O and Functionalities

The Cmedia Azalia Audio Codec 9880 08.62.64 provides versatile I/O and functionalities to accommodate a variety of audio sources and output devices.

Analog CD Audio Input: The codec features a high-quality pseudo-differential analog CD Audio input, allowing for the connection of CD players and other analog audio sources.
PC BEEP Support: The codec supports both analog and digital PC BEEP, providing audible system alerts.
S/PDIF I/O: The codec includes S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format) I/O functionality, enabling the connection of digital audio devices such as DVD players and digital audio workstations. The S/PDIF output supports:
- 192 / 96 / 48 kHz with 24 / 20 / 16 bits
  The S/PDIF input supports:
- 96 / 48 / 44.1 kHz with 24 / 20 / 16 bits
EAPD Support: The codec supports EAPD (External Amplifier Power Down), allowing the system to control the power state of an external amplifier.

Value-Added Software Features

The Cmedia Azalia Audio Codec 9880 08.62.64 is often paired with a suite of value-added software features that enhance the user experience. These features may include:

Xear3D Sound Support: Xear3D provides 7.1 channel speaker shifter and normalizer, creating a more immersive surround sound experience.
Sensaura HRTF 3D Positional Sound Support: Sensaura HRTF (Head-Related Transfer Function) 3D positional sound support creates a realistic 3D audio environment for headphones.
Dolby Technologies: Optional sound-field technologies licensed from Dolby Laboratories, such as DDICE (Dolby Digital Interactive Content Encoder), Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Headphone, and Dolby Virtual Speaker, provide enhanced audio processing and surround sound capabilities.
DTS and SonicFocus Technologies: Optional sound-field technologies licensed from DTS or SonicFocus offer additional audio enhancement options.
3D Sound Standards Support: The codec supports most industry standards of 3D sound for gaming, including Creative EAX 2.0 / 1.0, Microsoft DirectSound 3D, A3D 1.0, and more, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of games.
Karaoke Function: A unique karaoke function is featured with microphone echo, key shifting, and vocal cancellation.
Magic Voice: Unique Magic Voice for voice disguise.
Equalizer: A 10-band equalizer with 12 pre-set settings allows users to customize the audio output to their preferences.
Listening Environments: 27 kinds of listening environments together with 3 kinds of room sizes emulation provide different sound characteristics.
Dynamic AGC: Dynamic AGC (auto gain control) technology automatically adjusts the audio level to maintain a consistent listening experience.

Driver Download Links

To ensure optimal performance of your Cmedia Azalia Audio Codec 9880 08.62.64, it’s essential to have the correct drivers installed. While manufacturer websites are the primary source, drivers can sometimes be challenging to locate. Here are a couple of links to driver resources. Always exercise caution when downloading drivers from third-party sites and ensure they are from reputable sources.

Primary Download Source: (Check your motherboard manufacturer’s website for the most up-to-date driver).

Alternative Download Source: https://www.driverscape.com/download/cmedia-cmi9880-8ch-azalia-audio-codec

Please note: Driver availability and compatibility may vary depending on your operating system and hardware configuration.

In conclusion, the Cmedia Azalia Audio Codec 9880 08.62.64 provides a comprehensive audio solution, combining high-quality audio performance with a versatile feature set and compatibility with industry standards. Its advanced features, such as Smart Jack I/O ports and support for various 3D sound technologies, make it a valuable component for a wide range of audio applications.