Monitoring inputs from multiple soundcards?

[metalhead28]

I haven't come up with a good solution to this yet so I'm hoping you guys can help me out. I currently have an M-Audio Delta 44 and recently got a Delta 66 to use with it. I have no problem using the cards together for recording, but I'm trying to figure out how I can monitor the inputs from both soundcards at the same time with only one stereo output. Is there any way to do this without using an external mixer and feeding an output from both cards? I don't currently use my mixer and I'd like to avoid it if possible.

Thanks

 

[Jim Y]

I think not - the Delta44 is the problem. The normal solution with multiple Delta cards is to feed the card providing the speaker output with the next cards s/pdif output which can then be heard via the drivers monitor mix s/pdif in fader for the output card. The other card is set to send it's own monitor mix to s/pdif out to feed the main output card. Not having s/pdif, the 44 can't do it this way.

You could do the above using analog connections, but this cuts you down to 6 analog inputs. Set the 44 monitor mixer to H/W waveout 1/2 (patchbay) and connect to an input, say 3/4 of the 66. The 44 is then availalbe on the 66 monitor mix wave in 3/4.

If your recording software can use input monitoring and you can run with a low buffer setting, you can pick the card channel feeding your speakers for that - Mute all the faders for the inputs in the monitor mixers in this case.

 

[metalhead28]

Thanks for the reply. I had considered doing that but I didn't want to sacrifice those channels. I may end up using the mixer, but I'm still hoping someone has some alternative ideas. Unfortunately, when I bought the 44 instead of the 66 a few years back I said to myself "what the hell would I ever use digital inputs for?"......go figure

Thanks