VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Jacob Ekstroem

It's been a while since we talked good ol' fashioned soundcards here. I'm talking about PCI/PCI-e cards, not USB or FireWire interfaces with all kinds of knobs and weird issues Wink

For about ten years I've had an M-Audio Audiophile 2496 is my playback/editing workhorse and an Echo MIA for recording (basically identical cards except the MIA is balanced) but now I really feel it's time to upgrade. Thing is, because those two have worked so well I haven't been keeping up with things and don't really know what to look for. And I do NOT want to go USB or FireWire. I just don't.

So, in order to have say, 4 ins and outs and better sound than what I get with the two semi-pro cards, what should I look at? RME? Lynx? Something else?
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georgethetech · Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 6:52 pm Post subject:

Windows?
If so, the M-Audio Delta 44 ain't bad.
To do much better you gotta spend a LOT more.
Other than more inputs, what are you trying to accomplish?
Best possible A/D at any price?
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Dayo · Cinquecento Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 544 Location: UK

What's the beef with USB or Firewire Jacob?
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Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 2:54 am Post subject:

George, have to admit that, to me the M-Audio 44 is nothing more than a 2496 with more ins and outs. Besides, it's old, and there has to be better alternatives nowadays. What I'm looking for is something that gives me a step up, soundwise. So yes, better converters, and yes, I'm willing to spend more this time, which is why my eyes are aimed at stuff like the RME 9632 and the Lynx L22. (EDIT: forget about the L22 - it only has 2 ins/out, I want at least 4)

Colin, good question! Call me old fashioned, but there's something about going analogue all the way untill the sound hits the motherboard that I like, and I've seen so many frustrated people complaining about all kinds of weird issues with especially USB-based cards. But if you can convince me otherwise, please feel free - maybe it's time to be a little open-minded Smile

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Dayo · Cinquecento Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 544 Location: UK

Jacob

Don't really see the logic if I'm honest, but I'm so full of weird and wonderful prejudices that I'm not going to throw stones!

We have an RME FF800 here and the converters are very good. Certainly a big step up from the Delta card (which I also have). I think you'd find the RME stuff more spacious, less edgy. Having said that, we bypass the RME ones and use Lavry Black ADA which sound gorgeous, but come at a price.
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Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 4:38 am Post subject:

Colin, there could be no logic about my reluctance regarding FireWire/USB... I've never tried it (*), so I can only relate to what I've heard other say. Whenever people are having issues (drivers, latency, weird issues) it's always with USB or FireWire. No one ever complains about issues with PCI Smile

Could simply be because no one use this dinosaur anymore, though Rolls Eyes

(*): actually, that's not true - for my Skype system I do use a cheap Behringer USB-card, but simply because it was the cheapest and easiest route, and sound quality is not a big concern here.
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Jacob - Danish Voice Overs (try it... it sounds really funny, too!)

Bish · Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 6:56 am Post subject:

I'm one of those that has had the love/hate relationship with USB. I had a lot of issues with USB hang-ups and weirdness some time ago and decided to go Firewire (Apogee Duet). Problem solved... except occasionally, when the Duet and my iSight camera decide to have an issue with each other. Oh, and Apogee taking their time with the drivers to make everything nice with an OSX upgrade... eSATA anyone? Thunderbolt? Wink

If your system is a permanent installation (as most are) I can see the beauty of an integrated interface... except for one issue... I hate dongles and breakout boxes (admittedly, I have this with the Duet as well). If I'm being ultra-diligent with my signal path (high-quality XLR cables and connectors etc.), it seems counter-intuitive to poke my Mogami XLR cable into the (relatively) POS dongle/breakout that comes with an interface card... it seems like adding a weak link to the chain.

This is a personal issue with no technical qualification or back-up... It just doesn't sit right with me for some reason.

Cheers
Peter
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Chuck Davis · Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 10:17 am Post subject:

I can understand you reluctance to go the USB route Jacob. In Windows, my Mbox2 was a real pain with the "digital whine" issue. My solution was to go to a Digi 002 with a firewire connection. I've kept the Mbox for my mobile set up...and haven't had the noise problem when I use it on the Macbook.

I do miss the simplicity of the old AM-III pci cards. Fewer boxes and wires.
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Benjamin Stovall · Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 12:14 pm Post subject:

Well, if you had a Mac, I'd suggest going Apogee, but it sounds like you're on Windows.

If you decide you want to give USB a chance, I hear nothing but good things about the RME Babyface interface. It's on par with the Duet 2.
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Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 2:31 pm Post subject:

Benjamin, you - dunno why I didn't say that in my post, but I'm (still) on Win XP, and plan on being as long as I can.
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Benjamin Stovall · Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 3:04 pm Post subject:

XP, huh? Well, if you are firm about wanting a PCI solution, have you considered the RME Hammerfall HDSP 9632 PCI card? It's pricey but, nicey.

If you want to run XLR's directly in, it comes default with a TRS breakout cable so you'd need an XLR to TRS converter, (those are cheap) or simply order the optional XLR breakout cable from RME. There's also a PCIe version.

Here's a Gearslutz review: http://www.gearslutz.com/board/reviews/693088-rme-hdsp9632-aio.html

EDIT: Sorry, just saw you already mentioned this card above. My bad.
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"When you're nearing the end of your rope, tie a knot. Keep on hanging. Keep on remembering, that there ain't nobody bad like you." -- The Electrifying Mojo

Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 3:10 pm Post subject:

Benjamin Stovall · Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 3:11 pm Post subject:

Dang it. You beat me! Embarrassed

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"When you're nearing the end of your rope, tie a knot. Keep on hanging. Keep on remembering, that there ain't nobody bad like you." -- The Electrifying Mojo

Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 4:45 pm Post subject:

Just found a 2nd hand HDSP 9632 for $150. Sounds like a no-brainer to me. Rolls Eyes

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Jacob - Danish Voice Overs (try it... it sounds really funny, too!)

Benjamin Stovall · Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 4:48 pm Post subject:

Wow! That's a steal! Immediately made me think, "So, what's wrong with it?" Smile

Hopefully it's all good. But, it'd be even better if you can return it if you have problems.
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"When you're nearing the end of your rope, tie a knot. Keep on hanging. Keep on remembering, that there ain't nobody bad like you." -- The Electrifying Mojo