ESI U46 XL

The ESI U46 XL is a multi-purpose 4 in and 6 out interface that will work on almost any system. I have used it on xp, vista and I have seen it used on a mac. That is great that you can use it on almost all system set ups old or new and it will still work great. The ESI U 46 has a direct wire feature that will allow you to record stuff from one application to another application internally. At the time I haven't came across another interface that could do that when I first got this , but since then I have found a few more that have added that feature. That feature is just a extra cool thing and its nothing that would ever be a deal breaker with me purchasing a interface system.


UTILIZATION

Installing the drivers for this interface is easy , and using it was even easier. Just plug in the USB 2.0 drive and if you loaded up the right drivers your system will recognize it and you will be good to go with your new interface. You can start recording in signals right away no matter what DAW you are using at the time. It will recognize the ESI U 46 XL and it will give you no problems.


GETTING STARTED

The ESU U46 is built tough and strong, it wont break on you if it slips off your workstation and hit’s the ground, I have done this several times by accident and it didn’t do anything to the unit. it’s a monster and will continue to work for a long time. Its made of an aluminum case and its pretty stylish and sleek. When you purchase this you do get a copy of Cubase LE just in case you don’t have a daw or anything to record with. So this is a basically a whole package. You just need the mic and you can record stuff right away. Its pretty affordable too.


OVERALL OPINION

I don't regret using it, it was great. I have not tried any other models of the ESI line before purchasing this one. For the price you will get a very good sound. You will need to spend more money to get a better sound with a different interface.

(Originally written by Dj ghostfader/translated from Audiofanzine FR)

I bought it to work with Deckadance and to mix MP3 files with Mixvibes' timecoded vinyl records.

I use it with a Sony Vaio FS 215 E (512 RAM/CPU 1.5 Gb). Windows XP Pro SP2

The card is connected via USB2 to the computer and via RCA to a Numark mixer.

UTILIZATION

No installation problems.

GETTING STARTED

I have no problems with the ASIO driver and Deckadance.

No latency during wild scratch sessions. No drop outs.

OVERALL OPINION

This sound card is perfect for me even though it has no RIAA preamp.

It's compact and light, it has a metal housing and the external PSU is something worth mentioning

It has anti-slip knobs and they don't stick out too much from the panel.

The included USB cable is sturdy and long enough.

I haven't tested it yet for other applications but it can be used as a good mobile recording interface thanks to the balanced TRS jack output, the +48-V phantom power and the Hi-Z input (to connect a guitar directly to it).

I also own a Mackie Onyx with Firewire. It's difficult to compare them because they are totally different.

It's good value for money and I recommend it to anybody using mixing software like Mixvibes, Deckadance, etc.

I have it chosen for its versatility, its price, the I used to djing but I m'm already used to recorded voice with a AT2020, make mixes and arrangements in a home studio and the result was surprising.

UTILIZATION

drivers are stabes but I evites ENTERING to listen to sounds on the net for example, j used with traktor and cool edit pro, old versions, it works flawless.

GETTING STARTED

the instalation was a sacred brainer but it was worth it.
I would like to change an internal configuration, I have not successful .. I have already 3 rca output and I wanted to use the monitor output as 4th exit ..

OVERALL OPINION

I used it for about 3 years, the sound is very good.
I have not had a usb card like the boitié aluminum is strong.
I love its versatility, apart from the instalation I haven nothing has criticized this map
it is around 120 euros c is more than a good deal, so I do it again this choice without hesitation

I bought it for timecode with Virtual DJ. It works perfectly, I have a Macbook (old 2007), Virtual DJ Pro, 2 CDJ 200. No complaints, it does very good job, we feel too latency.

UTILIZATION

Directly recognized by the mac. No driver to install, that's a good point. on the other hand must set the Aggregate Device (Mac's audio configuration), if there's a pretty huge latency ... Aggregate Device in there's almost no lag on my old mac. I have not opened the manual, useless ... Everything works quietly!

GETTING STARTED

No problems with install, very simple.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a few months. I tested the rane Scratch Live before (sl 2). Well, that does the same job for much cheaper!