Features:
- Razer Enhanced Sonic Perception (ESP) enhances positional audio in gaming to allow competitive gamers to take advantage of the expanded dynamic soundstage in-game
- Dolby Pro-Logic IIx surround processor splits stereo audio into 7.1 channel surround sound
- Dolby Headphone technology conveys 5.1 surround or 3D gaming sounds over stereo headphones
- Independent Dolby Digital Live (AC-3) 5.1 real-time encoding bit-stream to facilitate connection with CE AV receiver
- Dolby Virtual Speaker solution brings amazing virtual surround sound fields via general two speakers
- DTS Interactive Real-time 5.1 encoder that takes any 2 or more channels and encodes it into DTS bit stream
- DTS NeoPC An upmixing matrix that turns any 2 channel audio into 7.1 surround sound
- Supports 7.1 CH digital audio playback for WinXP 64, WinXP, Win2000 (Microsoft DirectX V.9.0 above is required) and most industrial standards of PC 3D sound for gaming, including EAX 1.0&2.0, A3D 1.0, and DirectSound
- PCI 2.2 interface (Burst Modes and Bus Mastering)
- 4 synchronous I2S input/output pairs
- Integrated 192k/24-bit S/PDIF receiver/transmitter Multi-channel AC-link (supports up to 2 AC97 codecs)
- S/PDIF IN supports digital loop back path for transforming between optical and RCA connection
- Serial bus to communicate with micro control unit (MCU) lMPU-401 MIDI UART port support
- All I2S I/O pairs support 32-bit high-definition PCM data transfer and adjustable sample rate up to 192KHz

Looking at the features we can see that the AC-1 is chock full of all sorts of things choosy buyers will be looking for, like Dolby, DTS, 7.1 support, and much more. Sound buffs will certainly be looking for specific features here, but for the majority of users it seems like Razer has most of their bases covered, including a number of encoders and improvements for 5.1 and 2 channel audio systems.

The AC-1's exterior is a twist on the traditional sound card. The card has a black PCB and on the top the hardware is kept in a metal housing that makes everything look neat and acts as an EMI shield. The outer side of this housing is home to green LED lighting that shines with Razer's logo when the card is powered up. You probably won't realize that until you use the AC-1 for the first time and definitely won't even notice it unless you have a case window. On the outside of the housing is a futuristic purple design, it's pretty cool but you won't ever see it.