I've exhausted all other avenues so I figure I'd ask here. The MSI website says that the z97 mpower max ac works with soundblaster cinema. However, it simply does not work. Yes, I understand its a realtek chip, and it gives me an error every time I install sb cinema saying incorrect audio driver. I've tried every fix on every forum and it seems like there are many others with the same problem but theres no fix available. I'm no noob, I/we have tried all the normal noobish fixes, complete driver uninstalls, proper driver installation orders, fresh OS installs, driver updates, driver version changes, etc. No dice. The MSI website claims this works however when installing using MSI's own installation program (on the dvd that came with board) it has the sb cinema util on it but doesn't highlight it for install when detecting drivers for install. What it seems like to me is that MSI's hype of "600ohm op-amp" is complete b.s, because it can barely power my high impedance headphones, and how is it supposed to change gain levels for a higher impedance headset? All hi-fi and even dedicated soundcards have gain mode switches for different impedance sets. SB cinema is supposed to have a better set of controls than the garbage realtek interface, however that doesn't even work, I call false advertising, or can an MSI rep here finally produce the magic fix... we will see..
Sound Blaster Cinema 2 (SBC 2) doesn't support Z97 MPOWER MAX AC. Only Z97 GAMING series support Sound Blaster Cinema 2. However you can install SBC2 on Z97 MPOWER MAX, but you cannot use it. When you launch SBC2, you’ll see this wrong message; Sound Blaster Cinema (SBC) is for Z87 series. You could install SBC on Z97 MPOWER MAX AC, but you cannot use the functions. Same message pops up when you launch SBC on Z97 MPOWER MAX AC; On our Z97 MPOWER MAX AC website, no SBC2 or SBC is mentioned. And SBC2 is not listed on the download page. Did you confuse Z87 MPOWER MAX with Z97 MPOWER MAX AC? Z87 MPOWER MAX supports SBC. http://uk.msi.com/support/mb/Z97_MPOWER_MAX_AC.html#down-utility&Win8.1 64
I really don't understand how you can say SBC support isn't mentioned. Maybe you should click on the "Specifications" link in the URL that YOU provided. http://uk.msi.com/product/mb/Z97_MPOWER_MAX_AC.html#hero-overview MSI seems really disjointed internally... I had to fight for a refund on this board because of false advertisement. What a waste of time and energy. On top of that the wifi module never worked because it's the dumbest design I've seen in a while.
