audiophile and recording

[Tony de la Nutria]

Hi,

I would like to buy te M-Audio Delta Audiophile 2496 soundcard but I have a few questions;

- The guy of the musicstore told me it has USB-connections.
My PC has the slow USB 1.0; Must I upgrade to USB 2.0 to avoid loss of soundquality or latency etc.?

- My Pc runs on Windows XP; Is the Audiophile 2496 compatible with XP, or do I have to download and install other drivers?

- Is the recorded basstrack with the Audiophile 2496 completely noise-free when you playback with headphones?

- Now I use cool edit pro for recording with a Soundblaster live soundcard and a Zoom 506 for the output-signal.
First it gave me a sufficient output-level on the bypass-level(but a bit noisy). Suddenly it's not possible to get a decent output level anymore even after trying the amp-simulator. Can anyone tell me what happened? The Zoom 506 gives me still a good output with headphones.

- Do I need a pre-amp to boost up the signal for recording?; Is a DI-box sufficient or a small pre-amp box, or is this all the same? Or can I use a better pedal like the bass-pod?

I'm looking forward for your answers.

Thanks!

Tony

 

[Droog]

Hi,

I would like to buy te M-Audio Delta Audiophile 2496 soundcard but I have a few questions;

- The guy of the musicstore told me it has USB-connections.
My PC has the slow USB 1.0; Must I upgrade to USB 2.0 to avoid loss of soundquality or latency etc.?

- My Pc runs on Windows XP; Is the Audiophile 2496 compatible with XP, or do I have to download and install other drivers?

- Is the recorded basstrack with the Audiophile 2496 completely noise-free when you playback with headphones?

- Now I use cool edit pro for recording with a Soundblaster live soundcard and a Zoom 506 for the output-signal.
First it gave me a sufficient output-level on the bypass-level(but a bit noisy). Suddenly it's not possible to get a decent output level anymore even after trying the amp-simulator. Can anyone tell me what happened? The Zoom 506 gives me still a good output with headphones.

- Do I need a pre-amp to boost up the signal for recording?; Is a DI-box sufficient or a small pre-amp box, or is this all the same? Or can I use a better pedal like the bass-pod?

I'm looking forward for your answers.

Thanks!

Tony

Well first, the Audiophile 2496 is a PCI card, not a USB Device. So as long as we are talking about the same product, you don't need to worry about your USB card.

M-Audio is really good about compatabillity, so I don't think you will have issues with XP, though the website says up through Service Pak 1, but I don't imagine SP 2 will give you issues.

Noise floor will be exceptionally lower than what ever card you have in there now. Also keep in mind that a good signal will keep your noise floor lower, which relates to your next question.

I would recomend getting a pre-amp. The 2496 has line inputs but no Mic Pre's so a DI would do you no good. Find a decent pre amp and you should be in good shape. Once again Proper gain will equal cleaner recordings. I think the Bass POD will funtion as a pre, the rack mount veriety will for sure.

Cheers!

 

[Tony de la Nutria]

Hi Droog,

Thanks a lot for your reply,

A short while after I posted my questions, I found the website of Sound on Sound;there was a review of the 2496-USB, so this one exist besides the PCI-version.

I,m gonna try the pre-amp first.

Cheers,

Tony