I don't know of a way to do it without Device Manager, but I think Win98SE installs the FireWire port on its own, even before you install Creative's Audigy drivers. So technically, you could disable the FireWire entry in Device Manager right after a clean install of the OS, which should free up the relevant IRQ on the next reboot.

It's been a while since I messed around with that, so I'm not sure how reliable it would be.

https://sblive-narod-ru.translate.goog/BAD_ME … &_x_tr_pto=wapp

Try reflashing the firmware with Audigy 2 Value/4.
However, the crap 2ZS lacks the P17 circuit, which is responsible for the absence of 44.1 kHz oversampling, unlike the godlike Audigy 2 Value.
The firmware may not be suitable.
There is no utility, only a programmer such as the CH341.
PS. But everyone's brain shuts down when they see a big sound card.

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/236423871581?_trksid= … 490.c101224.m-1
Don't agonise over it, buy the first revision " wich has capacitor-free designe" of the SB0400 Audigy 2 Value.
In terms of sound, distortion and capabilities, this card is far superior to the 2ZS.
The only thing is that the connectors are not gold-plated.
And smaller in size, what a disappointment.

My first thought, flashing EEPROM to OEM version probably wouldn't work (this only affects the audio driver).
I didn't find any mention that FireWire also stops working when EEPROM gets corrupted, which means integrated IEEE 1394 controller works independently of the main DSP chip.

I knew there were Audigy 2 ZS (SB0350) OEM versions without FireWire and other stuff, but it seems they're built on different E-MU chips with pre-disabled/removed IEEE 1394 controller.

At least I found two chips on SB0350 OEM boards:
* CA0102-ICT LF
* CA0102-EAT

The retail version is built on CA0102-ICT chip:

Theoretically, integrated Firewire controller should have a separate power supply to prevent interference with the main DSP chip. Is it possible to cut it off on retail version?

I tried to spot the differences between retail and OEM models on hi-res photos, but I couldn't find anything significant to approve my stupid theory (except for missing elements around the Firewire port).

You won't find anything from the photo.
You need to have two cards in front of you and a multimeter.
In addition to the firmware, strap resistors may be responsible for the configuration.
For example, on R44 and 43 near the DSP.
Or 112&122
Compare the photos.

shevalier wrote on 2025-12-16, 16:45:

In addition to the firmware, strap resistors may be responsible for the configuration.

That makes sense, I'll try to get SB0350 w/o FireWire for further research, Thanks!

ott wrote on 2025-12-17, 14:33:

shevalier wrote on 2025-12-16, 16:45:

In addition to the firmware, strap resistors may be responsible for the configuration.

That makes sense, I'll try to get SB0350 w/o FireWire for further research, Thanks!

🙁
Perhaps you will decide to purchase the SB0400 without any hassle after all?
This card really does have the best DSP, while the analogue part is completely identical.
The updated EMU1212M even received a separate ‘PCI’ suffix in its name after switching to the CA108 chip, so as not to be confused with the old revision.
And the 3dB increase in signal-to-noise ratio is solely due to the replacement of the CA102.

ott wrote on 2025-12-16, 08:08:

Maybe someone tried to modify EEPROM or something like that.

Regarding the EEPROM modification.
I have a 610 and a 400, and they don't work together on the same motherboard.
I reflash both to SB0610, hoping that this would solve the driver problem.
Alas, even two identical Audigy in one PC categorically refused to work.
But the firmware fits perfectly, because in fact it is the same card.

And here, it's not even clear where to start.
With 80H, there's just some kind of dense code.

shevalier wrote on 2025-12-17, 14:42:

Perhaps you will decide to purchase the SB0400 without any hassle after all?
This card really does have the best DSP, while the analogue part is completely identical.

I'd actually like to get this card for another project (not mine) - KX-Modular
I heard EMU10K2.5 DSP performance should be faster than EMU10K2, it will be interesting to check this in music stuff.
Audigy 2 Value is a good card. I once had an Audigy 4 OEM, which was essentially a slightly updated Audigy 2 Value.

Getting back to the topic, I need Windows 9x support for earlier EAX games (VxD driver), but SB0400/SB0610 doesn't work on Win9x.
Audigy 2 Value (sb0400) Windows 98 SE driver

ott wrote on 2025-12-17, 16:59:

shevalier wrote on 2025-12-17, 14:42:

Perhaps you will decide to purchase the SB0400 without any hassle after all?
This card really does have the best DSP, while the analogue part is completely identical.

Getting back to the topic, I need Windows 9x support for earlier EAX games (VxD driver), but SB0400/SB0610 doesn't work on Win9x.
Audigy 2 Value (sb0400) Windows 98 SE driver

I would be very surprised if any Kx-based DSP card worked without firmware.
ctp_‘card-ID’_w.dat files are loaded during initialisation DSP.

Linux also loaded this file to cart.