Emagic Emi 6|2 M

The Emagic EMI is a very cool looking interface that can handle your midi as well as audio needs. Surprisingly I had never heard of this device until about a year or so after it had already came out and just after reading the specs on it I knew I would want to give it a try. I didn’t even have to purchase it in order to use it because one of the members of my band purchased it and he would always bring it over. That is how I had the chance to work with it, and if I was in need of a interface at the time, it would have been the one that I would have ended up purchasing without any questions.


UTILIZATION

The Emagic EMI has some amazing features that I couldn’t believe that was possible with a USB interface. Once you update and load the drivers into your pc for the interface you will be good to go and can use this for any single daw or program that you prefer to use. I have used it in over 5 different daws and programs and it has worked perfect in each one of them. it’s a pretty universal device and was mad for all platforms and will cause no issues.


GETTING STARTED

The original EMI had came out about 10 years ago, and I remember using it a few times. So I knew that this one would be good, and not too mention it looks really cool and matrix blue like. They where pretty expensive for such a small interface when they first came out. I am not sure what they sell for today or what they are used.


OVERALL OPINION

If you are in need of a cool interface that can handle all of your recording and monitoring needs. You will want to take a chance with this interface. It is great and has very low latency.

6 tracks for recording via USB
Use: Travel
Setup: Compaq 915 laptop pc (athlon 1800+) chipset ALI / 512 ram

USE

I had major installation problems, but one week later it all worked wonderfully.
Calling the hotline is of no use...They don't know how to help you: Sort things out by yourself.
To cut a long story short, I had to do the following to get it working with my setup:
Install XP service pack 1 (which I had already planned to do), update the motherboard drivers (although I don't think it's that useful) and especially CHANGE the USB CABLE!!! Yes, that's the trick. It's not stable with the included cable and can't even be installed with it. I realized that after trying 5 or 6 different cables. THE SHORTEST CABLE IS THE BEST (a 3ft USB cable is perfect). But nobody ever told me that (they even told me these cards work with Athlon processors, which is false). My problems had to do with the somewhat lousy compaq USB ports.
What's more, you don't need an external PSU. IT WORKS.

OPERATION

Stable drivers if the configuration is okay.
Cubase with virtual synths.
Latency: Right now, I can do with 20 ms, although you can get better results, but I prefer to avoid any crackles. Otherwise, I think you can get it down to 8 ms.
Number of tracks: I have to test it, but I think it holds its promises.
As long as the installation is stable, it works fine. (BUT a short USB CABLE IS MANDATORY)

OVERALL OPINION

Excellent value for money.
Careful: It only supports two tracks at 96khz.
As for 96 khz /24 bits :::::: It's way too much to ask of this soundcard coupled with a Athlon laptop (at least that's why I think)

Read the other reviews
The Jack and XLR connectors could've been of better quality, even if it meant having a bigger soundcard.

USE

The installation is disastrous! It's really chaotic! Under XP, it's a pain. I often have to reinstall the soundcard because it isn't recognized anymore. I have also experienced some problems depending on the USB port used. For example, if you install the soundcard on any given USB, it won't be recognized if you connect it into another port...It's bizarre.
Since I had some issues with XP, I tested the card with Windows 2000 on two different machines. It works better, but the installation is very chaotic (even if you strictly follow the recommendations in the manual). You need to look for some files on the CD-ROM by hand to install them because the installer doesn't find them...

OPERATION

I work with Logic Audio 5.5
I only use it for audio, O% midi. I had lots of problems with XP, that's why I switched to 2000. However, certain MIDI functions can't be used under 2000 (see the manual).
But it works very well with audio, with a very low latency.

Notwithstanding, since it's a USB card, you can't use software monitoring under good conditions. 14ms of latency are a must, with 12 ms it's a disaster.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for 3-4 months. This card isn't the best for my needs (audio only without a mixer, so I need software monitoring).

I think the installation and drivers aren't very serious. I wanted a unit that worked fine and was stable...to make music without having to fight my computer...Fail!

Verdict: I will return it to the store and get an M-AUDIO Delta 44 or 66, which ought to serve me better.

Its value for money and (perfect) integration with Logic Audio on a Mac. I had lots of issues with an M-Audio Audiphile 2496, it wasn't reliable.

USE

No installation problems on Mac OSX.
Very easy configuration.
You just need to plug it in and it works.

OPERATION

It works fine. Sometimes I have to unplug and replug it, because it will stop producing sound. It's pretty bizarre, because it happens 3 or 4 times a year. It's not that bad, and it's the only defect I've had with this interface.

OVERALL OPINION

- 2 years
- Very good sound, perfect compatibility with Logic Audio
. Very good value for money
- Considering the price, don't think it twice. Otherwise, there are other excellent 8/8/2 interfaces, but they are more expensive.