Audiophile PCI vs Audiophile USB

  • Thread starter Thread starter notCardio
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notCardio

I walk the line
OK, let's try this a different way:

Can anyone think of a down sided to getting an Audiphile 2496 USB instead of the PCI version? The only thing I can think of would be if there's a difference in latency. They both seem to have the same # and type of ins and outs, and they both do 24/96. Would the USB box be more (or less) susceptible to RF?
 
Also, does anybody know if you can run multiple usb soundcards simultaneoulsly? For instance, could I use 2 AP USB's at the same time to achieve 4 track recording?
 
unless you record at 16/48, the USB version does not support 4 ins/ 4 outs simultaneously.

2 in/4 out or 4 in/2 out at 24/41 and 24/48
and
2 in OR 2 out at 24/96

where the PCI version supports 4 in/4 out at any sample rate/word length. Furthermore some people have reported issues getting the midi interface to work on the USB version.

I haven't read anything on syncing 2 AP/USB soundcards. Possible? I doubt it VERY much.
 
Thanks christiaan

I guess I don't pay much attention to the capability to use the analog and spdif simultaneously because I don't really have any spdif equipment. Two is enough for now. And I was planning on using the existing Audigy Platinum for the midi interface. Do you know if the latency is any worse with the USB than the PCI?
 
USB doesn't have nearly the bandwidth that PCI does, but I'm not sure if there is a difference in latency between those.

The PCI version is cheaper...
 
Re: Thanks christiaan

Cardioidpotent said:
Do you know if the latency is any worse with the USB than the PCI?
Click to expand...
I don't but I assume it's low enough to be usable.
But if you're only interested in the analog i/o and usb connectivity, maybe an M-Audio Transit is something for you. They sell for less than half of the USB AP.

But frankly... I'd just go for the PCI version. Since you say you'll use it side by side with an Audigy, I assume it's for a desktop computer. Then PCI is the first choice for a painfree operation.
 
Cardioidpotent,

I having BIG troubles right now even getting my Audiophile USB to be recognized by Sonar when I try to use the WDM drivers. It'll run with the MME drivers but the latency is 92.4 ms. Anytime I attempt to run it with WDM drivers (which Sonar successfully profiles by the way) as soon as I exit the profile the program tells me "The following drivers either do not support the current audio format or are in use by another program." Then there is nothing for the program to use as an input source for audio. Everybody in the Cakewalk forum is telling me to ditch the USB unit and go with the PCI. Wish I could, but this was a special order and they aren't gonna take it back.

It sucks... B I G T I M E
 
MikeA, you may have just saved my ass!

I finally talked myself into the USB (for several reasons) and I'm sitting here right now with the unopened box in front of me, trying to see if there are any spec differences I've missed. One that I've found is that the PCI will operate at +2 or -4 at the output (the input apparently is just +2), whereas the USB is just +2. Will this make a difference? The only output I see myself going to is a home stereo type amp (doing all the mixing within the pc), so I'm assuming this is a non-issue, correct? I couldn't find anything about latency except 'low latency'. 92? Yeesh! I guess it's back to GC tomorrow am for the PCI. Maybe I'll put the $50 I'll save towards a DMP3. Now I gotta check the output on those! And I thought things were either +4 or -10. What's with +2?

It never ends.

Thanks a boatload, man!

BTW, what OS are you running?
 
I sure wish I'd seen your posting earlier!

I just sold my Audiophile USB unit on eBay and replaced it with the Delta 1010LT because -- contrary to what you are led to believe -- the Audiophile USB only records at 24/96 from its digital inputs -- not its analog. This is fine if you're bringing stuff in from, say, a DAT machine, but it will not let you record analog input (meaning from mics and instruments) above 16/48. I learned this the hard way and confirmed it with Tech Support at M-Audio when my recording software kept telling me I didn't have the proper equipment for 24/96.

On the other hand, the Delta 1010LT I replaced it with is great! Went in like a charm, works fine -- and records all the way up to 24/96 and in 5.1 Surround Sound.
 
it's a bit late... but I would have recommended the PCI version...;)
 
Which version of the USB did you have?

The reason I ask is because the original Audiophile USB didn't do 24/96. The NEW Audiophile USB 2496 is supposed to, that's why they changed the name to include '2496'. The new one is not bus powered, but has it's own AC power supply, which is supposedly what makes the difference. Anyway, I took it back and got the PCI version. Haven't installed it yet.

Come to think of it, which one was yours, MikeA?

And completely OT, MikeA, I'm ten days older than you, so there!
 
laptop

okay so now I'm completely confused. And yes, I've tried to read the threads. I have a home pc and a laptop. I have a pci card on order, terratec, Phase 88. I want to be able to be portable and record with my laptop too. I also want digital transfer capability.

$300 - 500, what would it be? I was told edirol ua5, or read that on these boards, yet the reviews on it at zzounds.com are lukewarm at best???

too much information!


Diane
 
Now I'm confused about why you're confused

If you want to be portable and record with your laptop too, why did you order a PCI card?

I would still like to know if the cards MikeA and robarc were referring to were the 'USB 2496' or the older 'USB'. I would have much preferred the usb connectivity.
 
Hi! It's confusing. I ordered the pci card for my home computer. I just got the laptop. I've started learning about the usb interface capabilities. I hear they can be problematic though. I want to add my laptop to my live, portable recording arsenal.

Diane
 
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