Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This is TRULY an audiophile 2-channel card. I purchased it to transfer some music on vinyl to digital format from a high-end turntable, and it has done that remarkably well. Another pleasant surprise is the quality of playback on the computer - the subwoofer really 'came to life'. Even my 128k i-tunes stuff sounds TOTALLY different even on my [high-end] computer speakers.
That being said, here's some tips:
1) Get & install latest drivers for your OS from the M-Audio website before doing ANYTHING else - then shut down & unplug PC and install the card.
2) Feel free to ignore ALL software in the package - I'm recording & playing back fine without it. Everyone should check out the free "Audacity" recording/editing package.
3) For best results, use good cables. I'm using Audioquest Mini-1 to go from card to computer speakers, and Audioquest G-Snake to go from turntable phono box to the card. These 2 cables (in 2-meter lengths) cost about the same as the card. :-(
4) Can probably co-exist with your previous sound setup - just make sure you go through the various Windows Control Panel areas and define which to use for what. Same is true for most applications - check the preferences to use the right card/audio system.
Also, I'd like to address some 'negative' comments I've seen here & elsewhere:
A) Comes with old manuals & drivers: TRUE - but website is very complete & up-to-date - they had all Windows variants covered pretty well, except maybe 64-bit Vista.
B) Takes over (removes) Windows volume controls: TRUE - and good riddance! All playback apps have volume controls, plus theres the physical knob on most speakers - who needs more of them interacting and complicating things?
C) No 1/8" (3.5mm) jacks: TRUE - that connection is for "toys" - this card has gold-plated stereo RCA connectors - plus MIDI & S/PDIF connectors!
D) No surround/gaming modes: TRUE, but can co-exist with another consumer sound card or (as I'm doing) on-board audio (see my tip 4 above).
Bottom line - if 2-channel stereo is your 1st priority - check the website for the drivers you need and, if they have you covered, BUY THIS CARD!! :-)
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M-Audio Audiophile 2496 MIDI Digital Recording InterfaceThe Audiophile 2496 embodies a quantum leap in computer audio fidelity and performance unequaled by other audio cards in its price range. This critically acclaimed PCI card features premium digital audio converters, elegant board design, and ultra-stable drivers just like the rest of the Delta line, but with a simpler I/O configuration. As a member of the Delta family, the Audiophile 2496 supports all computer platforms and major software programs, ensuring seamless integration and rock-solid performance. See why the Audiophile 2496 is one of the best-selling digital audio cards in the industry.
36-bit Embedded DSP All Delta cards contain a 36-bit embedded DSP enabling a software-driven patchbay/router for all analog and digital I/O--all with extremely fast throughput for low-latency software monitoring. A single unified control panel provides settings for clock and sample rates, buffer sizes, individual signal levels for every input and output, adjustable +4dBu/-10dBV pad controls and digital I/O control on up to four installed Delta cards. All controls are also easily accessible through most professional audio software applications for seamless integration and operation.
2 x 2 Analog I/O Accepts common unbalanced audio on gold-plated RCA jacks.
24-bit/96kHz Fidelity The 2496 features 24-bit/96kHz converters with a 100dB dynamic range.
S/PDIF Digital I/O with 2-channel PCM Get CD-quality sound from devices with S/PDIF outputs.
SCMS copy protection control Allows a recording device to successfully record the audio data.
AC-3 and DTS Pass-Through The S/PDIF digital I/O supports surround-encoded audio, for sending surround sound to your home theater.
1 x 1 MIDI I/O The 2496's break-out cable features 1 x 1 (16-channel) MIDI operation.
Zero-Latency Monitoring Monitor your audio signals without delay.
Ableton Live Lite Included Ableton Live Lite delivers much of the functionality of Ableton Live--the revolutionary, multi-award winning music production solution that allows you to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise and edit your musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment. Live brings your acoustic, electronic and virtual instruments--as well as your digital audio recordings and MIDI sequences--together in a single interface with unparalleled ease of use.
What's in the Box Audiophile 2496 PCI adapter card, Break-out cable for S/PDIF and MIDI connections, Software CD, User's Manual
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