SB Audigy 2 ZS Platinum "colors" the sound of music when played back. How to change th

Question

I recently purchased a Line 6 POD X3 for recording guitar tracks, and when connected using USB it can function as my computer's sound device. Now here is what I observed:
In all cases described below, the "reference" case is that of the guitar played through the POD X3 with headphones connected directly to the POD (no computer sound device involved).
) When I record guitar tracks using either the POD X3 or the SB Audigy 2 as the computer's recording device, and then play the recorded tracks back using the POD as the computer's playback device (headphones plugged into the POD), the sound is exactly the same as the reference case.
2) When I record guitar tracks using either the POD X3 or the SB Audigy 2 as the computer's recording device, and then play the recorded tracks back using the SB Audigy 2 as the computer's playback device (headphones plugged into the SB Audigy 2), the sound is MUCH different than the reference case.
To put it simply, the Sound Blaster card is "coloring" the tone of the recorded guitar (regardless of recording device) during playback. I realize that the Sound Blaster drivers are probably designed to "enhance" sound for gaming and such, but the way it shapes the sound of recorded music during playback is extremely undesireable for home recording projects.
Here is another clue that leads me to believe that the Sound Blaster drivers are responsible for this tone shaping: If I am playing my guitar through the SB Audigy 2 and monitoring the sound through computer speakers or headphones (hooked up to the SB Audigy, of course) WHILE Windows is booting up, I can hear a very distinct change in the sound when the SB Audigy 2 drivers are loaded. It seems to me that when Windows is booting up, the Audigy 2 card allows transparent playthrough before the drivers are loaded, but the drivers then take over and shape the sound.
So, if you've understood my observations, my question is how can I avoid any sort of tone shaping during playback by the SB Audigy 2 drivers? I want completely transparent playback such that what I hear during playback is exactly what it sounds like going in, i.e. the reference case described above.
Message Edited by killrbuckeye on 08-8-2008 02:08 PMMessage Edited by killrbuckeye on 08-8-2008 02:0 PM

Answer 1

Just for kicks, I decided to install this card on a Dell that I happen to have around.. the specs are above and beyond the configuration of my regular computer (whose specs are above and beyond the specs listed for the Audigy 2 ZS Platinum).. and I am unhappy to report that the same freezing problems occur. I am still unable to use any web update features for ANY of my software, and I am still unable to record in 24 bit audio.