Most companies other than Creative Labs based on third parties to create their audio chips. Some of the main retailers contain:

• Atech. The Sonix SN11116 USB audio controller is intended particularly for USB interface. It supports up to 48 KHz sampling for digital and analog recording and playback. It supports six-channel analog output and SPDIF digital stereo output and can broadcast AC-3 5.1 data by SPDIF to an external Dolby Digital decoder for 5.1 digital audio.

• Cirrus Logic/Crystal Semiconductors. The Sound Fusion CS4630, an improved version of CS4624, facets 3D acceleration, support for both EAX and Sensaura positional audio, unrestricted voice wavetable synthesis, and S/PDIF support for AC3 and Dolby 5.1 input and output at rates up to 48KHz. The CS4630 is utilized in Hercules Game Theater XP, Voyetra Turtle Beach Santa Cruz, TerraTec SiXPack 5.1, Video Logic Sonic Fury, and SonicXplosion audio adapters. CS4624 is utilized by Hercules Gamesurround Fortissimo II/III 7.1, Hercules DigiFire 7.1, TerraTec DMX Xfire, and Hoontech SoundTrack I-Phone Digital CS audio adapters.

• ESS Technology. Canyon3D-2 is ESS Technologies flagship audio chip, showing four control analog output, carry for Dolby and THX digital sound, SPDIF input and output, and Sensaura 3D positional audio, and it is optimized for utilize with DirectX 8.0. It is utilized by I/O Magic Hurricane Extreme, Diamond Monster Sound 3D, Hercules Maxi Sound Fortissimo, and TerraTec DMX audio adapters.

The Maestro-2 sequence facets wavetable, positional 3D from Sensaura, and 3D audio acceleration; Maestro 2E and 2EM also support S/PDIF output for DVD movie support. The Maestro series chips are optimized for notebook PCs, and Maestro chips are utilized in new models of Dell, Toshiba, Gateway, Compaq, and HP portables.

The Allegro series facets DirectSound, Direct3D, S/PDIF output, and Sensaura 3D positional sound. The ESS-1989 is utilized by Philips Harmonic Edge (PSC602) sound card with models sold by Pine Technologies and others.