
( Brand: Creative Labs ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: CT-1320C ), ( Part Type: Card Box )
The Creative Labs CT-1320C Sound Blaster Tower Card, a legendary piece of computer hardware from the 1990s, was a groundbreaking innovation in the realm of computer audio technology. This magnificent sound card, housed in an impressive tower form factor, was capable of delivering superior sound quality that far surpassed the standard integrated audio solutions of the time.
Measuring approximately 13.6 inches long, 5.7 inches wide, and 2 inches tall, the CT-1320C was a substantial expansion card by today's standards. The tower design not only allowed for generous space to accommodate the sophisticated internal components but also added an elegant aesthetic appeal to any computer setup.
This sound card offered a wide range of connectivity options, including Line In, Mic In, Line Out, two Phones jacks (for headphones and speakers), a joystick port, and MIDI In and Out. With such extensive input/output flexibility, it could cater to various audio sources and headphones, making it a versatile solution for the most demanding multimedia applications of the time.
The CT-1320C employed the renowned SA-20 SoundBlaster sound processor, capable of 16-bit stereo mixed sample rate converters and 20-bit Digital Signal Processing (DSP) capabilities. This powerful sound processor array enabled the card to deliver exceptionally clear and precise audio output.
Moreover, this sound card supported up to 8 MB of expandable, fast read/write RAM, optimizing the performance of the Signal Processing Engine (SPE) for a more robust audio processing experience.
The Creative Labs CT-1320C Sound Blaster Tower Card was also renowned for itsGame Port and SB-Pro joystick ports, catering to the avid gaming community of the time. It supported popular games like Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein 3D, providing an immersive gaming experience with 3D positional audio capabilities.
Packed with features and delivering exceptional performance, the Creative Labs CT-1320C Sound Blaster Tower Card a relic of a bygone era, reminding us of the remarkable advancements in computer audio technology that have shaped our digital world.
The Creative Labs CT-1320C Sound Blaster Tower Card, released in 1990, was a significant advancement in sound technology during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Although it may not be relevant to today's technology standards, understanding its pros and cons can give us valuable insights into the evolution of computer sound technology.
Pros:1. Superior Sound Quality: The Sound Blaster CT-1320C was known for its exceptional sound quality due to its wave table synthesis capabilities. It supported 16-bit, 22 kHz stereo sound, which was a massive improvement over the FM synthesis sounds commonly used in earlier sound cards.
2. Expansion Capabilities: The CT-1320C offered multiple expansion slots for additional MIDIsound and AdLib sound sources, allowing users to access a wider range of sounds and expansion packs.
3. MIDI Support: The sound card provided MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) support, making it possible to use MIDI instruments and software synths with a computer.
4. Wave Blaster Application: This card came bundled with the Creative Labs' proprietary Wave Blaster application, enabling users to record, edit, and playback digital sound samples.
5. Programmable Sound Effects: The CT-1320C had built-in support for programmable sound effects, which could be used to customize the user experience.
Cons:1. Compatibility: This sound card was designed for older systems with ISA expansion slots. Modern computers lack the necessary connectors and hardware to use this sound card.
2. Resource-Intensive: The CT-1320C required considerable system resources, including a large 3.5" hard disk and a powerful CPU, to function optimally.
3. Power Consumption: The CT-1320C consumed more power than contemporary sound cards, potentially requiring upgrades to the power supply unit or fork-lift adapter cables to ensure adequate power flow.
4. Limited Connection Options: This sound card supported only several analog ports for sound output and a single joystick port for digital input. Modern devices have vastly more extensive connectivity options.
5. Cost: The Creative Labs CT-1320C sound card was an expensive investment in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its high cost limited its accessibility and widespread adoption.
Conclusion:The Creative Labs CT-1320C Sound Blaster Tower Card revolutionized computer sound technology in its time. Its superior sound quality and versatility paved the way for advanced audio innovations. However, it was an expensive, resource-intensive piece of hardware with limited connectivity options, making it less accessible and relevant to modern computer systems.
Recommendation:If you are interested in retro computing and want to explore the history of computer sound technology, the Creative Labs CT-1320C Sound Blaster Tower Card could be an intriguing and educational investment for your old system. Otherwise, you can explore modern external USB sound cards or integrated sound solutions specific to your computer setup.
This listing is for a Sound Blaster slot card. This part is from a working computer. Does come with original box, but box is in TERRIBLE shape. It has been in the storage for awhile.
Model CT-1320C. Use the 'super size' feature on pictures to get a better look. I am parting out a tower computer.