There isn't a name more famous in the PC sound world than the SoundBlaster. It's a rather crude moniker when you think about it, though there's nothing rudimentary about the cards themselves. The Live! Platinum is the king of the SoundBlaster range, and it sports a price tag that reflects this. However, the features you get with this package are nothing short of incredible.

At the heart of this board is the E-MU 10K1 audio processor, a 32-bit, 256 voice (64 in hardware) affair. It has the standard range of connections on the back of the card - 2 line outs, 1 line in, and mic - along with a digital output.

But here's where it really branches out, because the card itself connects to the Live Drive II, a unit which is installed into any free 5.25-inch drive bay. This contains a multitude of controls and inputs - no more reaching around the back of the PC awkwardly for Live! Platinum owners! Everything you need is here; master and mic volume, along with inputs and outputs for midi, digital and optical connections. Superb.

Being a Creative card, the Live! Platinum naturally supports the company's own EAX sound standard. That's certainly no bad thing, as since its inception EAX has built on solid foundations to become probably the most widely supported 3D sound standard. A3D might have had the initial edge in terms of pure surround sound quality, but EAX has pulled right back up there.

As if enough quality didn't ooze out of the Platinum box, the software bundle is replete with goodies too. Highlights include the games Alien vs Predator and Rollcage, Cubasis VST music editing software, Mixman Studio and the Creative Digital Audio Centre amongst other things. A fantastic card in all respects, but you do pay for the privilege.