Cautions

• Auzentech is not responsible for damages or malfunctions caused by end user installation.
• Take note of the direction of OPAMP when you insert it. If you insert the OPAMP into the socket incorrectly, serious problems may occur with your sound card.
• Power down your PC completely.
• Ground yourself by touching the metal casing of the computer, and avoid placing the circuit board on an ungrounded surface.

Step 1: Understand Sockets

First, you should understand the OPAMP sockets on your sound card.

The sockets on Auzentech's sound cards have eight (8) holes. Note that the first PIN—marked with the number "1"—is to the left of the "notch."

Sockets by Sound Card

You may view a typical socket for your sound card by clicking the links below. The groove is circled in yellow.

• X-Fi Prelude Socket
• X-Meridian Socket
• X-Plosion Socket
• X-Mystique Socket
• X-Studio Socket
• X-Raider Socket
• X-Fi Forte Socket

Step 2: Understand Adaptors

Second, become familiar with Auzen OPAMP adaptors.

Your OPAMPs come mounted on a Dual In-Line package (DIP) adaptor, which enables you to upgrade to OPAMPs that normally cannot be plugged into an on-board socket. The adaptor has eight (8) PINs (matching the eight holes in the socket). Note that the first pin—marked with the number "1"—is square.

Surface-mount OPAMPs mounted on Auzen adaptor. Note pin 1(below).

Metal Cylindrical Package OPAMPs mounted on Auzen adaptor. Note pin 1 (below).

Step 3: Understand the Installation

The OPAMPs are mounted on an adaptor. You will plug the adaptor into the socket on the circuit board. When doing so, you must put adaptor pin #1 into socket hole #1. [?]

Elevating Sockets

When installing Metal Cylindrical Package OPAMPs, some sound cards such as the X-Fi Forte may require additional OPAMP sockets to elevate the OPAMP above neighboring components.

• X-Fi Forte Elevating Sockets

Completed Installation

The links below show typical OPAMP installations by sound card.

• X-Fi Forte
• X-Fi Prelude
• X-Studio
• X-Raider
• X-Meridian
• X-Plosion
• X-Mystique

Step 4: Install the OPAMP

1. Locate a common chip puller (available at Radio Shack® or similar electronics retailer) to remove the old OPAMPs.
2. Power down your PC completely.
3. Ground yourself by touching the metal casing of the computer, and avoid placing the circuit board on an ungrounded surface.
4. As a double-check, take note of the direction of the existing OPAMPs. For example, on the X-Meridian they all face the same direction; on the X-Plosion and X-Mystique the top two face one way, the bottom four face another.
5. Remove the old OPAMPs with your chip puller. Set aside.
6. Identify Pin #1 of the OPAMP Adaptor by locating the square pin.
7. Identify Pin #1 of the socket by locating the first pin to the left of the notch.
8. Extra step not necessary for most upgrades:
• If you received additional OPAMP sockets from Auzentech, first plug additional OPAMP sockets into the on-board socket to elevate the OPAMP above neighboring components.[?]
9. Carefully insert the replacement OPAMPs facing the same direction as the old ones, ensuring that pin #1 of the adapter is inserted into hole #1 of the socket.
10. Reinstall the card and restart the PC.