# Using the alsa_usb driver

First make sure that you have the correct version of ALSA installed (for the SB Extigy/Audigy, this is 1.0.9). The alsa_usb module relies on the alsa device names. /proc/asound/cards lists the number and name of each recognized soundcard:

    ~ # cat /proc/asound/cards
    0 [Extigy         ]: USB-Audio - Sound Blaster Extigy
                         Creative Technology Ltd. Sound Blaster Extigy [...]
    1 [I82801DBICH4   ]: ICH4 - Intel 82801DB-ICH4
                         Intel 82801DB-ICH4 with AD1981B at 0x24000800, irq 11
    2 [Modem          ]: ICH-MODEM - Intel 82801DB-ICH4 Modem
                         Intel 82801DB-ICH4 Modem at 0x1400, irq 11

You need to pass the number or name prefixed with a hw: to lircd. In this case lircd -d hw:0 or lircd -d hw:Extigy. It is recommended to use the name, since it is independent of the order in which the devices are discovered and lircd will exit, if the Extigy is not connected.