Aardvark Direct Pro 2496 questions

  • Thread starter Thread starter cstockdale
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cstockdale

cstockdale

supafly killa homey
I am tempted by the aardvark card (I am trying to decide between the aardvark and the Delta Omni Studio). BUT, I can't afford the Aardvark AND a new mixer at the same time, and I need compressors in my signal path. How is the compressor in the effects unit of the Aardvark? Is it functional/realistic? I need it only for vox and acoustic guitar, and I don't need heavy compression, just trying to tame peaks to boost my signal strength.

If the compressor sucks, how can you get a compressor into the signal path if you don't use a mixer? Or is this simply not possible?


The Omni Studio, by contrast, has inserts for external compressors....
 
Hi cstock,

I use the Aark 24/96. It has nice converters, and while the drivers are still a bit flakey, the latest version seems to have fixed many bugs...still some remain but have acceptable work-arounds.

As a rule, I try to avoid using much compression, but it IS a good tool to have and when I need it I use plug-ins (there are many to choose form) I record without any compression - although I know many folks who have outboard comps and add it to the initial track. I choose to process everything after a good clean track is accomplished. (I play violin/viola, BTW)

I do think the compressor on the Aark card - albeit not a great one - is better sounding than the verb also found there. However, the verb works just fine for monitoring while recording.

Other than that, I've been very pleased with the card.

Good luck!
 
Their verb sounds like the inside of a submarine. Terrible.... Hard to even use for headphone monitoring. I don't know if the onboard effects even work with the most current drivers???

The new drivers solved my latency and media playback problems. They seem solid now.

But if my current situation plays out the way it looks like it will....

Beware Aark customer service!!!!

-Jtt
 
yea, the verb ain't great...but all if does work with thr latest drivers anywayl...

Where are you heading with the new plan?
 
I think I am heading towards an Omni Studio package, because with the ASIO drivers I can sync my Audiophile 2496 card with the Delta 66, and have 6in/6out audio, and 2in/2/out on S/PDIF plus two MIDI ports. Plus I get the inserts for comps etc.

Its either this or hold out for another year and save up to buy a Delta 1010 plus a good mixer....
 
I just went through that exact same question. The guy I'm working with bought the Aardvark package last week and was also able to do a Pro Audio 9 to SONAR 2.2 upgrade for $99 (Cakewalk had an internet sale that expired on 5/31). Sam Ash matched the price I found for him at Digital Pro Audio, so he got the 2496 for $459 and SONAR for $99, plus tax. Not a bad deal at all!

I ended up buying the Omni package a few days ago (as well as SONAR 2.2) because mostly because of the mixing capabilities I got with the Omni. I also got a little scared off by the driver support problems I read about with the Aardvark. Besides, with him having the Aardvark and me having the Omni, this is a way to A/B both units and if we find out one really sucks or one really shines, whichever one of us has the suckier one can always sell it and buy the better one based on an informed decision. However, I'm guessing are both fine units and we'll each be happy with our decision.

I finally got the Omni installed last night but I haven't tried recording with it yet. I hope I can get around to it in the next few days. I was using the SB Live! Value that came with my PC, so I'm hoping for a pretty dramatic improvement in hte recording quality. Unfortunately my playing quality is an issue NO soundcard can address.
:rolleyes:
 
I'll keep my ears peeled to learn more obout the Omni. It sounds like you got a good deal. For a long time the 24/96 was shippng with Cake 9. I eventually upgraded for $99 to Sonar as well. Honestly for my needs, the Aark is doing a great job! (a good mic helps too...obviously) I think having two monitors would help due to the aark mixer being virtual as well...it would be nice to have Sonar and the board up at the same time.

Until I need a bunch of I/O's, I'll probbaly stay put.

I hope it all goes smoothly.

Cheers!
 
Yes, two monitors would be the way to go. After two years I am still impressed with how solid a piece of equipment the aark is. I also find myself recording without any effects or compression and adding this later. I have had very minimal driver issues working in windows me.
 
I have two Aardvark Direct Pro 24/96 units in the dual rack mount configuration. I'm running Sonar and Cool Edit Pro on a dual monitor box. I love it.

I wouldn't use the onboard effects for recording, only for monitoring. The reverb is pretty bad, but there are a few settings that are fine for monitoring. I like having the "zero" latency monitoring without taxing the host cpu. I also really like the quality of the preamps.

-lee-
 
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