Emagic Emi 2|6

2 inputs (sufficient for my Besons), 6 outputs (nice for monitoring, mixing virtual Traktor, I do not use 5.1)
ASIO / EASI (Logic) for PC and CoreAudio for Mac OS X performance, ideal for virtual instruments (a little more limited for an audio recording, on the monitoring software, it works (128 buffer size) if my song n ' is not already too full (the USB uses a lot).

Application: Logic Pro 6, audio and virtual instruments.
Config: Mac Powerbook G4, 15 ", 1.5 Ghz, 1 GB of RAM, Mac OS X 10.3. Acceptable latency for EMI in the config: <6 ms without cracking the Mac.

Connectivity and Device. :
- Audio Input: TPS + ART preamp mixer Soundcraft Compact 4, Rode NT2000 microphone and Behringer B2 Pro
- Listen via the cicuit playback of the speakers and soundcraft Tapco S8.
- Keyboard Novation Remote 25 for virtual instruments.

UTILIZATION

Installation of drivers downloaded from Emagic (v.1.15): OK on Mac or PC
Incompatibility with Amplitube Live for Mac OS X (no audio in CoreAudio recognized with this software).
Configuration extremely simple, even simplistic: we choose the resolution (16/24 bit, 24 in a choice of input or output but not both) and frequency (44.1, 48 and 96).
Manual useless for me.

GETTING STARTED

- Some crash problems on Windows XP but nothing too serious and disappeared after optimization of the PC (reinstalled the ACPI). No problem on Mac OS X (CoreAudio).

- Regular update: yes. Responsive customer support via internet.

- Software: Basically Logic Pro 6 (or VSTi Emagic software instruments, record), Reason and Ableton Live

- Latency <10 ms in Logic. About 14ms for Traktor PC.

Accuracy: I modified the text I think is not only spent on Mac but now also doing a lot of recording DTD. The notes do not change.

- Runs: 16 to 20 with 50% of instruments. virtual mini. 2 bus maximum with convolution reverb (Space Designer), many plugins Logic, few AU / VST converted (PSP Vintage Warmer essentially plug and Muon).

In terms of regrets: Beware the headphone contains only outputs 1 and 2. (So, again, the routing is nase on this map that begins to date).

OVERALL OPINION

Use: 2 years and 6 months of PC to Mac
Goodies: compactness, quality of converters, the look and the blue light
Cons: USB 1.0 (USB version 2.0 or Firewire would be ideal), no possibility to routing (especially for direct monitoring released in mono a mono track .. arghhhh !!!); CoreAudio drivers for Mac perfectly stable.

Today I would take a small interface Edirol FA101 Firewire as or M-Audio. That said if I had to choose a new USB interface, the quality of the converters that I would resume the EMI. As I will probably switch to a interface / surface contraole bulkier in my home studio (style 01X), I keep the EMI to travel and live mixing.

Price / Quality: excellent.

02/2005 EDIT: I always end this little card (3 years now) and even though I always look at the firewire, for now I do not really have to complain about Mac. For those who are too broke to offer a more modern and who only need a good converter (so that a mixer or preamp microphone or only play virtual instruments), it can be a good deal during (and I do not sell mine )

External drive connected to USB port. 2 RCA inputs, 2 digital inputs. 6 outputs (mixer for 5.1). 24 bit 48 Khz max, because the USB is a severe handicap. ASIO driver.

UTILIZATION

Installation is not too Pb, exept that we must disconnect the microsoft synth under penalty of severe crash.

GETTING STARTED

The drivers are stable, but I wonder if the fact of working via USB does not seek too much CPU! Otherwise Cubase and Logic (Siver), not cracked, the results are correct. Adjustable latency, the shortest, 4ms, but choose 20 ms poses no pb with the virtual instruments like Halion, the EPV 73, Virtual Sound Canvas, and other synth plug in for free. Although this interface

OVERALL OPINION

recently, I intend to change rapidly, it does not match what I expected. There is little to be done a few too many commercials about a product that has a +, but not bad - in my opinion.