Here's another vote for the E-Mu 1212M (or 0404M, I guess). The difference in audio quality between one of these and your typical Audigy/Soundblaster card is HUGE.
Good music soundcard
I have several requirements.
1) Genuine multi-bit DACs and ADC, and not bitstream garbage
2) Ability to switch between 44.1,48,88.2, and 96 kHz without resampling or with a specification showing they can resample very well. Example: Soundblaster cards do not resample well. They also need to be able to resample 176.4 kHz well. I have a DVD-A that uses that sampling rate.
3) Two stereo outputs, one I can use for active monitors and another I can plug into a headphone amp and leave them both plugged in all the time.
4) No gaming support!
5) ASIO 2.0 and EWDM drivers.
1) Genuine multi-bit DACs and ADC, and not bitstream garbage
2) Ability to switch between 44.1,48,88.2, and 96 kHz without resampling or with a specification showing they can resample very well. Example: Soundblaster cards do not resample well. They also need to be able to resample 176.4 kHz well. I have a DVD-A that uses that sampling rate.
3) Two stereo outputs, one I can use for active monitors and another I can plug into a headphone amp and leave them both plugged in all the time.
4) No gaming support!
5) ASIO 2.0 and EWDM drivers.
3 responses Add your response