Multi channel audio for Mac mini.

OK. I got scared while waiting for the Creative Sound BlasterX Katana to arrive. When it showed up I considered not opening the shipping box but I finally did. I had to find out what my buddies were talking about. Now it's all hooked up and running and I'm extremely pleased.

I first tried it using the headphone jack. While it already sounded better than my monitors onboard speakers it was very much stereo + the added sub woofer of the Katana.

I then reread the instructions that came with the Katana which claimed the Katana's onboard sound card would create 5.1 out of a USB connected Mac or 7.1 using an optical drive connection to a home theater system. I don't have a home theater system anymore so I couldn't verify the 7.1 claim. But, when switching from the headphone jack to the USB connection the difference in sound was extraordinary. I had my wife sit down in front of our setup to see if she heard the same things I was hearing. She heard exactly the same thing. Please note the next paragraph about using the USB connection.

The issue I ran into when switching from the headphone jack to USB was the application Boom 3D. I've really loved this app because it makes crappy onboard monitor speakers sound much better and that's what I was working with. But, as long as it was downloaded to my Mac, whether on or off, my Mac Mini wouldn't let me pick any other USB output. I figured I could redownload Boom 3D if needed so I ditched it. The gambit worked. All other options for sound output became available.

The Katana offers five different types of sound including "Theater", "Concert", etc. What I found was the "Gaming" setting kicked everyone else out of the park. ( Note* I'm not a gamer. I'm 64 years old. I have a huge iTunes library that includes 100's of my favorite albums ranging from the 1930's to date). Still, With gaming selected on the Katana and a USB connection being used to connect the Katana our Mac mini the sound outputted was most definitely 5.1. Both I and my wife could distinctly hear "Center", "Right", "Left", "Far Right","Far Left" and superb Sub woofer bass tones from the Katana sub under the desk.

Now ..... on the negative side. Creative does not, at this time, offer software compatible with Mac Mojave. The software they offer for both PC and partially to Mac OSX is a huge addition to what the Katana can do. Some of the customizable features are astounding. I'm already more than happily impressed with the results of my Katana to Mac mini via USB connection but I would certainly love to have the addition options provided to PC users. We should get a write in campaign going to Creative to get them to create software compatible with Mojave. This product has set me back on my a.. . iTunes sounds fan freakin' tastic through the Creative Sound BlasterX Katana. Plus. It works for a wide range of musical styles in "Gaming" mode. I think "Gaming" mode should. be labelled "ITunes" mode. I listen to jazz, blues, folk, country, rock & roll, progressive and instrumental modern guitarists, (both electric and acoustic), while my wife is a "Heavy Rock" / "Vintage Metal" / "Modern Metal" mega fan. Our current setup works perfectly for both of us.

Thank You, hcsitas. that helps. Does the Mac mini have a built in section for audio formats like 2.1 / 5.1 or would it just output a stereo signal that would require conversion by an external source such a a receiver? I really prefer to just set up a speaker array for a surround sound. I could skip a subwoofer because they seem to always be externally powered where USB speakers can get their power from the computer or, in my case with the Thunderbolt monitor, from the powered outputs on the back of the display.

Old Guitarist

Thank You again. I've come across a product that I just had to order. It's listed as Mac compatible but I don't believe it has the advanced software package for Mojave at this time. The hardware, which includes an onboard sound card for everything up to 7.1 surround, as well as a powered sound bar and sub woofer specific to near field rather than room size audio. It's specified application is for gaming but I found most reviewers on you tube stating that, while it's extremely good for gaming when you don't want to use head phones, it actually shines it's best when used for computer audio music such as iTunes, etc. . It also comes with some goofy lighting effects but I'm thinking these can be turned off. It also has a remote that you can do all major functions with without needing the software package. It's the Creative Sound BlasterX Katana. I contacted a few of my online European friends that use Macs and they thought it was an excellent choice. Apparently they've had the X Katana available for awhile. Anyway ..... I decided to order one and give it a try. Good or bad? I'll let you know. You've all helped me so I'll let you know whether I'm super stoked or super choked. I understand the software package for Windows 10 adds a great deal of customizable options so I'm hoping they release a similar software package for Mojave.

Thank You again,

Old Guitarist