Lunatic,
Thanks for the links and suggestions. Yes, an Omni Studio would be nice, but I don't have that kind of money. Here's my setup:
Fostex FD-4 (digital 4-track)
SM58 for miking
500 MHz celeron, 128 MB RAM, 10 GB 7200 rpm WD HD
Cool Edit Pro for editing/mixing
SB Live! Value (this is why I need a Delta card w/ optical i/o)
1961 Danelectro U-2
Fender DG-20S acoustic
ibanez electric/acoustic mandolin
various keyboards
Anyway, I don't use MIDI (keyboards go into the FD-4 by TRS),
so I don't really need some of the higher end soundcards that
emphasize MIDI use. So, I just want something that I can send an optical signal to from my FD-4, which has XLR inputs for the mic, TRS inputs for the instruments, mixing for each input channel, etc. I don't know if it has a built-in pre-amp, though.
I read through the 2448 manual. The one question I want specific answers on, they gloss over. To wit, "The signal levels of these outputs (analog stereos) are compatible with most consumer gear." Ok, so does that mean I need a pre-amp or line level shifter to even use amplified monitors, like the Event 20/20bas?
thanks..
secretorchard