Please note that attempt of changing details in the game (renderer reset after returning from video settings), and either alt tabbing, have an influence on audio quality, also giving diffreent results depending on g_AudioMode setting to 0, 1 (default) or 2 in registry. Compatibility mode can cause resetting of the game settings. Alternative fix for the issue can be found here. The solutions are to avoid disapearing car in career menu and crash after attempt to race. Sometimes whole career need to be started from the beginning with compatibility mode and Alchemy enabled. Run in Windows XP SP3 compatibility mode to avoid crashing career mode while using Alchemy/ DSOAL (alternatively as admin, or use 13AG widescreen which will most likely fix the issue). For non-Creative cards users see here or use dsoal. Difference can be easily noticeable when music is off. It will just emulate DirectSound and 3D positional audio with OpenAL.

Though the game does not use EAX, Creative Alchemy still can be used to enhance sound quality.

8.6 Game does not save the graphics options.

Need for speed carbon