emu 0404 vs m-audio 2496 or something else?
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Posted on Jan 25, 2007 09:20 am
kennethwsmithjr
The Eternal Student
Member Since: Oct 08, 2005
Folks,
I am trying to get my mother set up to do some Midi composing with Sibelius. Just got her set up with a new computer and such, and am looking for a decent soundcard for around $100 that'll fit her needs.
The computer has onboard sound, but no joystick port. I'd like to get her a decent full-duplex card that comes with some sequencing software that'll do enough to record a decent sounding track too from a non-Midi source.
I was thinking the EMU 0404 or the M-Audio Audiophile 2496. She's NOT computer savvy at all, so ease of setup is a big seller to me. Am I missing some other viable options?
Here's the EMU: www.emu.com/products/product.asp?product=10447
M-audio 2496: www.zzounds.com/a--884907/item--MDOAP2496
She has a PC right now.
Thanks!
Kenny
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TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
Jan 25, 2007 10:51 am The EMU0404 is relatively good card. I use one, and I've had great success. That said, the intial set up can be a little frustrating (Patchmix is way too complicated for what it is, and is a sensitive soul). I don't know about the M-Audio one, but people have good things to say about it.
You'll need to examine your current needs, and think a little about future needs - do you need MIDI, digital in/out? Will you need to record multiple tracks at once?
Jan 25, 2007 11:26 am MIDI is absolutely a must. Digital ins and outs are not required, may be useful later (but I doubt it). Multiple tracks at once are unlikely as well. She just needs good input/output for decent playback.
I'm leaning towards the EMU 0404 because of the 1/4" in's and outs and optical ins and outs and better software package... but... anybody had experience with installing the m-audio card?
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 28, 2007 04:29 pm Then the 2496 would be the card I would recommend for her as it is a simple dependable card. And you could easily show here how to set up and use it. The midi and audio functionality is easy to navigate and set up and the drivers are very stable for problem free operation.
Tim NUh, at least one more time . . .Member
Since: Feb 07, 2007
Feb 07, 2007 09:35 pm I don't know if you bought it yet, but I have an E-mu 0404, and I love it. The patchmix software is a little rough getting used to, but with use you (or your mother) will get used to it. You do need to read the instructions; I printed them up and read them over a period of time.
I use only (at this point) analog ins and outs, except for a usb keyboard. I'm sure midi
will work fine with the sound card, though if you plan on sending any analog in, get a behringer
"baby" mixer, such as the Xenyx 802--I gang two of them together to expand the input and output possibilities. They're dependable (they certainly have been for me), quiet, and cheap.
Feb 08, 2007 10:40 am Hey, thanks for the replies... we went ahead and got the 0404... My mother has a media center edition pc... which I was VERY worried about after reading up on WMCE compatibility with sound cards/software...
but the audio seems to be working correctly (at least the outputs) as well as the patchmix software in her WMCE... now she has to load Sibelius and test out the MIDI functions...
TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
Feb 08, 2007 01:41 pm Good to hear all is running smoothly. Make sure you download the latest drivers. - BIG file, but worth it.
I've only go into MIDI relatively recently (been fending it off with a big stick for a while, but not it is my friend), but I know the MIDI capabilities of the card are all they should be.
Patchmix can be downright confusing sometimes, so take a little time to read the manual. Also, the levels seem to be a little loud - which can cause some distortion. Back 'em off a little and you'll be set. Good luck.
If you find yourself in a hole, the folks over at EMU are really helpful. Register the card with them, and you're all set.
Feb 08, 2007 01:53 pm Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely pass it along to my mother. She needs to get the new drivers...
yeah, she noticed the defualt outputs were quite loud... but were easily turned down in Patchmix.
