ESS AudioDrive Dialog Box

Use the ESS AudioDrive dialog box to change hardware configuration settings.  These settings are set during installation of the driver, but can be changed later if necessary.  Avoid making changes except to correct or avoid a conflict with another device.

Jumpers on your sound device determine these configuration settings.  To change the settings, you must first remove the cover from your computer and change the jumper setting.  For information on changing the jumper, see your hardware documentation.

Warning  Always turn off the computer before removing the cover.  For your safety, please observe the warnings specified in your computer manufacturer's documentation.

Dialog Box Options

I/O Address

The computer's processor uses the I/O (input/output) address to distinguish the ESS AudioDrive sound device from other devices when transmitting data.  Each device must have its own address.  Otherwise, certain features or programs may not work.

Change the I/O address only if you are installing another device that requires the address you are currently using for the driver.

IRQ

The interrupt request line (IRQ) is a hardware signal line used by a device to send a request for immediate service to the computer's CPU.  To avoid hardware conflicts, each device in or attached to your computer must have a unique IRQ.

Change the IRQ option only if you are installing another device that requires the IRQ you are currently using for the driver.

DMA Channel

The ESS AudioDrive device uses the DMA (direct memory access) channel for moving data to and from system memory.  To avoid hardware conflicts, each device must have a unique DMA channel.

Change the DMA channel only if you have problems that indicate there is a conflict (normally indicated by your computer locking up) or if you are installing another device that must use the DMA channel assigned to the sound device.


ESS AudioDrive Dialog Box
ESS AudioDrive Advanced Dialog Box

Use the ESS AudioDrive advanced dialog box to fine tune audio performance.  These settings are set during installation of the driver, but can be changed later if necessary.  Avoid making changes except to correct performance related problems.

Dialog Box Options

DMA buffer size

The ESS AudioDrive device uses DMA (direct memory access) for moving data to and from a system memory buffer.  The size of this buffer affects the efficiency of data movement.  In general, data is moved more efficiently with a large buffer than with a small one.

Change the DMA buffer size if audio performance is not optimal, or if more memory should be allocated to applications.


ESS AudioDrive Dialog Box
ESS AudioDrive Advanced Dialog Box

Use the ESS AudioDrive advanced dialog box to fine tune audio performance.  These settings are set during installation of the driver, but can be changed later if necessary.  Avoid making changes except to correct performance related problems.

Dialog Box Options

Use Single Mode DMA

Select this box to switch from demand mode DMA (direct memory access) to single mode DMA.  Demand mode DMA can move data more efficiently than single mode DMA.

DMA buffer size

The ESS AudioDrive device uses DMA for moving data to and from a system memory buffer.  The size of this buffer affects the efficiency of data movement.  In general, data is moved more efficiently with a large buffer than with a small one.

Change the DMA buffer size if audio performance is not optimal, or if more memory should be allocated to applications.