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Emu 1820M 24-Bit/192kHz Interface with 2 Preamps (Windows)
Mastering-grade 24-bit, 192kHz converters. Flexible connectivity. 2 premium TFPro mic preamps. E-DSP 32-bit Multi-effects Processor.
"For the price, nothing can touch it."
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Feature:Plenty of extras. A barrage of software: lite versions of Cubase, Sonar, and Live, Proteus vsti, etc. Enough to easily record with professional results with just the purchase of this sound card. The digital mixer that comes with this package takes a bit of getting used to though. You need to open a completely new mixer session if you change sample rates. And the DSP effects which come with the card are only good up to 48khz sampling rates. One the plus side, the ASIO driver works very well. And there's an RCA jack with a ground screw allowing you to plug a phonograph directly into your sound card. I know of no other sound card with this feature. Also, it has two midi I/Os.
Quality:
The build looks very solid. The audio dock has a metal casing. I just wish the DSP effects chips, which only go to 48khz sampling, supported the sampling rate of the card itself which is full range 192khz.
Value:
For the price, you're not going to find anything even close to it. To get 120dB noise ratio and 192khz sampling, your next lowest is MOTUs $1799.95 HD192.
Desirability:
The converters, oh those converters.
Sound:
Superior A/D D/A conversion. I checked the websites for AKM and Crystal Sound for the respective converters and found that Emu was using the flagship, absolute best converters from both companies. Sound quality is incredibly clean. Even the little hiss that is there is warm and consitent, with no clicking at all.
Support:
I did have to contact customer support due to clips in my recording. I reached a live representative very quickly who told me that I was dealing with sound drop outs and gave several suggestions, including pointing me out to a website that had numerous tips on DAW optimization. Indeed, when I zoomed in on the clips, they were all a case of the wave file dropping suddenly and momentarily to the base line. I ended up switching out my motherboard to a newer one I happened to recently purchase but had not yet installed, and the clips went away, so I can't really fault Emu for the problem. On another note, Emu is one of the few sound card makers with 64 bit drivers available for download.
Overall:
I almost went for Mackie's firewire interface because it has a 64 bit DSP chip in it. But drat it, they chose lower quality converters. Emu at least has 64 drivers so if I do upgrade to 64 bit, I don't really see myself needing another card for a long, long time.
Emu 1820m Audio Interface Customer Review
Feature:
8 in/out plus all the digital ports, two nice preamps (nice too), plus a phono preamp, firewire port, all the sync jacks I can ever imagine using, 8 mini-jack outputs, built-in effects (which are decent though not world class), and extremely flexible software routing. Only thing I can think of that is missing is a Hi-Z input (don't know if the preamps are designed for that or not), and a cardbus adapter to use with a laptop (maybe in the future?). Overall quite full featured.
Quality:
quality seems fine- not really road worthy, but plenty sturdy for studio use.
Value:
hands down the most bang for the buck. I looked everywhere for an interface around this price and couldn't find anything near this quality with a similar feature set.
Desirability:
looks fine to me.
Sound:
Sounds great, crystal clear and transparent. Can't say that I have any high dollar gear to compare it to, but it blows away the usb interface I used to use. I get great low latency into Max/MSP and into Cubase VST (which comes with it), around 5-10 ms; though I might get even better- haven't tried yet. I use it for processing of live sound during performance- and works great for this. The E-mu ASIO drivers are nice and the software flexibility is phenomenal.
Support:
haven't dealt with it.
Overall:
Great box with terrific feature set and great audio quality. Can't imagine needing anything else for a long while. little complex to learn, but certainly doable and you won't find anything else out like this for this price.
8 in/out plus all the digital ports, two nice preamps (nice too), plus a phono preamp, firewire port, all the sync jacks I can ever imagine using, 8 mini-jack outputs, built-in effects (which are decent though not world class), and extremely flexible software routing. Only thing I can think of that is missing is a Hi-Z input (don't know if the preamps are designed for that or not), and a cardbus adapter to use with a laptop (maybe in the future?). Overall quite full featured.
Quality:
quality seems fine- not really road worthy, but plenty sturdy for studio use.
Value:
hands down the most bang for the buck. I looked everywhere for an interface around this price and couldn't find anything near this quality with a similar feature set.
Desirability:
looks fine to me.
Sound:
Sounds great, crystal clear and transparent. Can't say that I have any high dollar gear to compare it to, but it blows away the usb interface I used to use. I get great low latency into Max/MSP and into Cubase VST (which comes with it), around 5-10 ms; though I might get even better- haven't tried yet. I use it for processing of live sound during performance- and works great for this. The E-mu ASIO drivers are nice and the software flexibility is phenomenal.
Support:
haven't dealt with it.
Overall:
Great box with terrific feature set and great audio quality. Can't imagine needing anything else for a long while. little complex to learn, but certainly doable and you won't find anything else out like this for this price.
"500 bucks for this is a DEAL !!!!"
Feature:
Has alot of features although the higher rate you use the amount of features drops. Once you go over 24bit 48khz then you lose all the DSP effects. Not a big deal though if you are looking for a broadcast quality. The effects are mid-range quality but they do sound good.
Quality:
So far so good but I just got it Spet 8, 2006
Value:
I have never owned somthing so pro like this though although I researched for over a month looking for comparable units and nothing even close in this price range.
Desirability:
I own it NOTE: Emu is coming out with a PCI version of the 1616m and rumor has it they will stop making the 1820m so if you want this quailty and more ins and outs better grab an 1820m before it is too late.
Sound:
This thing sounds amazing. I did a test with a CAD vocal mic at 24bit 48khz and then at 24bit 192khz and the vocal was definatley richer at the higher setting although both sounded great. I recorded my first full song on this thing at 88.2 and it is the best recording I have ever done... by FAR... and the easiest, didn't have to spend hours upon hours doing EQ tweeks to get all fitting into the mix like on lesser cards. If I was an Evil person I would tell you to go buy something else cause this thing sounds so good I would wanna keep it out of as many hands as possible.
Ease of Use:
There is a learning curve on the DSP (patch mix) but be patient and read or call support, you'll get it fast. It is NOT plug and play but if you have mixer experience and or read up at Emu it becomes natural.
Support:
They are really great so far... had a few calls into them prior to buying this unit and a couple after.
Overall:
As long as this unit holds out in the long run, normal wear and tear. I will be using it for a long time to come.
Has alot of features although the higher rate you use the amount of features drops. Once you go over 24bit 48khz then you lose all the DSP effects. Not a big deal though if you are looking for a broadcast quality. The effects are mid-range quality but they do sound good.
Quality:
So far so good but I just got it Spet 8, 2006
Value:
I have never owned somthing so pro like this though although I researched for over a month looking for comparable units and nothing even close in this price range.
Desirability:
I own it NOTE: Emu is coming out with a PCI version of the 1616m and rumor has it they will stop making the 1820m so if you want this quailty and more ins and outs better grab an 1820m before it is too late.
Sound:
This thing sounds amazing. I did a test with a CAD vocal mic at 24bit 48khz and then at 24bit 192khz and the vocal was definatley richer at the higher setting although both sounded great. I recorded my first full song on this thing at 88.2 and it is the best recording I have ever done... by FAR... and the easiest, didn't have to spend hours upon hours doing EQ tweeks to get all fitting into the mix like on lesser cards. If I was an Evil person I would tell you to go buy something else cause this thing sounds so good I would wanna keep it out of as many hands as possible.
Ease of Use:
There is a learning curve on the DSP (patch mix) but be patient and read or call support, you'll get it fast. It is NOT plug and play but if you have mixer experience and or read up at Emu it becomes natural.
Support:
They are really great so far... had a few calls into them prior to buying this unit and a couple after.
Overall:
As long as this unit holds out in the long run, normal wear and tear. I will be using it for a long time to come.
"Excellent value, very high quality sound"
Feature:
More than enough ins and outs for my needs
Quality:
Excellent build quality, but I gave it a 9 rather than a 10 for the rare bug I've had with the drivers (boot up to no sound, I have to change frequency, then change it back to unmute the box... E-mu recognizes this bug with the latest 1.70 drivers and a fix will be out for 1.80). Also, the box gets fairly hot when running, so be sure to keep it ventilated
Value:
This card is an amazing value. If mine broke, I'd buy another
Desirability:
This is a compelling product at a breakthrough price
Sound:
Sound quality is excellent. Crisp, clear, very low noise. I have never tried the Lynx or any of the highest end soundcards, but I can't imagine they are much better than the 1820m -- of course, they cost substantially more $$$
Support:
I have heard cust support is not very responsive, but I haven't had to use them. Giving them a 9 because they seem to put out drivers reasonably often and because one of their techs is active and helpful on the 1820m Unofficial Forum. If I did have an issue, I'd probably ask there before asking E-mu customer support, anyway, and I'd get an answer fast
Overall:
Overall, an excellent product. Don't let the name E-mu or Creative worry you (I admit they worried me at first). The 1820m has been solid on my Dell 8400 -- P4 550 (3.4GHz HT), 925x mobo, 2 GB RAM, and 350w PSU. I've read lots of people suggest that the 1820m needs a stronger PSU but 350w has been fine for me
More than enough ins and outs for my needs
Quality:
Excellent build quality, but I gave it a 9 rather than a 10 for the rare bug I've had with the drivers (boot up to no sound, I have to change frequency, then change it back to unmute the box... E-mu recognizes this bug with the latest 1.70 drivers and a fix will be out for 1.80). Also, the box gets fairly hot when running, so be sure to keep it ventilated
Value:
This card is an amazing value. If mine broke, I'd buy another
Desirability:
This is a compelling product at a breakthrough price
Sound:
Sound quality is excellent. Crisp, clear, very low noise. I have never tried the Lynx or any of the highest end soundcards, but I can't imagine they are much better than the 1820m -- of course, they cost substantially more $$$
Support:
I have heard cust support is not very responsive, but I haven't had to use them. Giving them a 9 because they seem to put out drivers reasonably often and because one of their techs is active and helpful on the 1820m Unofficial Forum. If I did have an issue, I'd probably ask there before asking E-mu customer support, anyway, and I'd get an answer fast
Overall:
Overall, an excellent product. Don't let the name E-mu or Creative worry you (I admit they worried me at first). The 1820m has been solid on my Dell 8400 -- P4 550 (3.4GHz HT), 925x mobo, 2 GB RAM, and 350w PSU. I've read lots of people suggest that the 1820m needs a stronger PSU but 350w has been fine for me
"Solid and reliable, as well as everything from EMU"
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Feature:The features are impressive..not too many gears for more expensive prices can beat it
Quality:
It seems a solid piece of gear
Value:
Well, the ratio "features/money" is the best on a market, I believe
Desirability:
Very well attractive gear:)
Sound:
Didn't hear any better so far
Support:
Never had a deal with..
Overall:
I like it. So far it covers all my needs in the music field. Some experts think this is just improved version of the Creative Sounblaster, but obviously it much bigger than that. It sounds outstanding and works flawless. Well, in my house, at least :) So, with an open heart I would recommend it for using in home music studios
"This is a sweet unit!"
Feature:
The flexibility of the patchmix is really cool. The downside is that I can't get a wave/host higher than 48khz, but it sounds so good I am overlooking that - for now. I'm not too experienced with this stuff yet- i've always had trouble with asio, etc.
Quality:
high quality build - everything I noticed was gold plated. Doesn't slide around, good rubber footers! Looks really nice on my desk. Very convenient for headphones with the knob right there. Lights indicate sample rate. I like it - Ok?
Value:
The sound is to die for, very high quality build, good manual, hardware features packed to the brim, - also software bundle is impressive and fully functioning -wavelab lite, cubase 5.1.
Desirability:
sweet
Sound:
I used to have an audiophile card, then a motu828mkii, I returned it and got the emu. The sound is superlative, I have mackie 626 monitors and I turned them WAY up, It sounded so good I couldn't believe it! Running out to my lexicon and back, the noise floor is still very low (going analog), compared to the motu which was too noisy with that for me.
Overall:
I haven't really tested everything on it yet, so I can't vouch for everything. I've had it a month and am very impressed. I first got the motu and I don't even want to explain why i think it s**ked so much, because I will start to get upset about it again. Sound is not up to the emu for starters imo.
The flexibility of the patchmix is really cool. The downside is that I can't get a wave/host higher than 48khz, but it sounds so good I am overlooking that - for now. I'm not too experienced with this stuff yet- i've always had trouble with asio, etc.
Quality:
high quality build - everything I noticed was gold plated. Doesn't slide around, good rubber footers! Looks really nice on my desk. Very convenient for headphones with the knob right there. Lights indicate sample rate. I like it - Ok?
Value:
The sound is to die for, very high quality build, good manual, hardware features packed to the brim, - also software bundle is impressive and fully functioning -wavelab lite, cubase 5.1.
Desirability:
sweet
Sound:
I used to have an audiophile card, then a motu828mkii, I returned it and got the emu. The sound is superlative, I have mackie 626 monitors and I turned them WAY up, It sounded so good I couldn't believe it! Running out to my lexicon and back, the noise floor is still very low (going analog), compared to the motu which was too noisy with that for me.
Overall:
I haven't really tested everything on it yet, so I can't vouch for everything. I've had it a month and am very impressed. I first got the motu and I don't even want to explain why i think it s**ked so much, because I will start to get upset about it again. Sound is not up to the emu for starters imo.
Emu 1820m Audio Interface Customer Review
Feature:
It has lots of in/outs. Midi that's flawless and a firewire connection.
Quality:
No blemishes, it's very sturdy.
Desirability:
Gotta have it!
Sound:
The converters are awesome you can hear everything.
Support:
Never had to call them. It's like I have something by maytag
Overall:
It make you better? and you can't lose with that.
It has lots of in/outs. Midi that's flawless and a firewire connection.
Quality:
No blemishes, it's very sturdy.
Desirability:
Gotta have it!
Sound:
The converters are awesome you can hear everything.
Support:
Never had to call them. It's like I have something by maytag
Overall:
It make you better? and you can't lose with that.
"Dynamite comes in small packages."
Feature:
Nothing fancy, just a clean unit.
Quality:
I've seen much better built, but this was very good.
Value:
This sells for $499.99, you get a word clock, pre's worth twice the units suggested price, converters worth the price of the unit, if I had made this, I would have sold it at $900+
Desirability:
It's attractive, techy looking, compact.
Sound:
I have to agree with the person who also rated this product. I have placed this against my Aardvark Q10, and I was shocked. The quality is as good, if not better, the converters BEAT those on the MOTU 828, the pre's are VERY clean. I'll give it a 10, because unless you feel like spending $1,200 on a Lynx Two card, with an external pre, then you will just not get quality like this.
Support:
Contacted them, very fast and reliable.
Overall:
I'll give it a 9 overall, as I preffer the Digi Design look, but this unit's quality surpasses the Digi 002 Rack.
Nothing fancy, just a clean unit.
Quality:
I've seen much better built, but this was very good.
Value:
This sells for $499.99, you get a word clock, pre's worth twice the units suggested price, converters worth the price of the unit, if I had made this, I would have sold it at $900+
Desirability:
It's attractive, techy looking, compact.
Sound:
I have to agree with the person who also rated this product. I have placed this against my Aardvark Q10, and I was shocked. The quality is as good, if not better, the converters BEAT those on the MOTU 828, the pre's are VERY clean. I'll give it a 10, because unless you feel like spending $1,200 on a Lynx Two card, with an external pre, then you will just not get quality like this.
Support:
Contacted them, very fast and reliable.
Overall:
I'll give it a 9 overall, as I preffer the Digi Design look, but this unit's quality surpasses the Digi 002 Rack.
"at the moment, it doesn't get better than this for the price."
Feature:
The Patch Mix is an awesome interface if you give a little time to understand how it works. I have two mics, an external Valve compressor, Reverb unit, Aural exciter, Mic preamp, 2 headphones(without headphone amp), CD Recorder, pair of active monitors & Cubase Sx3. I don't have a mixer so run everthing to and fro the dock (including inserts). The only replacement for this kind of integration is digital mixer.
Quality:
These days all people care about is quailty of this or that...if you want to produce audio that competes with the big boys for a buget, I'm really not sure it gets better than this for now considering the cost involved.
Value:
People talk about Creative... well I think it's EMU doing their thing and Creative footing the bill for the development of these cards. If it was just EMU on the pack, less people would have bothered but it would have been the same card... Put Toyota, Kentucky Fried Chicken or Viagra on pack, if it works well, it works!!!!!
Desirability:
From the day I heard it had the same converters with Digidesign Flagship (HD3 system)and cost less than pack they ship the HD3 system in, I wanted it badly!!!
Sound:
at the moment, it doesn't get better than this for the price. The edirol systems are quite good but this guy glows both night and day.
Support:
I asked questions about the 1820m and 1820 converters, they replied in detail in 24hrs. i think that's good enough...
Overall:
This card feels like a rocking chair, you know the kind of stuff you keep around for long...
The Patch Mix is an awesome interface if you give a little time to understand how it works. I have two mics, an external Valve compressor, Reverb unit, Aural exciter, Mic preamp, 2 headphones(without headphone amp), CD Recorder, pair of active monitors & Cubase Sx3. I don't have a mixer so run everthing to and fro the dock (including inserts). The only replacement for this kind of integration is digital mixer.
Quality:
These days all people care about is quailty of this or that...if you want to produce audio that competes with the big boys for a buget, I'm really not sure it gets better than this for now considering the cost involved.
Value:
People talk about Creative... well I think it's EMU doing their thing and Creative footing the bill for the development of these cards. If it was just EMU on the pack, less people would have bothered but it would have been the same card... Put Toyota, Kentucky Fried Chicken or Viagra on pack, if it works well, it works!!!!!
Desirability:
From the day I heard it had the same converters with Digidesign Flagship (HD3 system)and cost less than pack they ship the HD3 system in, I wanted it badly!!!
Sound:
at the moment, it doesn't get better than this for the price. The edirol systems are quite good but this guy glows both night and day.
Support:
I asked questions about the 1820m and 1820 converters, they replied in detail in 24hrs. i think that's good enough...
Overall:
This card feels like a rocking chair, you know the kind of stuff you keep around for long...
"Welcome to Pro Sound!!!"
Feature:
Packed with features... the inbuilt effects, the numerous audio routing options, the warm preamps and all the I/Os go to make this a soundcard which offer you everything
Quality:
Never owned a better product! the audiodock is solid and has nice shiny finish!
Value:
Definitely value for money!
Desirability:
I already have it! And I'd recommend this to anyone else without thinking twice...
Sound:
Brilliant sound! After upgrading from the audiophile 2496 (which i thought was good), I feel like I can actually reach out and touch the difference in quality... pro sound!
Support:
Never tried... but the manual was good enough to guide me thru installation and usage...
Packed with features... the inbuilt effects, the numerous audio routing options, the warm preamps and all the I/Os go to make this a soundcard which offer you everything
Quality:
Never owned a better product! the audiodock is solid and has nice shiny finish!
Value:
Definitely value for money!
Desirability:
I already have it! And I'd recommend this to anyone else without thinking twice...
Sound:
Brilliant sound! After upgrading from the audiophile 2496 (which i thought was good), I feel like I can actually reach out and touch the difference in quality... pro sound!
Support:
Never tried... but the manual was good enough to guide me thru installation and usage...
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