Delta 1010

[Neil Ogilvie]

I'm not even sure if this is the right forum for this question, but here we go...
I've got a Soundblaster Audigy at the moment, and judging from the opinions on this website, it seems I made a mistake when I bought it (What can I say, I'm just a newbie!). On the Cubase forum (I've had other problems too) someone suggested I go for a Delta 1010. I had a brief look at one on the et but was completly confused by what it was and how it works.
Could someone explain it to me?
If I get one for recording multiple signals simultaneously, should I or can I still use my existing soundcard?

[BrettB]

The SB Audigyand the Delta 1010 are 2 completely different cards.

The SB is more of a multimediacard, less suitable for recording. It has many different inputs, but only records one at a timeif I'm correct.

The Delta 1010 is a recording card. It has 8 analog inputs and 2 digital if I'm correct, and the same for outputs. It records at 24bit 96Khz and gives you the opportunity to record these tracks at the same time. It is also lots more expensive than the SB, obvious off course.

It all depends on what you need. If you really want to record a lot, I would go for the Delta. If you don't need all the inputs of the 1010, you can ga with another one of the Delta serie, like the Delta 444 of Delta 66.

Hope this helped a bit

greetingz

Brett

[Neil Ogilvie]

Cheers for the reply, but I'm still not entirely sure I understand.
Is the Delta 1010/444/666 actually a soundcard?
Do I need to use a mixer with it? The only time I've seen it being used is at my schools studio where they have it plugged into a mixer aswell as a computer, as if the computer is only for recording and not mixing.
If I don't need a mixer, is it only compatible with certain programmes?

[BrettB]

Yes, the Delta's are a soundcard. It is a PCI card with a breakout bx which has the in- and outputs. for details on the cars, just go to www.m-audio.com

The need of a mixer depends on you. First of all a mixer gives you preamps, that you need to boost your mic levels. The Delta cards have several preamps aboard, but a good mixer gives you more pre's, and usually of better quality. A Mixer also gives you extra input and output abilities.

Suppose your setup is a mixer, a delta44 and a computer. You put your mics in the mixer, you use the direct out's or insertpoinjts to go to the inputs Delta breakoutbox, which is connected with the PCI card in your computer.
The outputs of Delta can be used for monitoring and mixing, so they are back connected to your mixer.

When you don't want a mixer, you have lots of mixing possibilities in most software, so that will give you know problems. However most people like to work with real faders, and you also don't have the other mixer advantages I just mentioned.

cu later

Brett

[Neil Ogilvie]

Wow. Cheers Brettb. Looks like a 1010 (or smaller equivelant) is the way to go. Cheers again.

[keilson]

what about the motu 24i? I get great results from it. It dropped in price.

[drstawl]

The Delta 1010 has no microphone preamps but is a great recording card for both S/PDIF (2) and analog (8) inputs and outputs. I haven't had a lot of luck combining the two but it HAS HAPPENED. I'd suggest keeping the master timing based on the incoming digital signal. If that works it WILL work great.

The use of the mixer you mention is only ONE use to which a mixer could be put in relation to the Delta 1010. The more common app would be to provide pre-amps for 8 channels of analog audio.

[Neil Ogilvie]

Oh my god!! I'm really confused now.
What the hell is the 24i? How does it work? Whats the difference between it and the Delta 66?
I just need someone to explain it all to me 'coz I'm REALLY confused.
I'd just made my mind up to get a Delta 66, and now I'm all confused.
Sorry.

[keilson]

I'm sorry didn't mean to confuse you. Just stick with either the Delta 1010 or the Delta 66. The Delta 1010 I believe has 8 analog inputs and 8 analog outputs. As well has spdif. The Delta 66 has 4 in and 4 out with spdif. Depends on your needs.

[Kevzmusic]

Hi Neil,

I think I know what you are looking for....I once owned the SB Audigy...and the Terratec DMX 6 Fire (which are similar)...but these 'consumer grade' multi-media sound cards really don't cut the mustard - IF you wanna do some decent recordings.

Now I use the M-Audio OMNI Studio w/Delta 66 audio card.....which is a great little setup for under $500 bucks...

It has 2 pre-amp INS, which are real handy for guitars, mics, etc...that need a signal boost..., two headphone OUTS, monitor speaker OUTS with their own gain/vol control...plus several other I/O's that you can use in-conjunction with external mixers and/or devices - IF desired....

YOU don't need to use a MIXER with the OMNI.....I don't, I just do the mixes in my software, etc....

The OMNI is kinda in-between the straight Delta 44 or 66 audio cards and the 1010 system....

The software control panel is pretty easy to use and the card is very simple to install :-)

The sound is crystal clear on my rig....and I do a lot of guitar tracks using the line6 POD & Flextone Amps, etc.....it's a really 'quiet' card, no unwanted noise at all......

I think for the price, it's a great piece of equipment for someone just starting out......

YOU can record 6 tracks simultaneously on the OMNI....and the card has a SPDIF out - if ya need it.....

The SB Audigy is a sound card....the Delta's are pro level *audio* cards......so there's an obvious upgrade in quality to start with, especially recording which is 24-bit / 96 Hz......as apposed to only 16-bit with the SB......

KEV

[TexRoadkill]

Neil, don't sweat it too much. There are dozens of soundcards that will do the job. The most important thing is to figure out how many tracks you will EVER need to record at once. The soundcard is the heart of your computer recording setup so take your time and do a bit of research.

The delta cards are consistently the best bang for the buck. The next step up is MOTU, RME, Digidesign and a few others.

[BrettB]

Tex is right: don't stress about it. You got so many possibilities, and you can worry for ever about which decision to make. Concerning money-quality the Delta series are a great solution.

[Badger]

You might wanna wait, I hear Behringer is coming out with a Tube sound card any day now....


Seriously though, the delta is a great card..