Delta 44 & 66 Audio Cards

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kevzmusic
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Kevzmusic

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I'm thinking of getting a M-Audio Delta series audio card, either the 44 ot 66.....is anyone out there using these cards? if so, how good is the sound quality, software controls, etc., etc.

I've heard a lot of good things about the Delta cards and hoped that YOU guys could give me some feedback, etc.

I've been using the new Terratec DMX 6 Fire for the past couple of weeks, which is OK/good - but not GREAT!

Please let me know the scoop :-)

"Fanks alot"

KEV
 
Since I don't have a mixer nor a preamp, I got the OmniStudio with a Delta 66 and it does fine for me. If you're looking for a very good home recording card, this is in my opinion the best bet for the price.

If you don't plan on using SPDIF in/out, Delta 44 would be for you.
 
Sounds like,

The Delta 66 would be a better option for me as my Videologic Sirocco Pro monitor speaker system has both S/PDIF and Toslink digital I/O's.

I'm just trying to otain a VERY clear/clean studio quality sound.

I tried the CL Audigy Platinum EX for a while (which was really crap) and now the Terratec DMX 6 Fire, which is good'ish, but not great, so I think I will check out the Delta 66 as well to make a comparison.

KEV
 
I've used both the Delta audiophile and the Delta 44 and they both seemed great to me. Of course, all I've compared them to is the Soundblaster Live. The Delta 1010 is used by a lot of pros, and they have the same A/D D/A converters as the Delta 44 and the Delta 66. That says to me that, for most home recording-types, they're going to work great.
 
Kevzmusic,

You will get a VERY clean sound with the Delta 66.

Just make sure to go for the Omni studio pack if you can. This breakout box is the best. In our main studio (I have a digital media services company specializing in broadcast voiceover), this thing has performed unlike any piece of gear I have ever owned.

It's is so easy to patch your entire rig into it and the preamps are excellent. We have relied on the Omni/Delta combo for over a year now with no issues whatsoever.

I have also just ordered a new Mindprint Envoice preamp that we will use with the Delta via SPDIF. It's gonna be great!

Cheers,

Cuzin B
 
Hi Cuzin B,

Thanks for the tips....

Actually, I went out yesterday and got the Delta 66 for a 30 day trial (thank goodness for Long & Mcquade's 30 day no hassel return policy :-)

Ok, so after installing the Delta 66 and getting set up, etc...I noticed a hum/buzz coming from my speakers, something I've never experienced before with any of the other audio cards that I've used. (Especially the Terratec DMX which is totally quiet, even with ALL the levels on everything set to MAX)

I tried to get rid of it...but so far I haven't been able to. The hum/buzz is even present at relatively low vol levels, and is not created by my Line6 POD input or guitars, etc. I checked that, it's purely a card to speaker noise.

At first hearing.....the *audio quality* seems to be pretty much the same as the Terratec DMX 6 Fire. Not a noticeable difference there, maybe a "little" cleaner with regard to RECORDING file playback, but most folks wouldn't even notice it IMO.

Got any idea what this hum/buzz might be?

10 - 4 , over...

KEV
 
What kind of speakers are we dealing with here? Do you have the Omni breakout box or just the plain one that comes with the Delta?

I suspect that you have some sort of balanced/unbalance line issue...that buzz (which I had a while back) had to do with the connectors I was using to attached my speakers (Event 20/20bas) to the breakout box. I was attempting to use 1/4 inch jacks with my speakers when I really needed XLR connectors.

Update when you can.

Cheers,

Cuzin B
 
OK, I've only got the regular Delta 66 breakout boxt. The store didn't have the OMNI/66 in stock.

I'm just using my crappy $50 PC speakers directly out of the breakout box line 1 with a 1/4" jack out at the moment. However, please note, that the DMX dosn't make any noise, even with the cheapie speakers.

When I get my Sirocco Pro speakers hooked up (they should arrive from the UK in a couple of days now :-) I will be using the SPDIF from the Delta 66 rear to the speaker system SPDIF input.

The Sirocco Pro studio monitors (see link below) come with a 100 Watt (true RMS, not silly PMPO) and has 6 pre-amps built into it.

http://www.videologic.com/Products/VL-60402/ProductIntro.asp?Product=VL-60402

I am hoping that the SPDIF connection will make a lot of difference - sound quality wise, and reduce that background noise.

What do ya reckon?

KEV
 
I reckon you are attempting to use a professional line level feed from the breakout box to your crappy PC speakers...hence the hum.

The Delta breakout uses 1/4 TRS (Balanced) or TS (unbalanced) jacks all around so since you didn't specify what kinds of cables you are using to connect to the crap speakers (I don't know of any PC speakers that accept a 1/4 inch plug), I have to assume that this is the problem.

You want to watch this carefully too. I mucked around with the wrong cable on my setup and fried a speaker. Check with Long and McQuade and ask them what the best cable usage would be.

As as far as the DMX goes, you probably didn't get any hum because the line level out is consumer grade or lower....

Cuzin B
 
Well, ya might be right there.

I'm just using a regular 1/4" stereo to 1/8" adapter OUT of the Line 1 out on the breakout box. The speaker cable is also crappy stuff with a regular PC 1/8" mini jack.

I assume that I won't have this problem with the new speaker system (can't wait for them to arrive :-)...as I'll be using the SPDIF digital connection between the Delta 66 and the Sirocco Pro amp. The Sirocco system uses XLR connectors for the speakers from the amp.

Actually, Terratec says the DMX model is a pro quality audio set up.

KEV
 
I noticed this morning that when I turned the speakers on, the HUM/BUZZ was present 'before' I actualy had turned the PC on, so, I guess that indicates the noise is (as you say) a speaker to breakout box balance thing, rather than coming from the Delta card itself (?)

KEV
 
Well...there ya go. Remember that the breakout has nothing to do with the PC...it sits separate and if you are getting that buzz without the PC on, you definitely have a cabling problem.

Same thing happened to me (unfortunately, I learned the hard way with a blown speaker), but what the hey - it was a learning experience!

Cuzin B
 
Thats good to know :-)

I'm sure I won't have that problem when it's connected up via the SPDIF, etc...

One more thing....

I must admit, I don't care for the M-Audio Control Panel Software too much...it's somewhat confusing (ie: the patchbay router page) and doesn't seem to have much flexibility in controlling in-coming recording levels, whist listening to playback simultaneously.

For example, even with my guitars and line6 effects POD all turned up to MAX VOL, I still cannot generate a higher than -16db to-9db *recording* signal....the meter won't go into the RED, even if I wanted it too.

Plus, the Delta 66 software is screwing around with my Windows Media Player and Winamp.

WMP will only play music if I set the device to Delta 66 1/2, the same goes for ACID Pro, but under AUDIO in XP, it's set to the Delta Multichannel playback mode....so I have to change it, everytime I turn the PC on, etc.

I thought the software control panel would be of a better design / layout.

KEV
 
Kev,

I found the software to be confusing at first but you will quickly get the hang of it. Key on the Pathbay tab is to leave H/W Out 1/2 on Monitor Mixer. That's the only setting that really matters.

As fars as your levels go, click over the Hardware Settings tab and review the Variable Signal levels....I have 1 and 2 on +4 and 3 and 4 on -10 (I have a board plugged in here). Play around with those setting and you will be crankin in no time. Note: watch the POD input tho when messing with these.

On the topic on playing music through the Delta, always make your changes the Windows XP Control Panel->Sounds and Multimedia. Set your preferred playback to Multichannel Delta 66.

AND - the biggest tip of all...if you are not running the latest drivers (www.midiman.net) get em cause they solve a lot of these issues (latest is 5.10.0.26)

Cuzin B
 
I do have the H/W Out 1/2 on Monitor Mixer, and I have downloaded the latest drivers as you rightly suggest.

Anyhow, when I set my WIN XP sounds, devices playback to Multichannel Delta 66 my Windows Media Player won't play music at all, I have to change it to playback at Delta 66 1/2, and then it works.

Same with ACID pro, if I leave it on Multichannel - I get NO sounds, but then click it to Delta 66 1/2 and it the sound works.
Same thing with COOL EDIT PRO too.

and, how can I increase the RECORDING level db input, when I already have the guitars & POD turned up to MAX?????

Please note - that the POD output is actually suppossed to be turned right up to MAX (recommended) so as to get the best true effects, etc...

10 - 4, over

KEV
PS. I do really appreciate your feedback here :-)
 
Kev,

On my POD, I run my output level (lower left hand knob) at maybe 4 tops - the level is more than enough. And actually the POD Chan Vol is supposed to at max (not the output level)

I think you must be missing something here since I have been using the Delta for over a year and I never, ever have to touch the control panel (M-Audio) software. I just set it to Monitor Mixer, I make sure all my apps use the Multichannel input to the card and then rock on.

I use Windows 200 for all my audio stuff (not XP) so maybe there's a bit of a difference there.

And I have never used the standard Delta breakout box (Omni Studio) but I wouldn't think the breakout woould be that different. Did you check your input/output levels on the Hardware settings tab (M-Audio Control Panel)?

Cuzin B
 
OK, I'll play around with the settings, etc...and see how it goes.

BTW, which is better for recording guitar tracks...

You know the POD has TWO mono channels OUT, should I use my regular "Y" cable into BOTH 1 and 2 inputs on the breakout box....or, just use a stereo adapter into only number 1 IN on the box.

Up till now, I've been hooking it up for both channels into 1 & 2, which gives a fuller recording sound - IMO.

When I use the DMX I just use the "Y" (x2) mono 1'4" jacks OUT of the POD straight into the LEFT & RIGHT RCA inputs on the DMX, which gives a full double-mono/stereo guitar recording, and allows me to PAN the track left or right in ACID or EDIT.

However, when I use both 1 & 2 channels IN on the Delta 66, I cannot seem to alter or create any PAN effects in ACID or EDIT PRO.

Which is the best INPUT technique for the Delta 66?

KEV
PS. I hope I described that clear enough :-)
 
OK, now for a wee test using your guidelines.

I have my POD "output level" set at 4, and the "channel vol" set at max, which it was anyways.

Plus I'm connected only into 1 IN on the breakout box from the POD.

H/W 1/2 OUT set at monitor mixer.

I've set the In 1 Signal from the POD at +4dBu....

NOW, when I strum the guitar...

The sound VOL is very low, even with the master slider right up to the top.....and, the H/W In 1/2 level is only registering -42db.

In order for me to obtain both a louder sound, plus a higher RECORDING input signal...I need to trun the POD "output level" up to MAX, like I had before.

WHY are my INPUT signal & VOL so weak??????

I'm using high quality "gold" connectors from the POD out to the Delta 66 breakout bon line 1 in....

Com' on back :-)

KEV
 
The only way I can get a decent (higher) RECORD input signal (-3db) from the POD is to set the In 1 signal level to -10dBV on the hardware page.

I leave the output level at +4dBu with the POD OUTPUT LEVEL on number 7.

Then I get a reasonable amount of VOL, plus enough input signal to give some flexibility whilst recording a track, etc.

KEV
 
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