All user reviews for the E-MU 1820m

Guitar Center, Portland OR, $499.99

Having same A/D processors as the Digidesign 002 at a budget price, ease of use, FANTASTIC manual, easy to install, great software package - really a one-stop recording studio in a box (assuming you have a computer already). Best of all (for us PC users) is that it really seems to be built to work for PC as well as it does for Mac. Running on a 2.0 P4 w/ 512 Mg of RAM = screaming performance so far...

Design of breakout box makes the front panel hard to see - would be nice to see sync daughter board made so it doesn't use up a PCI slot.

The design of this unit is really well done throughout - one really nice feature is that the breakout box is hot-swappable, making it easy to reposition or replug if you need to change it while recording. The Patchmix DSP software *main mixing software* is so easy to understand, totally configurable beyond your wildest dreams!

This unit was designed for either the mid-level studio that wants to sound high-level. It is a smart, user-friendly and easy to use package, from the hardware to the powerful software that is included *Cubasis VST*. It is tremendously easy to install and set up for use. I would suggest this is a fantastic product for either a first-time user of computer-based recording, or for

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

My choice is explained by the number of outputs, digital (optical ADAT and SPDIF) and analog converters (those of Pro Tools HD or 192 if we are to believe the manufacturer), the preamp on neutrik front, RCA inputs for turntables with Grind and Preamp, the ultra-competitive prices and the DSP.
(The syncro I am not indispensable but only the model "1820M" has the great converters, plus the store sent it to me instead of making me a 1820 ptite rebate, so I will not complain )
The goal being the home enrgistrement bass, guitar, vocals etc.. and the opportunity to record "correctly" with my band: drums, bass, microKORG, a computer with samples, song.
MY config: Athlon 2400 +, 80GB, 512 DDR, 16MB Video share.
Currently no other material except micro base.

UTILIZATION

Installation: No worries, 5 minutes by my watch!
Limit too fast, I flip a bit (I left a large galley that level with a FW 410), but that was unfair!! Perfect fit!
No problem, the configuration of the card is easy for anyone with a PC dedi music for at least one year (time required to meet a few galleries and learn coping). Nothing insurmountable for a beginner either!!
The printed manual is very short but fidel la real. Each step of the installation is well detailed and potential problems.
However the manual CD-Rom (the real user manual of the card) I do not know I did not open yet.

GETTING STARTED

Drivers stable until present. Maybe a bit heavy. Last updated several times before the release of the map in Europe, I think it's a regular working guy in Emu.
Patch Mix (app that handles input / output in the background), slows down my computer (compartment before installing the card) the closure of projects and time to release the drivers is a bit long. (c can be the computer that is a bit light level config)
I must say that I pass Cubase SX2 at the same time, so probably heavier than the SX1 without sound card. (I used the chipset of my motherboard)
In short, it works well, I have no latency at the top, for now I have two bosses on track simultaneous recording with fifteen derrire read (6 or 7 and a dozen audio tracks in rewire Reason): a turn!! . I read easily after a 15 audio tracks and 15 without rewire my CPU and disk I suffer, After you must see there's no effect. (Note that of Patch Mix does not eat up CPU machine, they have their DSP dedi like a TC Powercore)

OVERALL OPINION

I have this card for a month now, bought abroad, it replaces one that has FW 410 NEVER works [/ b] (despite three weeks of fierce fighting can be a c compatibility problem of equipment with the pc, some talk about the VIA chipset, but shit: I do not recommend this card, the drivers were pourraves, m-audio France told me kindly "go fuck" she has not bought t e in France démerder you ... It's not nice !!!).

At the moment I test the inputs and Neutrik combo for MIDI, and the patch mix DSP effects. I keep saying but it works! and it's fun to turn on the machine, install the card, open Cubase and everything works!!
DSP effects sound good all the same, do not eat up CPU and can be used as a VST plug grace that bridges the gap between the Patch Mix and my sequencer.
The card comes with Cubase VST (32 I think) in full and blackjack (this app was the top of Cubase he has just two years, enough to start in good conditions for beginners !!!!)

Obviously a nice ring to it, more so than my Guillemot ISIS and the FW 410 is not working. My lack of refences forces me to 9 and not 10 even though I am for now more than exceeded!! It should print some more, but certainly not less than 500.
Ok I can not use it on a portable USB or FW, but never mind, at least I have a card set that has, in bulk, lots of input / output (Jack, XLR mic-line , instrument, automatic detection of the impedance, RCA for turntables) midi 2 In / 2 Out, a map sync, ADAT, optical S / PDIF, a DSP ... that you ask for?


EDIT: I still have it, everything works, almost, I have a preamp that makes little noise, so I do not longer used. I'm can be a bit much all through my notes after a few months of use, but basically it '(trs is a good card ... nothing really wrong ...

The map features that motivated my choices are different. The number of inputs and converters berserk.
I play heavy metal. Guitar, amp, preamp, microphones, bass ... Kit classic, what ...
My config: celeron 2.67 ghz, 778 MB RAM, 80 GB HD and 20 GB.

UTILIZATION

The hardware installation is no problem ... except a little but then little snag ... the map synchronization beyond the box! If so, I swear ... it's a bad start ... So synchronization card unusable. (I said that my case is standard)
Another disadvantage of size, in common with all the cards pro: Windows 98 and Millennium are not usable, only XP and 2000 are compatible.
The start of the sound card is ... chaotic. Manual PatchMix (interface that handles volumes, inputs and outputs ...) is totally inadequate. Not clear to understand how to do something stupid style record a wave file or send the sound output. For a map of this award ... unacceptable. In addition do not rely on after-sales service for purchase by mail order. My rating is well deserved.
This card is not over, but continues to be marketed ... and I'm not the only one to say.

GETTING STARTED

Latency is very low hardware performance is very good. But overnight (it's a lot to say> I turned off the computer and I came back an hour), the card no longer worked. No shock, no hacking, no explanation. So here it takes on the forums, and it's cotton ... Do not ask yourself these questions and buy a card that works. For the money ... in video games, some of his cuts.
When she walks on the other hand, the sound is clear. You can see the difference from a crap card.

OVERALL OPINION

I use this card for two months, after a sound blaster live platinum ... at least it is easy to use and ... it works!
The value for money is very poor, so the card is unworthy of inclusion in the category of cards pros ... I deeply regret my choice, both for those sleepless nights to come.
ALL THIS IS NOT A JOKE, unfortunately. I really hate this card against the idiot that I have slammed 500 euros in such a stew. I'm not the only one for that matter. Some have no problem
(See other reviews) ... for now anyway. I know people with whom she has never worked. Others crunches low latency, and some conflicts with the onboard sound card to their motherboard ... short, buy a RME, at this price it should be possible to have better luck.
THIS NOTICE is only my opinion, users seem happy ....

Set of two cards: one for the sync connectors lautre with SPDIF, ADAT and dsp, along with 2 external dun Dock excellent pre amp with power Tfpro fantme common (Acesta damage), two MIDI ports, 6 out of 8 symtriques, between an RIAA platinum with prampli, 4 outputs HP Stros 3.5 mm, headphone, SPDIF optical and well on sound converters, the same as those utiliss clbre the product Digidesign - ProTools HD interface 192 I / O

Jen wants to forget still so Lemue vritable be a gas plant.

UTILIZATION

Everything would be fine with the best hardware if there were drivers and that damn Patchmix coming gcher the fte.

With Samplitude, using the WDM driver, you can not accder inputs soties numriques Adat or SPDIF. You must use the ASIO driver for it and go without the possibility of using two cards at the same time.
Configuration PatchMix is ​​anything but intuitive.
But the musician has no time lost in handling and configurations of any kind. That's what makes the musicians prfrent the Mac to PC: everything is easier. So why manufacturers s'ingnient they complicate the Czech possible users.
We must choose quickly and clearly the inputs and outputs of its sound card which is not the case with the EMU.
Use with Samplitude Relva the permanent head breaks, it can be the fault of the software but the majority of other audio interfaces do not pose this problem. One has the impression that the 1820m Has Designed to work only with Cubase.
The manual is complete in French but not of much help because it does not explain the philosophy of the designers of the card. The assignment of the channel strip is nbuleuse becaufe poorly explained.

GETTING STARTED

EMU seems to mock compltement users: the updates, when available, do not provide significant amliorations.
Latency, with Samplitude, may be of 5ms, which is not bad.

OVERALL OPINION

When we get log tracks samplitude with I / O of the 812m, all is well.
The pramplis are excellent, the converters do not seem all of a stunning quality as good plutt.
I do not like the effects of PatchMix.
For cons, the AudioDock very hot and it would be able apprciable the dye.
I bought this interface to overcome the difficulties faced with the Motu 828 MK2 and because his report qualitprix seemed a good rev.
Given the time I lose rgulirement find configurations that have yet t normally backups, I will not go at all this choice. there are many other things more interesting for competitors: Edirol, Prsonus, RME brings me regret my old Seck'd Prodif 96 pro.

See data sheet ...

UTILIZATION

No problem-When the installation is simple and clear
No-incompatibility found so far
-Manual (PDF) is clear and comprehensive

GETTING STARTED

Drivers-stable (asio)
-Updates on the site
4ms latency-around!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for around 4 months for me unbeatable value for money, the dock (1 / 2 rack) appears strong and serious design, TFPro preamps are really good for this price range (good recovery, no breath, ...), converters 24 bit, 192 kHz (the same as those used on Digidesign): yum yum.
The PatchMix offers almost unlimited routing capabilities, the software is intuitive enough, and good quality DSP effects.
independent headphone outputs (+ volume knob) quality (lack a little bit of potato ...)
turntable inputs + E: awesome!
I would do this choice with his eyes closed

So first of all I chose this card to its number of inputs and outputs for the quality of these two pr-amp Tfpro (c inch of m. ... e) headphone output, ADAT etc ... Pkoi all these entries? The reason is simple: for recordings of models, and the biggest concern as the battery ncissite 8 entries!

So my config is pretty simple:

AMD Athlon 2600 +
Asustek motherboard (A7N8X-vn)
120 GB Western Digital 7200 trs
512 MB 333
XP

I use an ALTO L16 for mixing before entering the map.

I put a ten because there is no card on the market as to complte the same report qualitprix!

(Do not forget that with a PCI fontion that really relieves the CPU!)

UTILIZATION

Installation is no problem ... The only concern is the incompatibility with the video card Intgr the motherboard! And yes the GeForce 4 MX Intgr does not marry well with trs! Mute in the games and some critical shutdowns ... Since I added an AGP GeForce FX 5200 and: no more problem!

The setup is fairly intuitive, you just have some knowledge of the language of Shakespeare and rolls, plus there dej configs of "pre-configured" according to the record you want to do .. ..

And the manual is in Acrobat franais trs complete (I printed ...)

Because of the incompatibility ke I had, I put 8!

GETTING STARTED

The drivers are stable and in addition to days set are arranged!
I use Cubase VST provided with (they could have a Cubase SX or The! But hey you can not have everything!).
I dscendu 2 ms latency and yes .... even when
Cel will be 6 months ke I use it and really I find it a trs ke good map, however I am not the only one to say ... TFPro amps are excellent, I use them mainly with microphones Samson CO2 Over-Head and I can say j'adorrrrre ke! And having a good console,
6 between the lines derrire can express themselves without problem ....
Here I have mainly used this card for recording drums on 8 tracks (for now) I would say koi in a month for the rest ... I do not think very deu!
I put him nine for the time ....

As promised, c. .... nananana nana na!

Here I come back to give me a little more objective! I spre because my opinion has not changed I find this card still good, I recorded the guitars through a POD 2.0 and my bass line and I find your exact trs ok ... I had more errors of beginners .... in both is normal! So by correcting the con ... ies is ten times better, no crashes ... the latency is still low 2 ms!

OVERALL OPINION

As I said six months is going to cel ke I use and I like everything, it is simple and intuitive ... prcis sound is warm and ... the sound is magic, and finally here I would return if necessary on this opinion a little later when the model is over ....

The report quality price of this card is absolutely excellent .... In any case, if I had the choice again I would do without hsiter ...

That said stay on 9 for now because I want to have a little more xprience Contents do to give the highest grade if it happens to be .....

I bought this card for two reasons:

- Its technical specifications: 2 x 8 inputs pramplifies of 6.35 with the possibility AudioDock and mounting rack with a 16-track ADAT output are numbers, and large oprationnalilit (internal effects, low-latency ASIO drivers and stable development days available)
- The report Qualit price: For performance, the price can not be beaten the more divided I have my purchase in 2 times, the first 1212M (PCI card 2 entries), then AudioDock ( external rack) then. It's faster to get into the red!

- I have a multipurpose use: 16 tracks simultaneous recording, concert sound and recording, multi effects, and re-re. No problem!

My config: Pentium III 1GB CPU, ASUS motherboard, 512MB Ram, 3 SD of 520 GB total!
And despite not always worry!

OS: XP Titanium
Monitoring: RA-300 Monitor One Mk II (Alesis)

A small regret, however: the effects supplied with the dsp cards are grs (apparently by the internal memory, which in some cases is very well for my old PC. But the memory card is low, which offers little possibility of use of effects simultaneously. It does have a good idea I think you can increase the memory or you can configure it so that the RAM of the PC can take over. But hey dj c luxury.

UTILIZATION

Installation nickel
No incompatibility date
The routing of the map is complete but requires good connaissnce its
The manual also demand knowledge (logic), print it helps!

GETTING STARTED

Drivers trs stable
Updates sufficient
I work in Cubase SX 3, Reason 3, samplitude
Latency: 2ms
16-track recording (with a rack ADAT)
I rarely Exceeds 20 tracks in reading, but I get 24 tracks without using plugins (My PC is a bit limited

OVERALL OPINION

One year of use
I especially like the quality of its Tfpro converter, its versatile connectivity trs, and modularity.
I regret his lack of memory for managing the effects EMU
Report quality unbeatable price for the home studio in the process of professionalization.
The economy RALIS invests in the environment of the card (a good mic, good monitor speakers). It does not serve to have super converter that costs a fortune, if not a sound recording, and dissemination of quality.
I'm glad we did trs, it allowed me to offer me a quality system in homgne and cot, made with a pro.

Hello all!

- 8in for the battery ... But only two pramps card equivalent quality team of 8 pramps, there is a price that FIREPOD suprieur widely, especially since the EMU has reduced from 100 ! Go ... Score of 9 because of a!

- The apparently convertos trs good (see the reviews)
- Two pramps of good quality (see opinion)
- Instruments: Guitar, drums, bass, synth voices

UTILIZATION

I did not install ... See last point!

GETTING STARTED

I spend ... See last point I tell you! : O)

OVERALL OPINION

I just got this card ... Someone has he ever tried to connect more than 2 Neutrik jacks of the pretty postrieur MUMU? Someone would post a notice as I am, doing it? Nan! Ms. P!

Well I ... Yes! I have this great honor! Et .......... It does not fit: o /

I read a notice about it on the Echo Layla 3G, so I had doubts and THE FIRST thing I did reception is to try ... And bang!

So advice to the couple's future acqureurs Neutrik Emu-1820 (m): Select the finest connectors (or other map if you do not want to change your Cables: o))!

- What characteristics have motivated your choice?

man the feeling, the feeling, the aura!

- For what purpose?

microwave at the beginning and end sound card ...

- What is your config (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Hard ,...)?
hahaha, AMD 1.2GHz, 128 ram, XP, 40 SD go (in fact a stew)
- Which instruments or the systems do you use? ...

BOSS GT8
SHURE SM 58
VOX AD30VT
LOGICILE MAGIX MUSIC DELUXE 2005

UTILIZATION

- The installation is done it without problems?

yes
- Have you experienced any incompatibilities?

none
- The general configuration is easy?

yes, except Cubase SX book that ended with a dessert my pitbull

- The manual is clear and sufficient? ...

yes, to get the paw, but the feeling, man, the feeling, the aura!

GETTING STARTED

- The drivers are stable?

yes
- Are they often updated?

not so
- What software do you use most often?

?
- What you get lag?

2ms
- How many tracks you get to record / play time? ...

I went up to 24 trouble-free

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you use it?

1 year 1 / 2
- What is so special that you like most and least?

impeccable all points of view, it heats a little, I put a fan in the direction shifted, and the ca rolls

- Have you tried many other models before buying it?

not
- How would you rate the quality / price?

is that price? no idea but I back it's on!

- With experience, you do again this choice? ...

and with the feeling man, the feeling and will, YES!

Many interesting things two very good preamps, a number of entries to the various formats, short but good.
I use it for home recording and to my models.
I use it with electronic instruments (keyboards) and voice recording guitar

UTILIZATION

Instalation without any problem, no conflict with my current config, the only small snag is the starting configuration is quite complex given the many opportunities offered by the PatchMix must spend a little time and read the manual may be useful.
just the manual is quite well done and all the scans in some detail (of course it is auformat acrobat ...)

GETTING STARTED

For the moment no stability problem, I use with my dedicated pc running XP SP1, so I have not updated the drivers, but everything works fine so I let my config as it is!
on the site, the drivers are updated on a regular basis
I use it with cubase sx2 and no problems
latency can be lowered to 4 ms with no problem
I experimented with sticking an instrument on each entry and use the two preamp em together, and everything works great!!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 8 months, and yes I really like this sound card, converters and preamps are really good, only minor damage to the internal effects managed by the DSP, we can not use a small number and the quality is a notch below most of the plug-in.
I also have a Tascam US 122, but the dynamics and much less good and more if we add to the AC noise due to the USB, it's not really water and wine!
the price / quality ratio is simply excellent choice I would do this without any hesitation

With the 1820M we aren't talking about what features it's got, but what it hasn't got! Which is basicaly nothing. It has everything! Check the specs! Only thing it could have done with would be a few extra RCA inputs, obviously you can still input and output to RCA with a 1/4" mono jack to RCA. So not realy anything to cry about. One thing which realy is a TRUE bonus is the phono input, ground lug and RIAA turntable pre-amp. Allowing direct turntable to audio interface connection, this is PERFECT for sampling vinyl. I is a huge bonus to not have to pass through a mixer, or pre-amp, as this only degrades signal quality. If you want to sample from vinyl, I strongly suggest this. ASIO 2 super low latencies when producing is a definate plus also, ASIO 2 adds support for direct zero latency monitoring, another bonus.

Price paid

£285 / $600

UTILIZATION

Extremely easy to set up, stick the two sound cards in the PC, connect the breakout box to the sound card, turn on, install drivers and you done! Then we get to the Patchmix software. When you first start using this you might find it a little hard to adapt to for a day or two. This is due to it's incredible routing capabilities and this is defintely worth the slow start. Once you get to grips with Patchmix you'll soon be routing audio all over the place within seconds.

GETTING STARTED

Haven't to get it repaired so far, but I haven't had it too long, but, when you pick up the break-out box, you can feel the build quality. Everything, including the cable to link the break-out box to the sound card is exeptionaly sturdy. The break-out box feels very solid and the ins and outs are of exeptional build quality, all gold plated too, as you would expect. A big 10/10 for this one. E-MU haven't put a foot wrong here.

OVERALL OPINION

The sound quality is just... well... how can we put this? ermmm... you can't! Can't think of a word... it is that good. Honestly. We are talkin the same A/D converters as Pro Tools flagship system! 120dB SNR on the inputs an outputs all accepting Balanced signal. They haven't compromised on the mic pre-amps, XLR phantom powered British made TFPro pre-amps, huge amounts of gain and they double as 1/4" instrument/line-level inputs.

The love factor? Well, I was stumped at what to say here. I thought of what to say again, and then realised that I wouldn't want to live/produce without it. It really is a weapon of mass destruction, if you know what I mean! It really is the doggies nuts! It's one of those things that, once you get it, you will not want to live without it again. And the value for money is the highest ranking of ANY product on the pro audio market to date, even at it's retail price, and I was luaghing when I found it for £285! By the way, basicaly all this applies to the non M version too. Quite simply, the best buy of this decade and beyond. Could another pro audio company REALLY match what E-MU and Creative Professional has done here?

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: OG Mike (January 1-, 2005)

For an up start, I can't see anything missing. The studio package allows you to get up and creating ASAP.

Price paid

$550.00

UTILIZATION

One has to jump through more than a few hoops to get this card installed, more than a bit of trail and error. However once everything is complete harmony (I say it lightly), it runs well and definitley will suit your needs.

GETTING STARTED

No problems. Not yet (knock on wood)

OVERALL OPINION

Very high sound quality. You get what is there all the time. The only thing that would not the sound quality donw a notch would be the driver and a system not tweaked for audio.

After moving all my audio programs to my second drive, i'm finally experiencing problem free music making. As a result, I must say i'm loving the card just a little bit more.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: gb4double ( 4-, 2006)