Can someone tell me what the sound quality difference is between the emu 0404 and the 1212. I know the 1212 has some more plugin options. I am looking to get the pci version of one of them. I know several of you guys are experts in the soundcard field. Is there a better soundcard for the same price range available by a different company? Thanks!

I don't know about the difference, but I recall from a few years ago that there was a 1212 version, and a 1212m version. The "m", which I think stood for 'mastering', was the better quality model.

The 0404 is not offered in the "M" version, but the 1212 can be had in both plain jane 1212 and the Mastering Converters 1212M model. However, the non-M version is no longer in production, but you may be able to find some still on dealer's shelves.

The 0404 is now available only as PCIe slot, the older standard PCI slot version is no longer in production, but if your computer does not have PCIe slot available, you may again be able to find some of the older PCI slot cards still on sale somewhere.

The 1212M PCI AND PCIe versions are both still in production.

The 0404 is a two-input Stereo audio card with two additional Digital inputs.

The 1212, M or non-M, is a multiple input/output setup that, while being able to utilize digital I/O for channels other than the first two analog channels (stereo) does not have its own converters or analog inputs and outputs for the remaining channels, making the use of multiple channel input/output not available unless and until you purchase more hardware from another source that will allow the analog connections via the ADAT input. Then you can have up to 8 more inputs.

As to the converters, the "M" converters do sound very nice indeed, but I've also found that the non-M versions of the E-MU cards still offer very good audio quality, certainly equal to or better than other offerings that one might consider. I'd put both into the "audiophile grade" classification, with the "M" taking the slight upper hand. The difference, if I could describe audio in words, is one of "transparency" - which I think has much to do with the fact that both units use a well-designed low jitter clock.

Both units must use the Patchmix software, which requires a learning curve over many other soundcard options. Patchmix is like a virtual Digital Mixer for the cards, powerful with its routing capabilities but somewhat daunting to the nontechnical types. They do include some default Templates with the software, though, which, if invoked can yield a plug 'n play situation of sorts.

E-MU support is not the greatest. For example, drivers for Vista and drivers for Win7 are still buggy and still listed as Beta on their website. This has led to many complaints, as well it should.

If you are not the type who deals with the technical problems well, you might be well advised to consider some other options IMO. Check out the M-Audio line, for one, their driver support is superb by comparison IMO.

BTW I own the 1616M - great sounding but I find myself using an M-Audio card for the everyday stuff, simply because of the technical stuff involved with the E-MU cards gets old on a day-to-day basis. So I only break out the E-MU here for high quality multitracking and mastering tasks. I originally wanted to use the E-MU 24/7 but alas the surprises from day to day and having to solve them got old rather quickly. Still, if you get into the operation of the card, the sonic quality it offers is absolutely better than most of the rest of the pack. It was rather shocking to play back some of my older mixes, done on other sound devices, thru the E-MU back when I first got the thing.


--Mac

If you are looking for a USB soundcard, I have the Yamaha Audiogram 6 here and love it. It does NOT have a midi synth. However, I received both Cubase AI 4 & Sonar LE software with mine which contains a couple of VST Synths. They will not work with Biab/RB etc . . . proprietary to those programs. They also have some awesome midi effects as well as audio in Cubase & Sonar.

The Audiogram also has a nice mixer with phantom power & some great connections built in. Ready to go once the driver is installed. Playback and recording are super clean as well. Perfect for the PG Software and my Yamaha Asio driver works flawlessly with the Real Tracks and my midi keyboard.

You can check Musicians Friend website for pricing etc . . . they may have come out with a new since I purchased mine. You can also get the latest driver at the Yamaha Corp Website. In fact, check there first to make sure they have your OS with the soundcard.

Trax

PgF,

I've got an E-Mu 0404pci card sitting in my cabinet that I pulled out of my previous music computer. I'm with Mac - sounds great, but Patchmix software is a hassle - I'm now using a USB device. I'd be happy to send it to you and let you demo it or would be happy to sell it to you for a reasonable price. PM me if you're interested.

Bruce

Regarding the discussion title--umm, 0808?

R.

Bruce reminded me - I too am not a fan of their PatchMix software.