I'm cautiously optimistic about an accidental find just minutes ago. Possible Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Linux drivers for Ubuntu Linux users are back in development.

I use Ubuntu Linux on 3-Dell PC's. The machine I'm typing on, I like to call my "recording studio computer".

I ordered a custom built Dell desktop specifically for intensive audio workstation production projects. In other words, this computer kicks royal ass!

I use Windows XP Media Center Edition on half the hard drive with the Adobe Production Studio software package. Its way overkill for what I need. I only wanted it for Adobe Audition, similar to Pro-Tools.

I installed Ubuntu Linux (Gutsy) distro on the other half - dual-boot using GRUB.

Long story short: Windows XP Media Center Edition updates automatically installed the Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum audio card drivers upon initial setup - HOWEVER - Ubuntu Linux DID NOT recognize -or- setup the audio card drivers.

For months the only way I've found to get sound running in Linux is to plug the headphone output jack into the mono microphone input jack of my other Dell desktop. The sound comes out the speakers in MONO only. Hell, its better than nothing! Right?

Minutes ago I was checking for software updates in Ubuntu. Just for the hell-of-it I typed "audio workstation". The search showed a program called "Ardour GTK2". Went into Synaptic Package Manager and installed it.

Low and behold, as it turns out this program Ardour GTK2 is similar to Pro-Tools and Adobe Audition. I use Adobe Audition for multi-track recording, cassette tape ripping, vinyl turntable ripping, processing and other recording studio projects.

Since Ubuntu Linux and all of its hundreds of available programs are free, I can't wait to start fooling around with this program-Ardour GTK2. If it does even half of what Adobe Audition does, I'll be VERY impressed.

DOWNSIDE: I'm patiently waiting for Creative Labs to release audio card drivers for my Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum in Ubuntu Linux.

Creative Labs recently released a Beta version. Unfortunately, they don't recommend installing it unless you REALLY know what you're doing - besides the drivers have stability issues. Damn it!

Recent article on the progress of Linux - Sound Blaster X-Fi audio drivers:

http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=creative_take_2&num=1

I'm also monitoring the Wiki page:

http://connect.creativelabs.com/opensource/Wiki/SoundCard%20Support.aspxX-Fi