Fosi Audio C3 Gaming Sound Card with StepSense Technology and K7 Balanced Desktop DAC Provide Enhanced Positional Audio and High Fidelity Sound Playback
Expanding on its range of audio devices, Fosi Audio has unveiled its C3 gaming sound card and corresponding K7 desktop DAC/headphone amp. The C3 has been designed to provide enhanced directional audio for competitive gaming through Fosi's unique StepSense technology. The C3 gaming card and the more broadly applicable K7 address distinct needs within the audio market with the gaming hardware focusing on interactivity and the DAC/amp catering to high fidelity playback of media and music.
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| Fosi Audio C3 |
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| Fosi Audio K7 |
Different from typical software EQs that often rely on boosting high frequencies to hear footsteps, the StepSense hardware within the C3 actively analyzes game audio and amplifies sounds based on their positioning. It isolates individual positional sound cues such as footfalls, leaps, or movement across various terrains to provide them to the listener without necessarily raising the volume on sounds such as gunshots or background noises. The result is an improved positional audio experience for competitive gaming that will not detract from overall awareness.
Hardware level signal processing adds minimal delay, with an audio latency of about 40 ms that keeps sounds in sync with on screen action. The C3's hardware features a 7.1 virtual surround sound capability, which allows for further enhancement of sound location, in addition to the StepSense hardware, in order to help pinpoint sounds more accurately. The dedicated physical console unit is equipped with a microphone input with independent controls, a mute switch for quickly disabling it and in game microphone monitoring through the headphone output, intended for streaming and team communication. There is also a web UI in place that users can access through their web browser to adjust EQ settings or select audio profiles tailored to the genre of game being played.
The C3 features ample physical connections for any number of use cases. The back of the card has one USB Type C port for both power and data transfer, as well as coaxial digital out and optical digital out ports. Stereo RCA inputs are available along with a standard 3.5mm headphone jack and microphone jack. The card itself is compatible with computers, as well as, the PlayStation 5 console and even the Nintendo Switch gaming console.
Along with the C3 gaming card, Fosi Audio has also launched its balanced K7 desktop digital to analog converter and headphone amplifier, which targets broader applications including Hi Fi music, cinema audio, and mixing/editing of sound. The K7 is built on top of a balanced design with more powerful internal components and native support for Hi Fi formats, along with an onboard screen for input rate monitoring. The consumer level C3 will have a MSRP of $129.99 while the balanced K7 DAC will be sold at $199.99.
