Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi User Manual page 72

Modes
Sound Blaster X-Fi is built around the most powerful audio processor in the
world! To ensure that different types of user have access to the full power of the
audio processor, Sound Blaster X-Fi provides 3 different modes of operation:
Entertainment, Audio Creation and Gaming. Each mode focuses the power of
the audio processor for that operation and optimizes the audio processor's
features for the best possible experience.
Select Game Mode when you require the full power of the audio processor
for the best gaming experience.
Select Audio Creation Mode when you want to record audio with full fidelity
ASIO support.
Select Entertainment Mode for optimized movie soundtrack and music
playback.
Select a mode that suits your usage or stick to your favorite mode. Your
computer remembers the last selected mode, even after you restart your
computer. The modes are not exclusive to one type of operation. For example,
you will still be able to play games in the other modes, but you will not get the
full benefits of the card when the best mode is not selected for that usage.
Select a mode that best suits your needs in the Mode Switcher or Audio Console
application. For information on each mode, refer to its online Help.
Entertainment Mode
Audio Creation Mode
Game Mode